Using a Menstrual Cup

Shaykh Jamir Meah is asked about the permissibility of using menstrual cups.

I would like to ask a question regarding menstrual cups and if a Hanafi women can use one while on her period. Menstrual cups are inserted into the vagina to collect blood and can be re-used which makes them very eco-friendly and better for the environment than disposable sanitary products. Is it permissible to use it in any of the four schools of thought?

Thank you for your question.

In the Shafi‘i school, tampons, cotton wool inserts (hashu), and by extension, menstrual cups, are permitted to use (without dislike), during menstruation or abnormal vaginal bleeding (istihada). At times, using the above maybe be obligatory. This is irrespective of whether the woman is a virgin or not. (Al-Hawashi al Madaniyya, Tuhfat al-Muhtaj)

In the Hanafi school, using a tampon and it’s similar would be disliked (makruh) and best to avoid, especially for unmarried women. For more details on the Hanafi position, please refer to this comprehensive answer.

Scholars of both schools hold that if there is a proven harm in using the tampon for women (and likewise the menstrual cup), then it would be impermissible to use it, and a safe alternative must be found.

Warmest salams,

Jamir

Checked and approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani.