Our team is currently distributing reusable menstrual products to Spartan Shelf. Products will be available for pickup later in the Fall 2026 semester.
The Spartan Well-Being Collective is piloting reusable menstrual products for the Spartan community, in partnership with ASMSU and the MSU Food Bank and Basic Needs Program.
What are Reusable Menstrual Products?
Sustainable alternatives to disposable menstrual products, designed to be used repeatedly instead of thrown away after one use.
Benefits:
Menstrual Cups — Insert like a tampon; forms a seal that holds blood until you empty and rinse it.
Menstrual Discs — Insert into the vaginal canal, sitting lower than a cup, above the pubic bone; safe to use with an IUD since they don’t rely on suction.
Period Underwear — Looks and wears like regular underwear, with a built-in absorbent layer - wear alone or as backup with another product.
Reusable Pads - Place in your underwear like a disposable pad, with a built-in absorbent layer
Ready to get started? Schedule a pickup appointment at Spartan Shelf-Union or Spartan Shelf-Olin.
Product availability is limited. Please take only what you need, so these resources remain available for many Spartans to come.
These products are available to all Spartans who wants to try a reusable option, you don't need to be experiencing basic needs insecurity to pick one up.
Have questions about the program, need a different option or have a specific question about the products we offer email our student-facing Health Promotion Generalist rivera77@msu.edu.
For medical advice on period care and reusable products, or any other concerns, Campus Health Services Gynecology is here to help: Make an appointment by calling 517-353-4660 or schedule an online appointment here.
How to use: Fold using the c-fold or punch-down method and insert into the vagina. You'll know it's in place when a seal forms and it feels comfortable. To remove, use your fingers to gently pinch the cup, breaking the seal, and gently remove. Empty the blood into the toilet, rinse with water, and reinsert.
How often to change during use: Empty every 12 hours (may be more frequent with heavy flow) and rinse with water every time it's emptied.
How to clean and maintain: Follow the instructions included with your product. Boil the cup before first use and between cycles.
Average lifespan: Up to 10 years with proper care.
Who cannot use: Not always ideal for individuals with short cervixes or recently implanted IUDs.
Troubleshooting leaks: Leaks usually mean the cup isn’t sitting correctly or is overflowing. Remove and reinsert to fix the seal.
When to see a doctor: If insertion or removal is consistently painful, try a different size first. If pain continues, stop using and consult a physician (Campus Health Services Gynecology: 517-353-4660)
Safety note: Follow wear-time and cleaning guidance closely.
How to use: Pinch both sides of the disc and insert into the vaginal canal so it's placed above the pubic bone (no seal is formed). To empty without removal, relax the pelvic floor and/or urinate. Alternatively, use your fingers to gently pinch the disc and remove it. Empty the blood into the toilet, rinse with water, and reinsert.
How often to change during use: Empty every 12 hours (maybe more frequent with heavy flow). Can be emptied by peeing without physical removal, and rinse with water every time it's emptied with removal.
How to clean and maintain: Follow the instructions included in your product. Boil the disc before first use and between cycles.
Average lifespan: Up to 10 years with proper care.
Not a contraceptive: While a disc can be worn during sexual intercourse, it does not prevent pregnancy or STIs. Continue using birth control and protective barriers as needed.
Other notes: Discs are safe to use with an IUD, but it helps to know where your IUD strings sit, since a disc rests in that same area. Discs can be worn during sexual intercourse.
When to see a doctor: If the disc feels uncomfortable or is hard to place, try a different size first. If discomfort continues, stop using and consult a physician (Campus Health Services Gynecology: 517-353-4660).
Safety note: Follow wear-time and cleaning guidance closely
How to use: Put on like normal underwear. Can be used by itself on lighter flow days or as a backup on heavier flow days. Replace every 8 hours or as needed.
How often to change during use: Varies with flow; should be changed every 8 hours.
How to clean and maintain: After use, rinse out and wash in the washer on a cold/delicate setting. Do not use fabric softeners. Hang dry.
Average lifespan: Up to 3 years with proper care.
Important Notice: If changing while out, you'll need to bring a wet bag.
When to change: Change sooner than 8 hours if the pair feels damp or uncomfortable. Wear time depends on flow and product.
How often to change during use: Varies with flow; should be changed every 8 hours.
How to clean and maintain: After use, rinse out and wash in the washer on a cold/delicate setting. Do not use fabric softener. Hang dry.
Average lifespan: Up to 10 years with proper care.
Important Notice: If changing while out, you'll need to bring a wet bag.