What Is The Menstrual Cup Seen in 'The Last of Us'?

Sunday’s episode of The Last of Us on HBO gave us a look inside what life may be like when a community is built within an apocalypse.

But one scene, in particular, has everyone talking – the part where Ellie is presented with a way to manage her menstruation during the apocalypse.

In the scene, Ellie has just finished showering and comes out to a gift from Tommy’s partner, Maria which includes clothes and a menstrual cup.

So, what exactly is a menstrual cup as seen in this week’s episode?

What is a menstrual cup?

A menstrual cup (also known as a diva cup) is a reusable, silicone device that is inserted into the vagina during menstruation (much like a tampon). However, instead of absorbing the blood like a tampon, the medical-grade-silicone cup collects it. The cup then can be removed, dumped, cleaned and reused as needed.

They typically come in a variety of colors and sizes to ensure the perfect fit and comfort.

Here’s a diva cup similar to the one in The Last of Us.

And honestly, since that episode aired, people have not only become curious about what this device is, but they’ve also praised the show for bringing awareness to this.