Athletes from many sports wear protective cups while they play. The cup is designed to protect the genital region, more specifically the testicles, from injury. A cup is not always the most comfortable piece of equipment, but if you find the right fit and wear it properly, it can help you avoid serious injury.
Function
A properly fitted and worn protective cup serves to protect the testicles and scrotum from trauma associated with sports. Since the testicles hang outside of the body, they are vulnerable and a protective cup holds them close to your body to keep them safe. A jockstrap is worn with a sleeve in the front that you slide the cup into, and the cup is made from hard plastic. You can wear compression shorts under the jock strap if the cup irritates your inner thighs.
Proper Fit
The way your jock strap and cup fit makes all the difference in terms of protection. The leg straps should fit snugly so that they don't roll or twist as you move. Choose a wide waistband if possible, because it will help keep the cup in place. The cup itself should completely cover your genitals, without cutting off circulation or being too loose. A loose cup will shift as you move, leaving you vulnerable to injury.
Potential Injury
If you are hit in the testicles with a foot, ball or puck while you are wearing a cup, it's still going to hurt. Even the slightest knock might leave you doubled over. However, if you are hit hard and not wearing a cup, serious injury might follow. A minor injury might result in severe pain and nausea for up to an hour, but a more serious injury such as a rupture could result in swelling, bruising or bleeding into the scrotum.
Sports
The main sports in which a protective cup is a standard piece of equipment are hockey, football, baseball, rugby and soccer. In the case of hockey and baseball, it is mostly the puck and ball that are a testicular threat, while in the other sports it is flying feet, elbows or knees. Soccer players have to watch out for both the ball and feet as part of normal play.
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