12 best menstrual cups and how to use them

Periods: they’re a fact of life. One we’d much rather do without, but a fact of life all the same. So if there’s anything at all that can make periods a little bit easier, we’re up for trying it – which is where menstrual cups come in.

They’re cheaper in the long-run than tampons and sanitary towels, easy to use (with a little practice) and you can leave them in for up to 12 hours, which means you don’t have to worry about changing yours when you’re out and about. This means they are a good option for travelling too.

As most menstrual cups are reusable, they are also better for the environment, which has helped prompt one in 10 women to make the switch to reusable sanitary products. So by dumping the disposables and switching to a menstrual cup, you will be helping to reduce the eye-watering 200,000 tonnes of menstrual waste which ends up in landfill in the UK every year.

So menstrual cups are great for the environment as well as being a safe and effective form of sanitary protection. But if you're not sure which menstrual cup is right for you – or you're still a bit intimidated by the whole idea – read on for essential information, including FAQs, expert advice and in-depth reviews from those who use them.

What is a menstrual cup?

A menstrual cup is a bell-shaped cup that you insert into your vagina during your period to collect your menstrual blood.

They're usually made of medical-grade silicone (so are safe for use inside the vagina) and are shaped like a bell with a stem. The stem is for removing the cup and can’t be felt if the cup is inserted properly.

A 2019 review, which looked at 43 studies involving 3,300 women and girls, found that menstrual cups are as leak-proof as disposable sanitary products like tampons and pads.

Four studies, involving nearly 300 women, compared leakage between menstrual cups and disposable pads or tampons. Leakage was similar in three of the studies and actually significantly less among menstrual cups in one study.

The best menstrual cups according to women

To help you find the best menstrual cup to suit your needs, we’ve carried out extensive research to discover which cups have been tried, tested and recommended by Mumsnet users, and rated highly by consumers the world over.

So whether you’re looking for the best menstrual cup for a high cervix, the best soft menstrual cup or the best menstrual cup for beginners, we’ve got you covered.

Here are the best menstrual cups as recommended by Mumsnetters.

How to use a menstrual cup

If you’ve ever used a tampon, especially the non-applicator kind, then you shouldn’t find it too difficult to get the hang of putting in your chosen menstrual cup. If you’ve ever used a diaphragm for contraception, then you should have even less difficulty.

Put simply, you need to wash your hands, fold the cup, aim it towards the back of your vagina (as you would a tampon) and give it a little push. When aimed correctly, the cup should draw itself up and form a seal with your vaginal wall.

The video below explains a few different folding techniques and provides some handy insertion tips too. Don't be fooled by her fresh face – Briony's YouTube channel comes highly recommended by Mumsnet users and her videos are ideal for teens, pre-teens, and the uninitiated.

Find the most relaxed position for you to insert it. For me it's just sitting down on the toilet.

To take your cup out, you need to pinch the base between two fingers, which will break the seal, before gently pulling the cup out by the stem. You can then empty out the blood into the toilet, rinse it out, and put it back in.

In practice, this can take a bit of getting used to. Most good cups come with a clear guide on how to fold, insert and remove them. Most instructions also come with a diagram.

What size menstrual cup do I need?

Vaginas come in different shapes and sizes. Although there isn’t a cup to suit absolutely everyone, most brands do offer at least two cup sizes.

Choosing the right size is a little bit like choosing a new pair of shoes. Except it’s mostly not like that because, unlike a pair of shoes, you can’t go into a shop and try a menstrual cup out for size.

Luckily, most brands provide some guidance on their packaging and website about which size should work for you.

Your cup size will depend on various factors, including your age, lifestyle, bladder function and how heavy your periods tend to be.

Which menstrual cup is best for me?

Choosing a cup can seem like a bit of a tricky task, especially when there are a fair few to choose from. It’s worth remembering, though, that although cups do vary in shape, size and style, the differences are fairly minimal.

You’re probably not about to get out a ruler to measure the height of your cervix – and nor should you have to – so just go with the one you think sounds about right.

Pros of menstrual cups

They’re cheaper than tampons

Although cups can be a bit pricier than buying, say, a packet of tampons, they last for a long time (some up to 12 years), making them much cheaper in the long run. Depending on which one you buy, you might see a saving in your first couple of periods, which means money saved to spend on other, more exciting things.

They’re good for the environment

Unlike tampons and pads that are made of trees and end up in landfill, most menstrual cups are reusable, so are pretty good runners in the green stakes.

Arguably, they’re safer

When you use a tampon, there’s the risk of getting toxic shock syndrome, a rare but serious condition. According to Lunette, the risk of TSS is very small when you use a cup. However, it's recommended that you clean out your cup after 12 hours of use at most, just to be safe.

No odour

Unlike pads and tampons, cups do not allow your menstrual blood to come into contact with air. As such, you’re less likely to experience any odours.

No dryness

A menstrual cup doesn’t absorb blood – it collects it. This means that it doesn't cause vaginal dryness in the same way a tampon can. It also means that healthy bacteria in your vagina are allowed to thrive, so you’ll be less likely to get an infection.

They’re more comfortable

Many women find menstrual cups more comfortable than tampons or pads. Because they're made of soft silicone, they move and work with your body in a way that rigid tampons and scratchy pads don’t. When inserted correctly, you won’t notice it’s there.

They protect you for longer

Depending on how heavy your period is and which menstrual cup you use, you can keep yours in for up to 12 hours without emptying it. Compared to the average use time of four to eight hours for tampons and pads, a cup provides a much longer period (pun intended) of protection. You can even sleep with one in, avoiding the 6.30am must-run-to-the-loo-to-change-my-tampon dash…because since when should a period curtail your lie-in?

Fewer leaks

Once you get used to using your menstrual cup, you’ll probably find that you experience few to no leaks. This is due to the tight seal formed between the cup and your vaginal wall – designed for preventing leaks, that blood isn’t going anywhere. They also hold up to a third more blood than tampons and pads, so are much less likely to get overfull.

Good for active sports and travelling

If your day involves sports or travelling, it’s a real advantage not to have to think about multiple pad or tampon changes. The joy of a cup is that you can put it in in the morning and forget about it until the evening (although do check the packaging for exactly how many hours you can keep yours in for), which means one less thing to think about.

You can have sex with a disposable menstrual cup in

Reusable cups are NOT meant to be worn during sex, as they’re thicker and more durable. However, disposable ones are fine to use when you’re having sex, as they’re thinner and move more with your body. Like reusable cups, they can still be worn for up to 12 hours and they produce less waste than using tampons – you can try them here.

I love mine! No monthly expense, no landfill, no mess as with pads and no dryness as with tampons.

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Cons of menstrual cups

They’re more expensive than tampons or pads

Depending on which ones you choose, a menstrual cup can set you back anywhere up to £30. Although it does work out significantly cheaper in the long run compared to buying tampons or pads, we can’t deny that it’s a hefty chunk of cash to spend on a sanitary product. Let’s just say it might not be your most exciting buy ever, but it could just be your most useful.

They’re a bit fiddly

When you first try to use a menstrual cup, there’s a good chance that you’ll spend longer than usual in the loo. You may find yourself reading the instructions three times over and still wondering just how you’re going to get it up there. But most women find that it just takes patience and practice.

They can be messy

As they don’t absorb blood but instead collect it, things can get a little messy when it comes to taking a menstrual cup out. However, it doesn't usually take long to get into the routine of quick insertion/removal.

You have to rinse them out between uses

You’ll want to clean your cup between taking it out and putting it back in. If you don't want to use the sink to do this when you're in a public toilet, you can always bring a bottle of water in with you to rinse it out. It feels like a bit of a faff, but the buzz of knowing you're doing awesome things for the environment makes it worthwhile (kind of).

They require deep cleaning

It's best to give your cup a good ol' clean between each period. You can use a steriliser if you've already got one, or just put the cup into a saucepan of boiling water and leave it for a few minutes. You should do this before your first use, too.

I found inserting and removing fiddly initially but, once you get the hang of it, it’s much easier, more convenient and much less likely to leak than a tampon.

Menstrual cup FAQs

How long can you leave a menstrual cup in?

Most brands suggest that you can leave your cup in for up to 12 hours. You should check the packaging/website for the recommended maximum time you can leave yours in for. If you have a particularly heavy flow, you might feel like you want to change yours more regularly than usual, if only for peace of mind.

Can you wear menstrual cups overnight?

As long as you do not leave it in for longer than the time detailed on the packaging, you can sleep with it in. Because cups tend to be very comfortable, you may find that you prefer sleeping with it in than with, say, a sanitary pad.

Where do you buy menstrual cups?

You can buy them from most pharmacies, many supermarkets and lots of online retailers.

Can you pee with a menstrual cup in?

You can pee and poo with one in. Unlike tampons, cups don't have a long string, so there's no chance of unwanted, lingering bacteria.

Can you have intercourse with a menstrual cup in?

You cannot have sex when using a reusable menstrual cup. They're too rigid and it wouldn't be safe. However, you can buy disposable ones that can be worn during sex. You should check the packaging to make sure yours is marked as being safe for use during sex.

Can you go swimming with a menstrual cup in?

Yes, you can. In fact, many women find that a menstrual cup gives them better protection from leaks than tampons.

Are menstrual cups better than tampons?

There are many reasons to love menstrual cups, and we think they're worth giving a go. Ultimately, though, it comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer pads to tampons, some prefer tampons to pads. In the same way, some people will prefer cups, some won't.

Can you wear a menstrual cup when you're not on your period?

If you're expecting your period to start, you can wear your cup in anticipation of it. Likewise, you can keep using it until your period is completely over, unlike with tampons where you often have to rely on pads for the last day or so.

Can you use a menstrual cup if you use an intrauterine device (IUD, or coil)?

The short answer is yes, you can. However, if you wish to use both together, bear the following in mind:

• There should always be a space between the cup and the cervix. If you have a low-sitting cervix there may not be enough room for your cup to sit safely and work properly alongside your IUD
• Place the cup low down in the vagina and ensure you have an adequate seal
• Always release the seal before removing your cup
• After each period, check you can still feel the IUD strings. If you cannot feel them or think that your IUD has moved or is causing you pain, use another form of contraception such as a condom until you see the doctor, who will be able to check your IUD is still properly in place

Are menstrual cups safe?

When used correctly, they are completely safe.

One of the worries with incorrect use is that you might forget to take it out at all, given that you can keep it in for up to 12 hours. If you feel like you need to, it can be an idea to set a reminder on your phone reminding you to change it.

I love, love, love my squishy friend. I’ve had it for several years now and will never go back to any other sort of sanitary product. I work, travel, do sports and just generally do everything in my life as normal with it.

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Troubleshooting – menstrual cup problems solved

Help! I can't get my menstrual cup in

Just like with tampons, it can take a little while to get used to inserting your cup. If you try and don't succeed, don't stress. Carry on using your usual pads or tampons and give it a go another go the next day or next period.

I can't get my menstrual cup out

If you can't reach your cup to get it out, it's probably sitting a bit too high. Take a deep breath and do a series of small, downward pushes with your vaginal muscles. This should encourage the cup to move down far enough for you to reach the stem, break the seal and remove the cup. With a bit of practice, easy removal is in the bag.

I don't want to rinse out my cup in a public toilet – what can I do?

While we're all for waving the period flag, it's also OK not to want to wash out your menstrual cup in the sinks of a public loo. If you know you'll need to change yours while you're out and about, bring a bottle of water with you to rinse out your cup over the toilet. Alternatively, try to time your change so that you don't need to change yours when you're out.

I can still feel the stem when I have inserted my menstrual cup – what should I do?

You may find that no matter how many times you insert your cup, you still find that you can feel the stem digging in. It may be the case that you have a low-sitting cervix. Just remove the cup, trim the stem a little bit and reinsert. If you need to trim off a little more, make sure you remove the cup before doing so.

How do I fold my menstrual cup?

There are a number of different folds you could try. Just like menstrual cups, different folds suit different women, so if one doesn’t work for you, there are others to try your hand at.

The ‘C’ or ‘U’ fold - so-called because of the shape the cup makes - is the most well-known fold. Just hold the cup with both hands placed just underneath the rim, push the sides together to flatten the cup, fold the cup in half length-ways and pop it in.

Another popular fold, which is quick, straightforward and great if you are in a rush, is the punchdown fold. 

All you have to do with this one is hold the cup at the base with one hand while placing the index finger of the other hand on the top of the cup rim. This finger then pushes the rim down inside the base then push the sides together and hold firmly.

But don’t worry if you are struggling as there are a number of different YouTube videos which can help you to find a technique that works for you.

Can I use a menstrual cup if I have heavy periods?

Yes, you can use a menstrual cup if you have heavy periods. You will just need to invest in a cup that has a larger capacity and expect to empty it more often.

Can I use a menstrual cup after giving birth? 

The NHS says that you should not use a menstrual cup after giving birth until you have had your six-week check.

This is because you will still have a wound where the placenta was joined to the wall of your womb, plus there are likely to be cuts and tears in and around your vagina. Any sort of internal sanitary products are not recommended during this time as it increases the likelihood of infection.

Once you have healed, then you can use a menstrual cup, but you will likely need to use a different size than you were using before if you have just given birth vaginally.

How do I clean my menstrual cup?

Cleaning a menstrual cup is pretty straightforward. Just pop your cup in boiling water for five to 10 minutes before emptying the water. Once the cup has cooled, with clean hands, wash the cup with a mild, water-based, oil-free soap. Then give it a good rinse and you’re ready to go again. 

Make sure you don’t use anything like vinegar, perfumed soaps, antibac, bleach or baking soda to clean your menstrual cup. Not only will this damage your cup, but you could seriously harm your vaginal health. Healthline has more great tips on how to care for your menstrual cup.

How often should a menstrual cup be replaced?

If treated with care, menstrual cups can last for several years, but it’s generally recommended that you replace your cup every two years. If your cup is damaged, has a tear or a hole in it, you’ll want to replace it sooner.

What’s the best menstrual cup? 

Mumsnet users rate Mooncup Menstrual Cup as the best overall menstrual cup. Extensively tried and tested, Mooncup scores highly for comfort, ease of use and it’s also recommended by women with heavy periods.

How we chose our recommendations

Our expert parenting writers and journalists spend hours researching the very best quality products for our Swears By articles.

All the menstrual cups on this list have been tried and tested by Mumsnet users who have recommended their favourite cups based on factors including comfort, ease of use and price. We include these so you know that real people are behind these recommendations.

We’ve also consulted trusted medical websites, including the NHS and Healthline, to provide an authoritative voice on menstrual cups, so you can rest assured our article contains safe and reliable medical information.

Finally, we collated all that information and then looked at other online reviews to see which menstrual cups had received the best recommendations.

This article is not intended as a countdown of the top 12 best products, but rather a list of recommendations so you can be safe in the knowledge that you are getting honest and reliable advice on choosing a menstrual cup, whether you are a first-time or experienced user.

Why you should trust us

We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.