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Women’s Guide to the Best Menstrual Cup and TOP 20 Period Cup Reviews

Menstrual and period cups are becoming more and more popular, and why not? They are economical, eco friendly and they can be used for a longer time frame than pads or tampons.

If this is your first time purchasing a menstrual cup this guide will point you in the right direction.

Following the guide we give recommendations including 20 period cup reviews to help you choose what is the best menstrual cup for beginners, athletes, moms and more.

How to Choose the Best Menstrual Cups

You may be asking yourself, “What is the best menstrual cup for me? It’s a valid question; there are literally hundreds of cups, styles and sizes available.

Let’s go over some items that will help you decide.

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Check Your Cervix Location/Height

Stand with one foot up on the edge of the tub or similar surface. Insert your index finger into your vagina until you feel the tip of your cervix. It should have the same firmness as the tip of your nose.

  • If you insert the entire finger and still can not feel your cervix, you have a high cervix.
  • If you insert the finger all the way but can feel the cervix, your cervix is medium-high.
  • If you can insert your finger to the second knuckle, that is a low cervix, and only to the first knuckle is a very low cervix.

The Flow

The next step to deciding on a cup is figuring out your flow, which can vary on different days. If you regularly have to change tampons every few hours, you have a heavy flow.

If you only have one heavy day, and can go 3-4 hours between changing, you have a regular to light flow.

Firmness

Menstrual cups have different levels of firmness. Try and consider your bladder. A firm cup may stay put better, or be easy to insert, but for some sensitive ladies, they can push on the bladder. If you have a very sensitive bladder, try a softer cup.

Try a cup with a less prominent rim if you have bladder issues because a thick heavy rim will press on the bladder.

Some ladies prefer the larger rim because it is more secure and less likely to leak, so this type may work for you; you just need to be aware of your body.

Also, a harder cup, or more prominent rim may be the best choice for those who are physically active, as they can withstand more movement.

Try a soft cup if:

  • You have weaker pelvic floor muscles.
  • You have bladder issues.
  • Painful heavy cramping during your period

Try a firmer cup if:

  • You are very athletic or active
  • You have strong Pelvic floor muscles
  • You have a problem with other cups that have leaked

Menstrual Cup Hacks

How Do I Keep My Menstrual Cup from Leaking?

Is your Cup Open Completely?

When you insert the cup you need to fold it and allow it to pop open, covering your cervix. If the cup does not pop open, the menstrual fluid will leak.

The cup is held in place by pressure from the rim of the menstrual cup, working together with inward pressure from your vaginal walls.

The rim of the cup needs to create a seal against the wall of the vagina in order to prevent leaking. To check the cup, insert your finger and run in along the entire rip of the cup to make sure it is open and not still folded.

Use Lubricant

Lubricant such as KY Jelly, water, or a water based lubricant will make the process of inserting the menstrual cup more successful and comfortable. It will help the cup pop open from the folded position and take its place.

Squeeze the Tip

Push or squeeze the tip of the cup to expel some air and cause a vacuum, so the cup will stick to your cervix using suction from the vacuum created.

Other Reasons Your Cup May Leak:

Your cup is too big or too small

If the cup is too small, it will not be able to cause enough outward pressure to stick to the wall of the vagina. Similarly if it is too big, it will not have enough room to expand or pop out and can remain folded, due to the compact space.

The cup is too soft

If you have strong vaginal muscles, or you are tighter or smaller, a very soft cup will get too compressed and will fold, allowing fluid to leak.

Cup is the wrong shape

Shape can affect fit. Many ladies prefer a bell shape over the cone shape because they say the pressure is evenly distributed.

Your cervix has dropped into the cup

If your cervix has dropped into the interior of the cup, the cervix will take up space in the cup, and the cup will not be able to hold as much fluid. This is a case where a thick rim cup may solve the issue.

How Do You Clean a Period Cup

You will need to remove and clean the cup every so often during the day when you are wearing the cup. You can leave a cup in for up to 12 hours, but may need to empty it more often during heavy flow periods.

First wash your hands well. Then remove the cup. It is important to minimize exposure to bacteria, so wash your hands as the first step.

Empty the fluid into the toilet. Take the cup to the sink and run some cold water. Rinse the cup with the cold running water and your finger.

Use cold water to avoid premature discoloration.

You may use warm water after the fluid is rinsed out.  You do not have to use only water, you can use cleaner made for this purpose as well. Some folks also used vinegar, mixed with 9 parts water, to rinse the cup, which works as a natural cleaner.

This is not the same process as sanitizing, which should be done at the end of your period each month.

After you have rinsed the cup, you need to check that the air holes are cleared. They take a special thin brush for this purpose. You can also try a brush meant to clean braces, or even a toothpick.

Clean out the holes while you have the cup under running water.

If you are in a public restroom and can not wait to get home to empty the fluid, carry a water bottle with you and rinse while you are in the privacy of a stall. It is also a good idea to have some personal feminine wipes to handle the cup, clean your hands and yourself before re-inserting the cup.

Or, if you don’t have a bottle of water you can remove it, quickly pour the fluid out and replace the cup. It does not HAVE to be washed each time. You can wash it again when you get home.

Just be sure to wash your hands before removing it.

How to Sterilize/Sanitize Your Menstrual Cup

There are several ways to clean your cup, and many opinions of how often to sterilize them.

You can sterilize them as often as you like, from once per period, to every three months, to once before and once at the end of your period. As long as you are sterilizing it regularly, it’s all good.

Boiling

Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Place the cup in the boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes. The cups will float so a good way to keep them from coming to the surface is to fold them and place them between the wires of a metal wire whisk, or use the slats of a metal spatula and place them in the boiling water.

Be sure the water does not run dry or the silicone is not touching the bottom of the pan, which can damage or compromise the integrity of the silicone.

How to Store Your Menstrual Cup

Many cups are sold as a set with a breathable cotton bag. This bag is useful because not only does it help you stay discreet, it is the perfect place to store your cup.

The cup should always be stored in a place where air can flow, and the cotton bag is great for that. If you don’t have a cotton bag you can fold it up in a dry washcloth or similar cotton material. Read our menstrual cup reviews.

TOP 20 Menstrual Cup Reviews

Lunette Cup Reviews

Lunette Menstrual Cup for Medium to Heavy Menstruation

 Lunette Menstrual Cup - Violet - Model 2 for Medium to Heavy Menstruation

Pros
  • Made in Finland.
  • FDA approved Silicone.
  • Solid stem to remove cup.
  • Easy to clean, no awkward crevices to clean.
  • Large suction holes keep cup in place.
  • Medium firmness silicone.
Cons
  • Some feel the silicone is too soft and can be flimsy.
Review

During our Lunette cup reviews we discovered that this model 2 Lunette cup is good for a woman who has had a baby. The silicone is soft, yet not so soft it won’t stay in place.

It is easier to insert, and the rim has a low profile if the large profile rims cause problems for you.

Lunette Menstrual Cup for Light to Medium Menstruation

Lunette Menstrual Cup - Violet - Model 1 for Light to Medium Menstruation

Pros
  • Flexible silicone, good for a new user.
  • Solid stem, easy to remove.
  • Smooth interior for easy cleaning.
  • Soft silicone is comfortable.
  • Tinted color can hide staining.
Cons
  • Can be too soft and leak.
Review

Our Lunette cup reviews showed us that every woman needs to find what works for them. This is a softer cup and can be prone to leaking, but a soft cup can be great for teens, or those with bad cramps or bladder issues.

If this is you, and you have had a hard time with firmer cups, this Lunette might be the one for you. Probably the best menstral cup.

Best Cup for High Cervix

Diva Cup Model 2 Menstrual Cup

Diva Cup Model 2 Menstrual Cup

Pros
  • Good price.
  • Long, good for high cervix, can remove easily.
  • Size 2 is wider, for women who have had children.
  • Cup has measuring lines.
Cons
  • Too long for low cervix.
  • Size two can be too big for some women, even if they have had kids.
Review

This is the cup for those with a high cervix, it is long and has a long stem as well, so you can retrieve and remove it easily. If the stem is too long you can cut it or turn the cup inside out and use it that way. Turning it inside out will make it a bit wider.

Intimina Lily Cup Compact -collapsible Menstrual Cup

Intimina Lily Cup Compact -collapsible Menstrual Cup

Pros
  • Long cup.
  • Folding design to store compactly.
  • Up to 10 hours of protection.
  • Good for women with high Cervix.
  • Comes with snap close carry case.
  • Medical grade silicone.
Cons
  • Creates a strong suction and some women have torn it when removing it.
Review

This cup is good for women with high cervixes and those that have had problems with their cup slipping or the suction loosening. It collapses into a flat disk and fits in a discreet carry case, one of the most discrete cups out there.

Best Menstrual Cup for Low Cervix

If you are looking for the best menstrual cup for low cervix positions, Femmy Cycle cup may have the answer for you.

Femmy Cycle Low Cervix

Femmy Cycle Low Cervix

Pros
  • Made in the USA.
  • Short cup, great for low cervixes.
  • Very strong vacuum suction.
  • No stem, short cup.
Cons
  • These need to be replaced more often than other cups.
Review

This is a great cup for ladies with low cervixes. It is a short cup with a very strong suction when placed properly. It has no stem, so if you are long, this may not be a good fit.

Femmy cycle cups are short, wide and have a unique shape to the cup that prevents spilling fluid when removing, a feature many ladies like, but some say causes the silicone to wear out faster than other cups.

The best menstrual cup for low cervix, in the opinion of many ladies, is the Femmy Cycle low Cervix model.

Highest Capacity Cup

Of all the period cup reviews we have done, Yuuki stands out as a high capacity cup.

Yuuki Menstrual Cup - Large Classic

Yuuki Menstrual Cup - Large Classic

Pros
  • High capacity, large cup.
  • Very firm cup, easy to position.
  • 100 % silicone.
Cons
  • May be too firm for some.
Review

If you need a firm cup this one is a good bet. It is also one of the largest cups on the market so if you have a very heavy flow it may be a good choice.

It is not for very sensitive ladies. If cramping or other bladder issues bother you this is not a good choice.

Yuuki is known to be one of the largest and highest capacity cups on the market, as well as one of the firmest.

Menstrual Cup Reviews for a Very Low Cervix

A low cervix is when the woman’s cervix sits lower in the vaginal canal, or closer to the vaginal entrance than other ladies. A very low cervix is one so low or close to the vaginal entrance that you can only get an index finger inserted one or two knuckles deep.

Some women with extremely low cervixes are not good candidates for menstrual cups, but that situation is uncommon.

Conversely, a high cervix sits up high, farther from the vaginal entrance, and can be hard to locate. Different cervix positions call for different cups, generally.

LENA Feminine Hygiene Cup 2 Pack, 1 Sm 1 Lg

LENA Feminine Hygiene Cups

Pros
  • Shorter cup, a bit wide, good suction.
  • Has a long stem, which can be trimmed.
  • Wider cup which is more comfortable for some.
Cons
  • Stem can be a bit too long, especially for a low cervix, but once trimmed it is great for a low cervix.
Review

If you have a low cervix this may be the cup for you. It is a bit wider than other cups, but not too much. Some feel a wider cup is more comfortable and feels better, or closer to not wearing anything.

The stem, which can be long, can be cut, but be sure to try it with the stem before cutting it off.

Best Soft Cup for Sensitive Bladders

In general, those with sensitive bladders want to avoid cups that use hard silicone or that have thick rims; both these things can irritate the bladder, causing discomfort and possibly making it difficult to urinate with the cup inserted.

LENA Sensitive Feminine Hygiene Cups

LENA Sensitive Feminine Hygiene Cups

Pros
  • Made in California.
  • Tinted cup.
  • Very soft cup, designed for sensitive users or sensitive days.
Cons
  • Too soft for some
Review

Some days you are just touchier and can feel every little thing. This may be the cup for you. It is also useful for ladies who have issues with cramps and bladder sensitivity.

If you are looking for a soft cup, this is it.

Best Menstrual Cup for Overnight

Our period cup reviews showed again and again that some ladies struggle with getting a cup that can keep them leak free overnight. The Fleur cup may be the answer. Use only the best menstral cup.

Fleurcup® Set of 2 Menstrual Cups

Fleurcup Set of 2 Menstrual Cups

Pros
  • Firm cup.
  • Made in France.
  • Strong Suction.
  • Narrow rim.
  • High capacity.
Cons
  • Not great for a low cervix.
Review

If you want a cup that can keep you secure overnight, try this cup. Its combination of secure suction and stiff silicone help it stay in place, plus it is large enough to hold the flow.

Best Cup for Low Cervix and High Flow

fleurcup® menstrual cup size multiple choice

fleurcup menstrual cup size multiple choice

Pros
  • Set of two sizes – one large and one small.
  • Bell shape, many women find comfortable.
  • Wider than tapered cup and higher capacity.
  • Short cup, can cut the stem.
Cons
  • Ribs around the base of the cup.
Review

This cup holds a lot of fluid compared to its small size, perhaps due to a narrow rim? This model has ribs around the base to help it stay in, but some ladies may find them uncomfortable.

Best Period Cup for Low Cervix

Ruby Cup - Menstrual Cup (Small, Classic) by Ruby Cup

Ruby Cup - Menstrual Cup (Small, Classic) by Ruby Cup

Pros
  • High quality silicone.
  • Moderate grip rings.
  • Easy remove stem, stem flares at the bottom.
  • Bell shape cup.
Cons
  • Small suction release holds, challenging to clean.
Review

This clear cup is bell shape so it stays in well. The cup comes with a cotton carry bag; the cup is made from high quality silicone that is not too soft and not to firm.

Best Menstrual Cup for Teenagers

Femmy Cycle Menstrual Cup Teen Size

Femmy Cycle Menstrual Cup Teen Size

Pros
  • For petite women or teens, or those who need a small cup.
  • No-spill design.
  • Soft and flexible silicone.
Cons
  • Not as wide as the low cervix model by Femmy Cycle.
  • Significantly smaller capacity, not the best for a heavy flow day.
Review

This cup is petite, making it quite comfortable. It also has a no spill design, which can alleviate fears of spilling fluid everywhere. It can be a challenge to cleat, and it does not have a long stem, so this is suited towards those with a lower cervix.

Sckooncup Eco Size 1

Sckooncup Eco Size 1

Pros
  • Size 1 is soft, shorter and a bit wider compared to other cups.
  • Angle suction holes, made larger so they are easy to clean and at an angle so they don’t leak.
  • Stretchy soft stem.
Cons
  • Softer cup can be challenging to get it to pop open.
Review

The size and height make this a good choice for a teen starting out using a menstrual cup. This cup does not have a huge capacity so you will need to empty more often during heavy flow.

It is good and soft so it won’t irritate the bladder or cause cramps to be worse.

Best Menstrual Cup for an Athletic Woman

Menstrual cups are great for athletic active women. You can swim, run, do CrossFit, yoga, and more with the cup. Active women tend to prefer the firmer cups, as they stay in place and when inserted properly, make a strong vacuum suction, adding security.

DivaCup Menstrual Cup, Model 1

DivaCup Menstrual Cup, Model 1

Pros
  • Firm, stays in place.
  • Longer cup, good for high cervix.
  • Can be worn by highly active women and stays in place.
Cons
  • Stiffness and length can be uncomfortable.
Review

This cup is frequently used by female athletes and very active women. It is a stiffer silicone which helps it stay in place. It is good for high cervixes but can be a bit long for low cervixes.

It has an average capacity and needs to be changed more frequently during heavy flow days.

Yuuki Menstrual Cup - Small Classic

Yuuki Menstrual Cup - Small Classic

Pros
  • Stiff silicone, very easy to place correctly.
  • Stays in place during a wide range of activities.
  • Comes with a carry case.
  • Forms a good seal.
  • Large capacity, even the number 1 size holds a lot of fluid.
Cons
  • Can feel intrusive for ladies with bad cramps or sensitive bladder.
  • Can be challenging to remove due to the suction.
Review

If you are athletic or very active, this size 1 Yuuki menstrual cup may be a good choice for you. It is made with a very firm silicone that is easy to place, has great suction, and stays in place during vigorous activities such as dancing, working out and swimming.

IrisCup Menstrual Cup, Transparent, Small

IrisCup Menstrual Cup, Transparent, Small

Pros
  • Budget price, very accessible.
  • Firm silicone, rim is wider compared to others on the market.
  • Great for sports and active women.
  • Stays in place, easy to place.
  • Bell Shaped cup.
Cons
  • Can be difficult to fold and keep folded during insertion, due to the stiffness of the silicone.
Review

This is a great cup at a great price. It is made from a stiff silicone, so if you are active, play sports, or have problems with other cups leaking; this might be a good choice for you.

Best Menstrual Cup for Woman Who Have Given Birth Vaginally

Mooncup Model A Menstrual Cup

Mooncup Model A Menstrual Cup

Pros
  • Size A is for women who have given birth vaginally.
  • Holds up to an ounce of fluid.
  • Long lasting silicone.
  • Includes detailed use instructions.
  • Made of soft medical grade silicone.
  • Good for active ladies.
  • Popular UK brand.
Cons
  • Softer silicone can leak for some ladies.
Review

This is a good cup for women that have had children, the cup is softer silicone, but it can also be used by active moms.

It has a decent capacity, holding nearly an ounce, which will get most ladies through the day without needing to clean it. It is a great cup from a beloved UK manufacturer.

SckoonCup Menstrual Cup

SckoonCup Menstrual Cup

Pros
  • Soft silicone, soft stem, comfortable to wear.
  • Larger capacity.
  • The size 2 is good for women who have given birth vaginally.
  • The air holes are angled.
  • It comes with an eco-friendly cotton carry pouch.
  • Bell shape with no lip, so less likely to irritate sensitive bladders or cause cramps to worsen.
Cons
  • Silicone can be too soft for some ladies, causing leaking.
Review

This is a good cup for women who have given birth vaginally. It has a decent capacity, plus the silicone is soft, and there is no thick heavy rim to make you uncomfortable.

If you have experienced discomfort with other cups, give this cup a try.

Best Menstrual Cup for Women with No Children Who Have a Heavy Flow

Women, who have not had children, often need a menstrual cup with a smaller rim diameter. Giving birth naturally, or vaginally, increases the diameter of your cervix and softens it slightly.

There is not a huge difference between the cervix of a woman who has had children vaginally and those who have not, it is less than a few centimeters, but the difference is just enough to change the way the cup fits, which is why most manufacturers sell cups in two sizes.

Keep in mind; this is not a hard and fast rule. Some women who have given birth naturally are smaller and need size one, just as some women who have no children need size two.

Menstrual cups are quite literally NOT one size fits all; there are over 100 styles and sizes to choose from because women’s anatomy is not identical.

Super Jennie, Top-Quality, Reusable Menstrual Cup, Small

Super Jennie, Top-Quality, Reusable Menstrual Cup, Small

Pros
  • Soft silicone.
  • High capacity cup, in a small size.
  • Large rim keeps cup in place.
  • Eco friendly, FDA approved Medical grade silicone.
  • Made in the USA.
  • Size small, for women who have not had children.
  • Fun style and marketing, 3 colors to choose from. (FYI: Phenekite, as a color choice, is actually clear. The Blue cup is reportedly firmer than the other colors. )
Cons
  • Soft cup, good for some, not great for others.
  • Find what works for you, but this cup is soft.
Review

This is a high capacity cup with a ring to remove instead of a stem. That can be a challenge for some, but it works for ladies with low cervixes. Its high capacity means it is great for heavy flow days, and the softness means comfort.

Best Menstrual Cup for Heavy Flow

LENA Menstrual Cup for Heavy Flow

LENA Menstrual Cup for Heavy Flow

Pros
  • Affordable.
  • Medical Grade Silicone.
  • Made in California.
  • Larger, for heavy flow.
  • Soft silicone grip.
  • Large 45mm diameter.
  • Less flare, consistent width from top to bottom.
Cons
  • Takes up more space in the vaginal canal, can limit bladder space.
  • Can be challenging to remove because it becomes firmly seated.
Review

If you experience heavy periods or need a cup that has you covered on high flow days this Lena Large may be the best menstrual cup for you. Can be the best menstrual cup for heavy flow.

It is less flared, so the pressure it exerts is evenly distributed. It can make it through the night without leaking. The material is a bit harder than others and you can only accomplish a bi-fold, but it stays in place and holds a heavy flow.

Summary

We hope that at least one menstrual cup review helped you on your way to finding the best menstrual cup that is just right for you. Please don’t be discouraged if the first one does not work out, try a different style.

The first few cycles, most women find there is a learning curve, so set your expectations and it will get better with practice. And remember: use only the best menstrual cups!