Mooncup Review, a Menstrual Cup Review – Is it Worth it?
Maybe you have never heard of the Mooncup or you want to try menstrual cups, but there are so many options out there you are left wondering which is the best option for you.
Maybe you are wondering if using a menstrual cup is worth the effort, or how much work is involved in using a menstrual cup.
Spoiler Alert: It’s not more work than any other form of menstrual product, and it has many benefits.
Our Mooncup review will go over how to use the cup, the pros and cons, and our rating of this cup, so you can make an informed decision.
What is the Mooncup?
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The Mooncup is an FDA approved silicone menstrual cup, designed to fit around your cervix and stay in place, collecting menstrual fluid for up to 12 hours.
In the US the Mooncup is called MCUK which is simply Moon Cup UK abbreviated. It is the exact same cup.
Mooncup Comes in Two Sizes.
Size B is for women under 30 who have not given birth vaginally. The size B cup is 1.97“ long, 1.69” diameter, holds 28.8 millilitres ml and has a hollow stem.
Size A is for women Over 30 or women who have given birth vaginally. The size A cup is 1.97“ long, 1.81” diameter, holds 29.3 millilitres ml and has a hollow stem.
How Does the Mooncup Work?
As with all menstrual cups, there is a learning curve to overcome when getting the hang of using a menstrual cup. But, it is the huge number of benefits that motivate ladies to keep trying until they have the insertion process down right.
Insertion
First, wash your hands to minimize bacteria exposure.
You can insert the cup while sitting on the toilet or standing with one leg up on the side of the tub or similar surface. Squatting may also work for insertion.
Fold the rim of the cup with the stem facing your palm. There are several fold styles, so it may be worth it to try a few. One common fold is to squeeze the rim together and make a ‘C’ shape. This is called the ‘C’ fold.
The cup sits low in the vagina, it does not need to be up against the cervix, as long as it creates a seal with the walls, it will collect the fluid and protect you.
The stem can be trimmed. It should not hang outside, as this can cause irritation.
Insert the cup, rim side first, into your vagina. Slide the cup as far into your vagina as possible while still being comfortable.
The rim of the cup should pop open and make a seal by putting outward pressure on the vaginal walls.
Use your index finger and slide it around the entire perimeter of the cup to insure that it is unfolded.
Removal
To remove the cup, you first need to break the suction the cup creates inside you. To do this, pinch the tip of the cup gently and the hold the cup, it should release. Then you can use the stem, or continue to pinch the cup and slowly remove the cup, keeping it upright so no fluid spills.
Empty the contents into the toilet and rinse the cup or wash with a gentle soap before re-inserting it.
Care
The cup should be sterilized between each cycle. To do this, simply boil it for 5 to 10 minutes. Some ladies boil their menstrual cup in a microwave safe mug because it’s easy.
The cup should be stored in a breathable material, preferably the cotton bag it came with. It is important that wherever it is stored is dry to prevent bacteria from growing.
Why is This Menstrual Cup So Popular? The Benefits of Using a Mooncup.
Menstrual cups in general are popular for many reasons.
- They last longer and hold more fluid than tampons. They can be kept in up to 8 hours and hold up to 25-28ml.
- They are less expensive than Pads or tampons. One Mooncup costs about the same as three months worth of pads or tampons, but lasts about 5 years.
- The Mooncup will not change the pH balance of your vagina like tampons can. Tampons absorb more than blood, they also absorb vaginal fluid necessary for a healthy vagina. The Mooncup only collects fluid, it does not absorb it, so there is less odor, and the cup will not make your vagina dry.
- You can swim, leak-free using the Mooncup.
- It is cleaner during use than a pad or tampon.
- It is far better for the environment as it lasts 5 years so there is far less manufacturing waste and less to throw away.
Is the Mooncup Cup Better Than the Diva Cup?
Great question! For some yes, and for some no. Each cup manufacturer makes a slightly different product, which is good, as women are different from each other.
Some women really like and only use the Diva cup, while others are loyal adherents to the Mooncup (MCUK). Some women use a variety of different brands; you just need to find what works for you.
As far as the specifications of each cup, here is how the cups are physically different:
Diva Cup
- The Diva cup holds slightly more fluid than the Mooncup, one ounce of fluid, or 30 ml. But only 25 ml to the vent holes, which is a more realistic measurement.
- The Diva cup is longer, 2 1/4″(57mm), and is a full 7mm longer than the Mooncup.
- The Diameter of Model 1 is 41 mm. Model 2 has a 45 mm diameter.
- Narrow rim, compared to the Mooncup.
Mooncup (aka MCUK):
- Size A Mooncup can hold 29.3 to the rim. Size B cup can hold 28.8 to the rim. Both cups hold about 5 ml less to the vent holes, which is their functional capacity. It is only slightly less than the Diva cup.
- Both Mooncup sizes have a cup that is 50mm long, which is 7 mm shorter than the Diva cup.
- Diameter. Size A is 46mm and size B is 43mm diameter. Mooncups are shorter (by 7mm) and wider (buy 1 and 2 mm respectively) than DivaCups.
Both DivaCup and Mooncup
Clear Silicone, coveted FDA approval. Both have hollow tube stems, which can be hard to clean. Both are bell shaped. Both have Medium – hard firmness. Both have lines for measuring flow.
The most significant difference between these cups it that the DivaCup is ¼” (7mm) longer. Otherwise these cups are remarkably similar.
Our Mooncup Review
Pros
- Each cup includes an instruction booklet and a cotton drawstring storage bag.
- The cup has measurement lines to gauge your flow.
- Budget friendly.
- Eco friendly.
- Cleaner, less odor and mess than pads and tampons.
- Does not absorb menstrual fluid, so there is less odor, dryness and the pH balance of the vagina is not disrupted, unlike tampons.
- One of the larger and longer cups on the market, which works well for ladies with high cervixes.
- Pops open easily and positions easier than other cups, making it a good choice for new users.
- Vent holes are higher, allowing for more volume.
Cons
- Vent holes are too small and sometimes get clogged.
- The cup can become stained and discolored.
- The Mooncup has a thick rim, which can put pressure on the bladder and increase cramps in a few women.
Review
If you want to stop using drying tampons or messy feeling pads, a menstrual cup is the way to go.
The Mooncup is a firm cup that opens easily. It is a larger cup, but not as long as the DivaCup. It is about as firm as the DivaCup and is designed similarly.
There are lines on the inside of the cup to measure flow, which is useful to gauge when you need to change it, and to accurately report flow to your doctor.
Firmer cups stay in position more readily and are good for sports participation and active ladies. The firmness will create a strong seal, which helps it stay in place, but do not forget to break the seal before removing the cup.
This is a popular cup by a trusted UK brand.
Our Rating: 8/10
We hope our Mooncup review has helped you decide if the Mooncup is the right choice for you. In addition to reading Mooncup reviews, simply trying the device for yourself may be the best way to find out if the cup is a ‘good fit’ so to speak.
Remember, every cup, like every woman is different and many women have to try a cup or three to find the right one for them.
