6 of the Best Menstrual Cups to Try When You’re Ready to Ditch Tampons
Updated: Aug. 23, 2021
The best menstrual cup is the one that fits and is easy to remove. Here are some great options—DivaCup, Lena, June, and more—and how to pick one, according to OB-GYNs.
Menstrual Cups Vs. Tampons
Menstrual cups are finally becoming more mainstream. People are ready to say goodbye to tampons and pads and are happily embracing the flexibility and ease of using these period cups. Although some reports claim these cups date back to the 1860s, the advantages of menstrual cups appeal to the modern-day period-haver.
If you’re ready to try out a menstrual cup, there are a few things to consider first. Marco Mouanness, MD, OB-GYN, and fertility expert at Rejuvenating Fertility Centre, reminds people that it can take some trial and error, so be ready to experiment to find your perfect fit. “Get familiar with your anatomy,” he recommends. “It might take a bit of time, but when you find the fit, it will be worth it.”
Sandy Dorcelus, DO, an OB-GYN at NYU Langone Hospital, Long Island, offers up similar advice to those who want to try a menstrual cup. “Do your research and practice inserting and removing it,” she says. “They all function pretty much the same way.”
With that, here are some of the best menstrual cups to try, what to consider when choosing one, and how to pick one.
What to consider before buying a menstrual cup
Check the material
Dr. Mouanness says to make sure you are not allergic to any of the materials in the product. Most are either rubber, silicone, or latex. Read the fine print before purchasing.
Choose a cup that is easily removable
Opt for cups that feature rims and grips, Dr. Mouanness suggests. This may make it easier to insert and remove the cup.
Size matters
Most menstrual cup brands have two sizes, small and normal. But some brands might offer three sizes: one for women under 30 or those who have never had kids, another for the majority of women, and a larger size for women over 35 who have given birth, as they might be at risk for heavier bleeding than younger women or those who have never given birth, Dr. Dorcelus says. Opting for the right size depending on your needs and anatomy is key.
Dr. Mouanness adds that some brands may offer narrow or wide options. People might want to consider buying more than one size menstrual cup to use at different times in their cycle.
(Related: 12 Period Mistakes You’re Making Every Month)
The best menstrual cups
Most menstrual cups serve the same purpose. So we took a look at the most popular and highly-rated options and are sharing the details on the material, size options, and features that make them worth trying. Here are some to consider.
(Related: Everything You Need to Know About Using a Menstrual Cup)
DivaCup
$35, amazon.ca
Arguably one of the most popular reusable menstrual cups is the DivaCup. This silicone menstrual cup is 100 percent clear, medical-grade silicone without chemicals, plastic, or dyes. This option is a good fit, literally, for people who have a high cervix as DivaCups are a bit longer than other brands.
June Menstrual Cup
$29, thejunecup.com
The June Menstrual Cup is also a 100 percent silicone option. The shorter stem of this cup makes it easy to grip and less irritating. Plus, marks on the cup help you track your flow to know if your period is changing and coming to an end. June sells an original cup as well as a mini cup and a firmer option, too.
Lena Menstrual Cup
$27 USD, lenacup.com
This reusable silicone cup from Lena is made in California. Like some of the other options, Lena offers more than one size, so you can opt for the appropriate cup. Another bonus is that the post-consumer packaging is recyclable, chlorine-free, and printed using vegetable-based inks.
Venus Menstrual Cup
$38, amazon.ca
If you like their razors, you may like their menstrual cup. This period cup from Venus is 100 percent silicone and is free of BPA, latex, and phthalates.
EcoBlossom Menstrual Cups
$20, amazon.ca
The EcoBlossom reusable menstrual cups may be more affordable, but they don’t skimp on quality. The silicone cups are hypoallergenic, phthalate-free, latex-free, and BPA-free. The ribbed comfort grip makes it a comfortable experience. And if you’re looking for a long-lasting cup, this one is good for 15 years, according to the manufacturers.
Intimina Ziggy Cup
$40, amazon.ca
This reusable menstrual cup from Intimina is popular because the design is specifically so that people can wear it during sex. It features 100 percent medical-grade silicone and a leak-proof double rim. Plus, it has more of a flat fit than a cup-like fit, which might feel more comfortable for some people.
Next: The Honest, Expert-Backed Truth About Having Sex While on Your Period
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