Best Resource Online to Find Your Perfect Menstrual Cup
How to Choose a Menstrual Cup – 3 Ways:
Just follow 8 simple questions and see all menstrual cups that best match your needs. Each matching cup will have a matching score.
Choosing your first menstrual cup can be a daunting task with so many choices available on the market .This article will cover EVERYTHING there is to know about choosing a menstrual cup.
Already have some idea about the shape and size that you’re looking for? Visit the ‘Cup Comparison’ tool to view what brands might be within that range.
Top 5 Menstrual Cups – Full Product Reviews
Like everything else in life, it may take some time and practice to learn how to use a menstrual cup correctly. This is a the only complete guide online to using a menstrual cup.
Everyone has questions about menstrual cups and we’re sure you will, too! In this section, you will find a plethora of common questions that are asked by both new and experienced users.
Even though we have the largest FAQ section online, you still may have a question that is specific to your situation, or maybe we didn’t go into the details that you were searching for. Our experts will reply to any question you ask.
Menstrual Cup Brand Reviews (A-Z)
Menstrualcupreviews.net has you covered. We have investigated, researched, and comprised a list of the best menstrual cups currently manufactured and sold. It will not only save you time and effort, but also assist you in how to choose a menstrual cup so you can make the most appropriate choice possible.
Additional Products
- Tree Hugger Cloth Pads ® Menstrual Pads - January 28, 2019
- FLUX ® Period-Proof Undies (Menstrual Underwear) | Full Review - December 10, 2018
Hi!
I am a happy user of the Diva Cup. I was recommending it to a friend (tampon user) and she looked devastated to tell me she tried everything to get her small Diva cup in, but it just wouldn’t get in no matter the fold and tips and tricks! Looking for smaller and easier models I could suggest. She really wants to make the change!
Hi Victoria!
Awww what an awesome friend to share the news of Menstrual Cups!! I’m sorry that she didn’t have a good first experience 🙁 It happens often.
The Diva Cup is on the longer side, at least for the small. It’s one of the few cups that keep the same length for both sizes, but narrows in diameter.
If your friend has a medium to low to a very low cervix, I can see how the Diva Cup wouldn’t feel comfortable.
Knowing the approximate height of your cervix can help narrow some cups down. There are some other factors that can help narrow the selection down even more.
Check out this info and/or watch these two videos…or send them to your friend. They might shed some light on why the Diva Cup didn’t work for her and start her off with some info that will help her narrow down the hunt 🙂
https://menstrualcupreviews.net/how-to-choose-a-menstrual-cup/
How to Locate & Measure your Cervix
Hello. Thank you for this article, is so informative. I didn’t know that there were so many differences between cups. I’m 33 and I have been using the Mooncup (uk) for more than 6 years. At that time this was the only option that I found living in Spain. I bought the small size and the truth is that it always leaked, even though my periods are not very heavy. Now I think is time to change it for a bigger one, hoping that this will help with the leaking, but I’m not sure which one. I feel very ignorant saying this but I don’t have any idea how my cervix is, doctors never mentioned anything. Can you still suggest a brand? I would really appreciate it. Thanks
Hi Gris!
If you can locate and get an approx measurement of how low or high your cervix is, it would help so that I don’t suggest a cup that’s too short or too long for you. The MoonCup is on the shorter side and if that was comfortable, then we have somewhere to start. If you had some troubles reaching it or think that a longer cup might be easier for you, then I could add some other, longer cups to my suggestions.
The MoonCup rim is on a firmer side. Do you want to stick with this firmness or would you rather try something a little softer (say, if you have a sensitive bladder)?
Here’s some info about locating your cervix and also some other factors you can think about when trying to narrow down a cup:
https://menstrualcupreviews.net/how-to-choose-a-menstrual-cup/
How to Locate & Measure your Cervix
Hello,
The only experience that I had with a menstrual cup is from a Brazilian brand called fleurity. I couldn’t open that for nothing in the world, ive tried for several months and ended up getting frustrated. Once during a exam I was told that my cervix is medium/low, it was a week after my period was done. I don’t think I have a sensitive bladder and don’t do sports other than roller skating, should I get a harder cup? Can you please help me? Thank you! ?
Hello Everyone!
I live in the US and I’m looking into buying a new mentstrual cup. I bought the yuuki cup about a year ago and had no problems but i lost it :/
I want to buy something safe, eco friendly, and made as locally as possible. Any suggestions?
I know the super Jennie doesn’t have too good of a rating in here but I loved it and it’s made in the USA ! I never had problems and it rarely overflow. For me a cup is good when it gets me safe through the night – and the super Jennie definitely did that for me. Sadly I have lost it a few months ago and decided to try a different one. Now I forgot the name of the one I’m using now though I don’t like it! I’m leaking and I have to change it every 4h whereas I could go up to 16h with the SJ one. Definitely either going back to SJ or trying another one. 😀
Hopefully that helped you. (Oh and I have a normal to rather low Cevix through my periods and moderate bleeding).
Hi there, I am 37 with two kids aged 3 & 5. I have a low cervix and a really heavy period (soak a tampon in under 1 hour) with strong cramps on day 1/2. The rest of my period is light.
I’ve been using the diva cup model 2. It sits comfortably around my cervix and I have no problems with leakage. It has been a lifesaver for the super heavy days (allowing me to venture away from a bathroom for longer than 30mins!!), however I think it’s too long. By the end of the day it’s poking out which I realise is probably due to a tired PF but sometimes it pokes out as soon as I put it in and stand up.
I just bought the lunette size 1 which seems to sit inside better but I think the rim is too narrow for my cervix. I leaked yesterday & the cup wasn’t even full.
I’m very active, exercise everyday and I have an active job standing and moving around.
Could you recommend a short, wide, firm cup for someone with heavy flow, low cervix and an ok pelvic floor that tires after a long day of standing.
Thanks so much for your help!
Hi Jennifer!
I would have to agree with you that the Diva Cup is too long for your low cervix. Even the small Diva Cup is the same length, so that wouldn’t have done you any good either.
Lunette is another great cup, but the small did not have the capacity I needed to carry me throughout the day, so I understand your issue there, too.
If your cervix is low and dropping into the already small cup, it could be compromising the capacity.
I would suggest a bell-shaped cup 1.) because they’re normally shorter than “V” shaped cups, 2.) the rounded body might give you back some of the capacity that you lose shortening a “V” shaped cup.
Some bell-shaped cups have a flared rim and others have a regular rim. Flared rims tend to ride up and sit higher than regular rims.
I picked four cups that might work better for you. They are all bell-shaped and shorter than the Diva Cup.
This list is softest to firmest:
LaliCup – (Medium) Soft body which has a unique channel pattern that allows the cup to fold up narrower but also helps it to open. This cup has a regular rim and tapers to a point near the stem, but still has a rounded body for extra capacity. The rim is about the same firmness as the Diva Cup.
Ruby Cup – (Medium) This cup is about the same height as the LaliCup but doesn’t come to a point near the stem. This cup also has a regular style rim. The body and rim are similar to the Diva Cup.
Lena “Original” – I would probably suggest the large only for the capacity, but the size choice is up to you. The Lena Cup stands the height of the second grip ring of the Diva Cup (the 2nd grip ring down starting right under the stem). However, this cup is bell-shaped and has a flared rim which will likely make it ride up and sit higher in the vaginal fornix. The body on the Lena is a firm, but the rim is soft. This cup is slightly shorter than the LaliCup.
AmyCup “Crystal” – (Medium) This cup is about the same height as the Ruby Cup medium. It’s the firmest bell-shaped cup that I know of. The flatter base keeps anything from poking outside of your body. This cup has a flared rim.
You can see them all here: http://bit.ly/2s4U67W
A majority of the people that I’ve spoken to that are very active, tell me that firmer cups hold up better for them. = Lena “Original” or the AmyCup “Crystal”
However, if you have a sensitive bladder, you might prefer a cup that is more of a medium firmness. = LaliCup or Ruby Cup
I hope that gives you some ideas 🙂 If you have any additional questions about these cups or any other, I’d be happy to elaborate…if I know!
Hi Luiza!
I don’t own a Fleurity, but I know which one you’re talking about. It looks as though it’s on the longer side. Your cervix may actually be holding the cup rim from opening if it is medium/low.
You might want to check out the Korui Cup or Lumma Easy Cups. They’re also Brasilian cups.
The Korui Cup is a shorter bell-shaped cup. The bell shape has a rounded base that might be more comfortable for a medium/low cervix. It has a regular rim and secondary rim that helps it open up. It’s medium firmness.
The Lumma Cup comes in ten different versions!
They have two that are “Low Cervix” but the capacity is low on these.
There are four “Medium Cervix” cups. Two of them are “V” shaped and two of them are more bell-shaped. The bell-shaped ones are for a heavier flow.
You can see them all here: Cup Comparison
I personally like the shape of the Korui over the Lumma, but the Lumma Cups have a cool finger placement at the base of the cups to make it easier to pinch and hold. I would consider the Lumma cups on the firmer side.
Good Luck! 😀
Hi there! Thank you for this, it’s been really eye-opening. As with others, I thought I might ask for some recommendations as I’m still totally unsure what to get.
I believe I have an average placed cervix, average flow (never use the heavy pads or tampons), don’t get cramps, I’m pretty short, 5″ (not sure if that makes any difference what so ever!) over 30 but never given birth.
However I’m considering using this while backpacking for 6 months so I don’t have to worry about pads/tampons, and as a result there will be a lot of standing, sitting, walking, hiking, sleeping on buses etc.
I don’t want to spend very much, especially if it’s not right…as I won’t be able to afford to get another one for a time.
I’m also currently based in Germany so a European distributor would be great 🙂 Thank you so much! There’s just too much choice 🙂
Hello! Can you please recommend cups for physically active, low cervix, heavy period. Thank you!
– Gina
Hi Gina!
I pulled five cups that I had in mind for the “stats” that you shared with me. My selection might change if you have a sensitive bladder though.
These are in the order of softest body to firmest body:
FemmyCycle – Regular or Low Cervix version depending on how low your cervix is. This is a “round” type of cup with a ring stem and “no spill” funnel. According to the company, this type of cup doesn’t need to sit high or around your cervix and does not need to be completely expanded to collect your flow. It has no air holes which may create a strong suction.
Lena Cup “Original” – This would be the longest cup of the bunch but is bell-shaped and has a flared rim. A bell-shaped cup tends to ride up and sit higher. The rounded base hopefully keeps the cup from poking your labia. The body of the Lena Cup is firm, while the flared rim is on the softer side.
Merula Cup – A “round” shaped cup like the FemmeCycle, but even shorter and has 38ml capacity which would be considered high capacity cup. This cup features a unique “ladder” stem which consists of three rings. You can trim a ring off at a time until the cup sits comfortably. This cup does not have any air holes and may create a strong suction. There is a specific fold (punch down) that is suggested for this cup that may help it open easier. If you’re interested in this cup and you live in the USA, you can find it on the femininewear.co.uk site. (Use code: RedHerringTV for 10% off of your total purchase)
AmyCup – This cup has a very firm body with a slightly softer rim. It is bell-shaped with a flared rim and a wider base than the Lena Cup. This cup is also shorter than the Lena Cup and might do well for a very low cervix. Again this cup is available on the femininewear.co.uk site.
Formoonsa – Similar to the FemmyCycle, the Formoonsa has a ring stem and a no-spill funnel. However, the large size Formoonsa is shorter than the “regular” version FemmyCycle.
If you’re interested in this cup you can find it on the Formoonsa.com site or MenstrualCup.co site. If you shop with MenstrualCup.co, you can use the code: RedHerringTV for 10% off of your total purchase.
If you’d like to see all of these cups, you can view them here: Cup Comparison
If you’d like more info on any of these cups or had other cups in mind and need more info on them, feel free to reply 🙂 Until then, happy hunting!
Hi Red Herring! Thank you so so much for all the information and a quick response. I just recently bought the Lena cup in “sensitive” because my first experience was with a Diva cup back in 2013. It was a huge fail. I had no idea then that there were so many cups and sizes, so I went back to organic tampons. I’ve been using the Lena cup this cycle and it’s okay. I had some leaking. It doesn’t pop open easily and it’s not as comfortable as I would like. I just ordered the Merula cup. Praying this one is it! I’m going on 40 soon and I wish I found you YEARS ago! Better late than never 🙂 Thank you for all that you do. God bless! <3
— Gina
Hi Sasha!
Since you don’t have any cramping issues, I would probably recommend the Yuuki “Soft” or “Classic” version.
The soft is a medium-ish firmness and still opens easily for most people. The classic is one of the firmest cups on the market. It can be too much for some people, but a lot of people that are very physically active like to use it.
With an “average” cervix, you could probably use either size – small or large. You can determine that according to your flow. The small might be sufficient, but the large may give you more time between emptying sessions (for up to 12 hours).
The Yuuki Cup in these two versions (soft and classic) are fairly inexpensive.
Single: approx – €17.80
Two Pack: approx – €27.80
On both of these sites, you can use code: RedHerringTV for a 10% discount off of your total order.
You can also check Amazon UK site for Yuuki. To ensure it is actually a Yuuki Cup, the seller will also be named, “Yuuki”.
If you see any other cup that sparks your insertest while searching, I’d be happy to give you my thoughts on them according to your situation.
Sorry! I have another question. I’m looking at the double packs as I think that’s a better return on investment.
Would you suggest a small + large pack (in Classic, I guess), or a large pack (as I’m over 30?) with classic + soft?
Thank you 🙂
Hi Sasha!
I would personally choose the larger size only for the capacity of it. Since you’ll be active and out and about, you won’t have to worry about ducking in the bushes as often if you’re on a trail.
However, if you have never had any type of vaginal penetration (penis, toy, fingers…etc.) then you might want to consider the small for the narrow diameter.
I would start off with the “soft” version (not the Rainbow version) since it’s more of a medium firmness compared to other cups on the market. The “classic” is a very firm cup and I’m worried that it could cause you some pressure. It would suck if it caused you some cramping or extra cramping while you were far away from home.
If you’re set on one of the sizes based on what I said above, go ahead and get the soft and classic versions. If you’re getting the small & large set, then go for the “soft” version.
Sorry that that’s not ever helpful, but I hope that it narrows down your choices a bit more. <3
Thank you so much, and for such a prompt reply! I’ll check it out 🙂
I’ve been wanting to try the cup for a while but I’m unsure of what type to use. I’ve had two kids and I’m 22 years old, I don’t have a weak bladder, I’m unsure of where my cervix is during my period but i know I can’t touch it with a tampon during it, and I have a very heavy blood flow. What types would you recommend?
Hi There!
A tampon can actually rest partially in the vaginal fornix next to and beyond the cervix. A menstrual cup rests right below or up and around the cervix.
I would hate to suggest a cup that is too long if your cervix drops low during your period, or too short if your cervix is very high.
So, I’m going to suggest a couple of cups that are more in the “average” height but are still a higher capacity.
Venus Cup – The large Venus Cup has one of the highest capacities on the market at 47ml to the top of the rim. This cup is of ‘average’ length compared to other large sized cups out there but has a decent stem. It’s of medium firmness.
Merula XL – This is the larger size of the two sizes that they have to offer. This cup has no airholes and may create a slightly strong seal than others. This cup is kind of bulky but it is on the shorter side and holds 50ml to the top of the rim. This is the highest capacity cup on the market.
Yuuki – The large Yuuki holds approx 38ml of fluid. It’s available in three different firmness versions for you to choose from. “Rainbow” is the softest, “Soft” is actually their medium, and “Classic” is one of the firmest cups on the market. A lot of people who are very physically active like the “Soft” or “Classic”. This cup is a little longer than the rest listed here. If you think that your cervix is very high, this one might allow you to reach it easier for removal.
LaliCup – The large LaliCup holds approx 40ml of fluid. It’s available in three different sizes – small, medium, and large. The medium holds approx 36ml. Still a decent capacity if you rather something a little more narrow. The body of this cup has unique channels that allow the cup to fold up smaller and also helps it to pop open easier. This cup is slightly shorter than the Yuuki large being more bell shaped/rounded at the base.
Super Jennie – The large Super Jennie holds approx 42ml of fluid. It’s the softest cup out of the three listed. Some people have troubles getting this cup to open for the softness, however it’s not impossible. There are some tips on getting soft cups to open on YouTube if you choose this cup and find yourself in the same situation. The dark blue Super Jennie was confirmed by the company a couple of years back, to be slightly more firm than the rest of the colors. This cup is a bit shorter than the LaliCup as it is bell shaped and even more rounded at the base than the LaliCup. This cup has a short stem so if your cervix does stay high during your period, you might need to bear down to reach it.
You can compare all of the cup sizes to each other, here: Cup Comparison
Good Luck and let me know if I might be able to answer anything else 🙂
Which is the smallest, softest and the healthiest?
The smallest cups that I know of are:
Small MeLuna “Shorty”
Lumma “Easy Cup” Low Cervix “CBC”
Formoonsa Training Cup
Mina Cup Mini
The softest of the bunch would be the Mina Cup Mini.
Lumma, Formoonsa and Mina all claim to use Medical Grade Silicone, whereas the MeLuna Cup is made with TPE. All of these should be healthy choices.
(It’s up the individual to feel comfortable with the cup they have received. Some people are comfortable with purchasing and using a $1.00 menstrual cup and others feel more comfortable purchasing a cup from a reputable company.)
These cups are from all over the world, so they may not be easily obtainable depending on your location.
Please remember that smallest and softest may not be what works for you.
If a cup is too small/short, the user might have trouble reaching the cup to remove and empty it. A cup that is very soft, might give the user issues with opening the cup correctly.
Check out this video. It covers some things to think about when trying to narrow down your cup selection. Cup Comparison
I am looking for my first cup. I am 21 have a low cervix and a sensitive bladder. I am working with students and moving all day. But nothing to physical. What brand and size would you recommend? I do have an IUD.
Hi Karen!
You could probably use any soft, size small cup in the “V” shaped cups, but I pulled a few of cups in the bell-shapes that I thought you might want to check out.
Sckoon – either small or large depending on your flow. The large size is shorter than most other “large” sized cups on the market. The bell-shape will give you a bit of the capacity back that you lose from the length of “V” shaped cups. The Sckoon has a flared rim which tends to ride up and sit higher than a regular rim (for those with a low cervix). The silicone is gummy feeling…as in softness, but the rim has some firmness to it to help it open.
The Lena “Sensitive” – again, small or large depending on your flow. Some people with a low cervix say that the large size is still a bit too long for them. This cup is opposite from the Sckoon in which the body feels more firm than the rim.
Super Jennie – The large cup is quite wide so it depends on how you feel this would work with your body. The small seems to be a great cup for someone with a low cervix and sensitive bladder. There have only been a small amount of people that say that the cup is too firm for them. The small also has a pretty decent capacity for a small sized cup.
Many people are able to use an IUD and Menstrual Cup together with success. Here are some things to know:
-Tell your doctor that you plan on using a Menstrual Cup. They can trim your “strings” of the IUD so they are less likely to get in the way.
-Ask your doctor how long to wait after getting the IUD, before you can use a Menstrual Cup.
-Get to know the length of your strings. Periodically, when you remove your cup check the string lengths. If they seem longer than normal, it could be a sign that the IUD has migrated or dislodged.
-After inserting your cup, check that the strings are not on the outside. This will interfere with the cup creating a seal that may result in leaks.
-Make sure to break the seal/suction of the cup before removing it. If you don’t, you may dislodge the IUD.
Here are some of the comments that cup companies have left about using an IUD with THEIR cup: https://menstrualcupreviews.net/menstrual-cups-and-internal-birth-control/
Hi there! I was looking at the reviews posted here re: the Luv Ur Body cup and the links are no longer working to Amazon. Searching for their site, it looks like everything is sold out. They might be out of business -?
Anyway, wanted to pass that on in case anyone knew or if the links on this site needed to be updated. Thanks so much for the knowledge on your page!!
~Alison
Hi Alison!
They were probably updating for a few weeks since they added their “clear” cups. It’s open now but looks like they’re still working on it. Not all pages are filled in.
There is so much information here, it is pretty overwhelming! I have never used a menstrual cup before but after hearing recommendations from various friends I am thinking about giving it a try. But that means I have no idea what would be a good fit for me. I am 34 years old, never had children and don’t plan to. I use tampons normally and I have an IUD.
Any recommendations for my first cup? 🙂
Thanks!
Hi Amanda!
It can be overwhelming when choosing a menstrual cup 🙁 Some people are able to take the only cup on the shelf normally available (Diva Cup) and be on their way. Others (most of us) aren’t that lucky and it takes a few tries before finding their “Goldilocks” cup.
First of all, congrats on making a decision to at least try a cup. Also, it’s refreshing to hear someone who knows what they want/don’t want in life (children). I commend you for that 🙂
Hopefully, I can help narrow some cup suggests for you based on a few things….
*Approx height of your cervix – low or high (if possible) allows me to determine if you need a shorter or bell shaped cup, or a longer “V” shaped cup.
Bladder Sensitivities – determines if I should suggest a softer cup
Physically Activities – determines if I should suggest a firmer cup (or something in the middle if you have bladder sensitivities as well)
Light or Heavy Flow – size and/or high capacity cup
If you can answer any or all of these, it would help me narrow a couple/few cups that might work for you.
Also, location (country) might change which cups are available or easier to obtain.
Until then, there are many people who are successful at using a menstrual cup even if they have an IUD in place.
Make sure to let your doctor know that you’re planning on using a menstrual cup. They can trim the IUD “strings” shorter so that they’re not in the way.
Familiarize yourself with the strings and take a mental note as to how long they feel. Periodically when you have your cup removed to empty it, check the strings. If they feel longer than normal, it’s a sign that your IUD may have migrated or dislodged. If that happens, you’ll probably want to double check with doctor so that it does migrate any more.
After you insert your cup, you’ll want to make sure that the strings are inside of the cup and not hanging on the outside. If it is hanging on the outside, you can gently rock the cup back and forth until it’s lower than the strings and they can move inside of the cup. Hopefully the strings are short enough that you won’t have to wiggle your cup down too much. If the strings are on the outside, you might not get a good seal and the cup may leak.
When you’re ready to empty your cup, make sure to break the seal/suction that the cup has created BEFORE gently tugging it down. If you pull when there’s a seal/suction, you may cause your IUD to dislodge.
How to choose a Menstrual Cup
Thank you for your answer, I apologize for not responding sooner. As far as the questions go, there is only one that I can’t answer. I dont know what the height of my cervix is. I would imagine it is high because I’ve never had a problem with feeling uncomfortable with tampons and I actually can’t feel the string of my IUD even through I have tried, so either they cut it really short or its really high up there. 🙂
As far as everything else here is the info. 🙂
Bladder sensitivities, I dont have any
I have moderate to light flow
I play volleyball and run, but thats about it
I live in the US/ have family that lives in the US, and sometimes live in Mexico but I can get almost anything online.
I hope that helps. I have been seeing a lot of good things about the Lena Cup and I have a friend who uses the Dive cup and loves it.
Thanks again for your help.
Hello, I just ordered a Rebel Kate cup, how is it? Has anyone tried it? It will be my first time using a cup, excited, but nervous because I’m not seeing enough info on the brand I bought…
Hi Bre!
Is that the free pink cup, two set cups? I know them by the name Puramour or Dreamlover. I believe they were the first with that design, but there have been a few other “brands” that also use this design.
You’re correct, they isn’t very much information floating around about this cup other than it’s a “cheapie”.
I personally didn’t care for this cup. I had troubles getting it to open since the rim of the cup is so soft. The body of the cup opened but the rim did not (for me). BUT…my daughter didn’t have any problems with it.
After I received some information from a couple of the largest world wide silicone companies (who supply silicone and don’t actually make cups), we stopped using these cups and those like it.
I won’t ever put down a cup or anyone who wants to try them, but know that there are risks with “cheapies”. If the cups works for you and you feel comfortable with using it, then that’s all that matters.
More info:
What’s in our Menstrual Cups: http://bit.ly/2EBcFlS
What does Medical Grade mean: http://bit.ly/2CYBHLc
Obsidian’s article about “Cheapies”: https://menstrualcupreviews.net/how-to-choose-a-menstrual-cup/#Medical_Grade_Silicone_and_Cheapies