2019’s Best Menstrual Cups – Reviews
Feminine hygiene products for personal menstrual care have come a long way since the time where the only option was for women to use rags. These days, the menstrual cup has triumphed over products used for “period protection” such as tampons and sanitary napkins. Menstrual cups are an environmentally-friendly, comfortable, convenient, and cost-effective solution that are rapidly becoming the most preferred choice by women all over the planet.
With the rising popularity of the menstrual cup, there are more and more brands, varieties, and models being manufactured today. Because of the overwhelming amount of menstrual cups offered on the market, it can be very daunting to sift through dozen of brands to find which ones will accommodate you best.
Venus ® Menstrual Cup
Limited Offer! Get 10% OFF your order. Coupon Code: SAVE10MCR
The Venus Cup is a menstrual cup that is manufactured in USA. It is made out of 100% Medical Grade Silicon and comes in two different sizes, small and large. It was specially designed to accommodate a heavy flow, but it is still suitable for those who have a light flow as well. With its streamlined body and round base, it has a greater capacity in both small and large sizes than the majority of menstrual cups on the market without the added length (please check our detailed Venus cup review for more unique features and info).
Small Venus – Who is it meant for?
- Teens, virgins, new users, or those who have a medium to low cervix may find this size to be comfortable (how to determine your cervix height?).
- The small Venus Cup may be used for discharge, spotting, or a normally light to moderate flow.
- This size MAY be suitable for those that are under 30 years of age or those who have not had any pregnancies.
- Please only use this as a general guide if you are still unable to choose a size based on the details above.
- Using this method to choose a cup size is not very reliable.
- If you are unsure, the Double Pack is a great way to try both cups at a reasonable cost.
Large Venus – Who is it meant for?
- Those with a medium to a high, or a very high cervix will find this size easier to reach (how to determine your cervix height?).
- The large Venus Cup has high capacity for those with a moderate to very heavy flow.
- May be used to prolong wearing time for up to 12 hours for those who have a lighter flow.
- This size MAY be suitable for those that are over the age of 30 or those who have been pregnant.
- Please only use this as a general guide if you are still unable to choose a size based on the details above.
- Using this method to choose a cup size is not very reliable.
- If you are unsure, the Double Pack is a great way to try both cups at a reasonable cost.
Not sure which size to get? Try Venus Starter Kit (Double Pack)
- This double pack includes both sizes of the Venus Cup to suit your comfort and needs.
- Some people find a significant difference in the height of their cervix on different days. Having both sizes available may be a big benefit.
- Use one regularly and have a back up in your “Emergency Period Kit”.
- You save 50% on the second model
- Share the other with a friend!
Quality Control
There is no second guessing the quality of the Venus Cup!
- It is manufactured in the USA
- FDA registered (3003270419)
- Has proper ISO certificate
- Made of 100% Medical Grade Silicone and FDA compliant colorants
- Each cup is closely inspected and is sealed in a bag directly from the machine to eliminate chances of any type of contamination. It is then packaged and shipped to you with care
Competitive Price
The Venus Cup believes that everyone should have access to affordable menstrual health care. Although the price is comparably low ($19.99) to other menstrual cups on the market, feel assured that the quality was not sacrificed in any way. No matter what Mother Nature throws at you, the Venus Cup will have you covered! Additional information can be found on their official website venuscup.com.
Limited Offer! Get 10% OFF your order. Coupon Code: SAVE10MCR
LaliCup ® Menstrual Cup
A well made and well rounded cup that offers three sizes. Unique design that allows this cup to fold up smaller and easier as well as helps the cup unfold when it’s released. The two larger sizes have an impressive capacity.
This cup is Made in Slovenia with 100% Medical Grade Silicone and is available in colors Clear, Blue, Red, Green, Black, and Wine.
Yuuki Cup ® Menstrual Cup
This cup is Made in the Czech Republic with 100% Medical Grade Silicone and comes in two different sizes – Small and Large. The Yuuki large is slightly longer than other large-sized cups on the market. This may be useful for those with a high to a very high cervix. The capacity is on the higher side as well.
Yuuki offers two different firmness levels for your comfort – ‘Classic’ and ‘Soft’. The ‘Classic’ is available only in clear color, while the the ‘Soft’ firmness available in both clear color and ‘Rainbow” & ‘Bohemian’ colors (a mix of colors) as well.
Monthly Cup ® Menstrual Cup
A “V”-shaped cup that is available in three different sizes. The medium size is narrow and may be comfortable for those with a smaller vaginal opening. The body of these cups are soft but the upper rim has a good firmness to help this cup open after it’s inserted.
This cup is Made in Sweden with 100% Medical Grade Silicone and is available in colors Clear, Blue Sapphire, and Pink Topaz (Has offered limited edition colors).
Saalt Cup ® Menstrual Cup
This cup has a very nice finish and packing. The two sizes offered are slightly shorter than the average cup and may be comfortable for those with a medium/low cervix.
This cup is Made in the USA with 100% Medical Grade Silicone and is available in colors Himalayan Pink and Ocean Blue.
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.
Menstrual Cups 101
Just follow 8 simple questions and see all menstrual cups that best match your needs. Each matching cup will have a matching score.
Unlike other quizzes online, the menstrual cups in our results are not sponsored in any way, shape, or form. The results of this quiz are solely based on the answers you will provide. We are constantly working to improve the database as we obtain and add cups.
Click here to start the quiz »
Menstrual Cups are an alternative menstrual product that is typically reusable. They are worn internally to collect the menstrual flow instead of absorbing it and holds a greater capacity than an average disposable pad or tampon. Most can be worn safely for up to 12 hours depending on the amount of the menstrual flow. Since menstrual cups aren’t absorbent, they will not interfere with the body’s delicate pH or bacterial balance and will keep the flow in a liquid state as to not cause foul odors. Read More about Menstrual Cups »
Like everything else in life, it may take some time and practice to learn how to use a menstrual cup correctly. Knowing what to expect and having some tips and tricks under your belt before you begin can make a huge difference in your experience.
Topics such as various sitting or standing positions that may give you easier access, folds that will make for a comfortable inserting process, how to place the cup correctly under or around the cervix, when to empty the cup, how to remove it without pain, and some common issues that new users may face, and more, can all be found under ‘How to use’ tab.
Choosing your first menstrual cup can be a daunting task with so many choices available on the market these days. First of all, with menstrual cups becoming more and more popular, an influx of them are being manufactured. However, not all are of the same quality. It’s up to you to determine if you are willing to risk your health by choosing a cup that may have been made of questionable material or a cup that has been registered with its respected countries health & safety agency, (FDA – USA, TGA – Australia, Canada Heath, EMA – EU, etc). If you’re in doubt, visit the cups website, read reviews from other users who have experience with that particular brand, and seek information about them in forums or social platforms.
Many companies will have a size selection printed on the packaging based on your age or how many births you’ve had. However, these ‘rules’ aren’t always very accurate. One cup will NOT fit all. We are all different and so are cups.
Locating and measuring your cervix is one of the easiest ways to eliminate many cups that might not be comfortable or easy to work with your body. Cups come in all sorts of various shapes and sizes and while one might fit someone perfectly, it might feel uncomfortably long or be hard to reach for the next.
You may also want to think about how light or heavy your flow is so that you can select a cup with a capacity to match. Even some shorter cups that are comfortable for a low cervix, have variations that allow for a higher capacity.
These topics and more can be found at ‘How to Choose 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. You will also find some important information about the cup such as the material that it is made of, measurements, sizes, and some notes about that particular cup. Filtering or sorting examples:
- Menstrual cups for Very High Cervix »
- Menstrual cups for Medium/High Cervix »
- Menstrual cups for Medium/Low Cervix »
- Menstrual cups for Very Low Cervix »
- Menstrual cups with Higher Capacity (38 ml or more) »
- Menstrual cups with Medium Capacity (28-37 ml ) »
- Menstrual cups with Lower Capacity (27 ml or less ) »
- Menstrual cups that are Manufactured in the USA »
- Menstrual cups that are FDA Registered »
For many other filtering and sorting options Enter our menstrual cup comparison tool »
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. Is it messy to use a menstrual cup? Can I trim the stem? Do I have to boil my cup? Can I still use a cup if I have long nails? How long will a menstrual cup last?
Find these and many other questions answered in an instant »
We understand that even though we tried to include a wide range of common questions and answers, you still may have one that is specific to your situation, or maybe we didn’t go into the details that you were searching for. In that case, the Menstrual Cup Review Forums might be the place for you.
Browse other questions that have been asked or submit a new one. Whether you use your name or submit your question anonymously, the admin or other Menstrual Cup Review members might be able to review and address your question personally.
Hi, hoping you can help recommend a cup for me. I’ve only ever tried the small diva cup, have had it for years, tried before and after having kids and find inserting and removing soooo painful!!! Find it hard to get it to open, Leaks big time, and is very uncomfortable! I have an extremely heavy period but only for 2 days, then just spot for a week lol. No idea about the length of my cervix???
Hi Melissa!
I’m sorry that you’re having troubles with the Diva Cup 🙁 It just might not be the cup for you. I would suggest trying to locate your cervix if you can. It might give you some insight to which size or shape of cup you want.
How to Locate & Measure your Cervix:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNoiRIMAhY0
Here’s a walk-through of “How to Insert & Remove your Menstrual Cup” with some tips:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2YtfxUMeV4
This video also covers what might be happening when you “leak”.
How is the cup uncomfortable? Does it feel too long? Too firm? Does it press on your bladder making you feel like you need to urinate or when you do urinate do you feel like you can’t empty your bladder all the way?
Some extra info will be helpful in suggesting a few cups that might work for you better. 🙂
I had the Lunette cup (smaller version) and it was too firm for me. It was leaking all the time but it was still better than tampons and pads (I was wearing the thin daily pads). It also got a brownish colour very quickly. Now I got a different one, it is the same size but softer, and it doesn’t leak anymore. But it is only available in EU.
Which one did you get? I live in Europe as well 🙂
Hi Poli!
You can actually soak most of your cups in Hydrogen Peroxide overnight to get rid of stains. Rinsing with cold water, at least at first will help with setting in stains. After you rinse all the blood off with cold water, you can use hot water for a good wash.
Everyone is different and a cup that works for one person, might not work for the next. It’s kind of trail and error. I’m happy to hear that you found something that works for you 😀 What cup was it?
So i’ve just started looking into menstrual cups and i was wondering which brand you would recommend for me.
I am in my early twenties.
Cervix Height- I don’t know how to measure this I have short fingers so its hard for me to tell
Physical Activities- I do go to the gym regularly
Bladder Sensitivity- I would say I have a sensitive bladder
Light or Heavy Flow- Heavy Flow
Cervix Height – unknown = average size cup
….Can you feel your cervix at all? You can make a mental note as to how far you were able to insert a finger and measure the length of your finger in mm’s.
Physical Activities – gym = I suggest something a little more firm
Bladder Sensitivity – Sensitive = …medium/firm to medium/soft (taking into account the gym)
Flow – Heavy = Larger size or High Capacity
The cups that I would suggest looking into are:
LaliCup Medium (bell shape with regular rim)
EvaCup Large (V shape)
Fleur Cup Large (bell shape with flared rim)
Yuuki Rainbow or Soft Large (V shape)
MeLuna Classic (Standard Size) Large or XLarge
Ruby Cup Medium (bell shape)
Check those out and see if any interest you 🙂
I just purchased my first menstral cup and I decided on the disposable Flex cup. I haven’t tried it yet because I am worried that a light flow will make it uncomfortable. Anyone have any advice or tips for a beginner? Is it harder to remove the flex since it doesn’t have the tail or stem?
Flex and soft cups are quite different that the other style of “Menstrual Cups” on the market. However, both are safe to use while you have a light or heavy flow or no flow at all. A lot of people tend to use their cup when they’re expecting their period so they don’t get caught empty handed if it happens while they’re out and about.
These disk type cups get “tucked” behind your pubic bone when inserted. To remove them, you insert a finger and “hook” your finger around the rim to move it back over your pubic bone. I find that if I squat or even bear down in any way; sneeze, cough, laugh etc, the Flex/Soft Cup becomes “un-tucked” on it’s own 🙁 That’s never good, but that’s just me. Your body might do perfectly fine with it.
I know these are meant to be disposable, but I have heard many people wash them and reuse them. Some for the day and others for an entire period. I might suggest practicing inserting and remove prior to having your period just to get the hang of them. If you need to, use a water based lube to help ease the cup in. Some times for trying one too many times, you get dried out 🙁
Good luck!! <3
I’ve been using diva for years, first size 1 then switched to size 2 because late 30’s, no children. Always have leakage problems. It’s real leakage, not just residual. I make sure it pops open every time, but it’s often a struggle. Yet, I can’t completely empty my bladder unless I take the cup out. I always feel like I have to go. Any Rec’s for alternatives?
-Cervix Height = high
-Physical Activities = hiking
-Bladder Sensitivity = yes
-Light or Heavy Flow = heavy
Perhaps a different shape all together? The LaliCup medium or large might be nice. It has a softer body with “channels” to help it fold up smaller, but also pop open easier. It is bell shaped, but has a regular rim that helps it not migrate so much like bell shaped cups with a flared rim. Capacity: medium – 36ml and large 40ml.
Maybe the different shape with help keep the pressure off of your sensitive areas.
Maybe you can try with a softer one? It worked for me. I kept the same size just less firm.
Everyone’s gonna hate me for this, but. I’ve actually got a really LIGHT flow that only lasts a few days. My periods are very irregular and sometimes just consist of just spotting. I’ve got a Small Blossom cup now — which I love! But I was wondering; is there anything smaller, brand wise?
Hi hon!
LOL I long time ago, I probably would have cursed you for having a really light flow! My periods have died down since, but I still have very irregular, unpredictable, light and/or heavy periods that may or may not last for a couple to a few weeks!
Now, I’m just happy to have menstrual cups in my life. They make it all SO much better; heavy or not!
As for the small Blossom Cup, there are many that are smaller.
A few that come to mind are (all small size): AmyCup “Crystal”, Casco Cup Mini, FemmeCup, Korui, Lady Cup, LaliCup, Lena, Lumma, Lunette, Ruby Cup, Sckoon Cup….and more! These aren’t even include the “cheapie” types.
I think it boils down to, what shape as well. You can narrow down the selection using that. Some of these are bell shaped cups and may not be what you’re looking for.
Hi there! I currently use a diva cup, but I find that the suction breaks every few hours on the first two days, and a little bit leaks out. The suction breaks even when I’m not doing anything strenuous, and that often the cup isn’t very full. Otherwise, the cup works perfectly on my lighter days. I’m not sure how high or low my cervix is, so I’m not sure if this is the problem or not. Thank you!
Hi Sharon!
Are you sure the seal breaking is what’s causing your leaks? When someone tells me they’re experiencing leaks/spotting and that their cup isn’t full, I wonder if it isn’t just “residual slobber”.
Residual slobber is the blood that’s coating the walls of your vagina even after you insert your cup. This blood pools down and ends up on your undies. Many people think that they’re leaking or spotting out of their cup when this happens.
See if this doesn’t clear it up for you:
After you insert your cup, squat down and bear down with your muscles.
Wipe the grip rings and the stem (if it’s intact) with a wet wipe or cloth.
Doing this will get rid of some of the excess blood and hopefully eliminate any “leaking” that you’re experiencing.
Good Luck!
Thank you for your response! I’m sure it’s actually leaking, at random times I can feel the air escaping (sort of a gurgling feeling, like flatus), and when I go to check my cup, the suction is gone.
I’m having a lot of issues with my Diva Cup. It’s my first and only cup I’ve tried, and it’s the smaller size. I had it for over a year, but haven’t been using it exclusively because of the pain I experience while using it. With tampons, I’ll get very mild cramps only on the first day of my period that really never bothered me. Now, with the Diva Cup, I have horrible cramps that last for the first and second days of my period, and the pain is so bad it’ll wake me up from a dead sleep and keep me up. The pain radiates to my lower back and legs, and keeps me from doing much of anything until ibuprofen kicks in. Also, another big issue I’m having is leaking. It only happens during my two heavier days, and it’s not from the cup overflowing. I’ve tried every suggestion to try and make sure I’m actually getting it to seal correctly, but it still leaks even if it’s just a tiny bit. I can leave the cup in for as long as 12 hours, and some times I’ve gone even longer without overflowing. I’m not sure if the length of the cup is the issue? On one hand, I think the cramps I’m experiencing are a symptom of that. But on the other hand, after I insert the cup, and walk around, sit down, stand up, etc the stem of the cup is not sticking out at all. Also, I have noticed that sometimes when I go to remove the cup it’s tilted to one side or the other instead of straight up and down like when I inserted it. I just ordered a small sized Super Jennie hoping that a softer cup would help solve these problems, but now I’m having second thoughts…
Hi Gigi!
It seems those who experience cramping with the Diva Cup, find that a slightly softer cup ease those cramps. Does the cup fit you okay other than the cramping? The length?
The cup that eased those cramps for me was the EvaCup. It’s not even that much more soft but something just made it work with my body better. There’s a slimmer cup which again isn’t THAT much more soft, but I don’t experience any extra cramping with it either. It’s the Casco Cup (You can find this cup under the name of Green Cup of Maine, as well). I’m not sure where you’re located, but you might also check out the Soft MeLuna.
If the length is not comfortable for you, you may be more comfortable with a bell shaped cup with a regular rim (as opposed to a flared rim). Something like the LaliCup, Bella Cup or Juju Cup.
As for the leaking, you may not actually be leaking. After you insert your cup, there is still residual blood coating the walls of your vagina. People refer to this as “residual slobber”. This blood will eventual pool down and out ending up on your undies. If this is what’s happening, you can squat down, bear down and wipe the stem and/or grip rings with a wet wipe or cloth. This will clean up any excess blood and hopefully eliminate any spotting/leaking.
Tip #4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HeY8-c9zHA
Our cervix is not straight up. It goes more back toward our tailbone. Some notice that their cervix is more on one side than the other.
The Super Jennie small is nice cup. It’s softer but still opens pretty easy for most. Even the small has a good capacity so hopefully it’ll allow you a good length of time before needing to empty it.
Good Luck with the SJ. I hope it works better for you!! <3
I am trying to figure out which menstrual cup I should buy , and from what I read one of the biggest factors is if you have a high , low or medium length to your cervix. I did the finger test ( on the first and second day of my period), but I am still unsure, I wasn’t able to reach and maybe was just able to reach my cervix , but I have really short fingers, my longest finger is 2.5 inches long, so would that be considered a high cervix? I was reading a blog that mentioned 3-4 inches is what people where considering a high cervix . Also any suggestions for how I can try to see how far until I for sure can touch my Cervix besides my fingers, since they are too short?
Hi Kristen!
The questions I normally ask someone when they’re looking for a cup are:
-Cervix Height
-Physical Activities
-Bladder Sensitivity
-Light or Heavy Flow
If you’re having troubles finding or reaching your cervix, I would start with an “average” sized cup or a “medium” sized cup. Sorry to say, but you won’t know which way on the scale to choose until you at least try one. If you get a cup that’s on the longer side it will likely feel uncomfortable if it’s sitting too near the opening of your vagina. However, it’ll still have enough length for you to reach it easily (as a new user).
If you start off with a cup that’s too short for you, you might have troubles reaching it.
If you’re very active, you might rather have a firmer cup. A lot of people who do strenuous work outs find a firm cup stays open and in place better than a softer cup.
If you have a sensitive bladder, you might want to go with something softer or a cup without a flared rim. If you get a cup that’s too firm and you have a sensitive bladder, you might feel like you need to urinate more often or that you didn’t empty your bladder all the way when you do urinate.
If you have a light low, you can go with a size small. A heavy flow, then you’ll probably want something larger.
Some cups I would suggest looking into that are “middle of the road” are: Diva Cup, EvaCup, LaliCup, Casco Cup, Fleur, MeLuna Classic (large for heavy flow, medium for light flow), Lunette (on the shorter & firmer side), Yuuki (soft).
If you answer the other three questions that I normally ask, I might be able to narrow these cups down for you even further.
Good Luck and don’t hesitate to ask more questions 🙂
I just purchased my first cup and am not happy with it.
My friend gave me a softcup (unused of course) to try about a year ago and it was EXTREMELY uncomfortable and unbearable to wear.
It sealed fine and didn’t leak but man it pushed on everything and HURT, made cramps worse, and hurt even after taking out.
Some back story, I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis so I have a swollen colon and anything that presses against my vaginal walls therefore presses against my colon and hurts. Cramps worsen the colon pain and then the pressing of the firm cup worsens it even more so …
I purchased the Lena Sensitive small because it stated it was designed specifically for “sensitive anatomies and bladders” so I imagined it would be super soft and perfect. It’s still too firm ! Has anyone used this cup and found an even softer one ? It’s a relatively new model by then though so it’s hard to find anyone that’s used it and had the same issue. And when I have to go to the bathroom (1 and esp 2) it begins to push itself out.
Also, the stem sticks out and is uncomfortable. I could trim it but I’m so paranoid that I won’t be able to grab it to take it out. The entire cup itself feels as if it’s too long to me.
Can anyone please help with this dilemma ?! I’m not sure how all these people can buy almost every cup on the market and try them when they’re around $30 a piece. I can’t manage to do that so I’d like to try to get it right instead of this trial and error buying.
Sadly, menstrual cups are not a “one size fits all” thing. It’s a rare thing when someone buys one blindly and it working out perfectly for them. You already know that there’s a big difference between the SoftCups by Instead/Flex Cups and the other type of cups like the Lena Cup.
A lot of it depends on the height of your cervix. If a cup is too long for you, it may sit right inside of the vagina and can be felt anytime you move around, or actually protrude from your body.
Normally a bell-shaped cup fits a low cervix better. A bell-shaped cup with a flared rim tends to ride up and sit higher. However, you may find a bell-shaped cup with a “regular” wide rim allows your cervix to sit inside of the cup better and still allows you the extra capacity.
Sometimes people find that a cup with a wider rim also helps to keep the cup in place. Others just feel more comfortable removing their cup to use the bathroom when they have a bowel movement, but can usually find a cup that is comfortable enough to use while urinating.
It sounds like you have a very low cervix since the Lena (bell-shaped w/flared rim) in a size small still feels, as you said, too long. You can trim the stem a grip ring by grip ring until you’re comfortable reaching it and comfortable wearing it. You can also try to flip your cup inside out and try it that way. If your cup is that low, you shouldn’t have any problems reaching for it though. If for some reason you can’t reach your cup at first, do a series of bear downing while squatting. This should bring your cup down little by little until you can reach it. Don’t forget to break the seal by pinching the cup or collapsing the rim before pulling. With some sensitivities I don’t want you to experience extra pain.
Double check to make sure, and try to do this while you have your period.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNoiRIMAhY0
There are several cups that are shorter than the Lena and some are softer.
Some cups that you can look into are:
Sckoon – small than most small cups, “gummy” silicone which makes it feel softer
Super Jennie – soft, wider rim, good capacity even for size small
Ruby Cup – smaller than most small cups, soft
MeLuna – Classic small or medium, or even the “Shorty” versions for a super low cervix
As for buying several cups, I wait for sales (almost every single holiday), I buy “destashed” cups and sanitize them to my liking, and/or I just save a bit here and there. I also have on going discount codes for certain sites that sell cups as well as other menstrual items.
FeminineWear.co.uk, MenstrualCup.co and/or SuperJennie.com = 10% off code: RedHerringTV
If you find that a cup doesn’t work for you, you can always resell them on one of the Menstrual Cup FB groups. There are people there that would be happy to find a deal and you recoup some of your funds back.
I hope that I covered all of your questions/concerns. Please let me know if there’s anything else I might be able to help with or elaborate on. 🙂