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Our top picks:
The flexible silicone cups for your period known as menstrual cups are a great choice for the environment — one can replace hundreds of tampons or pads each year alone. In fact, in a recent Good Housekeeping Institute survey, panelists reported that the number one reason they use menstrual cups is due to the lessened waste.
In order to find the best menstrual cups, our experts consulted with Alyssa Dweck M.D., a leading gynecologist in New York and spent hours vetting brands, materials and features before testing cups for retention in the Lab. Meanwhile, at-home testers provided insights on comfort and ease of use. Additionally, we sent an in-depth survey to our panel of consumer testers asking for feedback on the menstrual cups they use.
If you're interested in more of our top-tested menstrual products, check out our guides to the best period underwear and the best tampon brands.
Pros
- Over 14K rave reviews on Amazon
- Great for beginners
- Easy to remove
Cons
- Reviewers recommend going up a size if you've given birth
Lab testers raved about these menstrual cups for being a beginner-friendly and super comfy cup. Amazon reviewers agree, giving this cup over 14,000 five-star reviews. The Lena Cup features a bell-shaped design that's designed to have a snug fit to prevent leaks. The grips on the stem and base of the cup make for easier removal.
Pros
- Over 7K rave reviews on Amazon
- Popular affordable pick among our tester panel
- Stem can be trimmed
Cons
- Some reviewers say the carrying bag isn't great quality
For less than $7 per cup, these menstrual cups are a super affordable option. This box comes with two cups, so you can have one for home and one for the office in case your period strikes unexpectedly. It also comes with a drawstring bag for easy storage between cycles.
Pros
- Nearly 18K rave reviews on Amazon
- Well-known brand in the menstrual cup market
- B Corp company
Cons
- Might be more difficult to clean than other options
Diva is a popular brand when it comes to menstrual cups and this model was the most popular pick amongst our panel of consumer testers. Diva is also a B Corp company, meaning it meets strict social and environmental standards.
Our testers mostly used the “Model 1” size, but there are also sizes 0 and 2 for those with a lighter and heavier flows, respectively. The DivaCup is longer than other menstrual cups, so it's best for people with a higher cervix. Note that the stem is open on the DivaCup, which can make it more difficult to clean and it cannot be trimmed to size.
Pros
- 13 color options
- Small air holes help with proper suction
- Over 6K rave reviews
Cons
- Some reviewers found the material "too flimsy"
Athena was another popular brand among our consumer tester panel. Available in two sizes and 13 shades, this pick offers a lot of variety if that is important to you (most menstrual cups are only available in one or two colors). Athena menstrual cups also feature small air holes at the top, which are designed to prevent leaks when removing one. The lightweight material is ideal for beginners as it allows easier insertion.
Pros
- Holds up to 6 tampons worth of fluid
- Doesn't rely on suction
- Shorter profile
Cons
- Takes a bit of practice to find proper insertion that prevents leaks
If you're already a fan of menstrual discs because of your low cervix, this reusable option from Flex is a game-changer. Menstrual cups have a longer thinner body while menstrual discs are flatter, ideal for anyone with a lower cervix or if you dislike the feeling of suction. GH Lab analysts love this product's innovative design; one said "this disc was comfy for all day wear with no leaks!"
Pros
- Reviewers say it's a game changer if you have a heavier flow
- Made in the U.S.A.
Cons
- Most expensive option on our list
If you’re already comfortable using menstrual cups but are looking for a cup that can handle a heavier flow, this one is up for the challenge. The large size can hold over 40mL of fluid, keeping you leak-free even on heavier flow days.
Pros
- Unique design with no-drip funnel
- Easy to remove ring
- Best for high cervix
Cons
- Suction too strong for some users
If you've tried a traditional menstrual cup but haven't found the right fit, the FemmyCycle Cup has a completely different shape. Its rounded design with a no-drip funnel to prevent leaks is especially great if you have a higher cervix or have given birth. Reviewers who have had leaking issues in the past with other menstrual cups rave that the FemmyCycle stayed perfectly in place.
Pros
- Collapses to a smaller size
- Includes carrying case
- Can adjust the height
Cons
- More difficult to clean
Perfect to keep in your bag on the go, this menstrual cup compresses into a compact design, easily fitting inside a small case. Featuring a shorter length, Intimina's menstrual cup is also great for those with a low cervix.
Pros
- Two options for different flows
- Available at drugstores
- Includes carrying case
Cons
- Testers found this tough to clean
A top-performing brand in our latest tampon test, Tampax recently launched a line of menstrual cups, which are available at some local pharmacies (unlike most menstrual cups which have to be purchased online). You can choose regular or heavy flow, or opt to purchase the full $70 starter kit, which includes both sizes as well as cleaning wipes.
How we test menstrual cups
The Good Housekeeping Institute Textile Lab analysts are experts in all types of menstrual products and we rigorously test tampons and period underwear in our Lab. For this story, we sent a survey to our reader panel comprised of thousands of consumer testers asking them to offer feedback on which menstrual cups they use and what features they look for when shopping.
From that survey, we reviewed over 1,000 data points that helped us inform our recommendations. Lab experts and consumer testers also tried out different menstrual cup styles at home to compare the materials, features and ease of use. Our analysts also worked closely with Alyssa Dweck M.D., a leading gynecologist in New York, to answer your most pressing questions about menstrual cups.
What are menstrual cups?
Menstrual cups are generally made of medical grade silicone and are inserted close to the cervix to collect the blood and uterine lining released during your cycle. Because they don’t absorb blood like tampons or pads, menstrual cups can be washed and reused. For the same reason, the risk for toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is "minimal," according to Dr. Dweck.
Menstrual cups can also hold more blood than tampons and pads, so they can be worn for up to 12 hours, though Dr. Dweck recommends changing your menstrual cup within eight hours to be proactive. That means that it's safe (and comfortable!) to sleep in your menstrual cup. Plus, our testers swear cups are more comfortable and have fewer leaks than tampons.
How do you choose which menstrual cup to buy?
Every person's body is different and therefore, there isn't one best menstrual cup for everyone. There are three factors to take into consideration when deciding which menstrual cup is best for you:
✔️ Flow: Many cups are designed specifically for a light or heavy flow. If you are unsure how heavy your flow is, we recommend starting with the smaller sizes and working your way up if needed.
✔️ Birthing history: If you have ever given birth vaginally, many brands will recommend certain sizes for a better fit.
✔️ Cervix height: To determine your cervix height, you can insert your index finger (after thoroughly washing your hands first) into your vagina. Reaching up to your "first knuckle means low cervix further means higher cervix," says Dr. Dweck. Cervix height may change throughout your cycle, so it's best to measure when you're menstruating.
How do you use a menstrual cup?
Each cup comes with instructions on use, care and answers to common questions — we recommend thoroughly reading the instructions, so that you have the best experience right off the bat. Learning how to insert your cup takes time and practice.
That said, here's how to insert a menstrual cup:
- Fold the cup.
- Insert into the vagina. Upon release, it should “suction” into place, so you don’t feel it and it stays secure.
- To remove, pull at the base of the cup – but do not pull on the stem, as you’ll be more likely to spill the contents!
How do you clean a menstrual cup?
Make sure to first sterilize the cup by submerging it in an open pot of boiling water for 5-10 minutes before using. It should then be washed between each use with warm water and an unscented, water-based and oil-free soap (there are also specific menstrual cup soaps you can use). Be aware that cups can be a hassle to clean in public settings, like work, as they have to be rinsed and washed in the sink.
Between each cycle, sterilize the cup in boiling water. To prevent damaging (and thus ruining) your menstrual cup while sterilizing, make sure to use plenty of water and to keep a close eye on your cup the entire time. Store your menstrual cup safely, either in an included bag, or a case. Do not store your menstrual cup in an air-tight container: A lack of air can actually damage and misshape the cup.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Emma Seymour is a senior product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she's worked for over three years, overseeing Lab and consumer tests for menstrual products as well as pillows, sheets and more. With a degree in Fiber Science and Apparel Design from Cornell University, she has extensive research experience. As a lifetime sewer with previous product development experience, she has strong expertise in proper fit and construction.
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