Are you tired of spending money on tampons and pads? Tired of experiencing leakage and discomfort?
Before, the only options of feminine hygiene products included tampons and pads. They served to be the most convenient and reliable option available. However, with increasing research, it’s now clear that using these harms the environment and our bodies.
Using tampons and pads contributes towards a throwaway culture many are trying to move away from. They also create problems of hygiene as the absorption of blood creates an environment for bacteria.
If only there was a cost effective and sustainable solution… Women are always going to have periods so isn’t it better to find a more sustainable solution now?
Have you tried a menstrual cup? Menstrual cups are going in popularity and serve to be the perfect alternative to tampons and pads. Easy to use, clean, and sustainable, what’s not to love!
If you’re tired of using tampons and pads and have been looking for an alternative solution, this guide will give you a list of the best menstrual cups for beginners along with all the information you need to know to make the transition.
What is a menstrual cup and how do they work?
A menstrual cup is a flexible silicone cup that is inserted. Unlike tampons or pads that absorb fluid, a menstrual cup collects the blood during a period.
Unlike tampons and pads, they are reusable often lasting up to 10 years. All you have to do is remove it, dispose of the content, clean it and continue with your day.
OUR TOP PICK
This is not only comfortable but sturdy, enabling you to continue being active without worry as it holds securely in place offering up to 12 hours of comfortable wear.
Lena performs well whether you’re running a marathon or resting. This is a great beginner cup for anyone who is active and looking for something that fits into their lifestyle.
That is also a great beginner menstrual cup for anyone who has a cervix that is sensitive to pressure as it is softer than other menstrual cups.
Lena is hypoallergenic as it is free of BPA, latex, and dioxins. Lena sensitivity is great for anyone who suffers from cramps.
Pros
- 100% consumer packaging is completely recyclable and chlorine free
- BPA free, plastic free, phthalate free, and latex free
- Made from medical grade, reusable silicone
EDITORS CHOICE
OrganiCup is an award winning menstrual cup known for being kind to skin. Made from medical grade silicone, this menstrual cup can hold three tampons worth without irritation and dryness. This product enables firm hold allowing wear of up to 12 hours.
The OrganiCup is a great way to ensure that your pH balance is kept intact without the risks of absorption associated with tampons and pads. Made from a soft material, this menstrual cup is secure and comfortable to wear with no worries of leakage.
OrganiCup stands as an easier, healthier, and greener alternative to tampons and pads. The packaging of this product is made from recycled material and unbleached cotton. It provides a solution to waste as is registered with The Vegan Society.
Pros
- Sustainable material - 100% medical grade silicone
- Free from chemicals, toxins, and artificial colorings
- Allergy certified and certified vegan
BEST VALUE
Flex Cup offers easy removal making it ideal for anyone new to using a menstrual cup. This product contains a unique pull design to help you remove the cup.
This design makes transitioning from tampons to a menstrual cup less hassle as it enables easy removal in the same way you would remove a tampon.
Flex Cup contains a customizable stem that makes the product suitable for all body types. This feature makes it so that the stem can be made shorter or longer as needed. Its slim fit also ensures comfortable insertion, making it a great starter cup for beginners.
This cup offers up to 12 hours of period protection enabling you to get on with your day without hassle or worry of leaking as it holds up to 3 tampons worth for extra protection.
The cup is also super safe and sustainable as it is free from BPA, phthalates, and latex it is made from 100% medical grade silicone and is FDA registered and hypoallergenic making it ideal for any with a sensitive cervix.
Pros
- FDA registered and hypoallergenic
- 100% medical grade silicone
- Unique pull design for easy removal
RUNNER UP
Saalt offers a soft and flexible menstrual cup for beginners. Made with an ultra soft silicone formula, this menstrual cup offers a soft and velvety texture that sits comfortably.
Designed for comfort, this cup is gentle and light making it ideal for those with a sensitive bladder or period cramps.
The bulb shape of the cup with a smooth upper rim, along with its soft exterior makes for easy insertion and a firm hold. This cup is leak proof and odor proof.
This product is safe and sustainably made from 100% medical grade silicone and natural dyes that are kind to sensitive skin and non-toxic.
An indented stem and reinforced cuff enables easy and comfortable removal and prevents folding to protect from leaking. Its bulb design includes multiple seal points to help to prevent leaking.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic and ideal for anyone who experiences cramping and bladder sensitivity
- Sustainable design - 100% medical grade silicone
- Safe - BPA, latex, and toxin free
RUNNER UP
Tampax is a trusted brand when it comes to feminine hygiene. Tampax’s menstrual cup is a great alternative to tampons and pads. It provides hours of comfort and protection making it a great starter cup for anyone transitioning from tampons.
This cup is designed in a soft curved shape for a comfortable and secure hold. Its soft material made from 100% medical grade silicone ensures reduced pressure on the bladder making this an ideal choice for anyone who experiences bladder discomfort or cramping.
This cup contains a wider rim for extra comfort and secure hold as well as a short and round stem to allow long-lasting wear without discomfort. Its secure hold makes it suitable for regular and heavy flows.
This product comes with a protective case to ensure that your menstrual cup is protected from bacteria between cycles.
Pros
- FDA registered to ensure comfort and safety
- Protection case and free panty liner for protection
- Sustainably design - made from 100% medical grade silicone
RUNNER UP
The Honey Pot Company offers a reusable, hypoallergenic menstrual cup. This cup is made from a soft and flexible material making it so comfortable to wear that you’ll barely notice it.
This cup is designed to be comfortable during any activity. Its lightweight design enables it to sit comfortably in the cervix.
This product is designed for a secure hold. Its seals are leakproof and offer unsurpassed protection for up to 12 hours for maximum hold.
This design contains a wide ridge for a secure fit and added comfort. It also contains textured grip rings at the base to enable easy removal.
Gynecology tested, this product is approved and eco-friendly making it a reliable first menstrual cup for beginners.
It is also made from premium medical grade A silicone free from harsh chemicals, toxins, and latex. This product is not only safe but also suitable for women with a sensitive cervix.
Pros
- Safe and sustainable material - 100% medical grade silicone
- Gynecology tested
- Textured grip rings at the base for easy removal
RUNNER UP
Softdisc offers a disposable menstrual disc ideal for beginners on the go. This product is an alternative to tampons, pads, and menstrual cups with its unique disc design.
Unlike other menstrual cups, this product holds 5 tampons worth of fluid making it ideal for anyone with a heavy flow. Its soft and malleable material makes it comfortable to wear and ensures a leakproof and odour free experience.
The Softdisc menstrual disc is easy to change and remove to dispose of on the go. Its rim creates a comfortable seal at the base of the cervix for a secure hold to prevent any worries of leakage. Its security makes it suitable to use on all occasions and activities.
Pros
- Up to 12 hours of protection for long-lasting wear
- Holds 5 tampons worth of fluid
- Easy to remove and change making it ideal for when you’re on the go
RUNNER UP
The Lunette menstrual cup provides a safe and comfortable period making it an ideal product for beginners. The Lunette menstrual cup lasts up to 2 years and is made from medical grade silicone.
This product is great for anyone with a light to normal flow. Not only is it made from a sustainable material, but it is also registered with The Vegan Society and is free from chemicals, latex, and BPA.
With a unique bell design and thinner cup, this menstrual cup is made for a secure and comfortable fit making it an ideal choice for a beginner. It ensures up to 12 hours of protection a day and is reusable lasting up to several years.
This product is increasingly popular amongst young users as well as those with an active lifestyle or those who experience cramping during their period.
The Lunette menstrual cup also comes with a storage pouch and a step-by-step guide making it a great option for beginners.
Pros
- Smooth interior for easy cleaning
- Unique and superior shape for secure hold and comfort
- Stem for easy removal
RUNNER UP
Intimina Lily’s compact menstrual cup offers a flat-fold compact design ideal for beginners on the go. This unique collapsible design makes using this menstrual cup super especially when you’re out and about.
It offers up to 8 hours of protection for a hassle free period. This cup helps to protect your body’s natural pH balance and is completely safe for your body as it contains zero toxins.
This product contains a short stem for easy grip and removal. Its shorter base also makes it more comfortable for anyone with a lower cervix. Its wide rim ensures a secure and comfortable hold preventing leakage. Its secure hold also ensures an odour free period.
This product is brilliant for carrying around in your bag ready for when you need it. It collapses flat in a discreet plastic box making it easy and convenient to whip out.
It’s also made from 100% medical grade silicone to ensure maximum comfort with its soft exterior.
Pros
- Collapsable for convenience
- Up to 8 hours of protection for long-lasting wear
- The low base is ideal for anyone with a lower cervix
RUNNER UP
Intimina Lily offers a thin menstrual cup with a body aligned design for extra comfort. This is an ideal choice for a beginner. This menstrual cup is made with a unique slanted design to make it completely spill proof.
This design ensures complete confidence and comfort as it allows for uncompromised protection for up to 12 hours of the day. This menstrual cup is designed to fit your body’s natural curves with a spill proof rim to ensure that it stays in place.
The Intimina Lily menstrual cup is extremely soft and made from medical grade silicone making it easy to clean and remove.
Its design is also considerably taller than other menstrual cups which increases its capacity making it suitable for those with a heavy flow. This feature also makes it an ideal choice for anyone with a higher cervix.
Pros
- Ultra soft design for flexibility and comfort
- Slanted design for comfort
- Sustainable material - 100% medical grade silicone
Best Menstrual Cup For Beginners Buying Guide
How to choose your first menstrual cup
Size
Finding the right size menstrual cup is relatively easy. Most brands come with two size options. These sizes are based on the size of your cervix. One will be smaller and this is usually designed for those with a smaller cervix.
This is for anyone who hasn’t given birth, has given birth by cesarean, or has a light flow. The larger menstrual cups are designed for anyone who has given birth, has a heavy flow, or has a weaker pelvic floor.
Features
The different menstrual cups presented each offer unique features that make them stand out. What might work for one person may not work for another.
To find the right menstrual cup for you, consider what it is you’d like in a menstrual cup. Here are a couple of features to consider:
- Wide rim - for a secure hold
- Long stem - for easy removal
- Textured exterior - leakproof
- 100% medical grade silicone - soft material for added comfort
- Cup shade - unique shapes for lower or high cervixes
These are just a couple of things to consider when you’re looking for a menstrual cup. To help you further, it’s always worth doing your research to see which features you may find beneficial.
How To Use?
If you’ve never used a menstrual cup, the idea of it can be daunting. What if it spills?
What if it leaks? The chances of leakage with a menstrual cup are minimal, especially if you use it in the right way. Here’s how to use a menstrual cup:
- Fold - Gently hold the base of your menstrual cup and fold it in half.
- Insert - Angling your cup towards your tailbone, insert it until the stem is inside.
- Placement - Rotate your cup in both directions and then slightly pull down. Run your finger around the rim of the cup to ensure the cup is open completely. Check the cup isn’t moving and then you're good to go.
- Removal - Hold onto the stem and softly squeeze the base. This will release the seal. Now, gently pull the step and the cup should come out.
How To Clean?
Cleaning your menstrual cup is essential to ensuring maximum hygiene. To clean your cup during your period, gently wash it with warm water and unscented soap ensuring you’ve washed around the ridges. Be sure to avoid using scented soap as this can irritate.
To clean your menstrual cup between cycles, sanitize it by placing it in boiling water for 5-8 minutes. Dry it out thoroughly and store it in a container or case. If your menstrual cup comes with a case, clean it between cycles using warm water and unscented soap.
If you are unsure of how to clean your menstrual cup, follow the directions on the manufacturer's instructions.
Cleaning On The Go?
To clean your menstrual cup on the go, take a water bottle and hand sanitizer or wipes with you. After disposing of the cup of fluid, use the water to clean out the cup.
Then, use hand sanitizer or wipes to sanitize your hands. It’s important that when you are using public spaces you maintain maximum levels of hygiene.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Menstrual Cup Size Is Best For Beginners?
The size of the menstrual cup will depend on the size of your cervix. Brands will often offer menstrual cups in two sizes.
The first is smaller, designed for those with a lighter flow or for anyone who hasn’t given birth vaginally. The second is for those with a heavier flow and for anyone who has given birth.
Does Using A Menstrual Cup Hurt?
No. A good menstrual cup should be unnoticeable once it is in place allowing you to get on with your day. Take a look at the products presented.
Can You Get Toxic Shock Syndrome From Using A Menstrual Cup?
When you wear a tampon, the fluid is absorbed and stays stagnant in the body for a couple of hours. This creates an environment for bacteria to grow. This bacteria can make you prone to infection or put you at risk of toxic shock syndrome.
Unlike tampons, menstrual cups collect the blood rather than absorbing it, making for a bacteria free environment making the risk of toxic shock syndrome less likely.
How Long Can You Wear A Menstrual Cup?
Menstrual cups vary in how much fluid they can hold. Some up to 3 tampons worth, others hold up to 5. How long you wear a menstrual cup depends on your flow.
Whilst most are wearable up between 8-12 hours if you feel you need to change it soon then go ahead. If the cup reaches capacity, the seal around the cup may become loose and may cause a leak.
To avoid leakage, make sure you have the right size cup. A light flow will be fine with a smaller sized cup, whilst a heavier flow would work better with a larger sized cup.
Can You Wear A Menstrual Cup Overnight?
Yes. You should be able to wear it as long as it is changed between 8-12 hours.
How Long Do They Last?
Menstrual cups tend to last a long time, a lot longer than tampons… Most menstrual cups last up to 10 years. However, look out for any signs of degradation or odor. If you find your cup is a little worse for wear, replace it as and when you need to.
Takeaway
There is a common misconception that menstrual cups are difficult and messy, but they prove to be the opposite, being simple to use, easy to clean, and kind to the environment.
The products presented each come with great features that make them comfortable for a beginner to use. There are so many options to choose from that are compatible for being with different flows and preferences.
Each brand offers an option of sizes to help you find the right fit.
If you’re tired of using tampons and contributing to a throwaway culture, you now have the information you need to go forward and make the transition to using a menstrual cup.
