Many women now use menstrual cups to replace tampons whenever it’s “period time” because this product line is not only smart, safe, and convenient to use, but it also saves money and protects the environment. So, in this article, I will highlight ten of the greatest and safest items for you to use.
A menstrual cup collects the menstrual fluid naturally produced in the body. It should not leak out and should remain inside the vagina for an extended time. Users can reuse a cup for many years without needing to replace it. Many women opt to use menstrual cups instead of traditional feminine hygiene products thanks to their unique properties. The best menstrual cup brands frequently get selected by the ladies.
How does a menstrual cup work?
Menstrual cups are like tampons in that they require insertion; however, they collect blood in a small rubber or silicone cup. They are non-absorbent and reusable feminine hygiene products similar to the cup used for inserting tampons. That said, ob-gyn Ruth Arumala, DO, from Mansfield, Texas, notes that they’re not the same as tampons. Menstrual cups are small, flexible silicone or rubber cups that are inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood. Compared to regular menstrual pads, they only collect a couple of teaspoons of blood per day. Consequently, the cups funnel the blood through the body in a similar fashion to a tampon.
According to Dr. Arumala, the cup can be used for up to a year with proper care— including washing and reusing— before it needs to be replaced. Many women find this cup to be incredibly convenient, and it’s one of the main reasons they make the switch to a menstrual cup.
What are the benefits of using a menstrual cup?
Considering the many benefits and popularity of period cups, it’s no surprise that they’re becoming more popular. One reason is that they have a positive environmental and social impact. Girls and women in low-income areas may experience menstrual period poverty due to a lack of menstrual hygiene products. Menstrual cups may help them move around normally during their periods.
Menstrual cups significantly reduce costs by eliminating single-use plastic pads and tampons. They also prevent leakage and cramping by keeping blood in the vagina instead of on disposable pads or tampons. For these reasons, some women choose to use a cup instead of tampons or pads. However, menstrual cups can cause an unpleasant odor because they disrupt the acidic environment of the vagina. Deeannah Seymour, CEO and founder of pH-D Feminine Health, says this odor is caused by blood breaking down the healthy bacteria in the vagina. She adds that tampons and pads can also disrupt this balance by absorbing this same fluid. As a result, there’s less of a chance that anyone—or your neighbor’s dog—will notice a foul smell coming from you.
The menstrual cup still causes TSS, or toxic shock syndrome. This occurs even though the cup can still be used safely. Each time you remove the cup, you must clean and sterilize it.
Who should use menstrual cups?
Because menstruating women make great candidates for using a menstrual cup, Dr. Arumala recommends considering alternatives to pads and tampons. One popular choice is a menstrual cup, which can be more cost-effective, environmentally friendly and suitable for personal reasons.
What should I look for in a menstrual cup?
Given the variety of menstrual cup options available, it’s vital to be aware that finding the one that works best for you can require some trial and error, according to Greves. But based on your anatomy, there are various methods to limit your search—and the amount of money you spend.
Size
Many menstrual cups come in different sizes based on age, the position of the uterus and whether a woman has given birth vaginally. companies recommend particular sizes depending on these factors. Some users even suggest that larger cups are best for women over 30 with heavy periods or women who have given birth.
Noting her preference for larger sizes, Dr. Greves explains that women with higher cervixes might choose larger sizes to accommodate their anatomy. She adds that removing the cervix can be difficult for some women with a high cervix— or with a short, low-cut cervix — because they may experience fear of losing it.
You can find out where your uterus is located by inserting a finger clean of any contamination into your vagina. Ideally, you should use your longest finger when testing to determine where your cervix is. If you feel it quickly, this indicates your cervix is lower in position than if you take longer to insert a finger. This leads to the conclusion that a higher position indicates a more prominent cervix.
Capacity
If you require a larger cup, your flow rate likely determines whether you need a high or low capacity cup. This is according to Dr. Greves’ statements. A menstrual disc might be a better option if you have a heavy flow. It can typically hold more than a menstrual cup depending on its size. Alternatively, you can opt for a menstrual cup that’s smaller than average but fits your body better.
Firmness
The cup’s firmness is determined by how easy it is to fold and insert the cup, as well as the rigidity of the lip. It helps with leak prevention and bladder sensitivity. “One downside of a less hard one is that it may leak a little bit more,” Dr. Greves notes. A more firm cup, on the other hand, may cause discomfort and unwelcome pressure if you have a sensitive bladder. Some people are unaware they have bladder sensitivity until they use a menstrual cup, so this is something to investigate.
Use type
Menstrual cups are almost universally reusable, which reduces waste. However, if you choose a menstruation disc, make sure to find out whether it is disposable or self-emptying.
The 10 Best Menstrual Cups For Everyone in 2023
Lincup Menstrual cup
US FDA certified by Lincup as an American brand is a popular product that uses pH-balancing ingredients and no harmful chemicals. Its colorants are also non-irritating. In addition to this, the product is approved by the ISO 9001: 2008 standards, making it a safe buy for consumers.
The Lincup menstruation cup is available in three sizes:
- 28ml for women with high menstrual flow or who have not given birth
- 34ml for women with a typical menstruation volume or for women who have had their first cesarean section or vaginal birth.
- 40ml for women who have heavy menstrual flow or who give birth naturally for the first and second time
Menstrual Cup Claricup
Claricup is the world’s first menstrual cup manufactured entirely of superior medical grade silicone that is biocompatible and self-antimicrobial. Claricup has no effect on vaginal discharge, so you can use it to avoid bleeding before and during your period.
Claricup menstruation cup, manufactured by Calripharm (France), is the world’s first and only cup with self-antibacterial capabilities, certified by FDA (USA), EC (Europe), and UKAS (UK). Claricup comes in four sizes that are ideal for all ladies.
- Size 0: For young ladies under 18 years old with low menstrual blood volume, capacity: 13.7 ml; size 36x44mm; hardness 50
- Size 1: For women with low to moderate menstrual blood volume, unmarried women, or those who have had a caesarean section, cup length, capacity: 20.2 ml, size: 41x47mm; hardness 50
- Size 2: For women who “naturally gave birth” or who had a caesarean section yet have a big body with a lot of menstrual flow, capacity: 29.5 ml, size 46x52mm; hardness 50
- Size 3: For women with a lot of menstrual flow or many vaginal births who have lost vaginal elasticity, capacity: 36 ml, size 51x52mm; hardness 60
Sibell Menstrual Cup
Sibell is a brand of Siline Sterne, a well-known French medical silicone manufacturer. As a consequence, users may be confident in the quality of the Sibell menstrual cup; with a heat resistance of up to 150 degrees Celsius, the cup will provide numerous benefits during the sterilizing and cleaning processes.
- S: For women who have had a caesarean section or who have not given birth. Size 41*47mm. Capacity: 20ml
- Size L: For women who have had at least one natural birth. Size 46*52mm. 30ml capacity.
The Honey Pot menstrual cup
A popular cult brand has a menstrual cup that’s free of latex, plastic and phthalates. They also have finger knobs and rings for extra grip, making their cup ideal for both nighttime and day use. Some reviewers claim the cup helps alleviate cramps.
- Size 1 is ideal for those with a light-to-medium flow
- Size 2 is ideal for those with a medium-to-heavy flow and those who have given birth
Hello Cup
Culver praises this item as being available in a variety of sizes. It comes in small/medium, medium, large and extra large. There is also a great starter kit for first-time users. Culver also enjoys the fact that the brand Dr. Jessica Shepherd, an OB/GYN in Chicago, endorses it. Culver enjoys that this menstrual cup comes in different sizes: small, medium and large. It also has a great starter kit for first-time users. Chicago-based OB/GYN Dr. Jessica Shepherd and VeryWell Health’s Chief Medical Officer both praised this cup, stating that it’s superior to other brands.
Facelle menstrual cup
Facelle menstrual cup is a German domestic product, designed in the form of a funnel used in the vagina of a woman during menstruation. It is made of medical-grade silicone, which doesn’t contain any bacteria; you don’t have to worry about it. It also doesn’t absorb any liquid; that way, it doesn’t disrupt the natural vaginal ecosystem.
- Size XS: for women up to 1.7 m tall and/or slim and/or had sex, not having children yet
- Size S: for women up to 1.7 m tall and/or moderately thin and/or not having children yet
- Size M: for women over 1.7 m tall and/or normal to healthy and/or have given birth
Evacup
Evacup is an American premium brand loved around the world for its popularity. It is the most highly appreciated and used product in over 50 countries. Evacup menstrual cups help users improve their quality of life, improve their way of living and protect the environment.
- Size S is for women who have not given birth or have a caesarean section, or have a vaginal birth but are small to medium (age 30 or older) with an average menstrual volume (who needs to change tampons every 3-4 hours) Size: 41mm (width)*47mm (length) Container capacity: 20ml
- Size L is for women who have given birth naturally and for people with a lot of blood, women over 30 years old, tall and tall (over 1.6m). Size: 46mm (width)*52mm (length) Container capacity: 30ml
Lunette Menstrual cup
The Lunette company produces a range of products loved and used by women in over 50 countries. They include the menstrual cup, which is said to be the safest and most effective method of contraception by experts. It is also considered the most compact, stylish and high-quality product line.
- Size S: Size (41*47mm) with a capacity of 25ml for people who have had a caesarean section or have not given birth, with a small vagina.
- Size L: Size (46*52mm) 30ml capacity for people with at least one normal birth
Liberty Cup
The Liberty Cup is the most popular menstrual cup brand in Europe and France. It is also the leading cup brand in France and the only one certified by ISO 17025 as safe. It can be bought in pharmacies throughout France.
- Size 1: For women under 30 years old, small body, have not given birth or given birth by cesarean section.
- Size 2: For people who are over 30 years old, have given birth by natural birth method, “large” body.
Diva Cup
The DivaCup is one of the most popular menstrual cups on the market. It is made out of silicone, which contains no chemicals, dyes or plastics. The cup has three sizes and is typically the gold standard for reusable menstrual care.
This DivaCup comes with a code on its side that indicates the product you bought is authentic. If it isn’t, then you know it’s a fake.
- Model 0: For age 18 and under
- Model 1: Ages 19-30 with medium flow
- Model 2: Age 30+ and/or heavy flow
How to use and insert a menstrual cup
Understanding your body and vagina is necessary to inserting and removing a menstrual cup. This is because it takes some time to get used to this process.
When using a menstrual cup, you must first learn how to fold and insert it into your vaginal canal. This process can be similar to other new habits that one has to learn. Jyothi Parapurath, a general practitioner at Caremount Medical Group in New York, explains that cups seal themselves against the walls of the vagina and collect one’s blood. Ideally, there should be no leakage when inserting the cup.
When it’s time to empty, sit on the toilet and follow these steps recommended by Dr. Parapurath. First, pull on the stem of your menstrual cup to remove suction from the base. Next, remove blood from the cup by grasping its lower rim and pulling it outward. After dumping the blood into the toilet, rinse your cup in a sink and replace it in your vagina.
It’s important to communicate with a medical professional if you have an IUD or have experienced toxic shock syndrome— as advised by the Mayo Clinic.
And now, here’s how to clean a menstrual cup properly
In terms of cup maintenance, there’s good news: you already have everything you need to keep it clean and sanitary. “Ensure that the cup is completely washed with soap and water at least once a day during the days of usage,” Dr. Parapurath advises, adding that the soap should be fragrance-free. “Be sure to thoroughly clean the soap off the cup before re-inserting it, and be sure to completely dry the menstrual cup before storing it for future use.”
This list indicates which menstrual cup is best, as well as which menstrual cup type is best. This should help you determine the right product for your needs!