11 of the Best Menstrual Cups to Try, Based on Reviews

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Many women have turned to menstrual cups for their periods instead of the traditional tampons and pads. Some made the change to avoid any toxic ingredients found in some feminine care products, while others see the cost-effectiveness of it. (One cup can last you many cycles.)

While that sounds so appealing, there are also the questions of, "How the heck does it even work?" and "How do I even insert it correctly?" Those questions can make menstrual cups seem super intimidating. 

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When choosing a menstrual cup, you'll need to know a thing or two about your vagina and period. Many brands offer different cup sizes—the smaller sizes are recommended for younger people and/or those who have light to normal flows. The regular sizes or larger sizes are best for people with a normal to heavy flow. According to The Cleveland Clinic, you can go up to 12 hours before emptying your menstrual cup. (Of course, this depends on your flow.)

And when it's time to insert the menstrual cup, keep in mind that it will take some time and patience. Wash your menstrual cup before use, and if it has air holes at the top, make sure they are open. Many cups will come with instructions, so read those carefully, but most will ask you to fold the cup in a certain shape (like in a C- or 7-fold) and slide into place. Let the cup open. To secure it, you can rotate the base gently.

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To remove, The Cleveland Clinic says you shouldn't pull on the stem but pinch the base and then pull. Empty the cup into the toilet and rinse under water before reinserting. When your cycle is done, it's recommended to sterilize the cup in boiling water.

As for which cups to choose, we've rounded up some of the best ones out there according to reviews. Take a look at them below, and let us know about your favorites by sending us a comment or DM on Instagram at @thethirty.

For Beginners

On Amazon

For a Heavy Flow

For a Low Cervix

For a High Cervix

For Swimmers

Other Top-Rated Menstrual Cups

Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used in the place of advice of your physician or other medical professionals. You should always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider first with any health-related questions.

Managing Editor

Sarah is lifestyle writer and editor with over 10 years of experience covering health and wellness, interior design, food, beauty, and tech. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she attended New York University and lived in New York for 12 years before returning to L.A. in 2019. In addition to her work on THE/THIRTY and Who What Wear, she held editor roles at Apartment Therapy, Real Simple, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and The Bump (sister site of The Knot). She has a passion for health and wellness, but she especially loves writing about mental health. Her self-care routine consists of five things: a good workout, “me” time on the regular, an intriguing book/podcast/playlist to unwind after a long day, naps, and decorating her home.