Best Menstrual Cups

How to Choose a Menstrual Cup

One person uses 11,000+ tampons in a lifetime—a massive pile of waste and expense. Menstrual cups are reusable silicone alternatives that last a decade, cost $30, and many users prefer over disposables.

How Menstrual Cups Work

A flexible silicone cup inserts vaginally and creates a seal, collecting (not absorbing) menstrual fluid. Empty every 8-12 hours, rinse, reinsert. No more running out of supplies, no more trash, no more TSS risk from absorption.

### Finding Your Size

Cervix Height: Low cervix = shorter cup. High cervix = standard or long. Find yours by inserting a finger during your period—if you touch your cervix easily, it's low.

Flow Amount: Light = smaller capacity fine. Heavy = larger capacity or more frequent emptying.

Age/Births: A loose guideline—over 30 or vaginal birth often means larger size—but not universal. Many people ignore this rule successfully.

### Firmness Matters

Firm Cups: Easier to open once inserted, harder to compress for insertion. Good for active people, beginners.

Soft Cups: More comfortable once in, trickier to get open. Good for sensitive bladders, experienced users.

### The Learning Curve

Expect 3-4 cycles to master insertion, removal, and leak-free wear. First periods with cups can be messy—practice at home, use backup. Almost everyone who sticks through learning becomes an evangelist. It's worth the awkward start.

### Care & Hygiene

Boil between cycles (3-5 minutes). During cycle, rinse with water at each emptying, wash with mild soap daily. Store in breathable pouch. Replace every 10 years or if silicone degrades.