Somehow, every time I get my period I’m not prepared for it. I’m not ready emotionally for the hormone roller coaster it’s about to take me on - or physically, with never enough tampons and pads stashed away to get me through it.
Running out of tampons, pads and everything in between can be so frustrating. Menstrual cups have been popping around for a few years now and they're an eco-friendly, reusable answer to our monthly woes. We sought to debunk the myths about menstrual cups and whether they're really as scary as they seem.
So, here at Closer, we took a deep dive into what menstrual cups really do, how they work, and the best menstrual cups on the market.
Related: Find out about the best period subscription boxes for a fuss-free flow
How do I insert a menstrual cup?
One of the biggest taboos that puts women off using a menstrual cup is the fear of inserting it wrong, getting it back out, or even losing the cup.
Let us tell you, you will not lose your menstrual cup or push it up too far because it's too big. It's supposed to sit lower than a tampon and you may need to cut off some of the stem if it's too long but it will NOT get lost.
When inserting menstrual cups, there are lots of different ways of folding, flipping and constructing the menstrual cup so that it works for you. Don't be afraid to play around with different ways so that it sits comfortably for you. You just need to make sure your menstrual cup fully opens when it's inside (whether that's popping open or feeling around the rim for the suction).
Inserting a menstrual cup: step-by-step
Here's our full breakdown of how to insert your menstrual cup:
1. Wash your menstrual cup and your hands thoroughly
2. Add some lube at this point if you need some extra slippiness
3. Fold the menstrual cup in your preferred way (e.g. in half, S-fold, C-fold, etc)
4. RELAX – don’t stress or tighten up
5. Insert the cup, it should sit just above your opening or where it feels most comfortable
6. Listen out for a pop (which means your cup has unfolded) or feel around the rim of your menstrual cup to check it's opened. If not, rotate it or adjust it so that it creates a seal
Voila, and off you go!
Tried & Tested: Saalt Menstrual Cup
Editor's Choice
Closer's Senior Commercial Content Writer, Lily Anderson, got her hands on a Saalt Menstrual Cup to test out how these cups work and if they're really worth your dollar. Here's what she had to say...
I'll set the scene for you. Armed with a Saalt Menstrual Cup, I’m on day three of my period and not quite heavy enough to use a tampon, but it’s coming - I can feel it. The pain is SO bad in my lower back and stomach that I'm currently sprawled out on my bed, attempting to distract myself from the pain with anything – mainly chocolate bourbons. Any position that helps, am I right?
I’ve not got a clue what I’m doing. I’m Googling everything from how to use a menstrual cup to why are menstrual cups bad and reading a full NHS piece around whether menstrual cups are a 'safe and effective' alternative to tampons and pads. But I did it. And I'm not gonna lie, I found it really difficult to insert all the way in, but I was determined not to fail.
It's clear how important getting the right size menstrual cup is. I was debating for a long time between the small and medium because I have a heavy flow. That's what led me to my decision: a medium cup. What I didn't take into account was the size of my cervix and in the end, the smaller cup was much more comfortable for my body.
It recommends that you can leave a menstrual cup in for up to 12 hours, but I was on the heaviest day of my period so I was definitely over-cautious. I left it in for two hours and then took it out just to check.
I'm not going to sugar-coat it, removing the cup was difficult. It was my first time using one properly, so I'm giving myself a break here. My cup position was TOO high and found it challenging to reach the stem. After a little wobble, I got into a squatted position and took some deep breaths. This 100 per cent made it easier to reach. Once I was able to break the suction by pinching the base, I was able to slowly wriggle the cup out.
All in all, it's definitely an experience that you need to get used to. Although it was a bit of a struggle to get it in and out - which many women find the hardest part - it was really effective when it was in. It can be super useful if you have heavier periods or want to leave it in for longer time periods and even better, you won't have the risk of that dreaded Toxic Shock Syndrome that you get with tampons.
SHOP: The best menstrual cups 2022
So with this all in mind, we've hunted down the best menstrual cups on the market right now. The market has blown up so now you can get a cup from everywhere including Boots and Tampax.
Don't just take it from me... Here are some reviews from people who have bought and tried the cups for themselves.
Best menstrual cups
1 of 8OrganiCup Menstrual Cup
Highly Recommended
This purse-friendly menstrual cup is that no-frills option that gets the job done. Did you know that you can wear it for up to 12 hours? I love the fact that you can also leave your cup in overnight.
Tried & Tested by Commercial Content Writer, Caitlin Casey: "I grabbed this OrganiCup years ago when I was looking to buy a menstrual cup for a long abroad camping trip - it just seemed like the right step for me and easy for adventuring with as you can leave it in for 12 hours. Let me tell you, I will not go back now because this has changed my life! It's still just as good as new, easy to apply and the longer stem makes it simple to adjust if you need to. It's particularly helpful on my heavier days, so I don't have to worry about panicking in the loo or running out of anything. So fab and super cheap."
2 of 8Boots Menstrual Cup Pre Birth
Best basic menstrual cup
Boots now has its own original menstrual cup, which is an affordable and super effective option. They also have this in a post-birth option, if you need that.
Review: "I've used menstrual cups for years. Started out with a Moon Cup but needed a replacement, this was affordable so I gave it a shot but didn't expect much. I was pleasantly surprised, it's a comfortable light cup that is so easy to use."
3 of 8Tampax Regular Flow Menstrual Cup
Best popular brand menstrual cup
We all know our good old friend Tampax - and now the brand is doing its very own menstrual cup. If you're looking for a trusted brand, this is the one for you.
Review: "I got this on offer as I was curious about buying one for a couple of years and I'm so glad I bought it! In two months I've used one. I used one on the first night but it's perfect even at night. I empty it and use femme wash or spray and had no issues, it comes in a case that is perfect to store when not needed. Not only is it going to save me a lot in not buying Tampax/pads I'm doing my bit for the environment, if you're thinking it's not for you all I will say is give it a try."
4 of 8Mooncup The Original Silicone Menstrual Cup
Best original menstrual cup
The Mooncup has been around for years and is considered one of the classic menstrual cups to choose from. Select from two sizes (Size A and B) depending on your cervix.
Review: "I wish I had come across this sooner. Great product, especially for those with heavy periods. It took a little while to get used to, but once you get the hang of inserting and removing it, it is fine and it keeps me feeling safe, cleaner and leak-free for longer. The hassle of repeatedly changing tampons during heavy flow is much reduced, as this cup holds much more blood. You don't have to carry supplies of sanitary products around with you, as you can just use and reuse the same cup. Long term it will be cost-effective. I would never go back to tampons. Highly recommended."
5 of 8INTIMINA Lily Cup
Best menstrual cup for weak pelvic floor
Noticeably a different shape from the others, this cup is designed for anyone who has given birth or is diagnosed with a weak pelvic floor.
Review: "This is a great product, I've used it for about six months before writing a review because there's a lot of learning to do, it didn't take long to get used to it, and my advice would be to anyone considering this, do some research first, there are loads out there to help. I couldn't imagine going back to tampons or pads after using this I've also noticed since using the cup that the pretty bad cramps that I had before have almost gone. I love this, and I would and do recommend that everyone try it but give yourself a chance to get used to it."
6 of 8DivaCup Menstrual Cup
Best menstrual cup for women aged 19-30
We can all have our diva moments, but there is no period drama when using this cup. Recommended for women aged 19 to 30 with a medium menstrual flow.
Review: "I've been using this for a few months now, and I love it. When it first arrived, I practised using it so that when the time came, I had a good idea of what to do and how to insert it."Occasionally it might leak a little if I haven't properly sealed it in or positioned it right, but the rest of the time I don't notice it's in. I didn't need to cut the stem off as I'm not bothered by it. Also, even on a heavy day, it didn't fill up after I checked 12 hours later. Personally, I don't have as much cramping or pain when using this compared to using tampons and pads."It's easy to clean, can save you a lot of money on feminine hygiene products in the long run and is environmentally friendly because it's reusable. It takes a lot off your mind as well if you are out and about or at work."
7 of 8Pixie Menstrual Cup
Best extra-sized menstrual cup
Replace tampons and pads with a Pixie Menstrual Cup. This option is fantastic if you're looking for an extra-large size and you have a heavy flow.
Review: "I love the pixie cup. I've been using cups for almost eight months now, and once you get the hang of things, they are a game-changer. The large size of the duo pack is my favourite as I have a heavier flow, but the small is great for the lighter days. Once positioned correctly, you can't feel a thing, and the removal/locator stem is really comfortable-not too long and not too short. If at first you don't succeed, keep trying you'll get there."
8 of 8Intimina Ziggy Cup - Super Thin Reusable Menstrual Cup
Best super-thin menstrual cup
Don't want to faff around with so much folding or hate the uncomfortable pulling out? This super-thin menstrual cup is made with comfort in mind and you can still use it for up to 12 hours and even during sex.
Review: "I was a bit sceptical that it would be too big for me and it would be uncomfortable as it seemed massive when I first opened it, but thankfully I was wrong. Seems there are other reviews that are quite bad which lead to me being quite sceptical but no, a bit of adjusting to make sure it was in properly each time, you can feel when it's not. Even on my heavy days, it's fine, it may need to be emptied which may be a bit tricky in public but seems to be fine with just a bit of tissue. It can be quite messy inserting, although it is easy to get out. It's perfect for mess-free sex, my partner can feel it in some positions but it doesn't bother him much."
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What is a menstrual cup?
Let’s break it down for you: a menstrual cup is a reusable period product. It's essentially a rubber or silicone cup that is inserted into your vagina to collect your period. Sounds scary? Well it's not.
According to Cherie Hoeger, Co-Founder of Saalt, "There are so many benefits to joining team cup. We know that using a cup for the first time can be intimidating for many people, but we’ve watched so many people educate themselves until they feel ready to try the cup, and wake up one day feeling brave and decide to give the cup a try."
How to use a Menstrual Cup
Now that you've decided menstrual cups are for you and have one on its way in the post, the most important thing you need to know right now is how to use a menstrual cup. Luckily for you, OrganiCup has created a step-by-step video to help.