Every year, the disposal of single-use menstrual products, such as pads, tampons and applicators, creates more than 200,000 tonnes of waste in the UK, and it’s estimated that spending on single-use period products tops nearly £5,000 over a person’s lifetime, according to the charity Bloody Good Period.
Whether you’re looking to reduce your impact on the planet or cut the amount you spend on period products, a menstrual cup is an option well worth having on your radar. They’re reusable, can save you money and are a neat way to streamline the number of products in your bathroom, as a single menstrual cup can last up to 10 years (or more).
Another benefit of using a menstrual cup is that you can leave it in for up to 12 hours, meaning it’s a practical option for using overnight, when you’re out on long travels, exercising or while working shifts where changing a tampon or pad regularly might not be possible.
“When choosing a menstrual cup, it’s important to consider your flow type,” advises Lucy Lettice, co-founder of &Sisters , the UK’s largest plastic-free period care brand. For lighter flows, she recommends mixing a menstrual cup with reusable pads.
“Applying a small amount of lube to the outside of the menstrual cup before insertion can help [if the flow is very light],” she adds. “For heavier flows, a menstrual cup is ideal as it collects the period blood rather than absorbing it.” It’s also worth noting that it can take time to get used to a menstrual cup so don’t feel deflated or frustrated if you have to switch between a cup and other period wear before making a full transition.
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Generally, menstrual cups come in two sizes: A and B, with the former for those who are aged 30 and over and anyone who has given birth vaginally, while size B is for those under 30 and who haven’t given birth vaginally. Sizing can differ though so it’s always worth checking and getting in touch with individual brands if you do have any questions. If you’re unsure about whether you have a high or low cervix and want to know more, then this helpful online guide by Rubycup is well worth a read.
Made from either silicone, rubber, latex or plastic, menstrual cups most often come in a small funnel shape that is designed to be inserted into the vagina to collect fluid and period blood. As mentioned, they can be worn for up to 12 hours, and then emptied into a toilet, rinsed under water and popped back in to be used again and again. From cups for lower cervixes to ones designed to be worn during sex, our round-up of the best menstrual cups will have you covered.
How we tested
Testing the menstrual cups out during our flow, from lighter to heavier days, we assessed the comfort, ease of insertion and removal as well as how they performed in use. We also took into account the design, cost, ease of cleaning and any other selling points worth noting from each product. We were also interested in the ethos and charitable work that many of the brands promote. From beginners to experienced menstrual cup users, there’s an option out there for all.
The best menstrual cups for 2022 are:
- Best overall – OrganiCup menstrual cup: £19.89, Superdrug.com
- Best for comfort – Lunette menstrual cup: £26.90, Amazon.co.uk
- Best for easy removal – Superdrug luna menstrual cup, medium: £7.49, Superdrug.com
- Best for beginners – Boots menstrual cup pre birth: £17, Boots.com
- Best budget cup – Hey Girls sterilising pot: £10.90, Heygirls.co.uk
- Best for straightforward use – Mooncup menstrual cup: £17.95, Ethicalsuperstore.com
- Best for teenagers – Saalt cup: £25, Saalt.co.uk
- Best cup with shorter stem – Bettercup size B: £20, The-Bettercompany.com
- Best for experienced users – Nixit menstrual cup: £35, Nixit.com
- Best starter pack – Kegel8 menstrual cup starter pack: £32.99, Kegel8.co.uk
- Best for travel – Intimina lily cup compact: £24.95, Lookfantastic.com
- Best Fairtrade option – Fair Squared pink period cup: £19.95, Fairsquared.co.uk
- Best for a chic design – Nüdie period cup: £23.75, Andsisters.com