We examined 16 menstrual cups and discs to seek out the very best eco-friendly (and economical) choices

Measurement choices: Small, common | Supplies: Medical-grade silicone | Capability: 25 ml (small), 30 ml (common)

The Saalt Cup blends consolation with leak-proof efficiency, which is simply one of many causes it earned our high spot. Along with its two major sizes (small and common), there’s additionally an choice to buy a teen cup. By having diversified measurement choices, the product is extra more likely to efficiently accommodate totally different anatomies, menstrual flows and cervix heights. The perfect function? The agency silicone has simply the correct quantity of give — it is easy to insert, and it pops open reliably as soon as it is in place.

“Silicone is the commonest materials utilized in menstrual cups and is secure for long-term use,” says Dr. Maria Pachon, a board-certified ob-gyn at Holy Identify Medical Middle in Cliffside Park, N.J. “It is hypoallergenic, versatile, sturdy and comfy,” she says. I discovered this to be true in my testing as properly. I did not expertise any leaking or discomfort and appreciated having the choice to trim the stem. That stated, the stem is fairly easy, which might make it difficult to know when your arms are moist and slippery.

Amazon reviewers price it 4.4 out of 5 stars with over 8,000 5-star ratings. One customer stated, “I’ve had much less leakage and extra consolation with my Saalt cup than every other menstrual product I’ve recognized, and realizing my cash goes in direction of one thing I can reuse time and again means a lot to me.” Saalt additionally gives a Bliss Guarantee: Should you do not like it inside three hundred and sixty five days of buy, the corporate will substitute it with one thing else or offer you a full refund.

Measurement choices: One measurement suits most | Supplies: Medical-grade silicone | Capability: 47.5 ml

Menstrual discs have a number of advantages over cups, and the Perfect Fit Disc by Cora showcases them properly. In contrast to cups, discs might be worn throughout intercourse with out mess or discomfort. Some disc customers can “auto-dump” when urinating, that means the disc self-empties when your pelvic ground muscle tissue contract.

“Menstrual discs, as a result of approach they’re inserted and worn, are much less susceptible to firmness-related points in how they insert, unfold and really feel within the physique, which is one purpose I favor discs over cups,” says Kim Rosas, a menstrual cup and disc skilled and founding father of Interval Nirvana. That stated, they’ll take a bit extra ability and follow to insert and take away — this one has a deep finger groove to simplify elimination (love!). It makes all of the distinction in mastering one-finger elimination with out spilling.

The Cora disc has a 4.3 out of 5-star ranking from over 2,100 Amazon reviewers. One customer raved about her expertise, saying, “OH! And cramps! I did not have actually dangerous cramps like I had once I was utilizing tampons.” Cora additionally has a bunch of sources on its website that can assist you work out if the disc life is for you.

Measurement choices: Small, massive | Supplies: Medical-grade silicone | Capability: 25 ml (small), 30 ml (massive)

Lena’s Sensitive Cup ticks all of the containers for a fantastic newbie’s menstrual cup. The tulip-shaped physique folds simply for insertion, is product of a softer medical-grade silicone and has a satisfaction assure in case your check run would not go as deliberate. Although the small measurement holds barely lower than the big, it is a fantastic place to begin for determining easy methods to place and take away your cup.

I examined this cup whereas teaching soccer, and it did not leak or shift in any respect. Nonetheless, the stem is on the thicker facet, which can trigger discomfort for some. I selected to trim the stem utterly — it is easy and would not have an effect on the cup’s efficiency.

Amazon reviewers price it 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 16,700 rankings. One customer stated, “No extra leaks!!! I’ve by no means had a leak in the course of the day and even in a single day, and I can really put on good underwear confidently, realizing they will not be ruined.” Oh, and this cup caters to delicate bladders too. Lena says its design places much less stress on the bladder than different cups.

Measurement choices: Measurement 1, measurement 2 | Supplies: Medical-grade silicone | Capability: 22 ml (measurement 1), 30 ml (measurement 2)

I have been utilizing my “Goldilocks” cup for years (you recognize, a menstrual cup that matches you “good”), however the Flex Cup has me critically considering making the change. Why? Its distinctive pull-tab design makes elimination and emptying a breeze, so there isn’t any extra pinching and wiggling to get it out! You’ll be able to simply pull on the tab to softly break the suction with one finger, then empty and reinsert as wanted.

It might not work for everybody, as some customers report leaking via the tab opening, however I’ve had zero points with this cup. It is comfy, simple to insert and take away, and the stem is adjustable — it is nice for individuals with low (measurement 1) or excessive (measurement 2) cervixes. I’ve a low cervix and wore it for as much as 12 hours with no leaks and minimal cramps. I additionally respect that it isn’t clear. “The darker ones could not present as a lot staining, and other people could favor that,” says Bovone.

Over 8,000 Amazon reviewers price it 4.3 out of 5 stars. One customer stated, “It is tremendous simple to take away and seals properly (NO LEAKS!).” The draw back is that it is tougher to scrub for the reason that pull tab can entice blood and different particles. You’ll have to spend extra time cleansing it versus different cups.

One further bonus is that each cup comes with two disposable Flex Discs to check out too. 

Measurement choices: One measurement suits most | Supplies: Medical-grade silicone | Capability: 50 ml

This Hello Period Disc has a 50 milliliter capability, making it one of many highest-volume menstrual merchandise on our listing. Because of its looped elimination tab, it is nice for individuals with excessive cervixes who could battle to achieve and take away different discs. Some menstrual discs don’t have any elimination function, whereas others use a finger groove or string. With its loop design, this one makes the method a lot cleaner and extra manageable.

This disc’s bigger measurement and form could make it harder for newcomers. I have been a cup person for over eight years and have struggled with correct placement. Whereas the scale initially intimidated me, some troubleshooting and follow made all of the distinction. Plus, it is nice for overnights, once I beforehand needed to double up with a pad.

The Good day Interval Disc has over 750 critiques on its website and a 4.7 out of 5-star ranking. Clients rave about its capability and leak-free efficiency. One person stated, “I’ve had zero leaks so far and even competed in an IronMan triathlon whereas utilizing the disc and had no leaks!” And for these curious, sure, the disc might be worn throughout intercourse — simply tuck the tab beneath the disc to forestall your companion from feeling it.

Measurement choices: Measurement 1, measurement 2 | Supplies: Medical-grade silicone | Capability: 22 ml (measurement 1), 29 ml (measurement 2)

Talking of “Goldilocks” cups, The Easy-Does-It Cup has been my tried-and-true interval companion for the previous six years. As somebody with a low cervix, I’ve struggled with cups as a result of they’re too lengthy or protrude uncomfortably — sizing guides all the time put me in a bigger measurement as a result of I’ve had three vaginal births. Cora’s measurement 1 cup with a 22 ml capability is the proper match; it would not leak, shift or trigger discomfort with the stem trimmed.

The design is barely bell-shaped with a flared rim, and the silicone is the perfect steadiness between mushy and agency — it folds simply and pops proper open as soon as in place. This is a crucial function, as a result of typically cups might be finicky when opening, leaving you with a partial seal that would result in leaks.

And if my expertise is not sufficient of a purpose to think about this cup, take it from one of many 1,400 reviewers who gave this cup 5 stars on Amazon: “Low cervix pleasant! Different low-cervix cups are both stiff and have a painful suction, or they’re formed too huge and would have an effect on my bladder.” 

It is important to notice {that a} smaller-capacity cup is probably not the very best match for everybody, particularly for individuals with heavier flows. Nevertheless it nonetheless lasts twice so long as a tampon and is extra comfy in my view.

Measurement choices: Measurement 1, measurement 2, measurement 3 | Supplies: Medical-grade silicone | Capability: 15 ml (measurement 1), 20 ml (measurement 2), 25 ml (measurement 3)

With three different sizes and a larger-than-average diameter, the Bfree Menstrual Cup is a worthwhile possibility for wider vaginas. The dimensions 3 cup has the biggest capability and diameter of the three choices, so there’s much less probability of sliding or shifting throughout use. I couldn’t put on this cup comfortably attributable to my low cervix — it is simply too lengthy for me. Nonetheless, that doesn’t imply it received’t work properly for somebody with totally different anatomy.

The rim of this cup is barely firmer than others we tried, which is usually a plus in case you want further suction to forestall leaks. Nonetheless, this additionally means it may pop open extra abruptly and trigger discomfort. It can be harder for brand new customers to take away as a result of there aren’t any suction holes on the rim, making it more durable to interrupt the seal. That stated, the finger placement ridges on this cup present a greater elimination grip than ones with out the markings.

Many customers are proud of their expertise. One reviewer stated, “It took a few cycles to get the grasp of this cup, however I am positively proud of it. It is each mushy and versatile but in addition agency sufficient to actually keep put.” The corporate claims Bfree is the one boil-free menstrual cup in the marketplace, however I am unable to communicate to this declare.

Measurement choices: Mannequin 0, mannequin 1, mannequin 2 | Supplies: Medical-grade silicone | Capability: 22 ml (mannequin 0), 26 ml (mannequin 1), 30 ml (mannequin 2)

Diva is the OG of menstrual reusables. As one of many first cups in the marketplace, it is had loads of time to good its design and sizing choices. The Diva Cup is available in three fashions that cater to totally different menstruation experiences. Mannequin 0 is the smallest and shortest, made for teenagers or these underneath 18 years previous who have not given start. Mannequin 1 is greatest for these with a medium to heavy stream. And mannequin 2 is greatest in case you’re over 35 and have given start — or simply favor a bigger measurement.

I loved utilizing the Diva Cup as a result of it is one of many few cups that did not leak on me, not even a drop, and it is available at most drugstores. My greatest criticism is its size; it is longer than most cups, which might be uncomfortable for these with a low cervix. But when size is not a problem for you, its efficiency is top-notch.

Of the 27,000-plus Amazon reviewers, the Diva Cup has a 4.5 out of 5-star ranking. One user says, “Each lady in my life now is aware of intensive particulars about my menstrual cycle as a result of I’m obsessive about telling everybody about my Diva Cup.”

Measurement choices: Quick, medium, excessive | Supplies: Medical-grade silicone | Capability: 30 ml (quick), 55 ml (medium), 60 ml (excessive)

The Lumma Soft Disc holds extra blood than every other reusable menstrual disc we examined — the biggest measurement has a 60 ml capability. Not solely that, nevertheless it’s obtainable in three sizes to accommodate various cervix heights and vaginal widths. When in use, it tucks behind the pubic bone and in opposition to the cervix to gather blood earlier than it travels via the vaginal canal.

After I opened the bundle, I instantly seen the distinction within the softness of the silicone. The rim, nevertheless, remains to be agency sufficient to push the disc into place. With a little bit of follow, I obtained it into place and loved 10 hours of leak-free put on. One factor to notice is that the gathering basin is on the bigger facet (therefore the excessive capability) and should not pop open in addition to smaller choices.

The perks? Mess-free intercourse and probably much less cramping in comparison with cups that require suction. One reviewer says, “I had the disc in for 10 hours every single day, and I virtually forgot I used to be on my interval! I trusted it a lot that I wore nothing for backup.”

Measurement choices: One measurement suits most | Supplies: Medical grade polymers | Capability: 60 ml

Aunt Flo is not the nicest customer, however Flex Disposable Discs make coping with her a bit of simpler. It is a nice possibility you’ll be able to seize at many pharmacies or supermarkets while you’re caught off guard by your interval. Every disc can maintain as much as 5 tampons’ price of fluid and might be worn for as much as 12 hours. Plus, it is secure to put on throughout intercourse.

I wasn’t certain what to assume at first, however I am glad I gave it a strive. The rim pinches to the scale of a tampon, nevertheless it’s nonetheless agency sufficient to slip to the again of your vagina in opposition to your cervix. As soon as in place, I could not really feel it in any respect. My solely large con is the educational curve when going from a reusable cup to a disposable disc, however I used to be pleasantly shocked by the outcomes: no discomfort and solely minor leaks whereas I mastered placement.

Whereas much less eco-friendly than reusable choices, these discs turn out to be useful while you’re on the go or want a fast, throwaway answer. One user stated, “It holds so much, and that is coming from somebody who goes via 4 super-size tampons on day two. I’m truthfully in love with this product and have been recommending it to everybody.”

Measurement choices: Mini, measurement A, measurement B | Supplies: Medical-grade silicone | Capability: 19 ml (mini), 27 ml (measurement A), 33 ml (measurement B)

AllMatters Menstrual Cup (previously OrganiCup) is a sustainable and eco-friendly possibility freed from dangerous chemical substances, allergens and animal by-products. The cup is available in three sizes: mini for teenagers or these with a light-weight stream, measurement A for many who haven’t given start vaginally and measurement B for many who have.

This cup was simple to insert and take away. Although I trimmed my stem out of behavior, I discovered the ridges on the bottom of the cup useful for gripping and pulling it down. I skilled some leaking on my first try (doubtless attributable to a poor match) however had no points on my second strive. My solely criticism is a few delicate irritation after a full day of damage — Dr. Janet Choi, a double-board licensed reproductive endocrinologist and the chief medical officer of Progyny, says vaginal irritation is a minor danger of menstrual cups on the whole.

Happily, my private expertise will not translate to everybody. AllMatters has a mission I help: to make “sustainability accessible and easy” to everybody. The cup lasts for years, and the corporate gives a 90-day money-back assure in case you’re not offered after three cycles. Out of greater than 1,200 Amazon critiques, 73% are five-star rankings. One happy user stated, “I do not know if I’m insanely fortunate or if that is simply a superb cup, or maybe each, however this cup labored completely for me on the primary strive!”