These Period Cup Reviews Will Be Your Saving Grace During the Tampon Shortage

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While there are a number of menstrual products to choose from these days, from menstrual discs to classic tampons and pads, the best menstrual cups can outdo the competition. For starters, the cost-efficiency and positive impact of period cups on the environment are pretty compelling, not to mention the convenience factor. Plus, there’s currently a tampon shortage happening as we speak, which makes the case for cups even more compelling.

Anyone who’s ever experienced menstruation knows it can be a real pain in the neck (and back…and abdomen…and the myriad of other pain points associated with that time of the month). However, switching to the little rubber funnel-shaped cup (and investing in a pair of period panties) might finally make your cycle a little bit easier. If you’ve been wondering whether a menstrual cup is right for you, read on for key things to know about them, according to gynecologists—and then shop the 13 best menstrual cups, as told by some very enthusiastic reviews. 

How does a menstrual cup work?

Menstrual cups are similar to tampons in that they require insertion, but rather than absorbing blood, they collect it in a little rubber or silicone cup. “Menstrual cups are nonabsorbent, reusable feminine hygiene products,” explains Mansfield, Texas, ob-gyn Ruth Arumala, DO. “They are small, flexible rubber or silicone cups that are inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood, which is surprisingly only a couple of teaspoons per day. Consequently, the small funnel-shaped menstrual cups collect this blood before it leaves the body, similar to a tampon.”

You can leave yours in for up to 12 hours, remove it, and then wash it and use it again; it will last for up to a year, according to Dr. Arumala. The cup is incredibly convenient, and many women point to this, as well as the leak-free factor, as a key reason for making the switch. 

What are the benefits of using a menstrual cup?

It’s no surprise that period cups are seeing a major gain in popularity, considering the long list of upsides, including their positive social and environmental impacts. “In low-income settings, many girls and women experience period poverty, or inadequate access to menstrual hygiene products,” explains Arumala. “Menstrual cups may serve as an affordable option to facilitate normal activity during periods.”

Along with cutting costs, decreasing single-use waste, and combatting leakage and cramping, cup users can also avoid the unwanted odors that may come with pads and tampons. “This can occur as a result of the blood disrupting the normal, acidic environment of the vagina,” says Deeannah Seymour, CEO and founder of pH-D Feminine Health, a women’s health and wellness brand. “This can worsen the situation because, in addition to absorbing blood, pads and tampons also absorb the vaginal fluid that contains the beneficial bacteria which help to maintain and promote your healthy vaginal balance.” Because menstrual cups keep the fluid contained, there’s a lower chance that anyone—or your neighbor’s dog—will detect your vaginal odor.

• 1/13

  DivaCup Model 1 Menstrual Cup

  Key selling points: Each vagina is different, but the DivaCup’s BPA-free silicone cup is designed to accommodate nearly all. It’s available in three different sizes, making it ideal for those with lower- or higher-sitting cervixes. Plus, the relatively firmer cup means you don’t have to worry about it moving or shifting when you’re working out.

  What customers say: Yooo, let me tell you about this thing. Okay, so nearly everyone with a period will tell you no underwear are safe. No matter what you use, no matter what color your underwear are, the blood will find a way to destroy them…until today. I wore pristine, white-as-lilies panties the other day. And as I was getting ready in the morning I was like, “Wait, I’m going to get my period soon. Better cup up to be safe.” I went through my day living my life with no hint or indication that I was bleeding from below—that is, until I emptied my cup. That mother was filled to the brim! Apparently, the entirety of a Quentin Tarantino film had taken place under my skirt. I’m talking elevator-of-blood-from-horror-masterpiece-The-Shining levels here. And my snow-white panties? Not a drop on them. You would have never known my vagina was the battleground for Freddy vs. Jason. Needless to say, this is the best thing for people with periods to avoid holding another mourning session for their favorite pair of undergarments. Never using pads or tampons again. Thanks, DivaCup! —Ninapedia, reviewer at Amazon

• 2/13

  Saalt Soft Cup

  Key selling points: The Saalt cup puts comfort first with its ultrasoft silicone cup, which is hypoallergenic and nontoxic. The cup itself flexes easily to accommodate your vagina’s shape and is pretty much effortless to insert and remove. We’re also not mad about the chic aesthetic and packaging, which isn’t always easy to find with period products. 

  What customers say: This is one of the most comfortable cups I have ever worn. I recently had to replace my ride-or-die cup because after years, I lost it (I am still not sure how I managed to do that but...I did). I decided to go ahead and see what was out there as I know there have been lots of new cups introduced to the market since I first started using them. I stumbled across reviews for this cup and decided to try it. My first cup was a very soft cup, and while I loved many things about it, it wasn’t the best when I worked out. This cup is perfect! I thought my first cup was comfortable, but this one? I literally forgot I was wearing it. I had no problems with insertion or removal either, and on top of all that, it’s pretty. I feel like that is a crazy thing to say about a menstrual cup, but it really is a good-looking cup. —M. Dodson, reviewer on Amazon

• 3/13

  Lena Menstrual Cup

  Key selling points: The Lena cup is an excellent choice for beginners; it has the rave reviews to back it up. It’s long-lasting (one user said she replaced her first one after a year and a half!) and designed to meet your needs, whether you need a small size for a medium flow or a large cup for heavier days. There’s even a sensitive option for first-timers (or those who have sensitive bladders or deal with agonizing period cramps).

  What customers say: After a while of hesitating, I decided to give cups a try, and this was my first cup. It’s brilliant—compared to tampons, it is more comfortable, more convenient, and I feel more confident about avoiding leaks. I was apprehensive about insertion and removal, but found the whole process easier than expected. I find the seal is created very easily once the cup is in place. Removal can be a bit tough at first: I found I had to “bear down” to bring the cup further in reach, and then it’s simply a matter of pinching to break the seal, after which it should come out easily. Do not simply tug on the stem without breaking the seal! Using a cup is less drying than tampons, you have to carry only one small thing in your bag, and there’s no guesswork about which absorbency you need. I also found out that cups carry a much lower risk of TSS. Of course, being reusable, it is also better for the environment, as well as saving you money. I am kicking myself for not trying it sooner. I started using the cup toward the end of my period, when it was lighter. I think this helped me get used to using it with less risk of mess, so would recommend this to any others just trying it out for the first time. —Rebecca J., reviewer on Amazon

• 4/13

  OrganiCup Menstrual Cup

  Key selling points: This sustainable cup is available in three sizes—mini, small, and large—and even comes with a storage pouch made of organic cotton. It can hold up to three tampons’ worth of blood, making it a winner if you have a heavier flow. What’s more, OrganiCup supports a number of environmental, cultural, and social causes around the world: The brand has partnered with Freedom4Girls, which fights period poverty in Kenya; City to Sea on a Rethink Periods education program in England; and WoMena to donate period cups to sex workers in Copenhagen.

  What customers say: This is the best thing I’ve bought in my entire life. I used to use pads, but at some point in my life I realized how uncomfortable they were—so I switched to tampons. They were so comfortable, but the ones I used had a plastic applicator, which was not very eco-friendly. So I started looking for alternatives, and ta-da! I found the most amazing product a woman can use during her cycle. It’s my first cup ever, so I haven’t tried other brands, but I read around 200 reviews before buying this, and as many of you girls out there, I was skeptical about how on earth I was going to put that thing in and then get it out. The first two days of my period, it was a bit difficult to put it in—but now I’m a master. Do not think this one more second. Buy it. You’ll be helping your pocket and the environment. You’ll thank me later. —Ambar, reviewer on Amazon

• 5/13

  Lunette Menstrual Cup

  Key selling points: Know you have a heavy flow? Lunette’s got you covered, with two different sizes to accommodate light-to-moderate and moderate-to-heavy flows. It’s a comfortable option for short vaginas because of the short, flat stem, and the ridged, foldable base makes for easy removal since you can better grip it with your fingers. And yes, it’s made of medical-grade silicone. 

  What customers say: If I could give it 10 stars, I would. To make this long-ass review short: If you’re on the fence about trying menstrual cups, just do it. This cup has made my periods so much easier to deal with, and I couldn’t be happier with it! By the end of my first cycle, I was a pro at using this thing. I didn’t have a single leak the entire week, and it was amazing! I also barely filled the cup to the first line, even on my heaviest days. It really is true when they say you don’t bleed nearly as much as you think you do. When I used tampons, I would go through about 25 tampons per cycle—most of which were super-size and they always leaked. They were so uncomfortable and wasteful, and I feel amazing not needing them anymore! This chemical-free and eco-friendly option for periods is the best invention ever and I couldn’t be happier that I gave it a chance! —Kaitlyn, reviewer at Amazon

• 6/13

  Pixie Menstrual Cup

  Key selling points: Made of soft silicone, the Pixie Cup has a round stem that can be easier to grip for quick removal. It fits snugly against the vaginal walls to ensure a leakproof fit for up to 12 hours. It’s a good pick for high cervixes and, when properly taken care of, can last you up to 10 years. 

  What customers say: “So.... I’ve been thinking about trying these things for a while now. After much research and debate I decided upon the Pixie Cup! And so glad I did! First things first, I’m 32 w/o offspring (I have kids, but they ain’t come from me!). So I couldn’t decide which size to get, which is why I choose the combo pack. Okay, so the first day of shark week is mainly the sharks getting a feel of the water. Not too much activity, maybe some hors d’oeuvres, but oh, boy, is there a feeding frenzy on day 2 well into day 3, and then they get a little lazy and just kinda go away by day 5. I just got my cups yesterday right in time for day 3, tried the larger size, and oh, boy! Freedom! I can’t feel a thing! —Amazon Customer, reviewer at Amazon

• 7/13

  Flex Menstrual Cup

  Key selling points: The Flex cup has the capacity of two super-size tampons, so a heavy flow doesn’t stand a chance against it. Plus, it comes with a pull tab that makes it even easier to remove. This menstrual cup is also collapsible, so you can pack it down to fit in your beauty bag if you know you’re expecting your period on vacation.

  What people say: I’ve been using menstrual cups for about six months after starting to have extremely heavy periods beyond what a tampon could handle, and I’m trying to cut back on waste. I tried other cups, but when I saw that the Flex had a mechanism to break the seal, I decided to try it, and it’s the cup! It’s larger so it holds more, but it’s so comfortable. Somehow it manages to be super sturdy yet super flexible—I guess that’s why they call it Flex. Lastly, it’s so easy to remove. The pull cord to break the seal means no spill when removing. It’s not pink, purple, or blue. It’s black. I’m a stylish adult who doesn’t want things to be infant-colored. This cup is wonderful. Make it your first if you are nervous about trying. And women, tell other women about menstrual cups. Some random lady approached me in the tampon aisle at Walmart, and what she told me got me curious. I owe her a big thank you! —Melody, reviewer at Amazon

• 8/13

  Dutchess Menstrual Original Cups (2-Pack)

  Key selling points: You get two for the price of one when shopping for a Dutchess Cup. The Dutchess is designed to be both soft and super secure, and comes in two sizes. Get the duo-pack in small, so you can keep an extra one in your tote, and the large for heavier days (you can get that in a single if you like).

  What people say: Ladies, do yourself a favor and convert to the cup! I really liked this one. This has seriously made having my period less miserable. I know science says “not likely,” but from personal experience, using this cup has drastically reduced the severity of my cramps—they are almost nonexistent, and I used to be pale-faced and doubled over in pain with cramps for the first 24–48 hrs. Pros: It’s comfortable, easy to use (once you get the hang of it), no toxic chemicals, better for your body and better for the environment, cost-effective, no cramps, no period smell, no wet tampon string, you don’t have to change nearly as often as you would with tampons, no feeling of ripping your insides out like when tampons haven’t absorbed enough liquid, doesn’t affect the natural stuff that’s going on down there, and won’t dry you out like tampons can. —Crystel Flores, reviewer on Amazon

• 9/13

  CareCup Menstrual Cup

  Key selling points: Not only do CareCup’s ridges make the menstrual cup easy to grip, but you can choose between a rounded or a trimmable stem depending on how comfortable and confident you feel locating the inserted cup and then wiggling it out. 

  What people say: I’m not new to cups so I can say this is a great product. I like that two come in the pack. I keep one in the bathroom and one in my car just in case. If you’re a beginner or someone with a super-heavy flow like me, you may want to wear a backup pad until you get good at positioning them without leakage—any cup needs a little practice. These hold a lot! I highly recommend them for other super heavy period-havers. —Dee A., reviewer on Amazon

• 10/13

  June Reusable Menstrual Cup

  Key selling points: With its rounded stem, BPA-free silicone, and soft, super-flexible silicone, the June cup is all about comfort. It’s available in three different sizes: mini for teens or petite women, small for those with moderate to heavy periods, and large for those who’ve given birth or who experience very heavy bleeding.

  What people say: With recent changes in my cycle, such as a less frequent but much heavier period, I began speaking with other women about tips. One friend said to try this cup specifically because it is softer than others. This cup is amazing! I watched YouTube videos on how to fold menstrual cups and gave it a try. It made such a difference. There’s no discomfort or leaks, and I have completely free movement. I won’t go back to pads and tampons for day-to-day use unless I have to. If you’ve been wondering whether you should try the cup, do it. This one is great and it’s my first. I’m an adult who had three children via vaginal delivery, and I use the small size. —Kiss M., reviewer on Amazon

• 11/13

  Athena Small Reusable Menstrual Cup

  Key selling points: What sets the Athena cup apart is its proprietary form-fit rim, which has larger air holes and allows for a more secure fit (and, of course, a lower risk of leakage). Plus, you can wash and reuse it for up to 15 years—making it one of the most long-lasting cups in the game.

  What customers say: “I was hesitant to try this newer method of menstrual maintenance (I’ve been a longtime user of tampons and pads) but thought, What the heck, I’ll give it a go. Being an active person, I was looking for a solution for biking, canoeing, etc., for when good old Aunt Flo shows up each month. This product is the answer I have been looking for. Now I don’t have to worry about how, where, or when I am going to change my tampon or pad, which is amazing when it comes to outdoor sports—it’s not like there is a bathroom around the corner when you are out on the bike trail or in the middle of a lake. I am 37 years old, never had children, and have a normal to heavy flow. —Kristy S., reviewer on Amazon

• 12/13

  The Honey Pot Menstrual Cup

  Key selling points: The cult-fave brand’s menstrual cup is free of plastic, latex, and phthalates, but it still offers 12-hour leak-free protection, making it ideal for both day and nighttime use. It also has finger indentations (along with grip rings) for easy removal, and—according to a few reviewers—can help alleviate cramps.

  What customers say: I just had my first experience with a cup and I’m a believer. I liked it because it’s easier to manage my day with it, rather than with tampons or pads. I wore a very thin panty liner, which was sufficient for anything that gets past the cup. I am 32 and have not given birth, and the size 1 cup fits perfectly. I also can attest to being able to use the cup with long nails. It’s not as scary as it seems, but I would recommend using a single-use disposable glove to remove the cup. I always feel less messy if I can remove it without getting my fingers covered in blood. Overall it was a good purchase. I will never want to use a tampon again. —Tara R., reviewer on Amazon

• 13/13

  Intimina Lily Cup Size A

  Key selling points: While the Intimina Lily looks a little different from the rest, that’s kind of the point: Its slanted design and inward-curved rim are designed to fit the natural curve of the vaginal canal. Plus, it can hold more blood and has a longer, tapered stem, making it ideal for those who have high cervixes or a heavy flow (or both). Size A is ideal for those who haven’t given birth or have had a C-section, while size B is better for those who’ve had vaginal births.

  What customers say: Love it. I first tried the Diva cup, and this is my second cup. I had a lot of leaking w/ Diva and realized it was ’cause I kept pushing the cup up too high. However, if the cup sat too low, it created a lot of pressure and made me feel crampy and the urge to pee and poop a lot. I quickly did research and learned that my cervix tends to sit high, even during my cycle. I saw that the Lily cup is one of the longer cups on the market. I liked the idea of a longer cup filling my vaginal canal and sitting more comfortably to me than a shorter cup. This cup is best suited for higher cervixes or people who would prefer a longer cup.

  The material of this cup is very nice. It’s very smooth and soft. I find it to be comfortably pliable. The Diva Cup feels too rigid and was hard to slide in ’cause it kept unfolding midway. The Lily cup is a bit softer than the Diva, but not so soft it easily collapses. I really like that the Lily cup has an angle on one side, allowing you do one of their recommended folds easily. I also like that its unique shape doesn’t cause too much of a suction sound when coming out. I haven’t had any leaks with this cup (crosses fingers), even overnight. I also didn’t trim the stem. I highly recommend this cup if you have a higher cervix! The price is worth it and I got size A, because I’ve no kids and I felt that size would good for me. —Sammmmmmmm, reviewer on Amazon