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Menstrual cups and discs have become popular in recent years as an eco-friendly alternative to tampons and pads when us ladies are surfing the crimson wave. And for good reason! The best menstrual cups and discs are easy to use (with some practice, as there is a bit of a learning curve), reusable, safe, non-toxic, and much more environmentally friendly than disposable period products.
Read on for some of the main benefits of using menstrual cups, followed by my top picks for the best non-toxic menstrual cups.
5 Benefits of Switching to a Non-Toxic Menstrual Cup
Here are some of the top benefits of using a menstrual cup when you have your period.
More sustainable
One of the main reasons to make the switch to menstrual cups is their positive impact on the environment. Unlike disposable tampons and pads, which contribute to the staggering amount of waste in landfills, menstrual cups are reusable. In fact, they can last for years if you take good care of them.
This significantly reduces the amount of waste generated by period products. It’s been estimated that a single woman can dispose of over 11,000 tampons or pads in their lifetime. By choosing a menstrual cup, women can reduce their ecological footprint.
Non-toxic and hypoallergenic
In addition to being environmentally friendly, menstrual cups and discs also offer health benefits. Conventional tampons and pads are often made from synthetic materials and can contain chemicals like chlorine, dioxins, and fragrances. These ingredients threaten to disrupt the natural pH balance of the vagina and can cause irritations or allergic reactions.
Menstrual cups, on the other hand, are often made from medical-grade silicone, which is non-toxic and hypoallergenic. They help maintain a healthy vaginal environment and reduce the risk of infection and discomfort. They also avoid the dryness factor of tampons on lighter flow days — y’all know what I’m talking about.
Note: There are some great companies out there making organic tampons and non-toxic pads from natural materials. Check out our guides for our favorite brands.
Less leakage
Menstrual cups and discs also hold a whole lot more period fluid than tampons and pads. One menstrual cup can hold as much fluid as four to six tampons, depending on the size of the cup. You can empty them less often, and then they’re ready to use again after a quick wash in the sink.
They tend to leak less than tampons as well, and once they’re in, you hardly know they’re there. You can use them for up to 12 hours, depending on the brand of menstrual cup.
More affordable
Since you’re not buying box after box of tampons and pads each month, you will also save money in the long run if you switch to menstrual cups. You won’t have to pay for period products if you’ve got a menstrual cup that can replace an entire box of tampons or pads each month.
Less likely to cause TSS
Finally, menstrual cups and discs are less likely to cause Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) than tampons. They pose a lower risk of TSS because they collect menstrual fluid rather than absorbing it, which reduces the potential for the bacteria that causes TSS to multiply.
Tampons, especially those with higher absorbency levels, can allow bacteria to grow if left in place for an extended period, which can contribute to TSS, a rare but life-threatening condition.
9 Best Non-Toxic Menstrual Cups and Discs
If you’re interested in trying menstrual cups, here are my picks for the best period cups and discs for a more eco-friendly period.
1. Lena Cup – Top Pick ($29)
The Lena Cup is my top pick for the best menstrual cup due to its comfort, ease of insertion, and lack of leakage. You can run, swim, ride your bike, and do yoga with this cup quietly working to keep you dry. You can use it for up to 12 hours, as long as you follow Lena’s directions that you must empty and wash your cup twice a day.
The Lena cup is made entirely from medical-grade silicone, so it’s BPA and latex-free. They even use 100% recycled packaging, so the Lena cup is better for the environment on two fronts. It has a “pull tab” that’s on the longer side as far as menstrual cups go, which makes removal easier.
You can get the Lena Cup in a small or large size. Lena recommends the Small for menstrual cup beginners, younger users such as teens, and anyone who has a light to normal flow. For users with a heavier flow who are more comfortable with using a menstrual cup, or who’ve given birth vaginally, they recommend the Large Lena Cup. I found the Lena offers everything you could want in an effective, easy-to-use menstrual cup.
2. DivaCup – Best for High Cervixes ($34)
The popular DivaCup comes in three sizes:
- Model 0: Best for teens or those who need a smaller cup and holds up to four tampons’ worth of fluid
- Model 1: Best for women who haven’t given birth and holds up to 5 tampons’ worth
- Model 2 cup: Holds up to 6 tampons’ worth and is generally better suited for women with wider vaginal canals, and/or with heavier flows, as well as women who’ve given birth
Like the Lena, the DivaCup is made of 100% medical-grade silicone. It’s fairly easy to fold and insert it, even for beginners. This is the cup a lot of women go to first, as it got its name out there early during the beginning of the menstrual cup trend.
You can use the Diva for up to 12 hours. Its silicone cup and stem are textured to help remove it more easily, and it comes with a cotton travel pouch and user guide.
I personally found the Diva Cup easy to use and effective. Like many women who’ve heard of it, the Diva was the first cup I tried. I later decided I preferred the Lena because the purple silicone didn’t discolor the way the clear DivaCup tends to do, and because it has a longer stem for easier removal.
3. Lunette – Easiest to Remove ($29)
Lunette calls their menstrual cups “your vagina’s new best friend.” Each Lunette cup can last you up to two years, and they come in two sized models, like the DivaCup. The Model 1 Cup is ideal for a light to normal flow and easier for beginners and younger users. The Model 2 is better suited for normal to heavier flows, experienced users, and women who’ve given birth vaginally.
I like that Lunette cups are made in Finland, where there are high European standards for production practices. They are chemical, latex, and BPA-free and are made of soft, medical grade silicone. Lunette cups can also be worn up to 12 hours at a time. They have a slightly longer “pull tab” than many other cups, which makes them easier to remove.
4. Saalt Menstrual Cup – Softest Cup ($28)
Saalt is another great option for non-toxic menstrual cups. They make their cup out of super soft medical grade silicone designed to be more comfortable for women with bladder sensitivity, cramps, or discomfort with firmer cups (like the Lena or Diva cups).
As far as menstrual cups go, the Saalt is fairly easy to insert, and you can even forget it’s there once it’s properly in place. Its stem doesn’t have any ridges that sensitive users of other cups may find abrasive.
The non-toxic Saalt Soft cup is made in the USA. The company donates a portion of its profits to areas in need of menstrual health education.
Saalt also makes another option for eco-friendly period care, their menstrual disc. Menstrual discs sit right below the cervix and can hold up to 6 tampons’ worth of flow. They can also last a lot longer than most cups (up to ten years!).
Saalt’s menstrual disc can be worn up to 12 hours. It has a built-in finger notch designed to help you remove it more easily. Menstrual discs rely on tension rather than suction, like a menstrual cup, to stay in place, so they can be a better option for women who have an IUD.
5. Cora Easy-Does-It Cup – Best Customer Service ($27)
Cora’s Easy-Does-It Cup is another great option for anyone who’s looking for a good first menstrual cup. It’s designed by women and made with super soft medical grade silicone that’s free of BPA and other chemicals.
I really like that if you order a Cora cup that turns out to be the wrong size, they will refund or replace it with a new one until you find your right fit. Now that’s good customer service!
This cup folds easily, since it’s made of very soft silicone, and is easy to insert and get into place. Its textured base makes it easier to grip when it’s time to take it out. You can also trim the stem with a pair of scissors if you find it to be too long.
Like Saalt, Cora also makes a menstrual disc that comes in “one size fits most.” Both Cora’s menstrual cup and disc are FSA/HSA eligible, which is a nice bonus that helps us get around the ridiculous “pink tax” added to many period products.
6. MeLuna Menstrual Cups – Most Customizable ($29)
MeLuna offers the most customizable option for menstrual cups. You can get this cup in eight different sizes, two flexibility options, and three handle types (you can choose from a ring, a stem, and a ball).
You can wear the MeLuna up to ten hours. These cups are manufactured in Germany from medical grade Elastomer, which is a latex free polymer that is FDA approved for use in a menstrual cup. This cup also comes with a cleaning brush and a cotton pouch for storage.
7. EcoBlossom – Top Budget Pick ($12 for 2-pack)
The EcoBlossom cup is a budget friendly option made of medical grade silicone right here in the USA that still works very well. This cup is hypoallergenic, non-toxic, and free of BPA and latex, and will run you just $14 for two (about $10 less than the other cups on our list cost for just one).
Women who use the EcoBlossom say it’s good at preventing leaks and easy to use once they get the hang of it. You can get two small cups, two large, or a combo of one large and one small so you can figure out which size works best for you.
One unique feature is that the stem of the EcoBlossom has a little handy ball for you to grab when it’s time to remove it.
8. Super Jennie Menstrual Cup – Best for Very Heavy Flow ($39)
If you have a heavier flow and need a larger menstrual cup, you should check out the Super Jennie. This cup comes in two sizes (small and large), both designed to hold a good deal of period fluid. The larger size holds more, but it is also wider and may be more challenging to insert for new users or anyone with a smaller vaginal canal.
The small is 41 mm across and holds up to 1 ounce of fluid, and the large is 47 mm across and holds up to 1.4 ounces of fluid. This cup is FDA registered and is made entirely of medical grade silicone. For a heavy flow, or if you struggle with smaller cups leaking, this non-toxic menstrual cup may be a good candidate for your needs.
9. OrganiCup – Another Great Budget Pick ($20)
The OrganiCup comes in three sizes: Mini (best for teens and those who need a smaller size), Size A/Small (best for women who haven’t given birth), and Size B/Large (best for women who’ve given birth).
These cups are made from 100% medical grade silicone and are also certified vegan by the Vegan Society. You can wear them for up to 12 hours. Their packaging is made from recycled and/or recyclable paper and cardboard.
The one possible issue with the OrganiCup is its lack of grippy texture on its outer surfaces, which can make removal more difficult for some newer users.
How to Use Your New Menstrual Cup
If you’ve already picked up a new menstrual cup or are looking for more instruction on how to use one, here are some basic directions that should apply to most cups. Menstrual cups usually come with their own directions, as well, so you can start there if you’re hoping for more guidance.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use a menstrual cup:
- Wash your hands with soap and water before handling the cup.
- Find a comfortable position that allows you easy access to your lady business. This can be standing with one leg raised, squatting, or sitting on the toilet. (I recommend the one leg raised on the toilet position, but it’s all about personal preference, so you might experiment to find out what works for you.)
- Fold the menstrual cup. There are various folding techniques you can try, such as the C-fold, the punch-down fold, or the 7-fold. Experiment with different folds to find one that works best for you.
- With one hand, gently separate the labia to create an opening into which to guide the cup.
- Insert the folded cup into your vagina. pointing it upwards and slightly towards your tail bone. Try to keep the cup folded until it is all the way inside your vagina.
- Once the cup is inside, release the fold and let it pop open. You should feel a bit of a “pop” when this happens. If you’re not sure if it’s fully opened up, you can use your finger to feel around the cup and make sure it has fully opened and created a seal. A gentle twist along the upper edge with your finger can help confirm that it’s properly positioned.
How to Remove a Menstrual Cup
To remove the cup, wash your hands first. Get into a comfortable position, such as squatting or sitting on the toilet. Then take these steps:
- Gently pull the stem of your cup until you can reach the base. Pinch the base to release the suction seal. This will allow you to easily remove the cup. It’s best to do this over the toilet in case of some spillage, though you want to be careful not to drop it in!
- Empty the contents of the cup into the toilet or sink. Rinse the cup with water or wipe it clean with toilet paper.
- Before reinserting the cup, make sure you clean it well. You can wash it with mild, unscented soap and warm water. It’s also important to sterilize the cup each month by boiling it in water for a few minutes between cycles. The cup manufacturer will provide you with detailed sterilizing and cleaning instructions which you should follow.
If at first it doesn’t work, don’t get frustrated. This is normal! It may take a few (dozen) times to feel like you’ve really gotten the hang of it, and then you won’t remember what it was like to struggle with putting in your menstrual cup.
With time, you should become comfortable and confident using a menstrual cup, and you’ll be able to wave good-bye to all those years of wearing disposable tampons and pads.
Switch to Menstrual Cups for a More Eco-Friendly Period
Menstrual cups offer a variety of great benefits. They help us maintain a healthy pH balance and because they hold more fluid than tampons, can be used for up to 12 hours at a time. By switching to menstrual cups, we can also significantly reduce the amount of waste we generate with disposable tampons and pads.
With their larger capacity and cheaper long-term costs, menstrual cups provide convenience, reliability, and health advantages, empowering us to manage our periods with greater confidence and comfort each month.
