Menstrual cups: 14 of the best for people who have periods

Menstrual cups are becoming increasingly popular, and it's not difficult to see why. They don't dry out the vagina like tampons can, nor do they contain any harmful substances. They're also reusable, eco-friendly and don't create any waste – and, if we're talking money, they're cheaper in the long run. A convincing argument, right?

With that in mind, we answer some of the most common questions about menstrual cups, including how to use one, and we test and suggest some of the best menstrual cups to try for anyone who has periods, whether you're a beginner or a pro.

What is a menstrual cup (also known as a period cup)?

"A menstrual cup is a small cup made from flexible and body-friendly plastic which you insert into your vagina instead of using a tampon or towel," explains Stephanie Taylor, Founder and Managing Director of pelvic health company Kegel8 . "It sits just below your cervix and collects any blood or lining you lose for up to 12 hours," she adds. The main difference between a tampon and a period cup is that the cup collects your blood, whereas the tampon absorbs it.

Will menstrual cups leak?

Rest assured, no! A major scientific review published in the Lancet Public Health journal, which assessed 43 studies involving 3,300 women and girls, concluded that menstrual cups are just as reliable as tampons in the leak-prevention stakes. Leakage rates were found to be similar between tampons and menstrual cups in three of the studies that were analysed, and were actually found to have significantly less leakage than tampons in one other study.

How do you use a menstrual cup?

It's actually pretty simple to use a menstrual cup. "Make sure both your menstrual cup and your hands are clean, then hold the base of your cup and flatten the opening. Fold it in half vertically, so that the opening forms a 'C'," explains the expert. Next, you need to find a comfortable position to insert the cup - "you can even squat or raise one leg," suggests Stephanie."The biggest thing to remember is to relax and take things slow. A menstrual cup doesn’t sit as high as a tampon; you should have approximately 1.5cm clear at the base. Check the cup has fully opened by giving the stem a gentle pull – if you feel some resistance then you’re good to go."

Can I use a menstrual cup if I’m a virgin?

Absolutely – you can still use a menstrual cup if you've never had sex! "You can start using a menstrual cup from your first period," advises Stephanie. "It may feel uncomfortable at first, but don’t force it. It’s best to choose a brand which offers smaller sizes if you're a beginner with menstrual cups."

Can I wear a menstrual cup swimming?

Just like tampons, it's a goer. You can wear menstrual cups while swimming, and for every other form of exercise. "You wear a menstrual cup completely internally, so you don’t need to worry. However, if you’ve experienced leaks and haven’t quite mastered the art yet it’s best to resolve this first," suggests the female health expert.

Are menstrual cups better for you?

While tampons are very commonly used, they do hold some possible risks that menstrual cups just don't have. "Most tampons are treated with chemicals to bleach the cotton and even contain plastic," says Stephanie. "Tampons strip your vaginal walls of its lining and soak up the healthy discharge you need to keep your body's natural flora at the optimum levels. A menstrual cup takes the blood and leaves everything else. "Using a body-friendly cup can also reduce your risk of bacterial infections and contracting Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)," the expert adds.

Is a menstrual cup eco-friendly?

If you suffer from eco-anxiety, that's another reason you might want to make the change and start using period cups. "Switching to a menstrual cup can save the environment from approximately 16,000 tampons, panty-liners and sanitary pads in your lifetime, which can take between 500-800 years to fully decompose," says Stephanie."Most sanitary pads are also 90 percent plastic (who knew!?) and tampons are made from the world’s thirstiest crop – cotton. In comparison, silicon is a much greener material which slowly goes back to its original state (sand) as it degrades."

How do I keep my menstrual cup clean?

If the thought of rinsing away your own period blood freaks you out, you'll have to get past that to make the switch – cleaning is essential. But luckily, it's very easy. "Just give it a quick rinse with hot soapy water or use a cleaning spray. Rinse thoroughly to remove any soap or cleaner residue as this can cause irritation after insertion. For a more thorough clean, boil your cup," advises Stephanie.

How often should a menstrual cup be replaced?

"With proper care and cleaning, a menstrual cup can last over a decade, saving women thousands of pounds on sanitary products over its lifetime." Way to avoid the tampon tax...

Can I use a menstrual cup if I have heavy periods?

You sure can. In fact, Stephanie points out: "Menstrual cups can hold up to 5 times more blood than towels and tampons. Some come with measurement lines to tell you whether you’re having a light, medium or heavy flow. They can also help diagnose endometriosis which affects 1 in 10 women in the UK, as very heavy periods can be a tell-tale sign.

How we test

Our panel of 110 testers tried several leading brands of menstrual cups, rating each one on how comfortable and easy they were to insert, wear and remove during their period.

They assessed how clear the instructions were before use too, and whether they experienced any leakage.

They also took into account how comfortable they were to wear for the recommended amount of time, how confident they felt in public, and how easy it was to clean and re-insert.

The Cosmopolitan editors have also suggested some fool-proof cups, find them under our tested picks below.