The 9 best menstrual cups for women in 2025, approved by gynaecologists
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In recent years, menstrual cups have emerged as one of the most convenient — not to mention eco-friendly — alternatives to the likes of single-use sanitary pads and tampons. Their perks? As well as being super comfortable to use, they're often leak-proof and even more convenient, considering you can use one for up to 12 hours at a time.
If I'm honest, I was a bit overwhelmed at first. As someone living with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), my periods are always long, and my flow is super heavy. Needless to say, using more traditional products inevitably resulted in the most dreadful leaks.
After consulting with my gynaecologist and checking out my options, it wasn’t long before I ordered my very first menstrual cup that, without exaggeration, changed my life. As with most things in life, practice makes perfect, but I am now proud to say I have mastered regular use of the menstrual cup. Plus, as someone who got my period while on my honeymoon in Mexico, I can confirm that swimming with one is a breeze.
Essentially, you could label me the ideal person to pull together an extensive guide on the very best. So, whether you’re a menstrual cup veteran looking to try a new brand or are still a bit sceptical and want to swot up, we’ve got you covered. I even spoke to gynaecologists and industry experts to answer all of your FAQs. Here's everything you need to know.
SKIP TO: Shop our top-rated menstrual cups | What are menstrual cups, and how do they work? | How we test the best menstrual cups | Menstrual cups FAQs | Can regular use of a menstrual cup lead to vaginal prolapse?
It's so empowering that, as a woman, I can do my bit to not only save the planet, but also make my periods more comfortable and affordable.
| Dr Amit Shah | Leading gynaecologist and co-founder of Fertility Plus. |
| Dr Susanna Unsworth | Gynaecology expert at Intimina. |
| Dr Nikki Ramskill | A Doctify rated GP with a special interest in women’s health, hormones, and menopause, plus the founder of The Female Health Doctor. |
What are menstrual cups, and how do they work?
Unlike pads and tampons, menstrual cups are reusable period products. A small funnel-shaped cup with a stem, they're typically made from rubber or silicone meaning they're super flexible and so fairly easy to insert into the vagina. Due to their unique design, they can hold more menstrual blood than some other period products — but instead of absorbing the fluid, they catch it.
“Menstrual cups are flexible cups made of either natural rubber, latex, silicone or thermoplastic elastomers," shares Dr Amit Shah, a leading gynaecologist and co-founder of Fertility Plus. “The cup serves to collect menstrual flow, and is inserted into the vagina during menstruation.”
Because we'd never recommend a product that we wouldn't use ourselves, we have spent the last four years personally testing a host of the best menstrual cups to track down the very best. We used various styles over several months and at various points in our cycles, before grading them against the following criteria: design, dimensions, ease of use, aesthetics, odour control and overall value for money.
Ahead, the best menstrual cups in 2025, approved by GLAMOUR editors:
- Best for: Those with a heavy flow, those with a higher cervix.
- Made from: Medical-grade silicone.
- Available options: Small/regular (A) and large (B).
- Pros: Reasonably priced, comfortable insertion, suitable for beginners.
- Cons: May not be the best fit for those with a lower cervix.
Why we love it: Featuring an angled design, the Lily Cup by Intimina is specifically designed for comfortable wear, particularly for those of us with a higher cervix positioning. You can easily roll it up as thin as a standard tampon for easier insertion, plus the smooth medical-grade silicone material makes it easy to glide in without causing any excessive friction. It comes in two sizes – for those who haven't yet given birth (A) and those who have (B). Plus, our testers confirmed you can easily rely on it on your heaviest flow days for up to 8 hours.
“I've been using the Intimina Lily Cup for the last two years, and I wish I'd discovered it earlier. The design of this (clever) menstrual cup has helped simplify the insertion process, which is a great perk for beginners," says GLAMOUR's Freelance Contributor Denise Primbet.
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- Best for: Sleeping and swimming.
- Made from: Medical-grade silicone.
- Size options: Small, large & sensitive.
- Pros: Offers up to 12 hours of wear, comfortable once inserted.
- Cons: A little tricky to insert.
Why we love it: This reusable bell-shaped silicone cup is made to sit comfortably in the vaginal canal, providing up to 12 hours of support while you dance, swim, sleep or just go about your day as usual. In fact, the Lena Cup is so comfortable, you'll forget it's in there.
“This was the first menstrual cup I've tried and, as a result, the Lena Cup holds a special place in my heart. It's truly one of the most comfortable designs out there, making it perfect for swimming, sleeping and dancing (not necessarily in this order),” says GLAMOUR's Freelance Contributor Denise Primbet.
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- Best for: Beginners and those with sensitive skin.
- Made from: Medical-grade silicone.
- Size options: Large (A) and regular (B).
- Pros: A great option for those with sensitive skin, reasonably priced.
- Cons: The insertion process takes a while to get right.
Why we love it: Made from soft medical grade silicone, this menstrual cup is suitable for people with sensitive skin, sensitive bladders or those of us suffering from allergies. Available in two sizes (A is the larger, B is the smaller), each iteration caters to various circumstances – whether you've given birth, naturally or via a C-section, or if you have a heavier flow.
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- Best for: Sustainability.
- Made from: Medical-grade silicone.
- Size options: Size 1 (regular flow) or size 2 (heavy flow).
- Pros: Six colour options, arrives with a linen carry pouch and tail aids easy removal.
- Cons: On the pricier side.
Why we love it: Menstrual cups are already designed to be more sustainable and to produce less waste for landfills, but Lunette takes it even further, built to last for up to 10 years! Made from 100% soft medical-grade silicone, each cup arrives in a 100% linen pouch for convenient, discreet storage. And did we mention that they're capable of holding up to three tampons' worth of menstrual fluid for up to 12 hours?
- Best for: Travelling and easy removal.
- Made from: Medical-grade silicone.
- Size options: N/A.
- Pros: Compact enough for travelling, convenient for beginners, easy removal.
- Cons: Due to its unusual design, some users have reported some issues with leaking, but this largely depends on the insertion.
Why we love it: Great as a beginner-friendly option, these menstrual cups are soft, comfortable, and feature an easy removal loop for a more intuitive emptying, making them perfect for those who have yet to venture into the world of reusable period products. If you're looking for a flatter design, our testers also highly praised the Intimina Ziggy Cup.
Shordy Menstrual Cup First Period Starter Pack
- Best for: Saving ££.
- Made from: Medical-grade silicone.
- Size options: Small and large.
- Pros: A great option to save, made from quality materials, comes with a leakproof carry case.
- Cons: Nothing of note.
Why we love it: Whether you're packing for a holiday or just want to save some hard-earned ££, this set of two menstrual cups from Shordy is nothing short of impressive. You'll be able to try out the two sizes (small and large), or alternate between them according to your flow. We can also confirm they're latex, phthalate and BPA free to boot.
- Best for: Comfortable, suction-free hold.
- Made from: Medical-grade silicone.
- Size options: One size.
- Pros: Can be worn during sex, offers up to 12 hours of protection, lasts for up to 5 years.
- Cons: Only comes in one size.
Why we love it: Simple yet effective, this collapsible menstrual disc is made from 100% medical-grade silicone. Designed to adjust to your vaginal walls, this clever product eliminates the need for suction, ensuring comfortable wear for up to 12 hours at a time. Plus, you can even wear this one during foreplay and sex without worries about leaking.
- Best for: Comfortable wear, reducing odour.
- Made from: Medical-grade silicone.
- Size options: Small or medium.
- Pros: For every cup sold, the company donates one to a person without access to period products.
- Cons: Nothing of note.
Why we love it: Designed to be worn up to eight hours, the Ruby cup offers stable protection and comfort, whether you use it during the day or while sleeping. Made from medical-grade silicone, this menstrual cup doesn't feature any harmful chemicals or toxins, limiting it's impact to your vaginal pH. Even better news: For every Ruby Cup sold, they donate another to someone without access to period products, along with an educational workshop on reproductive health. FYI, they've donated more than 150k worldwide to date.
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- Best for: Travelling.
- Made from: Silicone.
- Size options: One size.
- Pros: Great for travelling or whenever you're out and about.
- Cons: The least sustainable option.
Why we love it: If you travel often or find disposable period products more convenient, allow us to introduce you to Softdisc, the brand behind these disposable menstrual discs. Not only are they hypoallergenic, made without BPA or latex, but they're also surprisingly comfortable. Plus, thanks to their disc-like design, they're able to fit seamlessly within your vaginal canal. The lack of suction also means they're easier to remove, too.
Menstrual cups FAQs:
Menstrual cups might look intimidating at first glance, but they’re actually very simple to use. Made from flexible silicone or similar, the cup is made to be folded and inserted to your vagina – much like inserting a regular tampon without the applicator. Once inside, you may need to rotate the menstrual cup until it feels comfortable. It will then spring open to catch any blood. As for removal, you do so by pinching the base, which will release the temporary seal.
"Inserting your cup for the first time can take a little practice, so you might want to stay closer
to home for the first few times for comfort’s sake," details Dr Susanna Unsworth, gynaecology expert at Intimina. She also recommends washing your hands before handling your cup or touching your genitals to avoid the transfer of bacteria.
An expert weighs in on the many benefits of flexibility around work when you're menstruating.
This is all dependent on your flow, but they can be left in for up to 12 hours, making menstrual cups especially handy at nighttime.
If this is what’s stopping you from trying one, rest assured – studies have shown they’re just as reliable, if not more so, than tampons. This is because menstrual cups form a temporary seal once in place, allowing them to catch blood without a risk of leaking. “If inserted properly, cups are also convenient to wear when working out, as they are unlikely to leak given their higher capacity," adds Unsworth.
Where do we start? As they can hold blood up to 12 hours, it means you’ll have to change it less frequently. But menstrual cups can also be considered a safer alternative to tampons, due to the minimal risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). Sanitary pads can also cause a rash, irritation and redness, however, you won't experience that either with a menstrual cup.
“Menstrual cups can hold more fluid in comparison to alternatives such as pads and tampons,” highlights Shah. “They also tend to be void of any harmful chemicals that can potentially be present in pads and tampons.”
Shah reminds us that there are some important factors to consider when purchasing a suitable menstrual cup, including your age, the length of your cervix and how heavy your flow is, as well as the capacity of the cup and its flexibility. “If you have recently given birth vaginally and have pelvic floor strength issues, these also need to be considered,” he explains. “If you haven’t given birth vaginally and are below the age of 30, a smaller menstrual cup should work well. For women over 30, those who have a heavier flow and are over 30, larger menstrual cups tend to be more suitable.”
Broadly speaking, no. Menstrual cups are safe to use from your first period and as a virgin, although there may be a bit of a learning curve. “For women who have not had vaginal penetrative sex, it may be difficult and uncomfortable”, shares Shah. “Something that may help is using a layer of water-based lube on the rim of the cup prior to insertion.”
Menstrual cups can also be worn while swimming and during other forms of exercise without fear of leaks. People with a heavy period also benefit from the use of a menstrual cup as they can hold much more blood than tampons or pads.
If you’re not sure whether you can use one, consult your doctor, gynaecologist, a women's health expert or any other trusted healthcare professional.
Water-based lubricants to pop in your bedside table.
This may be the messiest and least enjoyable part of using a menstrual cup, but it’s easy – and essential if you choose to use one. “It’s important that reusable menstrual cups are sterilised between periods,” shares Shah. “This is easily done by placing the cup in boiling water. Between insertion, wash and wipe the cup.” Unsworth adds: “Menstrual cups are very safe to use as long as care is taken around inserting and removing, along with keeping the menstrual cup clean."
The price of menstrual cups may, at first glance, seem high when compared with what you'd usually budget for single-use tampons or sanitary pads. However, if you take good care of them, menstrual cups can last years, ultimately saving you money in the long run.
But if your cup starts to look discoloured, has a strange smell or feels sticky, it’s time for a fresh one. Plus, if you are post-partum, you may need a different size. But if you have any doubts, always consult your doctor first.
“There’s currently no strong clinical evidence to suggest that using a menstrual cup directly causes vaginal prolapse," says GP and founder of The Female Health Doctor, Dr Nikki Ramskill. "Prolapse is typically associated with things like pregnancy, vaginal birth, ageing, chronic straining and coughing, or heavy lifting, not the use of menstrual products.
“That said, I do understand why women are concerned. Menstrual cups create a suction seal within the vaginal canal, and if removed without first releasing that seal — for instance, by pulling down too forcefully — this could place unnecessary pressure on the pelvic floor. Over time, particularly in individuals with existing pelvic floor weakness, this might contribute to discomfort or strain."
She continues: “To use a menstrual cup safely, always break the seal by pinching the base of the cup before removal. And if you’ve previously been diagnosed with prolapse or pelvic floor dysfunction, it's considered to still be safe to use, but if you're worried, it’s worth speaking to a women's healthcare professional (such as a pelvic floor physiotherapist) for personalised advice.
“When used correctly, menstrual cups remain a safe, sustainable, and cost-effective menstrual product for many women.”
For more makeup, skincare, haircare and wellness content from our Freelance Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Instagram @deniseprimbet.
