How to use a menstrual cup and the best to buy

If you're looking for the menstrual cup favourite in the UK, we'd have to recommend the original Mooncup, available in sizes A and B. Made from soft, medical-grade silicone, this comfortable, convenient, and reliable cup will pay for itself after 6-8 months and is completely manufactured in the UK. Not to mention, it's multi-award winning too!

This size A cup is designed for those over 30 or women who have had a vaginal birth, whilst the size B is for under 30s or those who haven't given birth vaginally.

Promising review: "I am amazed at this product. I honestly wish I’d done it sooner. I’ve been eyeing them up and watching videos and reading reviews for what seems like forever. I do not get on with tampons at all so was really unsure if this would be right for me. Well it definitely is. I’ve got to grips with it very quickly, the instructions are so easy to follow. It feels very comfortable and works a charm. I am so shocked at how much of a difference it’s made already. This is definitely something to consider if you’re not of either pads or tampons. Cost wise this will be cheaper in the long run."

Made from medical-grade silicone, the Lena Menstrual Cup can be worn for 12 consecutive hours and comes with a 100 per cent cotton bag for storage.

Available in pink, purple, grey, or turquoise, you'll receive one menstrual cup per pack in your choice of size: small or large.

Lena recommends the small cup for first time users or those with a light flow. And the large cup for experienced cup users or women with a heavy flow.

Promising review: "I love the Lena Cup! I had previously bought the Diva Cup as it was the most widely known brand and i thought it would be fine. But 2 cycles worth of trying and it kept ending up in a disaster. That's when I found the Lena Cup. My first thought was that it was a lot firmer so I had my doubts but within my first couple of tries it has been a dream! I got the smaller size which has worked perfectly for me. It comes with a little bag to keep it in (which is super cute) and an instructions manual and FAQs."

Available in Desert Blush pink or grey, the Saalt Soft Menstrual Cup's made of ultra-soft silicone, ideal for those with sensitivities.

Available in sizes small and regular, Saalt recommend the smaller size for first time users, light flows, or those with a low cervix, and the larger size for a high cervix or heavy flows.

The large is designed to hold a higher capacity - three to four tampons worth, compared to the small cup that'll hold two to three tampons worth.

Promising review: "Already better than my moon cup. More comfortable, more secure. I thought my age was the issue, with my body changing. It might well be changing, but this cup is waaaay better suited to me now. I cannot feel it in place at all, and it is standing up to my heaviest day like a champ."

Made from 100 per cent medical grade soft silicone, the BeYou Menstrual Cup can apparently last up to 10 years - imagine how much money you could save on pads and tampons in that time!

Available in medium and large, BeYou recommends the large for anyone over the age of 25, regardless of childbirth or not.

It also comes with a carry bag and tips to help you feel empowered on your menstrual cup journey.

Promising review: "As someone with endometriosis I have increasingly struggled with using tampons for deal with my period and always always had leaking, but my BeYou cup has majorly changed things for me! 1- I find it definitely easier than tampons and don’t experience any pain with it. 2- I haven’t had any leaking and can get through most of the day without needing to change the cup. 3- I am saving SO MUCH money with the cup vs pads and tampons. 4- This is so much more eco-friendly than normal tampons and pads!
"Honestly if you haven’t tried a menstrual cup before I highly highly recommend giving the BeYou cup a go. The material is really lightweight and I find it easier to use than most other cups that use a less bendable material."

Bet you didn't know Tampax did a menstrual cup too? Made of 100 per cent medical grade silicone and clinically tested, the Tampax Menstrual Cup has been designed for women with a heavy-flow and would usually use super plus absorbencies.

With comfort-fit protection, a handy case for hygienic storage, and designed with a gynaecologist, it has the same, trusted Tampax protection.

Promising review: "This is the best one out there to date! Does exactly what it needs to an exactly what it says it will do! Doesn't leak or leave you worried about leakages. 1100% recommend this product."

100 per cent hypoallergic with zero latex, the &SISTERS Nüdie Cup has a silky smooth finish with a easy-to-hold 'pebble' pull at the bottom for comfort.

Available in three sizes, this large cup can hold the equivalent of three tampons worth and is recommended to those who have given birth vaginally or are over the age of 30.

Promising review: "I bought this to try its the first cup I've tried, I was sick of spending a small fortune on sanitary products monthly. It did take me a few attempts to get it right, trying to relax but towards the end of my period I had gotten used to it, it's very comfortable and I can't feel it like with Tampax. It does not dry you out. I'm no longer buying Tampax, I'm sticking to cups. I would definitely recommend."

This is a great menstrual cup for beginners for a number of reasons; it's soft and comfortable, has an easy removal loop, and is collapsible for easy storage and discreet carrying on-the-go.

Designed to be worn up to eight hours and made from 100 per cent medical grade silicone, its an affordable option for newbies to get used to using the cup.

However, this size is best suited to those with a low cervix, teens, of those to a light to medium flow.

Promising review: "I’ve been using this for about 6months now and it’s my first time using a cup. I think the whole idea takes a lot of getting used to and understand how to correctly fit it so that there are no leaks takes time. I am finally at the stage now where I know exactly how to use it without having to use a panty liner in case of leaks.
"I highly recommend getting a cup instead of tampons as it has so many more benefits - the most is I only have to change this once every 24h! Where as before I would have to change my tampon around once every 3h. Being able to fold this up into the little packaging is perfect for just popping it in your handbag or in your washbag in case of emergency. 100% recommend."

Amazing value with two menstrual cups for the price of one, the Hun. Menstrual Cup is made from 100 per cent medical grade silicone and is naturally hypoallergenic.

Available in small, medium, or mixed sizing, the regular is recommended for those over 35-years-old, and anyone who has had a vaginal birth.

It also comes with a free, natural cotton canvas bag, making this one extra eco-friendly too.

Promising review: " This has transformed my periods! Saving pounds AND the environment (worked out I’ll save £100 a year on tampons) and no more pads of plastic filling up landfill!
Also way more comfy than tampons as the silicone isn’t drying, feels cleaner and not having to change as often is so convenient.
"I also love the fact the business is founded by a woman and champions female empowerment!"

It's rumoured that you can have sex with a menstrual cup, and while this isn't the case with most, it is with the Intimina Ziggy Cup.

With an extra thin, flat fit design, this one will be a little different to fit as it's a disc, rather than a cup, but is still made from medical grade silicone with a leak proof double rim.

This one can cover heavy flow period and can be worn for up to eight hours with a handy silicone case for storage.

Promising review: "I was a bit sceptical that it would be too big for me and it would be uncomfortable as it seemed massive when I first opened it, but thankfully I was wrong. Seems there are other reviews that are quite bad which lead to me being quite sceptical but no, a bit of adjusting to make sure it was in properly each time, you can feel when it's not.
"Even on my heavy days, it's fine, it may need to be emptied which may be a bit tricky in public but seems to be fine with just a bit of tissue. It can be quite messy inserting, although it is easy to get out. It's perfect for mess-free sex, my partner can feel it in some positions but it doesn't bother him much."

Instead of having the standard small and large, the TOTM menstrual cup range comes in sizes 1, 2, and 3.

Size 1 is recommended for teens, size 2 for those under 30 who haven't had a vaginal birth, and size 3 for those over 30 who have given birth vaginally.

Each cup is made from medical grade TPE, free from BOA, latex, and phthalates, and comes with an organic cotton bag for safekeeping. Not so sure on menstrual cups yet, but want to be more eco-friendly? TOTM has sustainable tampons and pads available on subscription.

Promising review: "I have been getting my period products from TOTM for a few years now and they are an amazing brand offering eco friendly, organic period care that is better for us and for the planet! The customer service is wonderful and prices are affordable, I cannot fault TOTM and I recommend them to everyone!"