Here’s Why Now Is the Best Time to Try a Menstrual Cup—and 5 of Our Favorites
Menstrual cups sound great in theory: They’re good for the environment, they can stay in safely for up to 12 hours, and think of all the money you’ll save if you stop buying tampons and pads. But in practice, they’re kind of...intimidating. Menstrual cup users are candid about the fact that there’s a learning curve when it comes to figuring out how to put one in properly. And the hassle of dealing with leaks at work or brunch (ugh, we’re getting middle school flashbacks) is enough to make us want to surrender and reach for another tampon.
But now that many of us are home all day, every day, it feels like the ideal time to learn. After all, it’s not like a leak on the sweatpants you’ve been wearing for the past four days is a huge deal. And if you take an extra five minutes in the bathroom getting it situated, who’s going to notice besides your cat? “It’s natural to be nervous about trying a menstrual cup, but there’s no better time to learn than when in the comfort of your own space,” agrees Robyn McLean, Co-Founder of Hello Cup.
Another huge plus of switching to menstrual cups right now? You won’t have to worry about buying pads and tampons. The average cup should last you about five years, so you don’t have to think about replacing it any time soon. And anything that makes mid-global-pandemic life a little simpler is much appreciated.
Basically, you have nothing to lose. And if you decide to switch to a menstrual cup, you’ll gain convenience, some extra spending money and a lower environmental impact. Ready to try one? Here are five of the best menstrual cups on the market, according to real women who use them.
RELATED: The 8 Best Period Subscription Boxes on the Internet (That Feature More Than Just Tampons)
1. Saalt Menstrual Cup
“I’m obsessed with this cup because it's made with an ultra-soft silicone. so it's more flexible (and therefore comfortable) than a traditional firmer one. I love that I can go 12 hours without having to worry about leakage or changing it, and it's so comfortable that I usually forget I'm even wearing it. Trust me, once you try a cup you'll wonder how you ever lived without it.” —Rachel G.
2. The Hello Cup
“I’ve tried a couple of different brands, and the Hello Cup is by far the most comfortable. I can’t even feel it while I’m wearing it and it seems to actually help my cramps too.” —Madeline C.
3. Athena Club Size One Menstrual Cup
“I’m so happy that I got Size One, which is recommended for new users. It’s a little bit smaller so it’s pretty easy to get in and out once you get the hang of it.” —Izzy C.
4. The Diva Cup
“I’ve been using my Diva Cup for about six months and I love it. I just feel cleaner and more comfortable using it instead of a pad or tampon. Plus, it saves me so much money—I used to go through tampons like crazy.” —Amy L.
5. Lunette Menstrual Cup
“I did a little bit of research and this brand was recommended a lot. It definitely took me a couple of cycles to get used to, but now it’s so comfortable I barely notice it.” —Veronica F.
RELATED: The 8 Best Pairs of Underwear for Periods, No Pads or Tampons Necessary
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