Menstrual Cups

Menstrual cups are made from soft materials such as latex, or silicone. They are folded and inserted internally, like a tampon, and come in different sizes and shapes. The cup can be worn for up to 12 hours, or until full, and can be worn overnight. To remove the cup, you pinch the base of the cup, break the seal and pull. Once removed, the cup can be emptied down the toilet or sink, rinsed clean with water and reinserted.

At the end of your period, your cup can be cleaned by boiling in a saucepan of hot water (that is used only for cleaning your cup!) for 5 – 10 minutes or using sterilizing tablets.

There are lots of useful videos and websites to help you choose the best cup for your needs, along with different folding methods and how to insert your cup properly to ensure you get a good seal, so your cup doesn’t leak. Check out Put a Cup In It for comparisons, and a quiz to find the best cup for you.

Price: From £8.99 to £30

Lifespan: Up to 10 years. Follow the manufacturers care instructions for best results and to lengthen the lifespan of your product.

Available at: Mooncup, Lunette, HeyGirls, Intimina, TOTM, All Matters (previously Organicup).