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17 hours ago
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Reusable menstrual products like menstrual cups and discs have many benefits: They save money, reduce waste and can be more comfortable than traditional disposable options like tampons and pads. Some people even experience less cramping while using these products and can leave them in for up to 12 hours without risking a mess, or worse, toxic shock syndrome (TSS).
"Though rare, TSS can occur with menstrual cups if they are left in place for too long," says Dr. Eboni January, a board-certified ob-gyn and fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. But if you empty and clean your cup regularly, reusable cups and discs have a lower risk of TSS than tampons, according to a 2019 study.
In terms of how they work, menstrual cups and discs are inserted into the vaginal canal; the cups sit in the canal, whereas the menstrual discs are nestled just below the cervix. Both options collect menstrual blood rather than absorbing it like tampons. The best part? You can wash and reuse them after each use and continue using the same product for up to a decade. That said, there's a bit of know-how involved. Inserting menstrual cups and discs correctly and getting acclimated to their use and removal isn't a skill you're likely to pick up on the first try.
It takes practice, lots of patience and a willingness to get up close and personal with your body (and your menstrual blood) to develop the skill and expertise required. "It's best to give a cup or disc up to three months of trying to get used to it before changing brands," says Dr. Suzanne Bovone Smith, a board-certified ob-gyn at Pediatrix Medical Group. But trust us, once you master the insertion and removal, the perks of using these products outweigh the minor challenges of the initial trial and error phase.
If you have a heavy flow, a sensitive vagina or want to make a more sustainable choice, a menstrual cup or disc may be the right period product for you. To get the lay of the land and determine the best options on the market, we consulted five women's health experts and personally tested 16 cups and discs during our menstrual cycles over the course of three months. We factored in personal user experience, materials, size, comfort and cost to find the best menstrual cups and discs for every body type — and every shape of cervix.
Table of contents
Update, Feb. 26, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our number one pick for the best menstrual cup remains unchanged.
Best overall menstrual cup
More menstrual cups and discs we like for 2025
Types of menstrual cups and discs
Before you dive into reusable menstrual products, do your research on the different types of products and how they work. Here are the most common menstrual cup and disc options:
Menstrual cups: These sit inside the vaginal canal and collect blood inside the cup; this is in contrast to how a tampon sits inside the canal and absorbs menstrual blood. Menstrual cups come in various sizes to accommodate different cervix heights and vaginal widths. Someone with a lower cervix may want a shorter cup, while someone with a higher cervix may prefer a longer one with a stem — the small, flexible "tail" at the bottom of a cup — for easy removal.
Reusable menstrual discs: Discs sit deeper in the vaginal canal, behind the pubic bone and close to the cervix, where they collect menstrual blood before it exits the body. They also come in different sizes and capacities but tend to be wider than cups and may be more comfortable for experienced cup users. Since they sit farther back, some people find that they can have mess-free sex while wearing menstrual discs.
Disposable menstrual discs: Unlike silicone-based reusables, disposable discs are made from polymers and can be worn for up to 12 hours before discarding. These are great for when you don't have access to clean water or a private restroom to wash your reusable cup or disc, or when you just need a quick and easy solution when you're caught off guard by your period.
Factors to consider when purchasing a menstrual cup or disc
When choosing the best menstrual cup or disc for you, consider the following factors:
Size and fit: Several factors play a role in this: your age, whether you've given birth vaginally, the firmness of your pelvic floor muscles and other factors like a low or high cervix or a heavy or light period flow. If you have a heavier flow, you may want a larger-capacity cup to prevent frequent emptying. However, a low cervix may require a shorter cup, regardless of flow.
Shape and design: Most cups and discs share a similar design, but some offer unique features like a longer stem for easier removal or ridges for better grip. Some may also be softer or more firm than others. Firm cups tend to "pop open" easier after being inserted inside the vaginal canal and may have less leakage, but some people experience more bladder irritation from the pressure, says Rosas. "Softer firmness options can be more comfortable but might need manual assistance to help them open and seal," she adds.
Capacity: For those with a heavy flow, bleeding can exceed 80 ml per cycle. Since the average menstrual cup holds between 20 ml and 30 ml — about two to four regular tampons — opting for a higher-capacity cup or disc can reduce the frequency of bathroom trips to empty and clean the product. However, it's essential to consider your cervix height when choosing the right option.
Ease of use: Embrace the learning curve — figuring out how to insert and remove a cup properly takes practice. To insert a cup or disc, you have to fold it in on itself. You may need to experiment with different folds and techniques to get the insertion and removal right. This process can take multiple menstrual cycles. If you're struggling with leaks or discomfort after trying a cup or disc for a few cycles, it may be worth reevaluating the size or shape of your cup. "Sometimes, finding the perfect cup might require trying a couple of different options to see which one feels best for you," says Pachon.
Price: The National Organization for Women estimates that the average American spends about $20 per period on menstrual products. Using a reusable option can save you thousands of dollars over time. Most reusable cups cost between $30 and $60 and last up to 10 years, that's an impressive savings. Just keep in mind that disposable discs can cost around $1 to $2 per disc, making them less cost-effective.
How we chose the best menstrual cups and discs
Prior to selecting and testing the menstrual cups and discs, I consulted with a reusable period product expert, three obstetrician-gynecologists and a double-board certified reproductive endocrinologist. Each expert has years of experience in the menstrual health industry and provided valuable insights on product selection and usage. I then researched the most popular brands and options, selecting a variety of models to test based on factors like size, shape, capacity and price.
As a seasoned menstrual cup user for eight years (someone who knows the pros and cons and has been through many rounds of trials and errors), I personally tested 16 menstrual cups and discs throughout multiple menstrual cycles. I evaluated each product based on factors such as usability, comfort and overall experience, as well as expert recommendations and customer reviews.
FAQs
How do I choose the right size menstrual cup or disc?
Your age, childbirth history, menstrual flow and cervix height can all play a role in which size is best for you, says January. If you have a high cervix and moderate to heavy flow, a larger cup may fit better. If you have a lower cervix, choosing a smaller size will prevent the cup from sticking out and causing discomfort.
Menstrual discs are more of a one-size-fits-all option, so you have more freedom to choose based on their capacity and design.
What’s the difference between a cup and a disc?
Menstrual cups use suction and your pelvic floor muscles to stay in place, while discs tuck behind the pubic bone and sit flat under the cervix — in an area called the vaginal fornix — says Rosas. Menstrual discs also have a larger capacity than cups and don't use suction, which some people find more comfortable.
Are menstrual cups or discs messy to use?
They can be. You'll need to get comfortable with touching blood and learning how to properly insert and remove the cup or disc. Many people go 12 hours between changes, so you can plan to empty your cup or disc at home in the morning and evening — or even in the shower — to avoid public restrooms. You can also carry wipes or a water bottle to rinse off your cup or disc in a bathroom stall. Once you get the hang of it, you should be able to remove it without making a mess.
Can I wear a menstrual cup or disc overnight?
Yes, menstrual cups and discs can be worn safely for up to 12 hours, says Bovone. They are a great option for overnight wear since they can hold more blood than tampons or pads and carry less risk for toxic shock syndrome. Emptying and cleaning your cup before bedtime and in the morning can help prevent leaks.
Can I wear a menstrual cup or disc during activities like swimming, exercise or sex?
Both menstrual cups and discs can be worn during physical activities like swimming, exercise, running, lifting and other sports, says Rosas. Since discs sit farther behind the pelvic bone, they can be worn for vaginal intercourse as well.
Is it safe to use menstrual cups or discs? Are there any risks?
All internal menstrual products, including cups and discs, have a small risk of infection if they're not properly cleaned and cared for. Make sure to follow the instructions that come with your product, empty it regularly and wash it with a menstrual cup cleanser or mild soap and water. You should also boil it for three to five minutes at the end and beginning of each cycle. Tell your provider if you experience symptoms like cramping, burning or itching, which could be a sign of an infection.
Other products we tested
Ziggy Cup 2: This ultrasoft disc comes in two sizes to fit different cervix heights and holds up to 76 ml of fluid, but the softer material makes it more difficult to insert and remove.
Pixie Disc: I love that the Pixie Disc has an extra firm rim to help with insertion. The instructions are user-friendly, and it comes with several product samples to try before you commit. That said, the collection basin feels a bit less durable than I'd like.
Kind Cup: Its curved, more ergonomic design and pay-it-forward social mission are just two of the many reasons you should give Kind Cup a try. It has an up to 35 ml capacity, but my body seemed to prefer a bell-shaped cup.
Merula Cup: This cup is great for those with a high cervix and heavy flow — the XL version holds up to 50 ml of fluid. However, it doesn't have suction holes, which can complicate the removal process.
Lily Cup Compact: A collapsible menstrual cup? This option goes from flat to full-size in one second and is available in two sizes. I like that it comes with a compact carrying case, but getting it to open and create a leak-free seal after insertion was a challenge for me.
Meet our experts
Suzanne Bovone Smith, MD, a board-certified ob-gyn at Pediatrix Medical Group in San Jose, Calif.
Janet Choi, MD, a double-board certified reproductive endocrinologist and the chief medical officer of Progyny, a fertility, family building and women's health benefits company
Eboni January, MD, a board-certified ob-gyn and fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Maria Pachon, MD, a board-certified ob-gyn at Holy Name Medical Center in Cliffside Park, N.J.
Kim Rosas, a menstrual cup and disc expert and founder of Period Nirvana
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