How to Choose the Best Menstrual Cup for You
Quick answer: the best menstrual cup for you is the one that matches your flow, your cervix height and how new you are to internal period products. Lunette Size 1 suits a light to medium flow, a low cervix, teens and first-time cup users; Size 2 suits a medium to heavy flow or a higher cervix. Both are made in Finland from 100% medical-grade silicone, and the Lunette menstrual cup can be worn for up to 12 hours.
How to choose a menstrual cup for your situation
The most common menstrual cup sizes are small and large. According to the FDA, small is intended for lighter flow days and large for heavier flow days.
Which menstrual cup is best for beginners?
Of Lunette's two sizes, start with Size 1. It is made from softer silicone, and Lunette describes it as a gentle option for first-time cup users. Give it time: Cleveland Clinic cites a study in which most users needed about three menstrual cycles to get used to a cup. The step-by-step guide shows how to fold, insert and remove it.
Which menstrual cup is best for heavy flow?
Of Lunette's two sizes, choose Size 2. It holds 30 ml (1.0 fl oz) and is made from firmer silicone. Lunette suggests Size 2 if you change high-absorbency tampons or pads every two to four hours or more often. Cleveland Clinic adds that you might need to empty a cup more often on heavy flow days to guard against leaking.
Low cervix or high cervix
Lunette recommends Size 1 for a low cervix and Size 2 for a higher cervix. You may trim the stem with scissors if its length is uncomfortable. The Lunette FAQ explains how to check your cervix height with a clean finger during your period.
Teens
Lunette recommends Size 1 for teens. It is narrower and softer, which makes insertion and removal easier. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists covers menstrual cups, next to pads and tampons, in its patient guide to a first period.
After giving birth
Giving birth doesn't automatically mean you need a larger cup, according to Lunette. Size 1 may feel more comfortable if you have strong pelvic floor muscles or a lower cervix, while heavier flow days are easier to manage with the higher capacity of Size 2. The FDA states that menstrual cups are not intended for bleeding from recent pregnancy or childbirth.
Lunette Size 1 vs Size 2
| Size 1 | Size 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Flow | Light to medium | Medium to heavy |
| Capacity | 25 ml (0.85 fl oz) | 30 ml (1.0 fl oz) |
| Diameter | 41 mm | 46 mm |
| Length with stem | 72 mm | 72 mm |
| Silicone | Softer | Firmer |
| Best for | Teens, low cervix, strong pelvic floor, sensitive bladder | Heavier flow, higher cervix |
The menstrual cup size guide has every measurement. You choose Size 1 or Size 2 on the menstrual cup product page.
What makes a good menstrual cup
- Material: the FDA notes that menstrual cups are generally made from silicone or rubber and advises a silicone cup if you are sensitive to latex. Lunette cups are 100% medical-grade silicone, free from BPA, PFAS, rubber and latex.
- Testing: Lunette cups are independently tested by Danish TÆNK, with no unwanted substances detected.
- Regulation: menstrual cups are regulated by the FDA. The Lunette cup is classified as a medical device and is FDA-registered.
- Lifetime: a Lunette cup lasts up to 10 years with proper care.
- Ratings: the Lunette US product page shows 4.6 from 52,000+ ratings from Lunette customers and Amazon.
Where to buy a menstrual cup in the US: shipping and returns
You can order from Lunette USA in US dollars. Lunette menstrual cups come in 2 sizes and 6 colors; the product page shows today's price. Standard shipping is free on US orders over $50 and a flat $9.99 below that, and orders are processed within 24 to 48 hours on weekdays.
Lunette cups come with a fit promise. If a cup clearly doesn't work for you after a fair try of two to three cycles, Lunette refunds it or sends the other size, and there is nothing to return.
Frequently asked questions
Are menstrual cups safe?
A 2019 review in The Lancet Public Health analyzed 43 studies with 3,319 participants and concluded that menstrual cups are a safe option for menstruation management. The review identified five reports of toxic shock syndrome after menstrual cup use. The FDA advises you to always follow the instructions that come with a menstrual product and to wash your hands before and after using it.
Do gynecologists recommend menstrual cups?
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists includes menstrual cups among the period products in its patient guide, and an ob-gyn quoted by Cleveland Clinic says they "have been proven to be safe and very effective." If you have an IUD, the FDA says to consult your gynecologist about using a cup, because cups could interfere with the IUD strings and placement.
What are the disadvantages of a menstrual cup?
The FDA lists these: it may be difficult to find the right size, it can take practice to insert and remove a cup, cups may interfere with an IUD, and a cup needs to be washed after use, which can be challenging if you rely on a public restroom.
How do I know my menstrual cup is full?
Leaking can be a sign that the cup has been in too long and is full, according to Cleveland Clinic. Lunette cups have measuring lines (5 ml and 13.5 ml on Size 1, 7.5 ml and 15 ml on Size 2), so you can see how much you collect. Depending on your flow, a Lunette cup may need to be emptied 2 to 4 times daily.
Can you pee with a menstrual cup in?
Yes. Lunette's instructions say there is no need to remove your cup when urinating.
Do menstrual cups leak?
In the four studies in the Lancet review that compared them directly, leakage with menstrual cups was similar to or lower than with disposable pads or tampons. If your cup leaks, Lunette's advice is to check that it sits low in the vaginal canal, below the cervix, and that it has fully opened.
How long can you wear a menstrual cup?
For a Lunette cup, up to 12 hours of continuous wear is recommended before emptying. The FDA also says menstrual cups may be left in place for up to 12 hours.
How do you clean a menstrual cup?
During your period, wash with warm water using Lunette Cup Wash or Lunette Cup Wipes. Between cycles, sanitize the cup by boiling it; the cleaning guide gives the exact steps.
Ready to choose your cup?
Pick your size and color in the Lunette menstrual cup collection.
This page is general information about choosing a Lunette cup. It is not medical advice. If you have pain, fever or other unusual symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.
