6 Best Menstrual Cup For Beginners (2024)

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Do you want to know which is the best menstrual cup for beginners? 

Switching from pads and tampons to a menstrual cup can feel a bit overwhelming. At least it was for me. Before I made the switch, I was lowkey afraid to use a menstrual cup. 

Because of that, I decided to do my research and find which menstrual cups are the best for beginners. Once I found the best one for me, I felt more comfortable trying it.

In this article, you can find a list of the best menstrual cups for newbies and some tips on finding the one for you. We will go through the following:

The 6 best menstrual cups for beginners

1. AllMatters (OrganiCup)

OrganicCup, now called AllMatters, is the menstrual cup I first got. It was a perfect match, and I never had trouble removing it or putting it. I got an A size – it isn’t too big, and the silicone is easy to fold.

AllMatters is quite soft but isn’t the softest menstrual cup on the market. If you are looking for a very squishy menstrual cup, then maybe choose one of the rest from this list. 

However, AllMatters is still easy to fold, insert, and remove. It will require some practice, but you will already get used to it after a few times. 

The menstrual cup is made of 100% soft medical-grade silicone and is made in Copenhagen, Denmark. 

Sizes: 

• Size mini – for teens (17ml capacity)
• Size A – If you haven’t given birth (25ml capacity)
• Size B – If you’ve given birth (30ml capacity)

Price: €24 ($29)

Key points:

• The cup offers 12-hour protection. Holds up to 3 tampons worth.
• They offer a 90-day warranty. If after ~3 periods you aren’t satisfied, you will get your money back.
• Certified vegan and allergy-free.
• They offer free shipping to most countries (find the nearest shop to you)

2. Intimina Lily Cup One

Intima Lily Cup is a menstrual cup, claiming it’s “the one cup to start with” and “best for beginners.” This menstrual cup is soft, comfortable, and made of medical-grade silicone. 

It’s convenient and unnoticeable, and the extra-firm ring underneath makes it easier to open up once inside. Their cups are made in China.

Sizes: One size (20-21 ml capacity – or the same as 2 regular tampons)

Price: €21 ($25)

Key points:

• Up to 8-hour protection.
• They designed a removal loop for easier removal. 
• Suitable for teens and first-time menstrual cup users. 
• It folds flat into a discrete protective case. 

3. Saalt Soft

Saalt Soft is ultra-soft (thus the name), designed to be very gentle and comfortable. The upper rim is strong, and it will hold its shape no matter if you sleep, exercise, or walk. 

This menstrual cup is designed for people who have had discomfort with firmer cups. It is also beginner-friendly as the stem helps with the removal, and the bulb shape allows it to pop open easily. It is made in the USA.

Sizes: 

• Teens – 15ml (2x the amount of a regular tampon) (Note: A smaller version of the original Saalt Cup, so it isn’t as soft as the Saalt Soft cup)
• Small – 25ml (3x the amount of a regular tampon)
• Regular – 30ml (4x the amount of regular tampon)

Price: $29 (€24)

Key points:

• Up to 12 hours of protection. 
• Super soft and flexible. 
• Gentle design for bladder or vaginal sensitivity. 
• Saalt is a B Corp. That means from every purchase, Saalt gives 2% to donate period care to areas with the most need and funds initiatives in menstrual health, girls’ education, and sustainability.

4. Lena Sensitive

Lena Sensitive is another excellent option for beginners, as it is developed for sensitive anatomies. The Lena Sensitive has the same design but is much softer and more flexible than its original cup. 

Both cups are the same thickness, but the Lena Sensitive folds better (due to the softness), and it presses a lot less on the bladder than the original Lena Cup.

So, if you tried to original but didn’t like the firmness, then the Lena Sensitive might be a better option.

This menstrual cup is perfect for users of all ages. It is made in California from 100% premium medical-grade silicone and dyes.

Sizes: 

• Small: 25ml capacity
• Large: 30ml capacity

Price: $25 (€20)

Key points:

• Offers 12h protection.
• Offers further relief from cramps.
• Ideal for sensitive anatomies, especially more sensitive bladders.
• Softer silicone for ultimate comfort. 

5. Lunette Cup 

Lunette cup offers a safe, comfortable, odorless period. Their smaller Model 1 is easier to insert due to its size and flexibility.

Because of its smaller size, most new cup users are interested in Model 1, as it can be intimidating to insert a larger cup down there. 

Model 2 is made of thicker silicone and is less flexible. However, both Lunette Cup models are more flexible than other brands. 

If you decide to go with the smaller Model 1, and your first days are heavier, you have to empty the cup between 4-5 times a day. On regular days, this can go to 2-3 times a day. These cups are made in Finland with soft, medical-grade silicone.

Sizes: 

• Model 1: For light bleeding and spotting. 25ml capacity
• Model 2: For moderate or (very) heavy bleeding. 30ml capacity

Price: €32 ($39)

Key points:

• Up to 12 hours of protection.
• It has large air holes for easier cleanup and removal.
• The shape helps to stay in place, giving ultimate comfort.

6. Ruby Cup

The Ruby Cup has three times the capacity of a super tampon, meaning you can wear it for up to 8 hours, depending on your flow. The Ruby Cup is medium or average firm, great for most first-time menstrual cup users. 

What I like about the cup is that they have a black model, which is beneficial, because the white ones can get discolored after a couple of months (this time can be extended if you wash the cup with cold water first). 

The discoloration isn’t a problem, even if it happens. It is just external, so you can still use it. But you won’t see any darker spots or discoloration when the cup is darker.  

Ruby Cup is designed in Barcelona and made in China with 100% soft, medical-grade silicone. It is packaged in England.

Sizes: 

• Small: Light flow, 24ml capacity
• Medium: Heavy flow, 34ml capacity

Price: €28.95 ($35)

Key points:

• Up to 8 hours of protection.
• Offers you a money-back guarantee within 120 days of purchase. 
• A larger capacity than tampons and pads. 
• ‘Buy One, Give One’ program, meaning that they donate one to a girl or woman without access to menstrual care products for every cup they sell.

MENSTRUAL CUP RANKING:

• Best budget: Lena Sensitive Cup
• Light/Medium flow: Lunette Cup, Ruby Cup
• Heavy flow: If your flow is heavy, you can try Saalt Soft Cup, or one of these 6 menstrual cups that are specifically designed for heavy flow
• Best for teens: OrganiCup (mini), Lena Sensitive, or Intimina Lily Cup
• The more sensitive ones: Saalt Soft or Lena Sensitive
• Inserting and removing: Small and soft menstrual cups are easiest to insert and remove

Tips on how to find the best one for you

Teen/petite: If you’re younger or petite, you may consider starting with a teen/small cup. 

Insertion: If you haven’t comfortably inserted anything down there, starting with a smaller size is recommended.

Childbirth: If you gave birth before, you might prefer a regular/bigger size.

Leak-proof: When inserted correctly, the cup shouldn’t leak if it’s not full (assuming you have the right size). If it leaks, it may not open up properly (or it’s full). 

Quick quiz test: A simple quiz test can help find a menstrual cup. After I did the test, it recommended several cups (one of which was the OrganiCup, which I currently use). So, even if it’s probably not 100% accurate, it can give you a helpful direction. You can try the quiz test here: Putacupinit.com. 

Choose a cup size based on its length: If you feel your menstrual cup (usually you shouldn’t), it might be a sign that you have a too-long cup that can’t fit entirely inside. In that case, it will feel uncomfortable, and you will need to get a different size.

High or low cervix: It will be a plus to find if you have a high or low cervix because it can help you pick a menstrual cup. The two key factors to look out for when choosing the right size are 1) the position of your cervix (find out how to measure it in the FAQ section) & 2) the heaviness of your menstrual flow.

FAQ

How to insert a menstrual cup for beginners?

To insert it, follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly.
2. Take a deep breath and relax your vaginal muscles. If you are tense down there, you will have difficulty inserting the cup.
3. Apply water or water-based lube to the rim of the cup.
4. Tightly fold the menstrual cup in half (or use punch down fold), and hold it in one hand with the rim facing up.
5. Insert the cup; imagine you insert a tampon without an applicator. It should sit a few inches below your cervix.
6. Once the cup is fully in, rotate it, to get the cup to open. You can also pinch at the base and gently push and twist it until the cup opens. This is crucial, as you want the cup to open to create an airtight seal to prevent leaks. 

This is just a short overview. For more info, find how to insert your menstrual cup here, and a list of beginner-friendly folding techniques here. And, if you wonder how to remove a menstrual cup, follow my guide.

How do I know if my menstrual cup is in right?

To see if the menstrual cup is placed right and open once inside, pull on the stem gently. If there is some resistance or a feeling of suction pressure, your menstrual cup is right. If this doesn’t help, don’t worry – you can still try one of these 3 tips. 

Which menstrual cup is most comfortable?

There isn’t a single cup that is the most comfortable. We are all different, and each body is anatomically unique. The All Matters (formally known as OrganiCup) is comfy for me, but it might not be for you. 

As a general rule, I can recommend buying a well-known menstrual cup. Do not try to save $10-$15, and find a cheap Chinese menstrual cup; two of my friends tried that, by ordering cheap menstrual cups from AliExpress.

They weren’t happy – the cups were uncomfortable and leaking, and the overall experience wasn’t great.

Additionally, the first cup you get might not be the one for you. While it is annoying, if that happens – don’t dismiss menstrual cups altogether.

No one can tell you what cup will fit you. Only you will know after you try it by yourself. You might need some trial and error, but you will be able to find the cup for you the first or second time. If you follow the tips from this article, you should be able to find the ideal cup for you without too much hassle.

How do I know if I have a high or low cervix?

Cervix height is a key factor in choosing the right menstrual cup, as it determines the cup’s length and overall fit. Here’s how to measure and understand cervix height to make an informed decision:

1. Wash your hands: Ensure your hands are clean to prevent infection.
2. Insert finger: Gently insert your finger into your vaginal canal.
3. Locate cervix: Reach for the cervix, which is the lowest part of the uterus. Feel for a round, dimpled, or donut-like structure, or like the tip of your nose: firm but soft. This is your cervix.
4. Measure: Note how far your finger goes before touching the cervix –
   – If you can reach the cervix at just your first knuckle, your cervix is low.
   – If you can reach it at the second knuckle of your finger, your cervix is an average height.
   – If you can insert your finger all the way up before touching it, or you can’t touch it, you have a high cervix.

How much can a small menstrual cup hold?

Most smaller cup sizes hold around 24-27 milliliters, while most larger cups hold around 30 milliliters. So, you don’t necessarily need a large-sized cup to hold a lot of fluids. Unless you have a very heavy flow, don’t worry about the cup’s capacity.

Can a 12-year-old use a menstrual cup?

Many recommend that girls can use menstrual cups, even at the age of 12. If a girl is old enough to menstruate, then they can use a menstrual cup.  

Over at Ruby Cup blog, they say:
“Using a menstrual cup will not take away the virginity status (or stretch out the vagina) of a girl or young woman.”

It is best to inform young girls how menstrual cups work, the benefits, and the insert/removal methods. As long as they are comfortable with the idea of trying a menstrual cup, then it is okay.

For example, Lunette Cup users are as young as 12 and are already rocking their periods with Lunette menstrual cups.

Another menstrual cup brand, Mooncup, says that their cups are designed for younger girls, and they know younger girls, from 11 upwards, using their cups. 

Do you have to boil a menstrual cup before first use? 

Yes. It is essential to sterilize your menstrual cup before you insert it for the first time. The easiest way is to add water into a pot, wait until it starts to boil, and then add the cup inside for 5-7 minutes.

After that, take the cup carefully (once it’s cooler), and wash it with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap. Rinse thoroughly. Then, it will be ready to be inserted. 

You should do that at the beginning and end of your period, so it is always sterilized. For more tips, check my guide on how to boil & clean a menstrual cup.

Conclusion

If you aren’t sure about getting a menstrual cup – you are not alone. Yet, me and all of my girlfriends who use cups, swear that this is one of the best switches they made. It is more comfortable, hygienic, odor-free, mess-free, and sustainable.

If you still have questions about menstrual cups, please leave a comment below, or write me an email with all of your concerns. I will try to be as helpful as I can. 🙂

Curious to find out more? Then check my article, with some of the most frequent questions about menstrual cups:

• How Do I Know If My Menstrual Cup Is In Right?
• How To Remove Menstrual Cup Without Mess
• I Can Feel My Menstrual Cup: Causes & Prevention