Menstrual cups are a relatively new concept to most people – but at the same time, the choice online is absolutely overwhelming!
New menstrual cup brands seem to be appearing every day on Google and Amazon, and it’s hard to know where to begin if you’re looking into menstrual cup online shopping.
This is why we’ve put together the ultimate menstrual cup buying guide for you. In this article, we will explore what you should think about when comparing menstrual cup brands and how to buy a menstrual cup online.
first things first: what is a menstrual cup?
A menstrual cup is a bell-shaped device, usually made from silicone, that is used to collect your period flow.
When thinking about menstrual cup benefits and drawbacks, the main thing to keep in mind is that a menstrual cup is reusable. This is an amazing benefit as you don’t need to keep buying period products – you’ll save lots of money, and you’ll save the planet from the landfill waste of pads and tampons!
That said, menstrual cups definitely involve a learning curve and will take a while to get used to. You’ll need to invest in a good menstrual cup for beginners, and will have to familiarise yourself with how to safely clean, insert and remove your menstrual cup.
If you’re just getting started, have a look at our excellent menstrual cup insertion tutorial, our menstrual cup removal tips and our guide on cleaning a menstrual cup.
is amazon a good place to buy a menstrual cup?
Amazon is certainly full of menstrual cup options! That said, it can be hard to figure out which is the best menstrual cup on Amazon.
While there are many authentic menstrual cups on Amazon including Asan Cup, Safe Cup and Diva Cup, there are several poor quality menstrual cups available. Although it may be tempting to go for an affordable menstrual cup on Amazon, a low price may reflect that a cup is poorly designed or made from poor quality materials.
When browsing for cups, we would suggest looking at the top-rated menstrual cups on Amazon and read through Amazon menstrual cup reviews. You can also search for the websites of these brands to ensure that they are authentic and include a detailed quality page.
what is the menstrual cup price range on amazon?
Popular menstrual cup brands on Amazon can range from Rs. 400 - Rs.2200 depending on the brand. If you’re looking for menstrual cup discounts and deals, some brands lower their prices around seasonal holidays (such as Christmas) and also offer menstrual cup combo packs, where they may sell bundles at a discounted price.
For example, you can find a menstrual cup starter kit on Amazon that includes a cup, a cleanser and sometimes even a lubricant.
Finally, if you’re looking for a discounted menstrual cup online, make sure to do a menstrual cup price comparison using a brand’s own website with the prices listed on Amazon (make sure you include shipping costs too!). This is because online retailers for menstrual cups may offer different prices on different platforms.
what are the main menstrual cup buying tips?
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly menstrual cup that you don’t want to replace too soon, then it’s important to choose carefully so that you purchase a cup that really works for you.
When thinking about how to choose the right menstrual cup, the first step is identifying a trusted brand. Have a detailed look at the brand’s menstrual cup testimonials and read up about their quality standards on their website.
The second point to think about is how to choose your menstrual cup size. Unfortunately, sizing can be quite confusing as many brands now market several different types of cups – they have special menstrual cups for high cervix, menstrual cups for low cervix, menstrual cups for teens, menstrual cups for post-pregnancy, and so on!
Having worked closely with gynaecologists, Asan’s sizing guide is based simply on flow. We only have two sizes: one menstrual cup for light periods, and one menstrual cup for heavy periods.
If you can wear a pad or tampon for 6 hours without leaking, you can go for our Light/medium flow cup. If you leak through pads and tampons within 2-6 hours, you should go for our Heavy flow cup.
The menstrual cup size chart below shows the difference in sizes between these two cups and also includes a menstrual cup capacity comparison. Keep in mind that the light flow cup is softer, while the heavy flow cup is firmer. This is because firmer menstrual cups provide long lasting-protection by staying in place even when your flow is very heavy.
When thinking about soft vs. firm menstrual cups, you should also consider whether you will be comfortable inserting a cup that is slightly larger and firmer. Teens and first-time users tend to prefer Asan’s Light/medium flow cup which is a bit softer.
The final important point when choosing your reusable menstrual cup online is to make sure it comes with detailed instructions – ideally the brand will provide an illustrated user guide as well as comprehensive videos on their website and YouTube.
what about certifications? i’ve seen ads on amazon for fda-approved menstrual cups.
We get this question all the time! Sadly, there is a lot of misinformation out there with some brands claiming to be FDA-approved or CE-certified menstrual cups.
Currently there is no FDA-approval process for menstrual cups; they can only be FDA-registered. So if a brand is claiming to be FDA-approved, this is a warning sign that they are not aware of current regulations and are indeed providing misinformation about their own menstrual cup. Similarly, there is no CE-certification for menstrual cups so please keep this in mind if a brand advertises that they have CE certifications.
If you’re looking for a high quality and comfortable menstrual cup on Amazon, make sure you opt for Class VI medical grade silicone, and select a brand that has designed their own menstrual cup – this suggests that they have control over the manufacturing and quality assurance process.
where can i find genuine customer reviews of menstrual cups?
Amazon is a great place to read customer reviews. You can also have a look at brands’ own websites – make sure you look for a badge stating “verified reviews” as this usually indicates that a customer has actually purchased the cup.
Another great place to look for menstrual cup user experiences is social media! Check out the brand’s social media to see if customers have shared video testimonials where they share genuine experiences with menstrual cups. You can have a look at some of Asan’s customer reviews here.
menstrual cup frequently asked questions
What menstrual cup pros and cons?
The pros include that cups are highly affordable, eco-friendly and very safe to use. You’ll save thousands of rupees in the long-term by switching to reusable menstrual cups.
Cups are fantastic for eco-consciousness consumers and those who are looking to reduce waste. They are also great for an active lifestyle, as you can work out and swim with menstrual cups.
If you’re considering a menstrual cup vs. tampons, one of the downsides is the learning curve with cups. They take a while to get used to and you’ll have to do some menstrual cup troubleshooting if you experience leaks or discomfort. It’s also tricky to use a menstrual cup for public restrooms that lack a water supply – tampons can be easier in public loos as you just throw them away and open a new one.
What are the menstrual cup sterilisation methods?
If you’re scared about how to clean a menstrual cup – don’t worry because it’s quite simple!
You just need to boil your cup between periods to completely sanitise it, and wash it with clean water during your period each time you empty it. You can also use the Asan OneDrop cleanser to sanitise your menstrual cup as it kills 99% of bacteria.
In terms of how to store a menstrual cup, opt for a menstrual cup with a storage pouch included. Simply pop it in the storage pouch provided and keep it in a cool, airy place between periods.
What are the most common menstrual cup myths and facts?
There are so many myths out there about menstrual cups! Below are the top three myths about menstrual cups as well as accurate facts.
- Myth #1: Menstrual cups are extremely messy.
Fact: Cups can be messy the first time you try, but with a couple of uses there is zero mess – you get extremely efficient at removing your cup and emptying it straight into the loo or the shower. In fact, since there is no soiled pad or tampon or wrap up and discard, and no need for a dustbin we’d argue that cups are less messy than disposable products!
- Myth #2: Menstrual cups can get lost in your vagina.
Fact: The vagina ends in the cervix – nothing can travel up beyond this point and it’s simply impossible for a cup to get lost! If your cup travels up high and you can’t reach it easily, take a deep breath to relax. We suggest you squat as this lengthens the vaginal canal, then gently guide two fingers in until you can feel the ring or stem of your cup.
- Myth #3: Menstrual cups are only for those who have had sex.
Are there menstrual cup safety guidelines I should follow?
Each manufacturer may specify certain menstrual cup hygiene tips or have a particular menstrual cup maintenance guide. At Asan, we recommend you follow these guidelines to ensure a safe and comfortable experience:
- Boil your cup between periods to sterilise and wash with clean running water during periods
- Empty your cup regularly and never wear it for more than 12 hours without washing it out
- Be gentle with your cup, especially during removal – don’t yank it out using the ring or stem
- Don’t use your cup if you have cuts, tears or abrasions in your vagina
- If you face serious pain, stop using your cup immediately and consult a doctor
What are the different menstrual cup folding techniques?
When it comes to insertion, you’ll have to learn how to fold a menstrual cup. Folding your cup correctly will ensure that it stays in place and will ensure menstrual cup leakage prevention.
There are different types of folds including the C-Fold, Punch-down fold and 7-fold. Have a look at our detailed guide to menstrual cup folds.
Other important tips for how to insert a menstrual cup include lubricating the cup with water and angling it towards your tailbone. Make sure you don’t push it high up like a tampon – it should be placed as low as it will comfortably sit in your vaginal canal.
What are the different menstrual cup material options?
While most popular brands make medical-grade silicone menstrual cups, there are also TPE menstrual cups on Amazon. TPE is a type of plastic rubber that is useful for people who suffer from silicone allergies – although keep in mind that silicone allergies are extremely rare.
If you’re looking for organic menstrual cup options, keep in mind that both silicone and TPE are polymers and neither can technically be considered as organic. However medical-grade silicone is 100% biocompatible and free of toxins, and is completely safe to use.
I’m looking for a menstrual cup for an active lifestyle. How should I choose?
Are you looking for a menstrual cup for sports activities and swimming? Or perhaps a comfortable menstrual cup for travelling.
If this is the case then the Asan cup is absolutely perfect for you! It’s loved by athletes, dancers and swimmers for its leak-proof design and clever removal ring that makes it quick and easy to locate and remove.
Are there menstrual cups for sensitive skin?
We aren’t aware of special cups for sensitive skin – if you’ve got a very sensitive anatomy (i.e. inserting things into your vagina usually causes discomfort), we suggest you opt for a light and small menstrual cup such as Asan’s light/medium flow cup.
In terms of menstrual cup discomfort solutions, make sure that you have angled your cup towards your tailbone (not upwards!) and adjust the position to see if this makes it more comfortable. It usually takes up to 3 menstrual cycles to become completely comfortable with your menstrual cup.
Which is better: a menstrual cup with pull tab or ring stem?
Great question. Most menstrual cups have a stick-like tab at the end, designed to locate the cup. However, this can be slippery to grab onto, and can also poke your vaginal canal.
Asan specifically designed a menstrual cup with a ring stem to make locating your cup extremely easy. The ring is smooth with no sharp edges which means it can’t poke you. It’s also very easy to grip on to. So we would definitely advise going for a cup with a ring stem!
You might also want to select a menstrual cup with grip texture (for example, the Asan cup has three grip rings towards the bottom that help you pinch the cup and break the seal).
Why do menstrual cups have little holes at the top?
You may notice small holes on the rim of your cup, which are part of the engineering of the menstrual cup that helps it create suction with the walls of your vagina and stay in place.
If you purchase a menstrual cup with suction holes, make sure to clean the holes thoroughly – fill your cup up with water till the top, then squeeze against your cup to squirt water through the suction holes and rinse them out!
I’ve seen a collapsible menstrual cup on Amazon. Do these work?
Collapsible menstrual cups are designed to collapse into a tiny shape and be easy to store. The danger with these is that they will collapse inside your vagina and will not be able to hold their shape, leading to leaks.
Is it possible to get a menstrual cup with a no-spill design?
Spills and leaks are usually caused by using a menstrual cup that is too soft or flimsy. As long as you go for a relatively firm cup that is well designed, you shouldn’t have any spills or leaks!
If you’re looking for a menstrual cup for overnight use, make sure you go for a larger cup with a higher capacity that can last you through the night – we recommend a cup with at least 30ml capacity, such as Asan’s heavy flow size.
Have a look at our detailed guide to avoiding menstrual cup leaks to ensure that you have a leak-free experience with your cup.
Can I get a menstrual cup with discreet packaging?
We totally understand that discreet packaging is important when ordering period products online.
The Asan cup comes in 100% recyclable paper envelope outer packaging, so that no one (except you!) knows what the box outside contains.
Can I get a menstrual cup for postpartum use?
Please don’t use a menstrual cup for postpartum bleeding under any circumstances! Postpartum bleeding is the few weeks or months of bleeding you experience after childbirth, when your body is shedding the issues associated with pregnancy. As there is an increased risk of infection at this time, it’s important not to use any type of insertable period product – including menstrual cups and tampons.
If you’re looking for a menstrual cup for when your regular menstrual periods return (usually after you stop breastfeeding), then we advise you choose your cup based on your period flow. Your flow can change after pregnancy, so wait a few cycles to see what it’s like and then select a cup that is perfectly matched to your flow.
What about peri-menopause? Are there menstrual cups for menopause?
Menstrual cups can be a fantastic option for those going through peri-menopause. As your flow can be unexpectedly heavy, it’s fantastic to have the protection of a menstrual cup that holds significantly more period flow than a pad or tampon (most cups hold up to 3 times more than a regular tampon!)
We know of several women going through peri-menopause who absolutely love Asan’s heavy flow size, as it provides them with extra protection for unexpectedly heavy days.
Can teens use menstrual cups? Is there a menstrual cup for virgins?
Of course teens can use menstrual cups. At Asan, we distinguish between virginity (a societal concept related to penetrative sex) and the use of insertable period products – which has nothing to do with sex.
Teens are extremely eco-conscious and are often looking for a menstrual cup for sustainable periods. Asan’s light/medium flow size is the perfect menstrual cup for teens as it is soft and easy to insert. Have a look at our special teens resource and the testimonial video below where teenagers share their experience using the Asan period cup.
Is there a special menstrual cup for menstrual disorders?
We often get asked about menstrual cups for endometriosis and PCOS. While there are no specific cups designed for menstrual disorders, cups can indeed be a fantastic solution for those suffering from disorders that cause heavy and uncomfortable periods.
This is because period cups hold more flow than pads and tampons, and do not cause discomfort in the form of rashes or itching. Have a look at our team member Mamta’s personal testimonial of using the Asan cup with endometriosis.
I don’t use Amazon! Where to buy a menstrual cup online?
If you don’t use Amazon, don’t worry. Most menstrual cup brands sell their cup directly via their own website. Your can purchase the Asan cup directly right here – we offer free shipping and are also available on Amazon.
Ready to make the switch to an Asan cup? Shop here on Amazon now.
