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The movement toward sustainability has impacted many aspects of life—even menstruation. As part of the push to go green, some menstruators have adopted the use of menstrual cups, which are funnel or bell shaped cups inserted in the vagina to collect period fluids. Most are reusable, making them an eco-friendly alternative to pads and tampons.

Here’s what to know about the best menstrual cups, including how to choose one and which brands experts recommend.

A menstrual cup is a “device used to collect blood and other fluid exiting the uterus during your menstrual period,” says Brittany Robles, M.D., an OB-GYN and personal trainer based in New York City.

Most menstrual cups can be worn up to 12 hours at a time before they need to be removed and cleaned, and they’re made out of rubber or silicone. These cups can typically hold up to three times as much fluid as a tampon. They’re inserted just like a tampon, and they don’t interfere with activities or with urinating or bowel movements.

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There are many benefits of opting for a menstrual cup over a tampon or pad. Some of the most popular reasons to use one are:

Sustainability. “Menstrual cups help decrease landfill waste from pads and tampons,” says Dr. Robles. Most are reusable, as opposed to pads and tampons, which are disposed of after use and, therefore, create more waste.

Cost. Menstrual cups cost around $20 to $40 and can last up to 10 years. That can present a significant increase in savings compared to buying menstrual products like pads and tampons. “Over its lifetime, it returns several times its initial investment as compared to traditional alternatives,” says Apurva Shah, M.D., an OB-GYN with Tenet Healthcare in Boston.

Cuts down on odor. Using menstrual cups may help cut down on the odor that’s sometimes experienced by pad or tampon use.

Comfort and convenience. Most menstrual cups can last 10 to 12 hours before they need to be emptied and cleaned—which means you won’t have to scramble for a new tampon or pad every couple of hours. Plus, “they’re very comfortable and very easy to clean,” says Dr. Robles.

There are several factors you should keep in mind as you’re considering menstrual cup options. “It needs to fit without making its presence known, it needs to last a long time, it needs to prevent any leaks and it shouldn’t cost a fortune,” says Dr. Shah.

Beyond that, factors to look for include:

The size. Many companies offer multiple sizes of menstrual cups, such as small and medium. “Some vaginas are larger than others, especially if you delivered a baby,” says Dr. Robles. Read each product’s packaging carefully to determine what size will work best for you. Your OB-GYN should be able to help guide you to the correct size cup.

Most menstrual cup sizes go by diameter, but there’s no consistency between brands, so you might be a small one time and a medium another. As the authors of one 2021 study noted, “With no correlation between menstrual cup size, shape, and its volume, or material, shape, and its firmness, consumers cannot estimate which menstrual cup might be most suitable.” As a result, trial-and-error is often necessary when shopping for a menstrual cup.

The shape. For each menstruator, some menstrual cups will be more comfortable than others, Dr. Robles notes. For example, you can choose between bell-shaped cups, V-shaped cups, round cups and ergonomic cups, which have a slanted body and rim. Which you find most comfortable is a matter of personal preference.

The amount of fluid it can hold. As Dr. Robles points out, some people bleed more than others. Choose a small cup if you tend to have a lighter flow, and a larger cup if you bleed heavily.

The material it’s made of. You may be allergic to materials used in menstrual cups, says Dr. Robles says. Most brands use medical-grade silicone, rubber, latex or elastomer.

There are some cons to using menstrual cups. Downsides include:

Difficulty inserting them. It can be challenging to figure out how to insert a menstrual cup when you first start using one. This is especially true for younger users and those who have not had sex. Expect a learning curve when you first transition to these cups.

Trouble finding the right fit. According to a study published in 2021 in the journal Women’s Health, there’s no sizing consistency between menstrual-cup brands. That means someone might initially choose the wrong size. If a menstrual cup is too small, you’re at risk of leakage, and if it’s too large, it could cause injury to the vaginal area—plus feel uncomfortable, the study authors note.

Leakage. Leakage can happen if the cup is full or does not fit well.

Difficulty removing them. It will take some practice to master the art of removing a menstrual cup. You could try removing the cup while you’re in the shower, at least in the beginning when you’re still adjusting to using it. You’ll want to use the stem at the bottom of the menstrual cup as a guide, and then pinch the cup’s base to release its suction and slowly wiggle it out, allowing blood to empty into the shower (or toilet).

Allergic reactions or rashes. Any product can cause an allergy or rash, and studies show this is rare, but may happen for some menstrual cup users[1]van Eijk AM, et al. Menstrual cup use, leakage, acceptability, safety, and availability: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet Public health. 2019:e376-e393. .

Urinary issues. The cup may push against the urethra and block it, leading to urinary problems. One study in Lancet Public Health found 0.27% of women had urinary symptoms from menstrual cup use, three of whom ended up with hydronephrosis (swelling of the kidneys when urine backs up)[1]van Eijk AM, et al. Menstrual cup use, leakage, acceptability, safety, and availability: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet Public health. 2019:e376-e393. .

To select the best menstrual cup, consider your individual needs. According to Dr. Robles, it’s smart to take into account:

Dr. Shah suggests checking out menstrual cup comparison charts that are available online, which can help you figure out what might or might not work—one of the more nuanced options, he says, is a quiz offered by PutaCupinIt.

If you have irregular periods, look for an option that’s easy to carry on-the-go, so you can have it with you when the need strikes, Dr. Shah says. “Some trial-and-error may be required,” he adds.

There are many options to choose from when it comes to menstrual cups. Below, you’ll find a few expert-recommended selections.

The DivaCup. Choose among a variety of products designed for those ages 18 and under, ages 19 to 30 with medium flow and ages 30+ or with a heavy flow. They’re made out of medical grade silicone, with no chemicals, plastic or dyes. Diva International “is a pioneer in this field, and probably the most recognized brand,” says Dr. Shah. DivaCups start at $39.99.

Buy Now: The DivaCup Available On Amazon

The Lena Cup. Dr. Robles recommends this option: “It’s great for all persons, regardless of their parity, age and size of their cervix,” she says. You can buy a two-pack ($40) that includes one small and one large cup, which makes it easy to figure out which fits you best. Lena also offers a “sensitive cup” ($25 for one) that’s particularly small and works well for those with sensitive bladders who get bad cramps.

Dr. Shah adds: “Lena is known for its softer material, and it’s a good place to begin for most novice menstrual cup users.”

Buy Now: The Lena Cup Available On Amazon

Mira Menstrual Cup. This is “a relatively new entrant, but it’s getting rave reviews for its feel,” notes Dr. Shah. The cup is made out of medical-grade silicone, and at $19, it’s among the least expensive menstrual cup options. (Dr. Shah is a medical advisor at Mira.)

Saalt Menstrual Cups. These cups “are known for their perfect fit and wide range of sizes,” says Dr. Shah. A single cup starts at $29 and is made of soft-touch medical-grade silicone. A two-pack is $49 and comes in a pair of the same size or a pair including both small and regular sizes. The brand’s products are especially good for those who have a history of bladder sensitivity, cramping or discomfort with firmer cups.

Buy Now: Saalt Menstrual Cups Available On Amazon

Overall, menstrual cups are an eco-friendly alternative to disposable pads and tampons, and they can help save money over the long term. However, it may take some trial and error to find the perfect fit and brand for you—and it’s natural to experience a learning curve when you begin to insert and remove the cups.

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Angela Haupt has been a health writer and editor for more than a decade. She was previously the managing editor of health at U.S. News & World Report, where she spent 11 years covering and editing wellness and conditions topics. She helped launch the popular Best Diets rankings and continued to oversee the franchise throughout her time there. Angela has also written about health and wellness for publications such as the Washington Post, USA Today, Everyday Health and Verywell Fit. She’s passionate about helping people make healthier decisions through accurate journalism that delivers the facts and puts them in context.