You should do a bit of research on menstrual cups—and your own body—before trying to find the right one for you, explains Alessandra Taylor, MD, OB-GYN with Austin Regional Clinic in Austin, Texas. It’s important to consider shape and size, as we mentioned, but also how much menstrual blood the cup can hold, how easy it is for you to insert it, and how comfortably it fits you once it’s in place. We researched more than a dozen menstrual cups and evaluated them based on their materials, ease of use, wear times, reservoir sizes, and price. We also had an obstetrician-gynecologist from our Medical Expert Board review this article for accuracy in terms of how these devices work and how they compare to other period products. Lena claims its shape makes it easier for beginners to use. And, for the most part, staffers who tried it—cup newbies and experienced users alike—liked it. It comes in a box made of recycled paper that includes an instruction manual with everything you might need to know: different kinds of folds and ways to insert it, how you may want to position it based on your cervix height, how to trim the stem if needed, and how to remove the cup for emptying. The outturned lip seemed to help prevent leaks and keep it in place throughout the day. The standard cup is also on the firmer side of ones we tested, but it wasn’t inflexible, so it popped open easily and kept its shape throughout the day. A lot of cup manufacturers have different sizes for younger women versus older women or women who’ve had babies,” says Dr. Taylor. “After you give birth, your vagina is more elastic, and you may need a bigger cup [to prevent] leakage after having a baby.” As for the pull tab: It works as Flex claims. To remove the cup, gently tug on the tab, which breaks the seal. This requires less maneuvering than reaching inside and trying to find a stem and pinch the base of a cup. For this reason, it may be easier for people with dexterity limitations. However, because it breaks the seal suddenly, it may not be the best option for people with IUDs. The pull tab can make removal a little messier and, ahem, noisier, but once you get used to it, it’s simple to do. Unlike other reusable discs on the market, Flex Reusable Disc does not have a stem, as these may cause irritation or discomfort in the vaginal canal and can potentially be felt by your partner if you’re having penetrative sex.

The DivaCup includes a pamphlet with thorough instructions on how to fold, insert, remove, and clean the cup. Like others, you should boil it before you first use it, but unlike many others, it says you don’t have to boil it between every use as long as you clean it with soap and water. Its silicone material is easy to fold yet is firm enough to pop open once inserted, and all testers said it felt durable and long-lasting. With a clean finger, hook the rim of the disc in a "come hither" motion and pull it out gently. Be sure to keep your disc horizontal (parallel to the floor) to prevent any spillage. Keep in mind that every body is different, so your ability to easily feel your disc when you insert a finger will vary from person to person. However, the vaginal canal isn't that long, so most users can still feel their menstrual disc with their index or middle finger after it's been inserted all the way. The June Cup is made of undyed silicone. Its stem has a ball at the end of it—as opposed to ridges, which most cups we tested have—which could make it easier for some people to grab and remove.There are a few different kinds of folds we recommend for inserting the cup: the C-fold, the Punch Down fold, and the 7 fold. Some days, one fold may be easier than another, so don’t despair if you’re having a hard time with a particular one. Just try one of the others and keep at it.

van Eijk, A., et al. (2019). Menstrual cup use, leakage, acceptability, safety, and availability: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Wash your hands. Always wash your hands before insertion and removal. If you’re using Flex Reusable Disc, wash your disc, too, with warm water and a mild cleanser.

What is the best menstrual cup for a heavy flow?

pH balanced: Unlike tampons, menstrual cups will not dry the vagina and disturb its natural bacterial and pH balance.

Long wear-time. A person may only need to empty their menstrual cup every 4–12 hours, depending on their flow rate. Yes! Flex Reusable Disc is great for any flow—light, medium, even extra heavy. The Reusable Disc holds the same amount of blood as 6+ super tampons (that’s 70 mL) and can be worn for up to 12 hours at a time. The average menstruating human bleeds about 15mL (equivalent to 1.5 super tampons) in 24 hours. One tester said with her June Cup, it was sometimes hard to tell if it fully unfolded. “One time, I don't think it did, which resulted in some leakage,” she wrote. Another tester said it was great for sleeping, but largely ineffective when she was moving around during the day. Key selling points: The cult-fave brand’s menstrual cup is free of plastic, latex, and phthalates, but it still offers 12-hour leak-free protection, making it ideal for both day and nighttime use. It also has finger indentations (along with grip rings) for easy removal, and—according to a few reviewers—can help alleviate cramps. When inserted properly, you shouldn't be able to feel a menstrual disc at all (with your vagina). Over 97% of users surveyed did not feel Flex Disc while using it.

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Flex Cup falls into the ‘menstrual cup’ category of period products. Like the Reusable Disc, it has a lifespan of 2+ years and is made from medical-grade silicone. Unlike the Reusable Disc, Flex Cup is worn towards the middle or bottom of the vaginal canal and is held in place with suction. Menstrual cups, on the other hand, are always reusable. Most are made with silicone (Flex Cup is made with 100% medical-grade silicone, just like Flex Reusable Disc). There are hundreds of menstrual cups on the market today—but all are not created equal. Key selling points: With its rounded stem, BPA-free silicone, and soft, super-flexible silicone, the June cup is all about comfort. It’s available in three different sizes: mini for teens or petite women, small for those with moderate to heavy periods, and large for those who’ve given birth or who experience very heavy bleeding. Insert a clean finger into the vaginal canal and, at the same time, push down (or think down and forward, like ejecting a DVD) with your pelvic floor muscles. You can deepen the push by saying “moo” out loud at the same time—it may sound silly, but it really works. If you’re having a hard time removing your menstrual disc, including Flex Disc, Flex Plant+ Disc, or Flex Reusable Disc, please reach out to our team of Flexperts at (800) 931-0882 so they can help. You can text! Hours are 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. PST every day of the week.

This menstrual cup is odorless, made from silicone, and provides up to 12 hours of protection. It comes with a carrying case and instructions. Before you get ready to fold and insert, wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds, then try one (or all) of these folding methods: Key selling points: Know you have a heavy flow? Lunette’s got you covered, with two different sizes to accommodate light-to-moderate and moderate-to-heavy flows. It’s a comfortable option for short vaginas because of the short, flat stem, and the ridged, foldable base makes for easy removal since you can better grip it with your fingers. And yes, it’s made of medical-grade silicone. The Lunette menstrual cup is chemical and latex-free, and suits all types of period flow. It has a soft and flexible rim, so people do not feel it after insertion, and it also has a smooth interior for easy cleaning. Our Reusable Disc is made with 100% medical-grade silicone and without dyes or colorants. Best of all, it features a high capacity for reliable coverage no matter how heavy your flow. The disc holds up to 70mL of period blood (that’s over 14 teaspoons!), which is the same capacity as 6+ super tampons. Wear it for up to 12 hours at a time and enjoy these benefits & more:Key selling points: What sets the Athena cup apart is its proprietary form-fit rim, which has larger air holes and allows for a more secure fit (and, of course, a lower risk of leakage). Plus, you can wash and reuse it for up to 15 years—making it one of the most long-lasting cups in the game. Want to know the difference between a menstrual cup, like Flex Cup, and a menstrual disc? Read our disc vs. cup FAQ here. When you’re ready, reach for the pull-tab with your forefinger and thumb. The pull-tab draws the top of the cup in to break the seal and release the suction that holds the cup in place –meaning you don’t have to get up there and pinch the bottom of the cup to break the seal manually, as you would with most other cup brands.