In-Depth Review of Menstrual Cups: Comparing Top Picks and Exploring Their Benefits
August 28, 2023
In this in-depth menstrual review, we’ll compare three popular menstrual cups available on Amazon, diving into various aspects of their effectiveness, user satisfaction, health considerations, and more.
Menstrual cups are menstrual hygiene devices you insert into the vagina during menstruation to collect menstrual fluid.
They were invented in 1867, predating the first pads by a decade and the first modern commercial tampons by more than a half-century.
However, they did not gain popularity until the late 20th and early 21st centuries due to various social, cultural, and economic factors.
Menstrual cups have now revolutionized the way individuals manage their periods, offering sustainability, cost savings, and comfort.
Whether you’re a seasoned cup user or considering making the switch, this review will provide valuable insights to help you make an informed decision.
Menstrual cups are usually made of flexible medical-grade silicone, latex, or a thermoplastic isomer.
They come in the shape of a bell with a stem or a ring. The stem is for insertion and removal, and the bell-shaped cup seals against the vaginal wall just below the cervix.
Menstrual Cup Benefits
Some of the benefits of using menstrual cups include:
Affordability: One cup may be reusable for up to 10 years. Therefore, their long-term cost is lower than that of disposable tampons or pads, though the initial cost is higher
Eco-friendliness: As menstrual cups are reusable, they generate less solid waste than tampons and pads, both from the products themselves and from their packaging
Safety: Menstrual cups are a safe alternative to other menstrual products. The risk of toxic shock syndrome infection is similar or less with menstrual cups compared to pads or tampons
Comfort: Menstrual cups typically do not leak if used properly. However, incorrect placement or inadequate cup size can cause some women to experience leakage.
They can also hold more blood than a pad or tampon. Sometimes, you can wear them for up to 12 hours. They are also invisible and do not cause dryness or irritation.
There are several brands and types of menstrual cups, many of which you can purchase online on sites like Amazon.
In the next paragraphs, we analyse three popular brands looking at several features.
These include effectiveness, user satisfaction, health and safety, environmental impact, cultural perception and acceptance, user awareness, convenience and accessibility.
Saalt Soft Menstrual Cup
The Saalt Menstrual Cup is made from soft silicone and provides a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional pads and tampons.
You wear the Saalt Cup internally, much like a tampon. However, instead of absorbing your menstrual flow, it collects it for up to 12 hours.
This means you can go about your day without worrying about constant changes. It is naturally odourless, biocompatible, and chemical-free.
This ensures your protection from harmful substances often found in disposable products.
Boasting a comfortable stem and design, Saalt cups open easily during insertion, which contributes to a hassle-free experience.
The Saalt Menstrual Cup is available for purchase on Amazon, providing a convenient way to access this innovative menstrual care solution.
Priced at £26.00 for a single cup, it offers incredible value for its long-term use and reduced environmental impact. Each pack includes one Saalt Cup, ensuring you have a reliable and sustainable menstrual product on hand.
Comparative Analysis
Effectiveness: Users with particularly heavy flow describe the Saalt as leak-free. However, they need to change the cup a little more frequently on the first couple of days of the period. Otherwise, it is soft and comfortable, and you can use it for 12 hours at a time without needing a change.
User Satisfaction: The majority of users from our survey found it easy to use. The main drawback is the learning curve required to use it, especially at removal. In addition, the stem snaps after only a few months of use in a few cases.
Health and Safety: Despite claims about overall safety from the manufacturer and generally positive reviews, some women report ill effects. They include developing thrush, haemorrhoids, cystitis and difficulties in removing the cup. On occasion, this requires a trip to the local hospital before removal with surgical forceps. The manufacturer acknowledges that learning how to use the cup can take some time while promising support.
Environmental Impact: The Saalt menstrual cup is 100% Medical Grade Silicone, BPA, Latex and Chemical Free. It reduces waste and keeps toxins out of your body and out of the environment.
Cost-effectiveness: Its design allows a 12-hour capacity (3-4 tampons worth), making it a healthy and sustainable alternative to pads and tampons.
Cultural Perception: The design means that when correctly in use, you can change it twice a day and sleep with it. It also moulds to your internal shape so you can comfortably wear it to hike, swim, or just relax, making it culturally acceptable as well as convenient.
User Education: The pack comes with very clear instructions, and the manufacturer promises customer support. It comes in two sizes to fit your body and flow. The small size is for light to normal flow, women with a low cervix and first-time users. The regular size caters to a normal to heavy flow, high cervix and post-childbirth. A dedicated playlist on YouTube demonstrates the use of the menstrual cup, cleaning and other FAQs.
Product Variations: The Saalt Menstrual Cup features smooth grip rings for easy removal. It also has a reinforced cuff/rim to prevent leakage and a smart shape with multiple sealing points that fit your shape, allowing freedom with any type of activity.
Convenience and Lifestyle: A large number of positive reviews indicate its benefits among different women – from use while sleeping, travelling or other day-to-day activities.
Access and Availability: The Saalt menstrual cup is manufactured in the US and is easily available online. It arrives in discreet, environmentally friendly, but aesthetic packaging.
Ovio Menstrual Cup
The Ovio cup is a menstrual product that offers a reliable and cost-effective alternative to traditional pads and tampons.
Its design is leak-free when properly fitted, ensuring your comfort and confidence even during activities like sleeping, swimming, hiking, and running.
The Ovio menstrual cup is reusable for years, offering a significant opportunity to save money over time. It also provides a more budget-friendly approach to menstrual care.
Using the cup contributes positively to the environment, preventing thousands of disposable menstrual products from ending up in landfills and oceans.
Crafted from 100% medical-grade silicone, the Ovio cup is free from BPA, latex, and chemicals. Comfort and safety are principal features of the cup design.
It can hold up to three times the fluid of a traditional tampon, offering extended wear for up to 8 hours.
It is available for purchase on Amazon. Priced at £9.99 per single pack, each purchase also comes with a size replacement promise (if you order the wrong size, you can request an alternative size replacement free of charge).
Comparative Analysis
Effectiveness: A large number of users report comfort with the use of this cup. However, a few found it hard to use, with a painful suction created by the vacuum. It also leaked for some women despite using different sizes. However, customer support was very good, with assistance provided for cup size changes and help with use.
User Satisfaction: The majority of users surveyed expressed satisfaction with using this cup – easy to use and leak-free. Given issues with flow and size, many are happy with the free-size replacement promise.
Health and Safety: Most users find it is safe, can hold up to 3 times the fluid of a traditional tampon, and remains in place for up to 8 hours.
Environmental Impact: Using the Ovio menstrual cup means you’re also preventing around 11,000 disposable menstrual products from ending up in the bin and in the ocean.
Cost-effectiveness: The manufacturer reckons you save yourself around £2,000 on period products throughout your lifetime.
Cultural Perception: For most women, the menstrual cup is acceptable in preference to some of the risks and costs of traditional menstrual products.
User Education: Most users experience the learning curve while trying to find the appropriate size for their needs. A clear instruction booklet arrives with the purchase, and a detailed instruction guide is on the website.
Product Variations: The product is available in 2-cup sizes with clear recommendations to guide users. As a general rule: “If you’re under the age of 30, and you have not given birth vaginally, use the small Ovio menstrual cup (Pink). If you’re over the age of 29 or have given birth vaginally, they recommend using the regular-size Ovio menstrual cup (Purple)” Most users love the packaging, describing it as “feminine, nice and neat packaging” that also comes with a storage/travel pouch.
Convenience and Lifestyle: Happy users find it comfortable to move around all day and love the added satisfaction of cost savings and freedom from infections like TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome).
Access and Availability: The Ovio menstrual cup is manufactured in China and is easily available in single packs via Amazon.
With a commitment to ease, health, and sustainability, this brand provides a new approach to your monthly cycle that benefits you and the planet.
Crafted from 100% soft medical-grade silicone, they are gentle on your body. One cup holds 3 tampons worth of blood, and they come in a range of different sizes to cater to women’s individual needs.
They can help reduce dryness and infections often associated with traditional menstrual products. Using AllMatters menstrual cups could save you from using 528 tampons or sanitary pads in just two years. It’s a small change with a big impact on the health of the planet.
AllMatters menstrual cups are available for purchase online, with each size ranging between £13.99 to £14.94 for a pack containing a single cup.
Comparative Analysis
Effectiveness: This is a brand that is very popular with users and is described as comfortable and easy to use. You shouldn’t feel your period cup when placed correctly. You can wear it during activities such as swimming and sports.
User Satisfaction: Although the majority of users found the device satisfactory, a good number felt the silicone was tough and prone to causing leaks. Some ladies experienced cramps while using the cup, and others complained about the over-long stem.
Health and Safety: They are made of materials that do not cause irritation or sensitivities. They are also free of hazardous chemicals, toxins or artificial colourings. The product is supplied with an unbleached organic pouch for storage and safety.
Environmental Impact: The brand emphasises its green objective and value, making sustainability accessible and effortless. Its organic and minimal packaging also reflects this.
Cost-effectiveness: The pad can be worn for up to 12 hours at a time.
Cultural Perception: The AllMatters brand recognises Period poverty as an issue in all countries, regardless of income level. Together with their partner NGOs, they aim to ensure those in need receive proper education about menstrual health and have access to period products. Thus, they’ve donated 30K+ cups worldwide.
User Education: The product comes with a detailed guide within the packaging (conserving paper). Users can also find detailed guides for use on the website.
Product Variations: AllMatters brand has sold more than 2 million cups in over 7000 shops worldwide. It is available in 3 main sizes, a mini designed for teens and sizes A and B for women before and after vaginal childbirth, respectively.
Convenience and Lifestyle: Properly placed, these cups offer exceptional leak protection. Whether you’re hitting the pool, engaging in sports, or simply going about your day, you can enjoy uninterrupted activities without the fear of leaks.
Access and Availability: The AllMatters menstrual cup is manufactured in the United Kingdom and is available to order in single packs online.
Menstrual Cup Challenges
Despite their growing popularity and clear benefits, there are some disadvantages of menstrual cups.
They include:
The need to sterilise them between periods may be inconvenient or impractical for some people.
Emptying menstrual cups may be messy, especially in public restrooms or places without access to clean water. Some people may find this unpleasant or uncomfortable.
Next, they may not fit properly, especially if the womb is too low (low cervix) or there are other anatomical concerns related to the womb or cervix. This can cause pain, leakage or difficulty inserting and removing the cup.
Some women may find them inconvenient or awkward since they need to be rinsed every time they are emptied, which may require carrying a water bottle or using a sink.
They have a learning curve and may take some time to get used to. Some ladies may need two to three-period cycles to feel comfortable using the cup.
These are some of the potential drawbacks of using menstrual cups, but they may not apply to everyone. Some people may find that the benefits outweigh the disadvantages, while others may prefer other menstrual products.
The choice is ultimately up to personal preference and comfort.
Menstrual Cup Review Summary
As you can see, there are several benefits if you choose to use menstrual cups as your go-to solution. It’s important to know that there is a technique to fitting them. Getting the right size is also crucial for successful use.
Ultimately, not everyone will be suited to menstrual cups. Don’t let this deter you, however.
Do lots of research if you wish to consider them. We hope our menstrual cup review gets you on the right path to find what works best for you.
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