Menstrual Cup Comparison – Helping you select the right cup!

You will notice that most of the menstrual cups are much the same in design and purpose. Unless you have been recommended a particular brand of menstrual cup by a friend or family member, it can be difficult to determine which menstrual cup you should choose. To help you out, we have put together the following menstrual cup comparison. This menstrual cup comparison will look at the main points of difference between the cups we stock. These include the Diva cup, JuJu cup, Lunette cup, and Keeper cup.

What is it made from?

Menstrual Cups can be made out of a few different materials. These include TPE, latex, non-medical grade silicone, and medical grade silicone. All of the menstrual cups sold through MCA Online are manufactured using only quality medical grade silicone or TPE. The only exception to this is the Keeper Cup. The Keeper is made from Natural gum rubber (latex). For this reason, women who have a latex allergy should avoid the Keeper Cup, but will be fine to use the other brands such as Ruby, Diva, JuJu, or Lunette Cups.

As mentioned above, the Diva, Lunette, and Juju cups are made from medical grade silicone. The Diva and Lunette have a full matte finish, whereas the Juju has a smooth/shiny finish with a matte butterfly grip at the base of the cup. The matte finish can make gripping and removing the cup a little easier. However, with a little practice, removing the Juju should become easy too. Another tip to assist with removing cups with a smooth surface, is to wipe the base of the cup with a little toilet paper first. This will make gripping the base easier.

Where is it made?

For some people, the place of manufacture is very important. Since we are an Australian website, it may be that you want to support Aussie owned and made products. If this is the case the JuJu cup is the only menstrual cup that will fit your criteria.

Registrations

Product accreditation/registration with Government regulatory bodies is a sign that the item you are purchasing as been granted permission to be sold within a certain market. Up until July 2018, all of the products listed on MCA Online were listed on the ARTG (Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods). After July 2018, the Australian regulations surrounding menstrual cups changed, making other International brands more accessible. To meet the needs of our customers, we have increased the number of brands we sell, but look only for companies that have a proven and high quality product.  Currently, four Menstrual Cup brands are registered in the ARTG. They include the Diva cup, JuJu cup, Lunette cup, and Pelvi cup.

Stem Type and length

Different menstrual cups tend to come with different stem types. These include flat stems, round stems, hollow stems, ring stems, no stems, pointy stems, ladder stems, and ball stems. The stem type makes little difference to the use of the cup, however, some people may find different stem types more comfortable than others. Some people also find hollow stems a little more difficult to clean, however, if correct cleaning procedures are followed, this should be a minor complaint.

Generally speaking, ring or ladder stems make removal easier. However, while some ring stems may allow for a better grip, they may not necessarily be large enough to allow a finger right through the ring.

The main purpose of the stem is to guide you to the base of the cup, so you can remove it. The length of the stem is not generally too much of an issue. This is because you will most likely choose to trim it to your desired length once you are comfortable removing your menstrual cup without relying on it.

If however, you have a particularly high cervix, you may like to choose a cup with a longer stem. This will aid in removal.

Cup capacity

As a general rule, a woman will usually lose around 6 tablespoons of menstrual fluid per cycle (80-120mls). Over a typical 3-5 day cycle, this would equate to an average of around 25ml per 24hour period (keeping in mind that more is lost on day 1 and 2 of a cycle and less on the remaining days). However, the above figure is an average. Some women can lose up to 8.5 tablespoons (120mls) or more of fluid over their cycle. While this will still be comfortably held in each of the menstrual cups, if you have a particularly heavy menstrual flow, then you may want to opt for a cup that is specifically designed to hold larger amounts of fluid. This will help reduce the number of times you may need to empty it throughout the first few days of your period.

Cup diameter

Menstrual cups can vary in the diameter size (the opening size). The Diameter of the cup will determine the quality of the seal you get. The wider your vaginal canal, the wider cup you will need.

If you have particularly weak pelvic floor muscles or have had several children, you may wish to consider a cup with a larger diameter. This is because your vaginal muscles will be looser and the canal is therefore wider. To reduce the chance of leaks, a wider cup will provide a better seal around the vaginal wall.

Conversely, if you have particularly tight pelvic floor muscles, or are very young, you may find that a smaller diameter cup will be quite sufficient (even though you could also successfully use a larger cup). A smaller diameter will be easier for a young woman/girl to insert.

Cup length

Depending on the position of your cervix, the length of the cup may be important.

Women who have a very low lying cervix will want to choose the shortest available cup (possibly the Juju model 4), so as to ensure it fits correctly within the vagina, without causing discomfort to the cervix.

Women who have a particularly high cervix, may find a longer cup more useful (Such as the Juju model 3 or the Diva cups), as it will be easier to remove should the cup travel up the vaginal canal towards the cervix.

Women who have an average positioned cervix should be fine with any type of cup.

Colours

There is still some debate regarding the chemical reactions that may take place when colours and dyes are added to silicone. Research is still unclear as to the potential for these colours to leech into the bloodstream and cause issues. For this reason, many cup companies have erred on the side of caution and decided not to add any colours to their cups, meaning a clear colour is your only alternative. Other brands have added colours, so as to help hide discolouration, and to make the whole thing seem a little nicer.

How to use this Menstrual Cup Comparison

This comparison page is a guide only. Every woman is different, and unfortunately every brand of cup uses slightly different sizing criteria. However, by following the below steps, you should be able to settle on the best menstrual cup for your needs.

1. Use our general sizing guidelines to work out which size menstrual cup you are likely to need – either Model 1 (the smaller cup), or Model 2 (the larger cup)

2. Use the factors above to compare the different brand menstrual cups in the size you require. For example, if you will need a model 2 cup, only compare the cups in the Model 2 table.

3. Once you have determined which brand you think would be best for you, double check the specific sizing instructions for your chosen brand, just to ensure it will be right for you.

Teen Cups (Smallest Cup Sizes) Menstrual Cup Comparison Table

Cup Brand	Material	Country of Manufacture	Stem Type	Stem Length	Cup Length (from rim to base)	Total Length (from rim to end of stem)	Cup Capacity (to holes)	Cup Diameter	Colours
Pelvi Cup Teen	Medical Grade TPE	Spain	Toggle	10mm	50mm	60mm	17ml	38mm	Pink
Pelvi Cup Small	Medical Grade Silicone	USA	Toggle	10mm	50mm	60mm	20ml	42mm	Clear
Hello Cup XS	TPE Plastic - fully recyclable	New Zealand	Toggle	10mm	47mm	57mm	17.5ml	38mm	Lilac and Yellow
Diva Cup Model 0	Medical Grade Silicone	USA	Hollow	10mm	47mm	57mm	17ml	39ml	Clear
FemmyCycle Petite	Medical Grade Silicone	USA	Ring	19mm	38mm	57mm	20ml	31mm	Clear
OrganiCup Mini	Medical Grade Silicone	China	Solid Round	14mm	44mm	58mm	17ml	37mm	Clear

Model 1 (Smaller Cup Sizes) Menstrual Cup Comparison Table

Cup Brand	Material	Country of Manufacture	Stem Type	Stem Length	Cup Length (from rim to base)	Total Length (from rim to end of stem)	Cup Capacity (to holes)	Cup Diameter	Colours	Approvals
Diva Cup - Model 1	Medical Grade Silicone	Canada	Hollow	17mm	53mm	70mm	24ml	43mm	Clear	FDA registered and ARTG listed (ID: 173694) . Only cup approved for sale in Canada
JuJu Cup - Model 1	Medical Grade Silicone	Australia	Pointy	19mm	46mm	65mm	18ml	40mm	Clear	ARTG listed (ID: 180153)
Lunette Cup - Model 1	Medical Grade Silicone	Finland	Flat	25mm	47mm	72mm	21ml	41mm	5 Colours including Clear	FDA registered and ARTG listed (ID: 157084)
Hello Cup Small/Medium	TPE Plastic - fully recyclable	New Zealand	Toggle	10mm	49mm	59mm	21ml	41mm	Blue, Yellow, and Orange	FDA registered
Tampon Tribe Menstrual Cup - Medium	TPE Plastic - fully recyclable	Europe	Toggle	10mm	57mm	67mm	25ml	43mm	Pink	FDA Registered
Ruby Cup - Small	Medical Grade Silicone	China	Hollow	19mm	46mm	65mm	19ml	40mm	Clear, Blue, Pink, Purple, Red, Black	-
Super Jennie - Small	Medical Grade Silicone	USA	Pointy	15mm	47.5mm	62.5mm	26ml	43mm	Clear, Blue, Teal, Pink	FDA registered, and ARTG listed (ID: 292562)
OrganiCup - Size A	Medical Grade Silicone	China	Solid Round	15mm	50mm	65mm	25ml	40mm	Clear	FDA registered, Vegan Certified, Allergy Certified
Pelvi Cup - Medium	Medical Grade Silicone	USA	Toggle	10mm	60mm	70mm	25ml	42mm	Clear	FDA listed and ARTG listed (ID: 312885)
Haakaa Flow Cup - Small	Medical Grade Silicone	China	Toggle	10mm	53mm	63mm	25ml	42mm	Coral	FDA registered
Haakaa Flow Cup Valve - Small	Medical Grade Silicone	China	Valve	21mm	50mm	71mm	18ml	42mm	Coral	FDA registered
Keeper Cup	Natural Gum Rubber (latex)	USA	Round	27mm	46mm	80mm	21ml	45mm	Brown (gum rubber colour) No added dyes.	FDA registered and ARTG listed (ID:68249)

Model 2 (Larger Cup Sizes) Menstrual Cup Comparison Table

Model 2 Brand (Larger Sizes)	Material	Country of Origin	Stem Type	Stem Length	Cup Length (from rim to base)	Total Length (from rim to end of stem)	Cup Capacity (to holes)	Cup Diameter	Colours	Approvals
Diva Cup - Model 2	Medical Grade Silicone	Canada	Hollow	13mm	57mm	70mm	28ml	46mm	Clear	FDA registered and ARTG listed (ID: 173694). Only cup approved for sale in Canada
JuJu Cup - Model 2	Medical Grade Silicone	Australia	Pointy	19mm	50mm	69mm	27ml	46mm	Clear	ARTG listed (ID: 180153).
Juju Model 3 (for high cervix)	Medical Grade Silicone	Australia	Pointy	20mm	58mm	78mm	22ml	40mm	Clear	-
Juju Model 4 (for low cervix or poor pelvic tone)	Medical Grade Silicone	Australia	Pointy	10mm	40mm	50mm	23ml	48mm	Clear	-
Lunette Cup - Model 2	Medical Grade Silicone	Finland	Flat	20mm	52mm	72mm	27ml	45mm	5 colours including clear	FDA registered and ARTG listed (ID: 157084).
Hello Cup Large	TPE Plastic - Fully Recyclable	New Zealand	Toggle	10mm	54mm	64mm	28ml	45mm	Blush, Fuchsia, and Yellow	FDA Registered
Merula XL	Medical Grade Silicone	Germany	Ladder	22mm	50mm	72mm	50ml	46mm	Strawberry
Tampon Tribe Menstrual Cup - Large	TPE Plastic - Fully Recyclable	Europe	Toggle	10mm	56mm	66mm	30ml	46mm	Pink	FDA Registered
Ruby Cup Medium	Medical Grade Silicone	China	Hollow	17mm	51mm	68mm	24ml	45mm	Clear, Blue, Pink, Purple, Red, Black	-
Super Jennie Large	Medical Grade Silicone	USA	Pointy	16mm	52mm	68mm	34ml	47mm	Clear, Blue, Teal, Pink	FDA registered, and ARTG listed (ID: 292562)
FemmyCycle Regular	Medical Grade Silicone	USA	Ring	20mm	43mm	63mm	25ml	36mm	Clear	FDA cleared
FemmyCycle Low Cervix	Medical Grade Silicone	USA	Ring	6mm	43mm	49mm	25ml	36mm	Clear	FDA cleared
OrganiCup - Size B	Medical Grade Silicone	China	Solid Round	15mm	55mm	70mm	30ml	45mm	Clear	FDA registered, Vegan Certified, Allergy Certified
Haakaa Flow Cup - Large	Medical Grade Silicone	China	Toggle	10mm	56mm	66mm	30ml	45mm	Coral	FDA registered
Haakaa Flow Cup Valve - Large	Medical Grade Silicone	China	Valve	21mm	50mm	71mm	24ml	47mm	Coral	FDA registered
Pelvi Cup Large	Medical Grade Silicone	USA	Toggle	10mm	60mm	70mm	30ml	46mm	Clear	FDA listed and ARTG listed (ID: 312885)
Keeper Cup	Natural Gum Rubber	USA	Hollow	26mm	53mm	79mm	25ml	46mm	Brown (gum rubber colour) No added dyes.	FDA registered and ARTG listed (ID: 68249).