5 menstrual cups in comparison
11.5.2020
Translation: machine translated
When buying mens cups, you are spoilt for choice: from the design-savvy variant in neon pink to the practical cup in a simple, transparent shade. The test shows: the proof of the pudding is in the eating.
Two years ago, I raved loudly about my menstrual cup in a bar. At the time, I was embarrassed by the confused, occasionally confused and curious looks I received. Today, I no longer have any inhibitions about talking about my period cup - I am an advocate of reusable Ladycups. If I can win over a friend for this, it will make up for all those unpleasant years when we had to deal with tampons, pads and the like without realising that there are much simpler and more ecological options.
Menstrual cups are not only more sustainable than tampons. They also absorb three times as much blood as a tampon and can be worn for up to 12 hours. The average shelf life is 10 years. This is also worthwhile financially. The catch lies in choosing the right cup. There are different sizes and shapes. I used the OrganiCup for over a year. It was the ideal size, comfortable and fitted well. When I didn't have my cup with me on holiday, I had to buy a new one. I opted for the PapperlaCup from Einhorn. I realised that despite its similar shape and size, it has a more compact structure, which makes it more snug. Are there perhaps other cups that are even more suitable for me?
OrganiCup: For the environmentally conscious; practical and simple
The OrganiCup is produced in Denmark, is vegan and is made from 100 per cent medical-grade silicone. It comes in three sizes: Mini, size A and size B. The "Mini" size is suitable for teenagers, "A" for women under thirty who have not yet given birth and "B" for women over thirty who have already given birth or have very heavy periods. Here too, personal preference is crucial, only you know which size suits you.
Advantage: The soft structure makes the cup easy to fold and insert. After a familiarisation phase, it is no longer noticeable and stays in place even during jogging or an intensive yoga session.
Disadvantage: After wearing it several times, the transparent cup discolours and becomes cloudy, grey and unappetising despite boiling. The "style" is not as easy to grip as other cups. Removing the cup can therefore become an unpleasant and lengthy procedure if the cup moves inwards a little.
Size and design: The OrganiCup comes in three sizes. With the "Mini" version, the Danish manufacturer is one of the few suppliers to have the youngest generation in mind. The cup is transparent and the simplest model tested here.
For whom: If you are environmentally conscious and don't want to compromise on your period cup and prioritise comfort over design.
Ruby Cup: For a good cause; practical and colourful
The Ruby Cup is the colourful counterpart to the OrganiCup. It hardly differs in size from the OrganiCup, but comes in fresh colours such as blue, pink, red, purple or black. The Ruby Cup is also vegan, plastic-free and made from 100 per cent medical-grade silicone. A remarkable feature: by purchasing this menstrual cup, you are doing something good, as the sales principle is based on the slogan "buy one, give one". For every Ruby Cup purchased, a cup is donated to a woman in a developing country.
Advantage: Once you have learnt the folding technique, insertion is easy and it is comfortable to wear. The style has a rough surface, which makes it easier to grip and remove the cup. It also retains its colour even after being washed out several times.
Disadvantage: The Ruby Cup is only available in small and medium sizes. With heavy periods, the cup may fill up quickly and you may have to empty it several times.
Size and design: The Ruby Cup comes in two sizes in five different colours and in a transparent version.
For whom: If you want to support a social project with the purchase of your period cup and don't want to compromise on product design.
Merula Cup: Large filling capacity for heavy menstruation days
This menstrual cup was developed in Germany and comes in a very unique design. It is rounder than the other cups and the small version is about the size of a ping pong ball. The menstrual cup is made in Germany from medical silicone. The manufacturer uses bright colours and sleeves in different patterns. For example, you can choose between the purple Galaxy Cup or the poison green Apple Cup.
Advantage: The standard cup should fit all women. No matter how strong or weak the pelvic muscles are or how high up the cervix is. The cup also comes in size XL and, at 50 ml, offers the largest capacity of all the menstrual cups presented here. For comparison: a standard size holds around half of that.
Disadvantage: Due to its round shape, the cup doesn't hold as tightly as others. In addition, according to the manufacturer's recommendation, it should not be worn for longer than 8 hours. Other models tested are supposed to last up to 12 hours. Due to the round shape, I find it more difficult to grip the cup to release the negative pressure. On the other hand, the style is very easy to grip, so removing it afterwards is a breeze.
Size and design: The Merula Cup is available in two sizes (one size and XL) and in seven different colours. It not only stands out from other menstrual cups in terms of design, but also offers its own filling quantities and is specially designed for women with heavy periods.
For whom: Anyone who has very heavy periods, likes kitsch and exercises regularly.
Fun Factory: organic shape that adapts to the body
This menstrual cup always comes in a set of 2 (2x small, 2x large or 1x small and 1x large). It is made in Germany from 100 per cent medical-grade silicone. Unlike the other models tested, its stem is very short and part of the shape is reminiscent of the head of a dolphin.
Advantage: I was reluctant to use this Ladycup for a long time because I wasn't comfortable with the shape. I was worried that the style would be too short to release the negative pressure. My concerns were unfounded: Not only does the cup hold tight for up to 10 hours, but it can be removed perfectly. It always comes in a set of 2. This is perfect for periods of different strengths. The cup also adapts perfectly to your body thanks to its organic shape.
Disadvantage: If you wear it for several hours, it can slip inside the vagina due to its smooth shape. In this case, there's only one thing to do: activate your abdominal and pelvic floor muscles and push the cup out.
Size and design: Fun Factory comes in the most unique design. Its shape is somewhat reminiscent of a dolphin's head. The cup is also available in two sizes. The small one is pink and the large one is blue.
For whom: If you like to swim against the current, your periods are irregularly heavy and support and comfort are important to you.
Papperlacup*: Compact and ideal for light days
The Papperlacup is a little more compact in structure than the first two and also differs minimally in size from the size A of the OrganiCup. This makes the cup easier to handle and more snug than the OrganiCup or Ruby Cup. Once it's in, I don't feel it and don't have to empty it again until the evening if I'm bleeding lightly. What's more, 50 per cent of the German company's profits go towards sustainable projects.
Advantage: The cup stays tight for me and doesn't allow any bleeding to seep through, plus it's super comfortable to wear. The packaging alone is already a highlight.
Disadvantage: I usually have a light period. I can leave the cup in from morning to night without having to empty it. However, it can happen that the cup slides further up into the vagina, in which case only one thing helps: activate your abdominal and pelvic floor muscles.
Size and design: Papperlacup comes in two sizes: the small one is pink and the large one is yellow. The cup itself is nothing out of the ordinary, but the unicorn-like packaging is surprising and refreshing.
For whom: Anyone who doesn't have heavy bleeding and doesn't want to worry about the cup during the day. It is not noticeable and stays in place all day long. Ideal support even when swimming or doing sports.
Note: Unfortunately, there are delays in adding the Papperlacup to the Galaxus range.What we noticed with all menstrual cups
All tested models are made of medical silicone, which is non-harmful and well tolerated. All Ladycups are priced at around 30 francs. Only the Ruby Cup is comparatively expensive at 50 francs. When using a new cup for the first time, you need plenty of time and patience. Before each use, I boil it in hot water for 20 minutes and sanitise it. Then I fold it as recommended by the manufacturer. If a Menscup is difficult to insert on light period days, I use a little lubricant.
During my period, I wash each cup out with soap before reinserting it. After the last use, I boil it again. If I have trouble removing one of the cups, I stay relaxed. Tension is a hindrance when releasing the vacuum. The more I squeeze the underside, the better I can pull it out with the help of the style. Squeezing the abdominal muscles while exhaling can also help to move a cup into the correct position.
Conclusion
For me, two clear test winners have emerged that I wouldn't want to be without during my period: Fun Factory and Papperlacup. I choose the menstrual cup from Fun Factory for heavy bleeding overnight or on days when I don't move much. I also wear the Fun Factory on warm summer days when I want to go swimming or wear a light dress. Due to the smooth surface, the cup tends to slide inwards when I move around a lot. That's why I wear the Papperlacup on days when I'm out and about a lot, jogging in the morning or going spinning straight after work in the evening. It stays in place during the day, even with lots of movement, without being noticeable.
Finding the right men's cup is like a lottery - either you hit the jackpot with your first purchase or you have to try out different models and sizes until you're satisfied. Hang in there, because once you've found the one, it's great love.
Are there any other menstrual cup designs that you can recommend or models that Galaxus should add to its range?
In the mornings, meditating is part of my morning routine, in the evenings I cultivate a distinct Cüpli culture, and in between I try to find the unusual in the ordinary.
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