Menstrual Cups Comparison Chart

8 min read
Menstrual cups in different shapes and sizes for comparison

Menstrual cups comparison chart

Choosing a menstrual cup is about more than picking a small or large size. Cup length, diameter, shape, firmness and capacity can all affect how a cup fits and feels. Start with your anatomy and cervical position, then consider firmness, capacity, flow and your personal preferences.

Use the comparison chart below to compare the menstrual cups available from Period Shop. Product specifications should always be checked against the manufacturer's current information because designs and specifications can change.


 

 


How to use the menstrual cup comparison chart

There is no single menstrual cup that will suit everyone. A useful starting point is to consider these features in roughly this order:

  1. Length and cervical position
  2. Diameter
  3. Shape
  4. Firmness
  5. Capacity
  6. Removal features and personal preferences

The most important factor can vary from person to person. If a cup is too long, too wide or too firm for your anatomy, a higher capacity may not make it a better choice.

Length: consider your cervical position

Cup length describes how long the cup is from the rim to the base. It is particularly useful to consider if you know your cervix sits relatively high or low during your period.

A longer cup may be easier to reach if you have a high cervix. A shorter cup may be more comfortable or easier to keep fully inside the vagina if you have a lower cervix.

Cervical position can change during your menstrual cycle, so measuring at different points in your period can give you a more useful picture than relying on a single measurement.

Read our guide to measuring your cervical position.

Diameter: how wide is the cup?

Diameter describes the width of the cup, usually measured across the rim.

A wider cup may feel more substantial inside the vaginal canal, while a narrower cup may feel less bulky. However, diameter is only one part of fit. A cup also needs to open properly and sit comfortably in relation to your cervix and vaginal walls.

Cup sizes are not standardised across brands, so don't assume that a “small” cup from one manufacturer will have the same dimensions as a small cup from another.

Shape: where is the cup widest?

Menstrual cups come in different shapes, including more rounded, bell-shaped and tapered designs.

Shape can affect where the cup's widest point sits, how much space it occupies and how it feels during insertion, wear and removal.

Shape descriptions are not standardised across manufacturers, so use them as a general guide rather than a sizing system. Compare the actual measurements alongside the shape.

Firmness: softer or firmer?

Firmness describes how much resistance the cup has when it is compressed.

A firmer cup may open more readily after insertion and can suit some people who are active or have stronger pelvic floor muscles. It may also feel more noticeable for people who are sensitive to pressure.

A softer cup may feel gentler for some users but can require more attention during insertion to make sure it has opened fully.

There is no universally better firmness. The right choice depends on how your body responds to pressure and how easily the cup opens for you.

If you're unsure, our guide to soft versus firm menstrual cups explains the trade-offs.

Capacity: how much flow can it collect?

Capacity is most useful when you are comparing a cup with your menstrual flow.

If you have a heavier flow, a higher-capacity cup may mean fewer emptying trips. However, capacity should not be used to choose a cup that is physically too large or uncomfortable for your anatomy.

You may also need to empty a cup more frequently than its maximum stated wear time if your flow is heavy.

A cup's stated capacity can vary depending on how the manufacturer measures it, so compare like with like where possible.

Material: what is the cup made from?

Menstrual cups are made from different materials depending on the manufacturer and model. Do not assume that every cup has the same material or that a material claim applies across the whole category.

For Australian-supplied menstrual cups, manufacturers and suppliers must meet the relevant TGA requirements, including requirements covering materials, design, labelling and information supplied with the product.

Check the individual product information if material is an important consideration for you.

What should you look for if you have a high or low cervix?

If you have a high cervix, cup length and removal design may be particularly important. A cup that is too short may be difficult to reach.

If you have a lower cervix, a shorter cup may be worth considering, particularly if longer cups cause pressure or feel too close to the vaginal opening.

Cervical position can change throughout your cycle, so treat it as a useful guide rather than a fixed measurement.

You can learn how to measure your cervical position before comparing cup dimensions.

What if you have a heavy flow?

For heavier flow, start by looking at capacity, then check that the cup's dimensions and firmness are still appropriate for you.

A higher-capacity cup is not automatically the better choice if it is too long, too wide or uncomfortable.

Research on menstrual cups is generally reassuring, although the evidence base is still developing. A 2019 systematic review identified 43 studies involving 3,319 participants and found that leakage was similar or lower than disposable products in four direct-comparison studies. The review also noted that only three studies included in qualitative or quantitative syntheses were considered moderate-to-high quality.

How long can you wear a menstrual cup?

Follow the instructions supplied with your specific cup.

In Australia, menstrual cups supplied to consumers must include information about use, cleaning and hygiene and a maximum duration of use that does not exceed 12 hours.

That does not mean every person should wait 12 hours before emptying their cup. Flow, comfort and the manufacturer's instructions may mean you need to empty it sooner.

Read our guide to using a menstrual cup for insertion, removal and cleaning guidance.

Are menstrual cups safe?

Menstrual cups are widely used and the available evidence is generally reassuring, but no internal menstrual product is completely risk-free.

The 2019 systematic review found rare reports of complications including pain or vaginal wounds, allergic reactions, urinary complaints and toxic shock syndrome. The authors concluded that cups are a safe option overall but called for more high-quality research.

More recent research continues to investigate vaginal health and infection outcomes. A 2026 systematic review and meta-analysis included 11 studies with 10,268 participants. Only three studies were considered good quality. The researchers found no increased infection risks across the infections evaluated and reported lower STI prevalence in two randomised studies from Kenya, but the authors also highlighted the limited number and quality of available studies. These findings should not be interpreted as meaning that menstrual cups protect every user from infection.

Menstrual cups are also required to carry information about the rare but serious risk of toxic shock syndrome in Australia.

What about using a menstrual cup with an IUD?

If you have an intrauterine device, this is worth discussing with your healthcare professional before choosing a menstrual cup.

Evidence on IUD expulsion and cup use is still developing. A 2023 systematic review identified seven studies and 73 reported partial or total IUD expulsions among cup users, but the studies differed and the authors described the evidence as scarce.

A later secondary analysis of a copper-IUD trial included 1,046 participants and found higher odds of expulsion among users of one of the two copper IUD designs studied. The study does not establish that every IUD has the same association with menstrual cup use, and its findings should not be generalised to every IUD available in Australia.

This is an area where product choice and individual circumstances matter, so professional advice is appropriate.

How to choose from the chart

Once you've narrowed down the options, use this checklist:

  • Cervical position: Do you tend to have a high, average or low cervix?
  • Length: Will the cup be easy for you to reach and remove?
  • Diameter: Does the width look appropriate for your comfort?
  • Shape: Is the cup's overall profile likely to suit your anatomy?
  • Firmness: Do you prefer a softer feel or a cup that opens more readily?
  • Capacity: Does it provide enough capacity for your flow?
  • Removal: Does the stem, loop or base design work for you?
  • Material: Is the manufacturer's material information suitable for your needs?
  • Lifestyle: Will the cup work for exercise, swimming, sleep and your usual routine?

The aim is not to find the cup with the most features. It is to find a combination of dimensions and characteristics that makes sense for your anatomy, flow and preferences.

Need help choosing?

If you're still unsure, use the Menstrual Products Comparison Hub to compare cups with other reusable period care options.

You can also compare menstrual cups and discs if you're deciding between the two product types.

A note about the comparison chart

Product specifications can change, so always check the manufacturer's current instructions and product information before purchasing. Period Shop's comparison chart is intended to help you narrow down your options, not to replace individual product instructions or professional healthcare advice.