What is a Menstrual Cup?

How do Menstrual Cups Work?

Menstrual cups are soft, reusable bell-shaped cups that fit easily and sit comfortably in your vagina to collect your period blood instead of absorbing it. You canĀ wear them leak-free for up to 8 hoursĀ during the day, while you sleep, and when working out. And it's easy to learn how to use a menstrual cup. Say goodbye to sanitary pads and tampons. Hello, unparalleled freedom.

What is a Ruby Cup?

As menstrual cup experts, we makeĀ Ruby CupsĀ from soft medical-grade silicone that can last up to 10 years,ā  saving around 10kg of plastic waste from ending up in landfills. So far we've saved the planet 14,500,000 kilos of plastic period waste. We don't test on animals and work with a Buy One Give One modelā€”for every Ruby Cup sold we donate another Ruby Cup to a person without access to safe menstrual products.Ā 

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Premium quality and social impact since 2011.

  • 3X the capacity of a super tampon
  • Leak-free suction that keeps it well-positioned
  • ISO 10993 biocompatible flexible medical-grade silicone
  • 100% vegan and plastic free
  • 1 cup donated for every purchase
  • 120 days money-back guarantee

The life-changing benefits of using a menstrual cup

Here's why more than 250,000 people who menstruate have chosen Ruby Cup:Ā 

*Protect the environment.Ā You're leading a zero-waste lifestyle.
*Change 2 lives.Ā Your purchase automatically donates a Ruby Cup to someone without access to safe period products.Ā Ā Ā 
*Breathe easily.Ā Period cups won't dry out your skin like pads or tampons.
*Stay healthy.Ā Ruby Cup is free from the dioxins and bleach found in tampons and pads.
*Wear whatever you want. Goodbye, bulky pads. Hello, tight jeans.
*Experience peace of mind.Ā Enjoy leak-free nights, travel, and activities.
*Save money.Ā One reusable Ruby Cup can last you up to 10 years.
*Feel carefree.Ā It's so comfortable you'll almost forget you are on your period.
*Discover newfound freedom.Ā Fewer trips to the bathroom mean more time to enjoy life.

Choose the perfect menstrual cup for your body

Each body is unique, and each menstrual flow is different, which is why Ruby Cup offers two sizes designed to meet your body's needs. Take our size quiz to discover the perfect cup for you and your menstrual flow.

Whether you have a light or heavy flow, high or low cervix, we have the right cup for you. Still unsure? Read our step-by-step menstrual cup sizing guide.

Take Our Size Quiz

How to use a menstrual cup

Using a menstrual cup for the first time may seem daunting, but it's entirely doable.
We know there's a learning curve, but with our guide, you'll get the hang of using a menstrual cup in no time.

Just follow our 4 simple steps to begin living a fuss-free, zero-waste period:

How to insert a menstrual cup

1
Fold
Wash your hands, fold your menstrual cup, and hold.
2
Insert
Sit, squat, or stand. Then insert your menstrual cup into your vagina, rim first.
3
Release
Release your hold. Your cup will unfold, creating a seal to keep it from slipping or leaking.
Beginner's Tip #1:

Relax and enjoy yourself. Experiment with different positions before inserting your menstrual cup for the first time to help you feel comfortable.

1
Fold
Wash your hands, fold your menstrual cup, and hold.
2
Insert
Sit, squat, or stand. Then insert your menstrual cup into your vagina, rim first.
3
Release
Release your hold. Your cup will unfold, creating a seal to keep it from slipping or leaking.
Beginner's Tip #1:

Relax and enjoy yourself. Experiment with different positions before inserting your menstrual cup for the first time to help you feel comfortable.

How to fold a menstrual cup

1
C-Fold
The easiest and most popular fold. Just fold the cup in half lengthwise so its rim makes a C-shape.
2
7-Fold
Fold the cup in half lengthwise, then fold down one side to make a 7-shape with the rim. Has a smaller insertion point than the C-fold.
3
Punch-down Fold
Punch down the rim of the cup, then squeeze the sides together to create the smallest insertion point yet.
Beginner's Tip #2:

Experiment with the 7 and punch-down folds first. With the smallest insertion points, they're great for beginners.

1
C-Fold
The easiest and most popular fold. Just fold the cup in half lengthwise so its rim makes a C-shape.
2
7-Fold
Fold the cup in half lengthwise, then fold down one side to make a 7-shape with the rim. Has a smaller insertion point than the C-fold.
3
Punch-down Fold
Punch down the rim of the cup, then squeeze the sides together to create the smallest insertion point yet.
Beginner's Tip #2:

Experiment with the 7 and punch-down folds first. With the smallest insertion points, they're great for beginners.

How to remove a menstrual cup

1
Get comfortable
Wash your hands and stand, squat, or raise one leg.
2
Release the seal & Remove
Find the base of your menstrual cup and gently squeeze it to break the suction. Donā€™t pull the stem! Keep a firm grip as you gently pull your cup down to remove it.
3
Empty & Reinsert
Empty the cup's contents into the toilet, rinse your cup under clean running water, then reinsert.
Beginner's Tip #3:

Always pinch and pull the base of the menstrual cup, not the stem of the cup as this could reinforce the suction. Removing a menstrual cup is easy once you know how.

1
Get comfortable
Wash your hands and stand, squat, or raise one leg.
2
Release the seal & Remove
Find the base of your menstrual cup and gently squeeze it to break the suction. Donā€™t pull the stem! Keep a firm grip as you gently pull your cup down to remove it.
3
Empty & Reinsert
Empty the cup's contents into the toilet, rinse your cup under clean running water, then reinsert.
Beginner's Tip #3:

Always pinch and pull the base of the menstrual cup, not the stem of the cup as this could reinforce the suction. Removing a menstrual cup is easy once you know how.

How to clean a menstrual cup

Before/After Your Period

Sterilize your menstrual cup in boiling water for 2-3 minutes.

During Your Period

Empty your cup, rinse under clean running water, then reinsert.

In a Public Bathroom

Use a bottle of water to rinse your cup over the toilet. Or wipe clean with dry or damp toilet paper, then reinsert.

Cleaning your menstrual cup is easy with Ruby Sterilizer

Made of 100% medical-grade silicone, the Ruby Sterilizer makes cleaning your menstrual cup easy and hygienic.Ā 

Practical: Just fill with water, insert your menstrual cup, and close the lid. Then pop it into the microwave or oven for a 3-minute boil. Yes, it's that simple.

Foldable: Its collapsible and lightweight design makes the Ruby Sterilizer easy to store whether you're at home or traveling the world.

Discreet:Ā With Ruby Sterilizer's modern design and handy lid, no one will know you're cleaning your menstrual cup. Perfect for when you're traveling or sharing a living space.

Buy your Ruby Sterilizer Today

Why Ruby Cups are great for beginners

If you haven't tried a menstrual cup yet and are on the fence, we hear you. This is why all Ruby Cups come with a 120-day money-back guarantee.Try your Ruby Cup for three or four menstrual cycles. Whether you exchange your cup for a different size or return your cup, we're there for you.

Duo Pack

The best combination if you're not sure which size to start with or your flow varies during your period, which means you might need two.

Buy a Duo Pack Today

Saver Pack

The perfect combo if you're just starting to use a menstrual cup. The Ruby Cup Saver Pack includes the Small and Medium cups plus the Ruby Sterilizer. Having an extra cup handy is ideal when your period shows up unexpectedly and you're on the go.

Buy Your Ruby Cup Saver Pack Now

Why choose Ruby Cup over tampons or pads

Use the most sustainable period product there is: Ruby Cup's vegan 100% medical-grade silicone is reusable for up to 10 years and collects 3x more period fluid than tampons or pads.

Protect your health while menstruating: Plastic and bleach-free, Ruby Cup is made from medical-grade silicone that doesn't contain harmful toxins like dioxin found in tampons and pads.

Feel comfortable, free, and at ease on your period: Since 98% of our customers would recommend Ruby Cup to a friend, we'll let them tell you how they feel:

ā— "There is literally no pain, no itching, and no scratching anymore (goodbye tampons!)". - Bonnie

ā— "I ran a marathon with my Ruby Cup!" - Lisa

ā— "It doesn't leak at all and is amazingly comfortable." - Holly

ā— "I forget I'm on my period šŸ˜®" - Ruby P

Buy One Give One

When you buy a Ruby Cup, you take part in our life-changing menstrual cup donation program. For every purchase, we donate a Ruby Cup to people without access to period care products.

In many countries, people with periods miss out on school once menstruation starts because they lack facilities and period products. Instead, your purchase can change all that.

Buy a Ruby Cup today to support a young person's chance at continuing their education and having a better future.

Buy a Cup, Give a Cup

FAQs about how to use a menstrual cup

Are menstrual cups good for beginners?

Every person who menstruates can start using a menstrual cup at any age, any time. This includes whether your hymen is intact or not. Read our take on the best menstrual cups for beginners if you need help to choose the right cup for you.Ā 

Is a menstrual cup safe?

Recent studies prove that menstrual cups are safe. They're also safer than using tampons when it comes to Toxic Shock Syndrome. Because a menstrual cup doesn't absorb menstrual blood, the risk of TSS is very low. All menstrual cups are body-friendly, and Ruby Cup's medical-grade silicone is vegan and free from plastic and bleach.

Can you sleep with a menstrual cup?

You can sleep with a menstrual cup leak-free and no longer worry about staining your bedsheets. We recommend emptying your menstrual cup every 8 hours during the day and as soon as you get up in the morning.

Does using a menstrual cup hurt?

When inserted and placed correctly, your menstrual cup shouldn't hurt. Most people forget they're wearing a cup because it's so comfortable. If you experience any pain, check if your cup is open and positioned correctly, or try a softer cup. Always check with your gynecologist first to rule out any health issues before changing cups.Ā 

How far up should a menstrual cup go?

A menstrual cup should sit lower than a tampon in your vaginal canal, below your cervix. Also, inserting a tampon vs a menstrual cup is different. Instead of inserting a cup vertically and up like a tampon, insert your menstrual cup horizontally and back toward your tailbone.Ā 

Does a menstrual cup get stuck?

A menstrual cup can't get stuck and you can't lose your cup inside your vagina. If you have trouble removing your menstrual cup, always remember to release your cup's suction by pinching its base or pressing a finger between your cup and vaginal wall.

How do you clean a menstrual cup?

During your period, rinse your menstrual cup under clean running water every time you empty your cup. When using a public bathroom, use a water bottle to clean your cup over the toilet, or wipe your cup with tissues or toilet paper, then reinsert. Between periods, sterilize your cup in boiling water for 3 minutes.

Do menstrual cups leak?

Menstrual cups won't leak when inserted correctly. A leaking cup is a cup that hasn't opened and formed a seal. To prevent leaking, run your index finger around the base of the cup. If you feel any creases, your cup hasn't opened. Just gently grip the base and rotate your cup until you feel it open.

How do you know when to change your menstrual cup?

Our medical-grade silicone Ruby Cups can last up to 10 years. Heavy stains, cracking, and changes in texture are signs to replace your cup. Emptying your menstrual cup every 8 hours, rinsing after each use, and sterilizing between periods will help your menstrual cup last for as long as possible.

What's the best eco-friendly period product?

Menstrual cups are the best eco-friendly period product because they are reusable for up to 10 years. Even when you compare menstrual cups vs reusable pads, cups are easier to care for and clean, using less water than any other reusable period product. A menstrual cup is the most responsible zero-waste choice.