If you’re used to using traditional period products like pads and tampons, making the leap and changing to using a menstrual cup might feel a little daunting. And if you’ve tried another brand of period cup and it hasn’t been quite the success you wanted it to be, you might be looking to try an alternative.

Meet Ruby Cup

In this article, we’ve pulled together some of the things that we know our customers love about Ruby Cup – whether they’ve just started their periods or they’re approaching the menopause. And we’ve packed it full of feedback we hope will help you when you're choosing a menstrual cup.

Whether you're looking at buying a menstrual cup for the first time or seeking an alternative brand as you make a menstrual cups comparison, this guide has been written to support you and answer some of the more common questions we’re asked about choosing a menstrual cup.

“I've been using Ruby Cup (Small and Medium sizes) for about a year now and was extremely nervous to make the switch from traditional paper products. After researching a bit, the company did a great job of laying out what options work best for people with various needs and also explaining how to use it properly for those who have never used a cup before, which made it really easy to choose their product.”  -Sonja

Why Ruby Cup Is the Best Menstrual Cup For Me?

All Ruby Cup period cups are made of medical-grade silicone, which means they’re soft and easy to use. You can use each cup for around ten years, which means zero waste – and the knowledge that you’re preventing a decade’s worth of pads or tampons from heading for landfill or the ocean.

Find out why Ruby Cup is known as the best menstrual cup for beginners.

 “I probably won't need any tampons/pads in my life, ever again, which saves me a lot of money and a lot of waste.” -Ivana

Do Menstrual Cups Hurt?

The simple answer is no, especially once you get the hang of inserting your cup.

If you have questions on how to insert your cup, our beginners guide has all the answers for you!

We make both sizes of Ruby Cup from silky, medical-grade silicone to a design that includes a firm rim. 

Our cups’ medium softness makes them easy to insert, as the fold you make before sliding your cup into your vagina holds in place during the insertion stage. The firm rim also makes sure your Ruby Cup pops open easily once it’s in place.

 “I had all the fears you did before trying this. That using it would be gross. That it would be painful to insert. That I would feel it once inserted. NONE of these things are true. Yes, sometimes I get blood on my fingers, but it's my blood. Why should I be embarrassed of something that is so natural and is a part of me? It's definitely taught me to be more comfortable with myself and my body.” -Janelle 

Our article, 7 Reasons Ruby Cup Is The Best Menstrual Cup For Beginners is packed full of menstrual cup tips and further explains how the stem, air holes and grip rings of the Ruby Cup’s design support the effortless and pain-free removal of your menstrual cup.

 

“The Ruby Cup feels nice to the touch and has no pesky edges that could hurt you down there (as some other cups do).” - Emily

“I like the material the Ruby Cup is made of, I tried one from another company and it HURT. This cup is more flexible and less rigid which works well with my rather narrow "canal"..I wouldn't have believed how better it is than what I used before. I'm NEVER going back! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!” -Meital Bar-Sela

 

 

Should I Use a Menstrual Cup?

When you start to research what menstrual cup you want to try, it’s good to know what’s involved in their use. Unlike period pads and applicator tampons, a menstrual cup requires you to get up close and comfortable with your body.

If this feels new – or a little uncomfortable, you might want to explore the helpful  videos we’ve put together that will talk you through what’s involved. 

Led by Hannah, who’s one of our expert trainers, each video takes you step-by-step through how to use a menstrual cup. You can meet Hannah and watch our videos here.

How Do I Choose The Right Cup For My Body And My Period?

When you’re looking to choose a menstrual cup, one of the first things to think about is what size you’ll need. We’ve put together a handy menstrual cup guide that explains our sizes, with a quick video that explains how to choose the right cup for your body and your period.

We want to help you to find the best cup for your body and your period – after all, no two bodies are the same – so our guides will help you to identify what is the best menstrual cup for your needs.

How to Find the Right Menstrual Cup Size

 

Take our Quiz  

 

When it comes to how to pick a menstrual cup, we like to keep things simple. That’s why Ruby Cups come in two sizes – small and medium.

• If you have a low cervix, tilted uterus, or light flow we recommend you choose our Ruby Cup Small

• If you have a high cervix or heavy flow we recommend you choose our Ruby Cup Medium

If, after trying one size, you think the different size would be a better fit for your body, our 120-day money-back guarantee makes it really simple to exchange your cup for a different size. Or you can order both sizes at the same time.

“I bought the small and medium and I couldn’t imagine going without them ever again. I love the cause of this brand and how they are eco friendly. I’ve been using ruby cups for 2-3 years now and this cup works perfectly. I mainly use the small cup but on my heaviest days I use the medium, overall I find that men’s trail cups changed the game in how women go about their period and it made me so much more confident when I have mine. To not worry about stains or that uncomfortable feeling of wearing a pad, to swimming, and so much more.” -Jordana

Are Menstrual Cups Suitable For Teenagers?

The simple answer to this question is yes. As soon as you start menstruating, you can use a menstrual cup. Which means that Ruby Cup is an ideal choice for people with periods of all ages.

Ruby Cup is a convenient alternative to traditional menstrual products, whether you’re simply ready to make the change from pads and tampons – or you’re looking for a more sustainable and eco-friendly way to manage your periods. 

One of the biggest benefits of using a menstrual cup when compared with traditional period products is how long you can go between emptying and reinserting your cup. 

“I'm a sixteen-year-old here and relatively new to periods. I have been looking into cups and decided on the ruby cup not only for its softness and good shape, but because it donates cups in 3rd world countries. On my first cycle I successfully managed to insert it correctly every time, and removing was no problem. My biggest tip would be to measure your cervix repeatedly beforehand, not only to actually measure your cervix but just to become more comfortable with this unfamiliar territory. To make sure my cup was fully sealed I actually just felt around the rim of the cup every time I inserted it and this worked really well! Having the cup made it so easy to forget about my period and I only had to change my cup once in the morning and once at night! If you are interested in getting an alternative product I 100% recommend giving the Ruby cup a shoot! And I hope you have a great week :)” -Rebekah 

 

Depending on your flow, Ruby Cup means you can last up to 8 hours between changes, which means you’ll need fewer bathroom breaks throughout the school day.

If you’re researching alternatives to traditional period products for teenagers, and wondering how to pick a menstrual cup for a younger user, we’ve written ‘An inclusive menstrual cup guide for all parents’. In it, we address some common fears and misconceptions about menstrual cups – and we’ve packed it full of helpful facts and figures about menstrual cup sizing for teenagers.

Can Virgins Use Menstrual Cups? 

If you’re wondering about the subject of virginity and whether virgins can use menstrual cups, we explore this issue in greater depth in our menstrual cup guide, ‘Can virgins use tampons or menstrual cups?’. 

Some people worry that if they’re a virgin, they won’t physically be able to use a menstrual cup. The truth is that vaginas have the capability to birth babies, which means they’re extremely stretchy and flexible. So, you can have peace of mind that using a menstrual cup will neither stretch your vagina or affect its size.

“An important part of our mission at Ruby Cup is to educate and break down the social constructs that can hold girls back from achieving all they can in life. Whether that’s worrying about having enough period products with you each day – or if using a menstrual cup will have any effect on whether or not people think you’re a virgin.”  <<Julie Weigaard Kjær, CEO & Cofounder, Ruby Cup>>

At Ruby Cup, we want everyone to feel safe and comfortable to use our soft cup sizes, whether they define themselves as virgins or not.

“We think you should be able to use the period product you feel comfortable with. No matter if you have had sex already or not, it is your body and your choice to take care of it however you want to.” <<Contributing writer, Casey O’Brien>>

Can I Use a Menstrual Cup With an IUD?

The simple answer is yes. You can use a menstrual cup if you have an IUD fitted. 

If you have or are having an IUD fitted, we advise that you tell your healthcare professional that you’re either using or are thinking of using a Ruby Cup – and ask them how soon you can start using the menstrual cup after your IUD has been inserted.

“Lovely cup, not too small and not too big. I have a Mirena IUD and it works just fine!” -Evelyne

 We’ve compiled some simple menstrual cup tips to make sure that your IUD and menstrual cup work well together in this article, ‘Your Guide To Using A Menstrual Cup With An IUD’. We also explore how to check on the strings of your IUD to make sure that you’re creating a watertight seal with your menstrual cup. And advise you on how to check that the cup’s suction is properly released before it’s removed and emptied. That’s because removing the suction you’ve created will mean the Ruby Cup will come out smoothly and easily.

‘When women say "The cup will change your life" they are NOT exaggerating. Yes, there's a learning curve but, when you 'get' it, man is it a total game changer. I have a copper IUD, because of this my period can be on the heavy side; with the medium cup, I have to empty it ONCE on my heaviest day. Seriously, being able to go about your day without worrying about changing tampons, sitting on a pad, etc is the most freeing thing imaginable.” -Kate

I’m Reaching The Menopause. Is It Too Late To Switch To a Menstrual Cup?

If you’re perimenopausal or menopausal, you may well be experiencing a very different menstrual cycle to the one you’ve been used to. 

When it comes to thinking about changing to using a menstrual cup instead of pads and tampons during the menopause, our contributing writer, Dr Alice Bryram has written a detailed piece for us titled, ‘Why it’s never too late to change to a menstrual cup’. 

In the piece she says, “The perimenopause is sometimes challenging and not knowing when your period will come and whether it will be a heavy or light flow is just one added stress.” Dr Byram explores how using a menstrual cup could help make it easier to manage the different frequencies of your period – and different levels of menstrual flow. She also cites research, published by medical journal, The Lancet, which concludes that menstrual cups are an effective and safe alternative to other menstrual products.

When it comes to working out which menstrual cup is best for helping you manage the menopause, at Ruby Cup, we have two soft cup sizes. Our largest menstrual cup – the Ruby Cup Medium is suitable for a heavier flow, while our smallest menstrual cup – the Ruby Cup Small – is perfect for those days when your flow is lighter.

“The small ruby cup is perfect for me. I am peri-menopausal, and have had no children. The size is perfect, and the firmness is perfect. (The pink is very pretty!)” -Frances

“I've had my RubyCup for a few years now and I'm still thrilled. It is so comfortable to wear that I have to be careful not to forget it. Since the capacity is so large, that's usually not a problem :-). Now, with the menopause, I sometimes have to be more careful, but I have more capacity with the RubyCup than with towels or tampons.” -HS

Related post: Can You Use a Menstrual Cup Postpartum? (Facts + Tips)

I’m Really Active – Which Menstrual Cup Is Best For Me?  

Unlike tampons and pads, which absorb your menstrual blood, Ruby Cups collect your period blood inside you and can be worn for up to 8 hours at a time, giving you unparalleled freedom when compared with traditional period protection. 

This level of protection makes our menstrual cups the perfect choice for  exercising, for travel and for days when you’re on the go from morning until night.

“I wish I knew about Ruby Cup before. I used to have really painful periods but now they are easy and relaxed. I’m also very active: swimming, cycling, rollerblading, yoga and martial arts. Ruby Cup is comfortable no matter the activity. Thank you so much for all the work that your great company is doing :-)” -Sheeda

We all know that working out is beneficial for our overall health. But did you know that exercise can also help to relieve cramps, mood swings and ease the symptoms of PMS?

“No more tampons, no more pads! Safe for my body and the environment. An extra cup and education for people in need. It’s a win-win-win situation and one of the best decisions I have ever made. Easy to use, love it for sleeping and swimming especially! I am warmly recommending it to everybody!” -Maja

In addition, if you have irregular periods, regular exercise may help you to regulate your cycle.

Related Post: Your Menstrual Cup Keeps Sliding Down? Here’s What to Do

Will a Menstrual Cup Give Me More Freedom To Travel?

And, when it comes to travelling when you have your period, using a menstrual cup rather than traditional period products can make your life much more manageable – wherever you are in the world. 

Cleaning your Ruby Cup in between uses is simple. You need to wash your hands, then, when you’re ready to remove your period cup, simply insert the fingers of one hand into your vagina and pinch the edges of the cup to break the seal.

Remove the cup and empty its contents down the toilet and, if you can, rinse your cup in clean water at the sink. Or you can just wipe your cup clean and dry it with some toilet paper and you’re ready to insert it again.

“I don't see my period as a hassle anymore and I don't feel limited in what I can do whether it's hiking, swimming, traveling, or going out for the night with nothing but my phone, keys, and wallet.” -Ruby P

Travel enthusiast and blogger Heather Pringle explains that travelling with a menstrual cup means you can:

• Pack light and save space for the important things – using a menstrual cup means the end of packing boxes of tampons and packages of pads.
• Be ready for anything, anytime, anywhere with hours of period protection
• Be free of any discomfort with hypoallergenic materials that are comfortable, even if your flow is super light.
• No bin? No worries. Menstrual cups are reusable, so you won’t need to find a rubbish bin or worry about leaving any waste behind.
• Be carefree because you can’t run out of supplies – your Ruby Cup is reusable, time and time again.

Led by Hannah, who’s one of our expert trainers, each video in our Tutorial’s list  takes you step-by-step through how to use a menstrual cup.

Should I Get a Menstrual Cup Today?

We hope that this guide has been helpful and has given you some information to help you when you’re choosing a menstrual cup – whether it’s your first time, or you’re looking for an alternative to another brand of cup.

To make the decision-making process easier, when you’re thinking, “what’s the best menstrual cup for me?” every Ruby Cup you buy comes with a 100% Money Back Guarantee.

So, you can switch size or get a full refund within 120 days, no questions asked.

And That’s Not All.

Since Ruby Cup began, we’ve offered a life-changing Buy One, Give One cup donation programme.

This means that for every cup you buy, we’ll donate a cup to a girl or woman who doesn’t have access to reliable period protection.

“I opted for the Ruby cup due to its positive reviews and strong ethics. It feels great to know I am using a product that is giving another girl the opportunity to be as worry-free as I am during their cycle. In some countries, girls drop out of school once they start menstruating due to a lack of facilities and sanitary products. Therefore, my small purchase could encourage a young girl to continue her education for a better future, which is a cause I support with all my heart!" - Camila

 

To date, our customers have helped us to donate 100,000+ Ruby Cups and hold educational programmes for women and girls in 13 countries across three continents to help them to manage their periods safely and effectively.

 “I love these cups! They’re a much better fit than my first cup brand, I love that you can get a cleaning system with them, and that they donate cups as well! Hands down my favorite cup company out there!” -Ashley Mims
 

Today, over 200K people with periods around the world use a Ruby Cup – are you ready to join them? 

“I am amazed that so many women still use pads an tampons when the menstrual cup is an absolutely amazing alternative. I haven't disposed of or purchased menstrual products in over 3 years, since the Ruby Cup is reusable and sustainable. This company is doing amazing things! I bought 2, and therefore donated 2 to girls in underprivileged countries and that warms my heart. I wish more people would considering trying this; totally a life changer.” -Julia