It may take two to three cycles to get used to wearing a menstrual cup or disc but you once you have the hang of it we guarantee you won't look back. Not only will they save you money, but with multiple research papers finding toxins in tampons and pads, they are undoubtedly healthier for your body.
And its shocking to think that disposables have been around for decades with each user going through an estimated 11,000 single use products in a lifetime, but not a single one has yet decomposed. They leach microplastics into our oceans affecting our marine life, are a burden in our rivers, create landfill problems, are the 5th most common waste found on our beaches. Their manufacturing and disposal is terrible for the environment. And watch out for the biodegradable claims that some disposables companies make - these are not biodegradable in our current waste systems.
Cups and discs may seem very different from what you are used to - but that's just it - they ARE different. You may not have been taught about them in schools, you may not see them in the supermarkets (that's because the big disposables companies have huge budgets and have bought all the shelf space!) but that doesn't mean they aren't amazing because we are here to tell you - they are! And over 90 million people worldwide agree.
There are loads of brilliant "how to" videos on Youtube and Tiktok. Unicorn Cup below and Period Nirvana are two great resources to help you find the right cup or disc for you and can help with troubleshooting as you go.
The best option for you largely depends on your anatomy and personal comfort. At Bettii, we have tested dozens of menstrual cups and discs, and one standout option for beginners is the Unicorn Cup. It comes in different sizes and is easier than many cups to fold, insert, and remove, making it a good starting point for first-time users.
If you’re already comfortable using a menstrual cup, the Mooncup is another popular option. It’s available in multiple sizes and works well for people with different cervix heights and vaginal shapes.
For those who prefer menstrual discs (which typically hold more fluid than cups and stay in place using tension rather than suction), the Saalt Disc is a strong overall option. Beginners might also like the Hello disc, which includes a convenient pull tab for easier removal.
Remember to always buy from a reputable seller and ensure your cup and disc is medical grade silicone.
Enjoy your journey!
Our Recommendations
Unicorn Cup
One of the standout features of the Unicorn Cup is its soft, flexible design, which many people find easier to fold, insert, and remove compared with firmer cups. Unicorn Cup supplies two sizes of cup in one order which is great and very cost effective. This ensure you can choose the right one for you at a low cost. Currently costs are £24 (Feb 26). Only downside is they don't offer a money back guarantee but hopefully one of the two sizes will be right for you. Check out Julie Fyfe, the CEO, on Tiktok for her amazing videos on how to use your menstrual cup.
Unicorn CupMooncup
“The original menstrual cup,” Mooncup was the first reusable silicone cups to become widely available. Launched in the UK in 2002, it helped introduce many people to the idea of reusable period products. The company are huge advocates for women's health and consistently challenge norms and attitudes.
The Mooncup is a classic, reliable option and a great choice for anyone looking for a simple, durable menstrual cup with a long track record. Currently around £24 the Mooncup comes in 2 sizes and has a 90 day money back guarantee.
MooncupSaalt Disc
The Saalt Disc is one of the best reusable options available. Made from soft medical-grade silicone, it’s comfortable, durable and easy to insert. It comes in two sizes, helping you find a better fit for your body. Saalt discs have an indented pull space on the disc which is very easy to use but if you are a first time disc trier, have a particularly high cervix or short fingers, you may find the pull tab of the Hello disc below better for you. £27 per disc at time of writing (Feb 26)
Saalt DiscHello Disc
An incredibly popular disc option, Hello has put a lot of time, effort and money into designing the perfect disc. We love it! It comes in a variety of colours and is incredibly user friendly. A standout feature of the Hello Disc is its double-loop pull tab, which makes removal much easier compared with discs that rely on a small notch or rim. Especially good if you are a bit nervous of using a disc or have a high cervix (and short fingers!). The tab can be worn in several positions to suit different bodies and cervix heights. £27 at time of writing (Feb 2026).
Hello DiscEMM SMART Menstrual Cup
Emm isn't yet on the market (Feb 2026 so keep checking) but we have it on good authority they will release this year. We think Emm is something of a game-changer. This is where menstrual blood and personalised health data start to collide.
Menstrual blood has been ignored as waste for decades but thankfully that is all changing. Your blood is actually ripe with a huge amount of bio-markers for everything from fertility to gynaecological cancers, UTI's, Endometriosis and much more. The key challenge is how to "read" our menstrual blood with accuracy. The good news is a lot of companies are now working in this space, Emm being one of them.
And these clever clogs at Emm realise that menstrual cups are a brilliant way to gather and "read" your uncontaminated blood. The Emm cup tracks your menstrual flow, recording changes and patterns via its embedded biosensors (don't worry these aren't active whilst in your body). This data then downloads when you sync your cup pushing all that data to an app on your phone.
Your menstrual blood can tell you so much about your health - tracking and building up a personalised picture via your period is an incredible lifetime resource. We don't yet know the price of an Emm cup but we are excited by this next phase of period product care.
Emm SMART Menstrual Cup