Jean Hailes for Women's Health notes that menstrual cups are made from rubber or silicone and come in different shapes and sizes to suit your body and your periods. Once inserted, they use suction to stay in place.
Material and size are the two things to check first. This guide covers what the Lunette period cup is made from, what to know if you have a latex allergy, and how to get comfortable wearing a period cup.
Quick answer: The Lunette period cup is made of 100% medical-grade silicone and contains no BPA, PFAS, rubber or latex. It comes in a softer Size 1 and a firmer Size 2. Jean Hailes says that once a cup sits in the right spot you shouldn't feel it, and you shouldn't have any leaks.
Is the Lunette period cup silicone or rubber?
Silicone. Lunette uses 100% medical-grade silicone and leaves out BPA, PFAS, rubber and latex altogether.
Lunette's Australian store says the cup was independently tested by Danish TÆNK and no unwanted substances were detected. It is classified as a medical device, has been made in Finland since Lunette was founded there in 2005, and lasts up to 10 years if you care for it properly.
What if I'm allergic to latex?
Latex comes from the sap of the rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis, according to the Better Health Channel page on latex allergy. People at higher risk include health care workers who handle latex often, people who have had many operations, latex factory workers, and people with asthma, hay fever, eczema or certain food allergies.
Reactions range from itchy skin to airway swelling and difficulty breathing. Better Health says avoidance is the best way to manage the allergy, and that synthetic rubber products usually don't trigger reactions. The Lunette cup has no rubber or latex in it. With a severe allergy, check with your GP before you try any new product.
Should I be able to feel my period cup?
No. Jean Hailes explains that once a cup is in the right spot you shouldn't feel it. The stem should sit just inside your vagina, and if it is too long, the advice is to remove the cup and trim the stem following the product instructions.
Your vagina may naturally tense up the first few times. Jean Hailes suggests trying different positions, such as sitting, squatting, standing or resting one foot on the toilet or bath, and stopping for a few deep breaths if things don't go to plan.
Which Lunette size is gentler on a sensitive bladder?
Size 1, the softer of the two. Lunette recommends it for a sensitive bladder, a low cervix, strong pelvic floor muscles, teens and light to medium flow. Size 2 uses firmer silicone and is meant for heavier flow or a higher cervix.
If your first choice clearly isn't working after a fair try of two to three cycles, Lunette will refund the cup or send the other size. Full measurements are in our rundown of the Lunette period cup's features.
When to see a GP
- Any skin rash: Better Health says rashes should always be checked by a doctor.
- Swelling of the airways or trouble breathing after contact with latex: anaphylaxis is an emergency, so call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.
- You can't get the cup out after a few tries: visit your local health centre as soon as possible, where a nurse or doctor can help remove it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I swim with a period cup in?
Yes. Jean Hailes says products like tampons and menstrual cups are safe and suitable for activities such as swimming. Once the Lunette cup has popped open and sits in the right spot, you shouldn't feel it. To check it has popped open, feel around the base with your finger.
How often should I empty my period cup?
Lunette's Australian product page says the cup can be worn for up to 8 hours. Jean Hailes advises washing a menstrual cup in soapy water every 8 to 12 hours, depending on the brand, or whenever it's full, and never wearing one for more than 12 hours. Follow your own cup's instructions.
Can a period cup get lost inside me?
No. Jean Hailes is clear that cups and tampons can't get lost in the body. If you can't reach the cup, relax and try inserting two fingers to grip it. Still stuck? Visit your local health centre as soon as possible; a nurse or doctor can help you remove it.
Want a period cup without rubber or latex? The Lunette period cup is 100% medical-grade silicone, made in Finland. See our period cup size guide to choose between the softer Size 1 and the firmer Size 2.
Please treat this article as general information rather than medical advice. If you have symptoms or concerns, book in with your GP.
