Healthdirect puts it simply: your choice of period product may depend on cost, comfort, sustainability and how heavy your period is. Its menstruation guide describes a menstrual cup as something placed inside the vagina to collect blood, held there by suction, which you empty when it is full and can wash and reuse.
All four of those factors come up when people ask about the Lunette Period Cup. This guide covers what the cup is, how it behaves during swimming and sport, and what Australian health sources say about using one safely.
Quick answer: The Lunette Period Cup is a reusable period cup from Finland, made of 100% medical-grade silicone and independently tested by the Danish lab TÆNK, which found no unwanted substances. It comes in Size 1 and Size 2, the Australian store lists a wear time of up to 8 hours, and it lasts up to 10 years with proper care.
How does a period cup stay in place?
Suction does the work. Healthdirect says a menstrual cup uses suction to stay where it is, that you empty it when full, and that you should follow the product instructions for removal to prevent toxic shock syndrome. Jean Hailes adds that cups are made from rubber or silicone and come in different shapes and sizes.
Lunette's version is silicone only, with no rubber or latex in it. If you want to know how the inside of your body affects the fit, our article on high cervix, low cervix and your menstrual cup goes into detail.
Can you swim and play sport with a menstrual cup?
Yes. The Jean Hailes guide to period products says tampons and menstrual cups are safe and suitable for activities like swimming. That makes a cup one option to weigh up if you train, surf or swim laps during your period.
Comfort still depends on placement. Read the instructions before your first try, which Jean Hailes also recommends, and give yourself a few cycles of practice; Lunette suggests 2 to 3.
Is a reusable cup worth it for your budget and the bin?
Jean Hailes describes menstrual cups as reusable and more environmentally friendly than other products. It also points out the trade-off: reusable products like cups and period underwear cost more up front but may save money over time.
How long the cup lasts is part of that sum. With proper care, a Lunette cup lasts up to 10 years, and healthdirect notes that cups can be washed and reused, while tampons and disposable pads should be wrapped and put in the bin, never flushed.
What is the Lunette cup made from, and who makes it?
Lunette was founded in Finland in 2005 and still makes the cup there. The silicone is 100% medical-grade and free from BPA, PFAS, rubber and latex. The cup is classified as a medical device and is registered with The Vegan Society.
There are two sizes, and each holds more than 2 to 3 tampons' worth of fluid:
- Size 1 holds 25 ml, is 41 mm wide and softer, with a 25 mm stem.
- Size 2 holds 30 ml, is 46 mm wide and firmer, with a 20 mm stem.
When to see a doctor
Call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance, or go to the nearest emergency department, if you notice a sudden high temperature, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, aching muscles, confusion or a red rash like sunburn on your hands and feet. Healthdirect's toxic shock syndrome page lists menstrual cups among the products associated with menstrual TSS, which is very rare.
Book a regular appointment with your doctor if:
- your periods are heavier than usual or last more than 8 days;
- you have bleeding between periods or after sex;
- severe period pain disrupts your daily activities;
- you feel something may not be right with your cycle.
Frequently asked questions
How long can I leave a Lunette period cup in?
The Lunette Australia product page lists a wear time of up to 8 hours. Jean Hailes says cups should be washed every 8 to 12 hours depending on the brand, or when full, so follow the time given for your own cup. Healthdirect adds that you need to empty a cup when it is full.
Is the Lunette period cup vegan-registered?
Yes, The Vegan Society has registered the Lunette cup. The cup is made from 100% medical-grade silicone, with no rubber or latex, and it is free from BPA and PFAS. Lunette has made its cups in Finland since the company was founded there in 2005, and the Danish lab TÆNK found no unwanted substances.
What if the cup doesn't fit me?
Give it a fair go of 2 to 3 cycles, as Lunette's refund policy suggests, because insertion and removal take practice. If it clearly still does not work, Lunette can refund your purchase or send the other size. You will not be asked to post back a cup you have worn.
Which size suits a teenager?
For teens, Lunette points to Size 1. It is the softer and narrower of the two cups, 41 mm wide with a 25 ml capacity. Size 1 is also suggested for a light to medium flow, a low cervix, strong pelvic floor muscles or a sensitive bladder, while Size 2 is for heavier flow.
Thinking about making the swap? Have a look at the Lunette period cup in Size 1 or Size 2, and use our period cup cleaning guide so your cup stays in good condition for years to come.
General information only, not medical advice. For anything that worries you, speak with your GP, or call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222.
