Australian law includes a dedicated rulebook for menstrual cups. The Therapeutic Goods (Standard for Menstrual Cups) (TGO 99) Order 2018 sets requirements for materials, design, packaging, labelling and the information supplied, and it is made under subsection 10(1) of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989.
You can't lab-test a cup at home, but you can check whether the one in your online cart looks like it was made to that standard. Here's how to spot a low-quality menstrual cup listing, and what to do if a cup gives you trouble.
Quick answer: To spot a low-quality period cup in Australia, check it arrives in a sealed, tamper-evident pack labelled with the brand, the maker's or supplier's name and address, a batch or lot number and a toxic shock syndrome warning, with a leaflet covering use, cleaning and wear time. Then check the seller is genuine.
What should I look for on a period cup's packaging?
Under TGO 99, each cup must come in a closed unit pack able to maintain its quality, and the primary pack must be designed, overwrapped or sealed so that tampering is easy to detect. That pack has to be permanently and legibly marked with:
- words identifying the brand name
- the name and address of the manufacturer or supplier
- a batch number, shown as "Batch No." or "Lot No."
- the cup size, where relevant
- a toxic shock syndrome warning printed in letters at least 1 mm high
What should the leaflet inside the pack say?
It should explain how to use and care for the cup safely. TGO 99 requires detailed instructions for use, including the need for hygiene and care during insertion, a limit on how long the cup is worn that does not exceed 12 hours, detailed cleaning and maintenance directions, a notice that the cup is not supplied sterile, and information on toxic shock syndrome.
For comparison, Lunette's Australian product page says its period cup can be worn for up to 8 hours, and its care rule is: Boil 5 minutes before first use and after each completed cycle.
What material should a menstrual cup be made from?
TGO 99 says cups must be made from materials suitable for their intended purpose, without ingredients in concentrations high enough to cause a toxic or irritant reaction, and with a smooth surface and shape designed to minimise the risk of trauma. According to Jean Hailes for Women's Health, menstrual cups come in either rubber or silicone. The Lunette period cup is 100% medical-grade silicone, free from BPA, PFAS, rubber and latex.
How do I know an online cup seller is legitimate?
Do some homework on the seller before you pay. Consumer Affairs Victoria's online shopping safety tips suggest:
- reading forums, feedback and reviews from earlier customers
- looking up the seller's ABN, or its ACN if it claims to be a registered company
- checking the website lists a phone number or email address
- making sure the web address starts with https
- paying by credit card or an online payment service you can dispute, rather than straight into a bank account
- for overseas sellers, checking the item can be legally imported
When to see a GP
- Call triple zero (000) for an ambulance or go to your nearest emergency department if you think you have toxic shock syndrome, which healthdirect says can cause a high temperature, vomiting, diarrhoea, confusion and a rash.
- If you can't reach or remove your cup, Jean Hailes advises visiting your local health centre as soon as possible.
- Book in with your doctor if your periods are heavier than usual or last more than 8 days.
Common questions
Is a new period cup sterile straight out of the box?
No. TGO 99 requires the leaflet with every menstrual cup sold in Australia to state that the cup is not supplied in a sterile state. Clean it as the instructions direct before you first use it. For a Lunette cup, that means washing your hands, checking the air holes and boiling it for the time on its care page.
How long can a period cup stay in?
Only as long as its own instructions say. TGO 99 requires each cup's leaflet to set a duration limit no longer than 12 hours, so read the figure for your cup. Lunette's Australian product page gives up to 8 hours, and Jean Hailes says emptying may be needed 2 to 4 times a day.
Is it safe to buy a period cup from an overseas website?
Check before you order. Consumer Affairs Victoria suggests confirming that an item from an overseas seller can be legally imported, and working out the full cost in Australian currency first. Look for the packaging details TGO 99 sets out, including a batch number and a supplier address.
Prefer a cup with clear labelling and care instructions? Explore the Lunette period cup, independently tested by Danish TÆNK with no unwanted substances detected, and read our period cup cleaning guide before your first cycle.
We've written this as general information for Australian readers, not as medical advice or a review of any brand. Your GP can help with questions about your own health.
