Menstrual Cup Australia: How to Choose and Buy a Period Cup
A menstrual cup, also called a period cup, is a soft, reusable cup worn inside the vagina that collects blood instead of absorbing it. If you want to buy a menstrual cup in Australia, the Lunette cup is made in Finland from 100% medical-grade silicone, comes in two sizes and six colours, can be worn for up to 8 hours and lasts up to 10 years with proper care. Shop Lunette menstrual cups in Australian dollars, or read on to choose your size.
How to choose your size
Lunette cups come in two sizes. Both are 72 mm long including the stem and both hold more than 2 to 3 tampons' worth of fluid. The difference is diameter, firmness and capacity.
| Attribute | Size 1 | Size 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Flow | Light to medium | Medium to heavy |
| Capacity | 25 ml | 30 ml |
| Diameter | 41 mm | 46 mm |
| Stem | 25 mm | 20 mm |
| Silicone | Softer | Firmer |
| Measuring lines | 5 ml and 13.5 ml | 7.5 ml and 15 ml |
| Also suits | A low cervix, teens, strong pelvic floor muscles, a sensitive bladder | A higher cervix |
Still unsure? The period cup size guide goes into more detail. You pick Size 1 or Size 2 on the Lunette Period Cup page.
What to look for in the best menstrual cup for you
A 2019 review in The Lancet Public Health covering 43 studies and 3,319 participants concluded that menstrual cups are a safe option for menstruation management. Cups differ, though, so check these points before you buy:
- Material: Lunette cups are 100% medical-grade silicone, free from BPA, PFAS, rubber and latex. Cleveland Clinic advises a silicone cup if you are sensitive to latex.
- Testing: Lunette cups are independently tested by Danish TÆNK, with no unwanted substances detected.
- Fit: a choice of sizes and firmness, so the cup matches your flow and your body.
- Lifetime: a Lunette cup lasts up to 10 years with proper care.
- Ratings: 4.6 (52,000+ ratings from Lunette customers and Amazon).
Shipping and the fit promise in Australia
Prices are in Australian dollars; today's price is on the Lunette Period Cup page. Orders are processed in 1–2 business days and sent with Australia Post; delivery usually takes 3–9 business days. Economy shipping is free over $100; below that, standard shipping is $9.95.
The fit promise: if your cup clearly doesn't work for you after a fair try of two to three cycles, we refund it or send the other size. There is nothing to return. Give it those cycles: in the Lancet review, getting used to a cup took a familiarisation phase over several menstrual cycles. Order your Lunette cup when you are ready.
Menstrual cup FAQ
What are the disadvantages of a menstrual cup?
The main ones are a learning curve, more mess at first and regular cleaning. Cleveland Clinic lists an initial adjustment period, messier removal for many first-time users, washing the cup after each use and fit problems for some bodies. It also notes uncommon cases of vaginal irritation, allergic reactions and urinary tract infections, and some evidence that a cup could raise the risk of dislodging an IUD. If you have an IUD, a history of toxic shock syndrome or gynaecological problems, talk to your doctor before using a cup.
How do I know my menstrual cup is full?
Go by time and flow. Up to 8 hours of continuous wear is recommended before emptying, and depending on your flow you may find it helpful to empty and rinse your cup every 4–8 hours, more often on heavy days. Leaking can be a sign that the cup has been in too long and is full, according to Cleveland Clinic. The measuring lines on a Lunette cup show how much you have collected.
Can you pee with a menstrual cup in?
Yes. There is no need to remove your cup when urinating. If your cup presses on your bladder, a softer cup such as Size 1 may help.
Do gynaecologists recommend menstrual cups?
Medical organisations include menstrual cups among the standard period products. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists describes menstrual cups alongside pads and tampons in its patient FAQ on periods. Cleveland Clinic's guide quotes one of its obstetrician-gynaecologists saying these products "have been proven to be safe and very effective". In Australia, Jean Hailes for Women's Health lists menstrual cups among period products and says they are safe and suitable for activities like swimming. If you have concerns about using a cup, ask your doctor.
Do menstrual cups leak?
In the four studies in the Lancet review that compared them directly, leakage was similar or lower for menstrual cups than for disposable pads or tampons. If yours leaks, check that it sits low in the vaginal canal, below the cervix, and that it has fully opened. A different fold can also improve the seal.
How long can you wear a menstrual cup?
The Lunette cup can be worn for up to 8 hours. Then empty it, wash it and reinsert it.
Can you get toxic shock syndrome from a menstrual cup?
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is rare but serious, and the NHS says it can happen when using a tampon or a menstrual cup. Its advice is to wash your hands, follow the instructions and not leave a cup in longer than recommended. If you have TSS symptoms while using a cup, remove the cup and seek medical advice immediately.
How do you clean a menstrual cup?
During your period, wash with warm water using Lunette Cup Wash or Lunette Cup Wipes; a mild, fragrance-free soap that rinses completely also works. To sanitise between cycles, boil it in water. The steps are in how to use a menstrual cup and in our guide to cleaning a period cup.
This page is general information, not medical advice.
Ready to choose? See all Lunette period cups in Australia, in six colours and two sizes.
