Does menstrual cup size matter?

If you have been thinking about ditching your tampon for reusable period products like menstrual cups, then you have certainly come to the right place.

Menstrual cups can change your experience with periods forever, and provide a more cost-effective solution. For first-timers, the whole idea of a menstrual cup may seem a bit scary, but once you have finished reading this article, you will know all there is about menstrual cups and menstrual sizing.

When talking about menstrual sizing, you first have to understand what menstrual cups are, and how they could potentially benefit you. Let’s touch on that for a moment.

What is a menstrual cup?

A menstrual cup is a small, flexible latex rubber or medical-grade silicone cup that is inserted into the vagina to catch or collect menstrual blood instead of absorbing it like a pad or tampon.

These cups come in a variety of sizes and colors and are made to last for up to 10 years. Menstrual cups are inserted by folding the outer rim in whatever way is most comfortable for insertion. Once it is inside of your vagina, it springs open and sits in place against the vaginal walls, creating a kind of seal. The menstrual blood will then accumulate inside of the cup and can stay there for up to 12 hours, depending on how heavy your flow is.

After which, the cup is removed by pulling the stem of the cup, emptied, cleaned and reinserted. At the end of your period cycle, all you have to do is boil it for five to ten minutes, then store for use on your next cycle.

What’s so great about them?

Menstrual cups are not new, but they have certainly been improved several times throughout its history. Owing to these improvements, many women have completely discarded more traditional sanitary products such as pads and tampons, for menstrual cups, with some swearing they’ll never go back.

Here are some reasons why many women choose to use menstrual cups:

How do I know which size to get? Does it matter?

Now that you have been sold on the whole idea of using a menstrual cup, and know the benefits, it is time to discuss sizing. And yes, it does matter.

With all these brands and their sizing guidelines, it can become complicated for a first-timer like yourself to choose a cup size. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back.

The first thing you need to remember is that there is more than one size, and it is not a one size fits all situation. Another thing to remember is that one brand’s small, can be another’s medium and that there isn’t a standardized sizing chart just yet.

Some brands will tell you that if you are a virgin, or If you haven’t given birth yet, then you are a small, but if you have given birth, then you’re most likely a large. Others will tell you if you have a light flow, you should choose the small, and if you have a heavy flow, you should go ahead and choose the large.

While these methods work for some persons, it doesn’t work for everyone and can change their mindset towards the whole idea of menstrual cups. To prevent this from happening to you, we will give you the factors you need to consider when choosing a menstrual cup so that you can make a better choice. Here we go:

Consider length

Before you begin to think about the diameter of the rim of the menstrual cup, consider the length of the cup. A cup that is too long will not work for you. This is all dependent on how high or low your cervix sits. To determine this, you will have to do some measurements.

To measure your cervix, you will need to wash your hands to prevent infection. Then, get into a standing position and insert your index finger upward until you reach your cervix. It will feel like the tip of your nose. When you feel it, identify where your finger stops.

This is called the knuckle rule test. If your entire finger is inside, then you have a high cervix and will require a longer menstrual cup. If half of your finger is outside, then you have a medium cervix. If the majority of your finger is outside of your vagina, you have a low cervix and will require the shortest cup.

It is best to perform this test while you are on your period because your cervix moves constantly throughout the day as you move. It is normally lower during your period. Getting the wrong length may force you to remove the stem which only makes removal harder, especially as your cervix might retract nearing the end of your period.

Consider diameter (age, sexual activity, and childbirth)

Younger women and teenagers who haven’t had sex are more likely to need a smaller cup, but if you fall into this group and have a heavy flow, you might want to go with the larger cup.

As women age, their pelvic muscles naturally become weaker. Women over 30 are usually advised to go for medium and large sizes.

Women who have given birth lose tone in the pelvic muscles, therefore their grip isn’t what it is before and they’ll likely need a larger cup. However, if you have done your pelvic muscle exercises, you may be able to use a smaller cup.

Diameter and length are sometimes related, as smaller cups are usually shorter than the larger ones. You will have to look around to find one that is the perfect length and width for you.

Consider capacity

Menstrual cups typically hold an ounce or two of blood depending on the size. The cups with small diameters usually hold less than cups with large diameters.  If you have a light flow, this factor might not be necessary when you are considering what size cup you should get.

Now, if you are a virgin, your first instinct might be to go for the smaller cup, but if you have a heavy flow, this is probably not the best choice for you, unless you are willing to empty and clean your cup more often.

Once you bear these three factors in mind, choosing your cup should be much easier. For your first time, it is probably better you pick up a cup in-store rather than online. This way, you will have a better idea of the size of the cup and if it will work for you.

Other factors to consider

While sizing is the most important factor when it comes to choosing a menstrual cup, there are others that you can bear in mind to make an even better decision. These include:

Soft or firm?

While all menstrual cups are soft, some are softer, or easier to bend than others. They both do the same job, but there are some cases where one might require a firmer or a softer cup for their own comfort and security.

If you have a very active lifestyle, where you are running, jumping, flipping or even weight lifting, you will find that the excessive movement can cause your cup to leak, as it may bend while it is inside of you. In a case like this, you will need a firmer cup that can keep up with you.

However, if you do not lead an active lifestyle, or have a sensitive bladder, then the softer cup would be better for you.

While it can be hard to tell if a cup is firm or soft when purchasing (as manufactures don’t usually mention this), you should pay attention to reviews to make a better purchase.

Quality of the cup

Who doesn’t love a good bargain? But when you go to buy a menstrual cup this shouldn’t be your mindset. Always focus on the quality of the cup and the customer reviews. This will protect you from the manufacturers which use shortcuts and low-quality materials in their production process.

Look at it this way, if the cup is too cheap, and costs below $15, it is likely that it is low quality. Always do your research and buy from a reputable company.

The stem

The stem is located at the bottom of the cup and is used to help in removing the cup. They come in different shapes, lengths, and thickness.

Some stems are ball-shaped and are found mainly on shorter cups. Others cups have a flat/tab/stick stem that can be long/short and solid/hollow. Some stems have rings which you can put your finger inside for easier removal, and others have no stem.

While the stem is not the most important factor, it is something to consider for your convenience and security.

Color

Menstrual cups come in so many different colors and shades.  While this does not affect the way how the cup works, the color you choose can make you feel better about your period.

Some persons prefer dark colors which will not show stains, while others prefer clear or white cups that will let them know if has been cleaned properly.

Having different colors can also eliminate confusion if other persons in your house use menstrual cups.

Final say

If you find that the size you bought is too small or too big, you can always purchase another one. It is still way cheaper than getting a year’s worth of pads or tampons.

Once you get the right size, you can kiss disposable products goodbye once and for all, and say hello to an eco-friendly, budget-friendly reusable period product.