Menstrual cups aren’t only an eco-friendly alternative to disposable period products like pads and tampons. They’re also easy on the pocket and keep you way comfier than friction-generating pads and vagina-drying tampons. The best part is that they offer leak-proof protection for eight hours straight and keep blood stains at bay. However, cashing in on their advantages boils down to using the right cup—the one that fits you like a glove. Now, figuring this out can be a tad bit confusing if you’ve just begun your cup journey. That’s why we’re here with a detailed guide on how to choose your menstrual cup size and get it right without too much trial and error. Check it out:
How To Choose The Right Menstrual Cup Size
Wondering how to choose the right menstrual cup size? Well, it’s not rocket-science. All you need to do is keep these five factors in mind while choosing a cup, and you might find “the one” in a single shot:
Measure Your Cervix Height
Most menstrual cup size charts classify the reusable device according to cervix height. Chillax! Measuring it is no complicated feat because in this case you don’t have to be too precise. All you’ve got to do is: insert your index finger into the vaginal opening and try to reach for a thick, rough wall at the end of the vaginal canal. That’s your cervix. On your finger, simply mark the point where the vaginal opening lies and pull it out. Now, measure the distance between your fingertip and the marked point for a more accurate estimation. If it’s somewhere between 1.8-2.25 inches or if the point lies between the middle and the third knuckle, you’ve got a medium-heighted cervix. In this case, you should opt for a small, medium-sized cup. If your finger goes all the way into your vagina and it measures more than 2.25 inches on the ruler, your cervix is high. A medium or large sized menstrual cup will fit you well. If the cervix falls at or before the middle knuckle of your finger and measures 1.4 inches or less, then you have a short cervix and should opt for a small-sized cup.
Pelvic Floor Muscles
Measuring your cervix height can give you a fair idea about how to know your menstrual cup size. However, the strength of your pelvic floor muscles have an important role to play here as well. That’s because the menstrual cup forms a suction grip with them to sit comfortably and collect period blood. Now, if your pelvic floor muscles are strong, but your cervix lies higher up, a medium sized cup might work better than a large one. If due to factors like age and vaginal childbirth, your pelvic floor muscles are weak, a large-sized cup will fit you well even if you have a medium or small heighted cervix.
Physical Activity
If you’re into sports or simply lead an active, healthy lifestyle, you’re more likely to have stronger pelvic floor muscles. These can easily hold a small or medium-sized cup. However, here’s a pro tip for athletes: opt for cups made of harder material instead of softer ones. This prevents the cup from getting displaced even during heavy physical activity.
Period Flow
If you’re someone who struggles with a heavy period, a large-sized cup can be a real saviour for you. Most large-sized cups can hold more than 25 ML of blood at once and can keep leakages at bay. For those blessed souls with light or manageable catamenia, a small or medium-sized menstrual cup can do the trick. Additionally, you can also mix and match things here. You can use a large cup for those heavy-period days during the initial phase of shark week and a medium or small-sized one for the later days.
Sirona Recommends Best Menstrual Cup: Sirona Menstrual Cup
Available in three different sizes–large, medium, and small, the Sirona Menstrual Cup is made with 100% medical-grade silicone. This funnel-shaped device is super-safe to use and can hold up to 28 ml of blood at once. It keeps you comfy and offers leak-proof protection for eight hours straight.
Folks, these are factors that can help you find your true cup match. But remember, you’ve got to make your decision by analysing how each one of them is relevant for you. For example, if you have a heavy blood flow, strong pelvic muscles, and a high cervix, a medium-sized menstrual cup may be a better fit than a large one. Still confused about how to choose the menstrual cup size that works best for you? Click here to refer to Sirona’s menstrual cup size chart for more clarity.
Featured Image: Pexels
Also Read
Period Care: Read on for some useful tips on how to sail through shark week like a pro.
Menstrual Cup: Here’s everything you need to know about menstrual cups and how to use them like a boss
Menstrual Cups Myths: Planning to make the sustainable switch to menstrual cups? Stop believing in these myths about them.
Period Essentials: Here’s a list of period essentials that’ll make your life easier during shark week.
How to Use a Menstrual Cup: Read on for all the tips and pointers you’ve got to keep in mind if you’re a menstrual cup newbie.
Menstrual Hygiene: Why is menstrual hygiene so important? FRead on to find out
Menstrual Cups for LGBT People: Menstrual cups are for everyone who menstruates. Here’s why you’ve got to give it a try