Life
With so many different types of menstrual cups on the market, it's tempting to feel confused about which type to buy. One thing you want to nail is sizing. There are a few things to know how to determine your menstrual cup size, but the good news is that they're pretty basic. There are only two sizes of cups: size one and size two, as noted by a Women's Health article by Marissa Gainsburg. So, don't sweat it; you got this. All the different varieties of cups out there just make shopping for a menstrual cup more fun. Yes I just suggested that buying feminine hygiene products was fun, and no, I'm not being facetious. Really, I'm not.
As a shopper, I love options. Especially those that are designed for my optimal comfort. And you're talking about a medical grade silicone gizmo that's going to vary in length and diameter by no more than half-an-inch. But since said gizmo is going to be sitting inside you, you want insertion and removal to go as smoothly as possible. Plus, you don't want to feel the cup once it's inside you. So, to figure out what size menstrual cup is right for you, all you have to do is answer the following questions about your body and your period. I promise no protractors are involved.
1
Have You Had Sex?
If you haven't had sex yet, common sense says, opt for size one.
2
Have You Given Birth?
I asked my gynecologist, Dr. Layne Kumetz, what size cup a woman who hasn't given birth should choose. She said most adult women can start with a size one, and go with size two as they age or give birth. Vaginal walls, of course, like any muscles can change size with exercise.
3
Do You Have Heavy Periods?
Heavy flow days require a larger cup, according to Finnish menstrual cup brand Lunette, so opt for size two.
4
Do You Have Light And Short Periods?
Lucky you! Then it's size one to maintain comfort.
5
Do You Have A Low Cervix?
In her book Taking Charge of Your Fertility, Toni Weschler wrote that you can feel your cervix during menstruation on the left side of your vaginal wall. The Finish menstrual cup brand Lunette suggests a size one for women with a low sitting cervix.
6
Are You Super Athletic?
If you are in tip-top shape, Kumetz says your muscles, including your vaginal muscles, are tight so you might want to opt for a size one.
7
Do You Have A Sensitive Bladder?
I have a sensitive bladder, so I like to use the smaller size, size one. I find this size to be a softer fit.
Now that you've got a handle on choosing your cup size, good luck shopping for the latest in period accessories.
