The menstrual cup is an environmentally friendly and economical alternative to tampons and pads. A few years ago there were very few options for purchasing them. Today there are dozens of brands of these menstrual management products. Among so many brands, choosing the first one can be tricky. In addition, every woman is different. Not everyone has the same needs or tastes, nor are they in the same circumstances. That is why defining the best menstrual cup depends on several factors that we will explain in this article.
If your cervix is high or low
The cervix (or cervix) separates the vagina from the uterus. If your vaginal canal is shallow we can say that your cervix is low. If your vaginal canal is deeper, the cervix is high. To know this measurement you can insert one of your fingers into the vagina and feel your cervix. It will feel like touching the tip of a nose, plus it is firm and untextured, unlike the vaginal walls. It is best to measure yourself on the days of heaviest flow, because that is when you are most swollen and your cervix is as low as possible.
Your menstrual cup will be most comfortable when it best fits the depth of your vaginal canal. For a shallow vaginal canal it will be best to use a short cup. When the cervix is high then you have more cup options, because the length will not be a problem for you to be comfortable.
If this is your first menstrual cup
Starting to use a menstrual cup involves practicing inserting and removing it. If it is your first cup, you will most likely feel more comfortable using smaller cups made of a more flexible material. This makes it easier to make the necessary bends to insert the cup. When it is more rigid you may have trouble holding the shape while you familiarize yourself with your body to insert it.
As you practice you could experiment with a stiffer cup if you feel it is necessary, but at first we can assure you that it will be more comfortable to try a flexible cup.
If you have given birth
Generally, those who have had a vaginal delivery need a larger cup size. This is because the vaginal canal changes and can widen, so a larger cup is needed to fit snugly against the vaginal walls. If you have never had a vaginal birth, or if your birth was by cesarean section without dilation, you can use smaller sizes without major inconvenience.
If you are a virgin and have never had sexual intercourse, you can also use a menstrual cup. Choose the smallest size. It may take some getting used to and may be a bit of a shock if you've never used tampons, but it's the best choice for your health.
If your pelvic floor is toned
If you have a weak pelvic floor, suffer from incontinence, have a wide vagina or a prolapse you need a larger menstrual cup so that it can open fully and not leak. If the opposite is true and your pelvic floor muscles are strong then you need to use smaller cups.
The stiffness of the cup is also a factor. If you have a toned pelvic floor you need a thicker cup. Otherwise your muscles will "beat" the cup and it will stay bent, causing leakage. Of course, these are only suggestions, it is not an exact rule. There are sporty women who use extra soft cups without any problem and sedentary women who use firmer cups.
If your flow is light or heavy
Regardless of other factors, if you have a heavy flow, a large menstrual cup is best. But it's best to look more closely at the above factors. If it turns out that a small cup is best for you, the only thing you will have to take into account is that you will have to empty it more frequently.
A tip is to change your cup every three hours at first. This way you can measure the amount of bleeding until you become familiar with your timing and your flow. You might be surprised how little you bleed compared to what you see on pads or tampons.
Remember that every woman and every vagina is different. As much as there may be a general rule, you may be the exception. Follow this guide to find out which menstrual cup is best for you, but don't get frustrated if another size or stiffness level works better for you.
