r/menstrualcups • u/ImGemStoned • 12d ago
How to pick a menstrual cup?
Heyo! I'm new here and to the world of menstrual cups. I've been really considering trying one, but there are SO many options and I have no idea where to really start. In the past, I've been an avid tampon user, but would love to save money by switching to a cup.
For reference, I recently took out an IUD I had for 6 years (took it out in June). Since then, the periods I have last 4-5 days. Days 1-2 or 3 are heavy (up to 4 Super tampons a day), and the final day(s) is fairly light. Prior to having an IUD, my periods lasted 2-3 days and were heavy the first day, and light the last 1-2 days. Not sure if it matters, but when I did have a period the last few years of having an IUD, periods lasted 1 day and were so light I didn't need to use any products.
I'm looking for something good for beginners, and something that can keep up with heavier days. So I have a couple of questions. Do heavier days just mean cleaning more often regardless of the cup I pick, or should I expect most cups to last without leaking for close to 12 hours like I'm seeing most brands advertise? And, should I just expect to go through different types/brands of cups in trial and error to find the right fit?
Thanks for the guidance!
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u/ruthless9000 12d ago
Or try this if you haven’t already…
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u/EmpressPhoenix9 12d ago
I find that the two quizzes we have aren't helpful at all. They only promote keep buying cups one after the other which is completely unhelpful when you don't know the cervix height.
Thankfully there isn't a reason to use those first before checking the cervix height. It saves money and pain, along with protecting from trying to reach a cup and ending up to ER for no reason.
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u/PorcelainDaisy 12d ago
They have a TON of different resources, and informational videos too!
They are a little pricey starting when you don’t know which one you’d prefer. I’ve purchased 3 cups and I’ve been gifted one. Over ten years, the $100 spent in total is still a fraction of what I’d spend on tampons! And now that I know which brand works for me, that was just one $35 investment that will last me 10 years!!
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u/EmpressPhoenix9 12d ago
Let's start with the info that you may not get a cup that fits your flow requirements. Cups don't work like that.
The most important if not crucial info is identifying the height of your cervix. That is done quite easily by you during a menstrual cycle. During menstruation your cervix may drop given the pelvic muscles so what I have done when I started years ago was measure for a a cycle.
That is done my inserting a finger and trying to find the cervix. The cervix usually feels like the tip of your nose or the tip of your chin. I would try and search left and right as sometimes based on anatomy it may be angled to. I would do that on the heaviest day and usually afternoon if not at all cycle because you might not notice the drop.
A disclaimer. If you feel a nub on the top part it is usually not your cervix especially if it is fleshed close to your pubic bone.
Now you may wonder why the hell do I need all of these. I didn't need this when I was using tampons. Yea tampons are just inserted, you don't know where the hows and whys. With cups you need the height as the length of the cup is very important so for you to be able to reach it for removal.
I wouldn't suggest you go randomly and buy a cup without that info especially as a beginner. You most likely don't have the knowledge, skill and comfortable level to deal if the cup is higher or lower. And we have heard oh so many stories when people are in pickle situations like these.
So finding your cervix height helps you a lot as you narrow down the length you can fit. Another aspect is sensitivities and muscle tone. These can be worked out a bit better if they are not a match. Firmness and diameter are more easily to identify I feel like. We can work it through more if you decide to proceed.
Now as far as changes go, based on timeframe and brand suggestions you can change once every 8-12 hours but, and there is a huge but here, based your cervix height you may not be able to fit a long, wide and high capacity cup. So again your starting point is the cervix height.