Menstrual Cup Sizing: How High Does Your Cervix Sit
There are a lot of menstrual hygiene devices that women can use according to their needs during the monthly blood discharge. Sanitary pads, tampon, period panties, menstrual sponges, menstrual cups, and the list goes on. However, if you chose menstrual cups out of all those utilities then surely, you’d need more information on it, right?
If you are a beginner in using menstrual cups, you might find it intimidating to use, and you might find yourself in the midst of anxiety and confusion. Well, here’s the good news: Worry not! For we will help you sort out on what you need to know about menstrual cups, especially on how to find the perfect fit for you.
About Menstrual Cups
For beginners or those who are considering to use menstrual cups, these small flexible cups are made of silicone or latex rubber which does not absorb your flow like pads or tampons. Instead, it catches and collects it.
Basically, menstrual cups are inserted into the vagina (just like how a tampon works) and is removed by pulling the stem which sticks out the bottom and pinches the base to release the cup’s seal.
Additionally, menstrual cup’s usage is available in two types: disposable and reusable. Wherein the reusable type can last up to five years or more if stored properly. Also, there would be factors in choosing the right menstrual cup for you, such as its size and firmness.
Menstrual Cup Sizing: Cervical Height
There might be some people that might think that knowing your cervical height is less important. However, using cervical height as one of the facts in choosing your menstrual cup helps to narrow down the length of a cup that one needs.
Your cervix constantly moves with every movement throughout the day, especially throughout the different phases during your cycle. With this said, it is recommended to check your cervix during your period. Not sure how to size up your cervix? Here are the suggested methods to measure it:
Knuckle Measurement
Knuckle measurement is as what its name suggests, you measure your cervix through using your knuckles.
In doing this, you should properly wash your hands first. Then, spread your labia and gently insert your middle finger. After that locate your cervix, with your fingertip (it would feel like the tip of your nose). And lastly, take note which knuckle is closest to your vaginal opening. Your cervix might be low or medium if you find that the knuckle closest to your vaginal opening is between your knuckles.
Ruler Measurement
Just like the knuckle measurement, this kind of measurement is as the name that it suggests. Of course, you won’t be shoving up a ruler inside your vagina. Instead, the method is to use a ruler after measuring your cervix with your knuckle.
Just like the knuckle method, you should first wash your hands, and gently insert your middle finger after spreading your labia. After that, locate your cervix using your fingertip then take note as to where your finger stopped at the opening of your vaginal opening. Now, this is where the ruler comes in the scene, use a ruler to measure the tip of your finger to its stopping point.
This method is much more accurate than the knuckle method since you have a specific numerical measurement that can help you out in determining what cup size suits you best. In this way, your menstrual cup is undoubtedly the right fit for you.
Menstrual Cup Sizes According to Cervix Height
Now if you already have measured up your cervix and is wondering on what menstrual cup size you should go for, then these guidelines will help you out.
Low Cervix. If you found that your cervix sits low, then you will want to use menstrual cups for a low cervix that were designed shorter than the average cup or those that are of small size or bell-shaped.
Medium Cervix.If your cervix is medium, then you have more choices with shapes and sizes than those with the low cervix. Small sizes, shorter cups, or bell-shaped cups will work for you as well as those V-shaped average cups in both small or large sizes.
High Cervix.High cervix women might have more choices too, but you may find it preferable to have V-shaped cups which are more comfortable for you to reach during the removal of the cup. Since if a cup is short then you might need to do a series of squeezes just to remove the cup.
Takeaway
Menstrual cups bring a lot of advantages that other menstrual hygiene utilities cannot provide for women out there. Now, if you switched or is still considering your options, then this article hopefully has provided you the information that you need in terms of choosing the right menstrual cup for your needs during menstruation.
