You may have read about the waste-reduction and money-saving perks of the menstrual cup. Perhaps, you also heard about the fantastic period-experience transformation of your peers, who made the sustainable switch. So, you went ahead and bought one. However, your tryst with a menstrual cup didn’t turn out to be as expected. Problems like leakages and discomfort made you question all that you read and heard.
If this sounds like your current situation, we’ve got you covered. Firstly, be rest assured that Google and your friends didn’t lie to you. These reusable babies stand true to all the amazing things being said and written about them. However, the initial phase of getting used to a menstrual cup can be a bit of a stumbling block. That’s because unlike pads and tampons, menstrual cups are placed in the vaginal canal to collect period blood instead of absorbing it.
Here’s the deal—to do a good job, they need to fit in properly. To fit in properly, they need to be of the right size for your unique Ms Vajayjay. So, there are high chances that all your cup issues stem from using the wrong size of the menstrual cup. Here are five signs:
You Can Feel The Cup
Just like a tampon, a menstrual cup isn’t supposed to make you twinge or lumber. You shouldn’t even feel its presence between your legs. Now, the first step to avoid this discomfort is to insert it correctly. Despite this, if you still feel it’s coming out of the vagina or its stem is rubbing against your thighs, it means your menstrual cup is too big for you.
The Cup Doesn’t Give Leak-Proof Protection As Promised
A high-grade menstrual cup can offer leak-proof protection for 8-12 hours. But if your cup leaks too early on, chances are that it isn’t size-appropriate to hold your period flow. Bigger cup for a heavier flow and a smaller or medium cup for light to moderate flow—that’s the golden rule of getting it right.
The Cup Aggravates Period Cramps
Many women report a decrease in menstrual cramps after using a menstrual cup. However, it can be quite the opposite if your menstrual cup size is not appropriate for you. If your cup is big for you, you can end up inserting it too further up your vagina. This can bring it too close to the cervix (a cylindrical tissue that connects the vagina to the uterus). The constant contact with the cup can irritate it and worsen your period cramps.
Your Menstrual Cup Gets Lost
Cervix height plays an important role in determining the right cup size. If it’s long, you’ve got to go for a bigger cup. Similarly, a short-heighted cervix requires a small cup. However, if you’re unable to locate the stem of the cup during removal, chances are that your cup is too small for your cervix height. It has probably even moved higher up and that’s why you find it difficult to locate.
How To Find The Right Menstrual Cup Size?
To ensure that you get the perfect-fitting menstrual cup, opt for a brand that offers a versatile size range to choose from. We suggest you go for Sirona’s Menstrual Cup. It comes in three different sizes, keeping in mind different body types. It is also made with flexible medical-grade silicone for easy insertion. The unique rim design of the cup ensures that the cup stays in place to prevent leakages. The best part? It comes with a stem at the lower end to provide easy access during removal.
You’ve also got to factor in points like blood flow, cervix height and childbirth while finding your true cup match. For instance, a large size menstrual cup works well for people with a higher cervix/heavier blood flow. It’s more appropriate for those who’ve had vaginal childbirth. But you can also opt for a medium-size cup in case your blood flow is heavy but cervix height is less. Click here for an accurate menstrual cup size guide to be sure of your menstrual cup match.
With the right cup size, you can enjoy all the benefits of menstrual cups that cup-users rave about. Trust us, you’d soon be joining the cup fan club too.
Featured Image: Unsplash
