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The Best Menstrual Cup for Different Body Types
Updated: Dec 1, 2023
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I have shared all the pros and cons of a menstrual cup here. Now it is time to pick one but, which is right for you? As each body is different, there are multiple sizes available. This blog post aims to help you find the right menstrual cup for your body.
How to choose the best menstrual cup for you?
There are a few things to take into consideration before choosing your first menstrual cup, like the cervix position and the heaviness of your flow.
Cervix position
Most menstrual cup brands offer multiple sizes based on your flow and cervix position. If you’re unsure about your cervix position, you can check your cervix height right before your period as your cervix is the lowest and easier to locate. You can find your cervix by standing up with one leg propped up and inserting your finger into your vaginal canal to see where you reach your cervix. Your cervix feels spongy and ‘donut’ shaped. It can be rather sensitive to touch.
If can’t feel your cervix with your finger all the way in, you have a high cervix. You have a medium cervix if your finger is inserted up to the second knuckle when you feel it and if you can reach it at the first knuckle, you have a low cervix.
Longer menstrual cups are more suitable for women with a high cervix, whereas a lower cup would do well for women with a short cervix.
Firmness
If you have any vaginal issues like sensitivity, discomfort, pain, or bladder issues, you’ll want to opt for a soft cup. Below are beginner-friendly cups that won’t press against your bladder uncomfortably.
If you have given birth vaginally or have a strong pelvic floor (because you work out a lot), a firmer cup is more suitable for you as it can hold its shape better to prevent leaks.
Your Flow
The size of your menstrual cup is determined by the heaviness of your flow. You can figure this out based on the number of times you have to change your tampon or pad during your period. Most brands will offer guidance on the size to select based on your flow to prevent leaking. If you know you have a heavier flow, see my top menstrual cup pick for you below.
Choose quality
A good quality menstrual cup will set you back $20 to $40 while you can find cheaper options on sites like Wish or Aliexpess. However, these did not pass US or EU quality control and as you put a menstrual cup into your vagina, I recommend choosing a respectable brand that makes products that are certified as safe in your country.
When in doubt, read those consumer reviews to get to know the experience of other users.
Allergies
Menstrual cups are made from either silicon or natural rubber so if you are sensitive to one of these materials pay attention to the materials that your menstrual cup is made of.
Teen/Low Cervix/Beginner friendly Menstrual cups
Long gone are the day when girls who got their first periods had to use pads. Even tampons are available in multiple sizes suitable for the youngest among us. Luckily the menstrual cup is not different. Multiple brands have multiple sizes to suit all the available body sizes. The menstrual cups below are suitable for beginners, teens, or women with a low cervix.
Hevea
What is so unique about the Hevea cup is that it is made from natural rubber. This means it is 100% biodegradable, non-toxic, and plastic-free. It has a loop-style stem and a flexible, soft design for extra comfort. It comes in 3 sizes, the smallest (size 1) being suitable for teens.
Saalt
Saalt has multiple styles of menstrual cups. This menstrual cup is specially designed with teens in mind. They are the softest they have making them suitable for smaller women. What is amazing about Saalt is that with every purchase, they help women in need with period care.
Pixie cup
The Pixie menstrual cup is one of the most comfortable menstrual cups available nowadays. Available in four sizes making the smallest (XS) perfect for younger women or beginners who are curious about a menstrual cup. They have a 100% Happiness Promise. This means if you aren’t satisfied you either get a full refund or a replacement product.
Lily cup
The lily cup is an amazing perfect starter cup for teens and beginners. As it provides an easy transition into the world of menstrual cups. Its petite shape, leak-proof double rim, easy removal loop, and collapsible design make periods a breeze from start to finish.
OrganiCup
The OrganiCup has been awarded as ‘product of the year” multiple times. They come in multiple sizes. Their smallest size is ‘mini’ suitable for teens or women with a low cervix.
By the way; OrganiCup changed its name to AllMatters.
Diva Cup
The Diva cup is ideal for anyone under 19 years old and is recognized by the Society for Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada. Their Model 0 is the smallest size available and suits women with a low cervix, teens, and beginners.
Sirona
The Sirona Reusable Menstrual Cup is available in 3 sizes. On average, the small one is ideal for first-time users like teenagers and for women who have not given birth. Sirona donates for every product sold to improve menstrual health for women in need in India.
June
The June flex period cup come in 3 different sizes, Mini, Small, and Large to ensure a customizable perfect fit for every body type. We recommend the Mini for teens, beginners, or women with a low cervix.
Hello cup
The Hello Cup is available in three sizes Extra Small, Small/Medium, and Large (also known as Lovely). The Extra Small (XS) cup is their smallest, softest cup and serves as a great option for teenagers, beginners, or those who prefer a ‘mini’ tampon.
Lumma Cup
At LUMMA cup they want to prove the right size for every woman as one size does not fit all. Therefore, they have ten different sizes to fit all possible bodies. They not only have sizes for multiple cervix lengths, but they also accommodate different flow intensities.
Heavy Flow / Large Women Menstrual cups
On the other side of the spectrum are women who have a heavy flow, larger women, or women who have had kids vaginally. Their bodies differ from women needing small menstrual cups and brands accommodate these women. You may notice that some of the brands are also mentioned above. These brands are aware of the multiple body sizes and provide several sizes for their customers. All the brands below promise a menstrual cup with a capacity of at least 40ml of liquid which is considerably larger compared to the average large-size menstrual cup which is about 30ml.
Venus cup
Venus cup comes in a great range of sizes. The largest size is the largest capacity available in this list. This menstrual cup can hold up to 47ml of your flow without problems making them great for those heavy first days of your menstrual cycle.
Tieutcup
The Tieutcup is shaped a little differently compared to other menstrual cups. Its bell shape is known for their high capacity while remaining comfortable to wear. They combine the best of both worlds and created a comfortable and high capacity menstrual cup that can hold up up to 42ml of liquid.
Super Jennie
Super Jennie menstrual cups are proudly produced in the USA with quality guaranteed. They are virtually leakproof so you never have to worry about making a mess. Size L has a capacity of 42ml.
Best Periodt
The large capacity of Best Periodt cups means few changes for you though out the day of your heavy period days which means getting through the day more comfortably. The largest size can hold 40ml of flow. With every purchase, they give $1 towards ending Child Trafficking.
Lumma Cup
At LUMMA cup they want to prove the right size for all women as one size does not fit all. Therefore, they have ten different sizes to fit all possible bodies. They not only have sizes for multiple cervix lengths, but they also accommodate different flow intensities. The biggest size has a capacity of 45ml.
5 Reasons why your menstrual cup may be leaking
The most likely reason your menstrual cup may be leaking is that it hasn't completely unfolded. When you have inserted your cup, it should “pop open” so that it seals to the walls of your vagina. If the cup doesn't fully expand, there will be a crease in your menstrual cup that causes it to leak.
Overflowing due to heavy flow. Empty your menstrual cup more regularly if you experience leaking. Especially on the first heavy days, you may need to empty your menstrual cup more often.
Placement of the cup. If the menstrual cup is not properly in place (usually if this is a problem, the cup is too low), the cup can’t create a vacuum and it may leak. Place your menstrual cup a bit higher to solve this problem.
Strong pelvic floor muscles. If your pelvic floor muscles are strong enough to squeeze your menstrual cup that it creases, they may break the seal and cause leaking. In this case, choose a firmer menstrual cup.
