3. “I’m not sure what size to start with”

This is among the three top concerns when women decide to try a menstrual cup for the first time. Of course, it is bigger than a tampon, however it will fit comfortably, you just need to know what size will sit snug and unnoticeable.

When searching online, many companies will suggest a specific size based on your age and whether or not you have given birth before (as the vagina changes after childbirth). It really all depends on the location of your cervix, as well as your menstrual flow.

However, when trying out a cup for the first time, it’s safest to go with a dual pack to try out both the small and regular size. That way you will know exactly what fits you best. You also have to keep capacity in mind, and larger cups will hold more flow for longer. 

If you are a teenager, you may want to start off using a smaller and slimmer cup, and see how that feels. Over time you will feel more comfortable sliding in a larger cup.

Are you a tampon user? Then you may be very comfortable wearing a larger cup as you are used to inserting menstrual products inside your vagina. For the best results, you should insert your finger inside the vaginal canal to check the location of your cervix and get an approximate measurement of how low or high it is. This can help determine what type or size of cup might be best for you.

Size

Some menstrual cup brands offer a “one-size-fits-all,” while others offer 2, 3 or 4 different sizes. Most will offer a different length and diameter between sizes, while some offer their cups in the same length with only a change in the diameter of the rim.

Small-Sized Cups

Small-sized cups are generally meant for:

• New users
• Teens
• Young adults
• Individuals who have not had any type of penetration
• Those who have a medium to low cervix
• Individuals with a light flow 

Large-Sized Cups

Large-sized cups are generally meant for:

• Experienced users
• Those over 30 years of age
• Individuals who are sexually active
• Those who have given birth
• Those with a medium to high cervix
• Individuals with a heavy flow

Once again, these are guidelines to help you choose a cup. In actuality, you will want a cup that is easy to use, comfortable to wear, and has a decent capacity to get you through the day, whether it falls within the general guidelines or not.

Shape

Menstrual cups generally come in two specific shapes: “V”-shaped, and “Bell”-shaped. 

V-Shaped Cups

V-shaped cups, such as the Mooncup, have long bodies that taper to a point in the shape of a “V.” Because they are typically longer than bell-shaped cups, they are easier to reach for those with a high cervix.If you are unsure of cervical height, it’s best to start with a “V”-shaped cup.  This will give you the easiest reach during the learning processת since it won’t ride up as high as some of the other shapes.

Bell-Shaped Cups

Bell-shaped cups, such as the Venus Cup, usually have a rounded base and flared rim. However, there are variations in which the bell-shaped cup has a rounded base with a standard rim or vice versa.

These cups may be more comfortable for those with a medium to low cervix.

They tend to ride up higher around the cervix and may become a bit hard to reach for those with a high cervix.

Other shapes that you might come across are:

Ergonomic

Although there are only a couple of these shaped cups, they are said to be specifically designed for comfort and efficiency.

Spherical

These may look very large, but the diameters are normally very similar to the size of average large-sized cups. However, spherical cups tend to be shorter. 

These are great for individuals who have a low cervix. The round body provides extra capacity without the length.

Read our full article on how to choose a menstrual cup – for beginners and pros.