Some people are fortunate enough that it doesn’t matter what shape or design of a menstrual cup that they use.

For others, they may experience difficulties reaching their cup to remove it, or finding it uncomfortable while wearing.

V-Shaped Cups

• Whether it is a small or a large sized cup, a cup that is V-shaped normally has more length in the body. Depending on the type of stem, it could also add a considerable amount of length.
• V-shaped cups don’t tend to ride up and sit as high as a bell-shaped cup.
• Those with a medium to high cervix might find it easier to reach the cup, break the seal, and remove it.
• If you have a medium to a low cervix, this style of cup may feel too long. It may even be exposed at the opening of the vagina. The stem may be trimmed but if the base of the cup is positioned low, it still might be uncomfortable.
• However, someone with a medium to low cervix may find that the small size of any brand will be comfortable depending on how low the cervix is positioned.

Bell-Shaped Cups

• Bell-shaped cups are great for those who have a medium to a low cervix. These cups normally have a rounded base, are shorter than V-shaped cups, and have a flared rim.
• Depending on how low the cervix sits inside of the cup, the capacity can be compromised. A cup with a rounder body will add back some of the capacity that is lost with a longer cup. A rounded base and being slightly shorter may be more comfortable as it lacks the point that a V-shaped cup has and will not be as close to the vaginal opening. A flared rim will allow the cup to ride up and sit higher, spreading into the vaginal fornix (the area around the cervix) and snuggling up closer to the cervix.
• For someone with a medium to a high cervix, this may make it difficult to reach.

Knowing the locating and height of your cervix can reduce some of these issues prior to making a purchase.

Anakalia aka Red Herring got an early start in the medical field at 15 years old when she was hired by Kapiolani Hospital (Hawaii) to public speak about teen sex and the hardship of teen pregnancy & parenting.Testing out of high school early, she then went on to be valedictorian in college (medical studies).During and after college, she worked for the very OB-GYN who delivered her first child.In 1996, while searching for another product, Red Herring came across a menstrual disc.While she didn’t use them consistently, it opened her eyes to alternative menstrual products for the future.

Red Herring has been sharing her experience and knowledge of menstrual cups on YouTube since 2015. She has worked on or with several menstrual cup companies but chooses not to be credited.

“I want to help people find the right menstrualcup for their situation.Not pressure them to buy a menstrual cup [that I might have helped with] for the sake of sales.”

Latest posts by Red Herring (see all)