What to Know Before Buying a Menstrual Cup or Disc

If you’re making the switch from pads and tampons to a reusable menstrual cup or disc, that can feel don’t know how to do it. For there is many cups or disc in different sizes, shapes, and firmness that we now see with all the different brands of menstrual cups, and it might make you feel like running back to your disposables pretty quick!

Here is the quick guide to navigating how to know what size menstrual cup to buy or which a menstrual disc is a better fit, as well as what information you should have on hand while you’re shopping.

What Size Menstrual Cup Do I Need?

Our general guidelines state that: If you have a lighter flow, strong pelvic floor muscles, or are a first-time user or under 18, the S Size is a great size to start! If you have medium-heavy flow, or are 18 or older, you are probably in the market for our most popular size,L or M size is ok. For those with a medium to very heavy flow, we have a larger cup which may also be a better fit if you’ve given birth or are over the age of 35. The reasoning behind this is that as our body ages and develops, the pelvic floor muscles weaken and the vaginal walls become thinner, losing elasticity. And after giving birth, the pelvic floor muscles of the vaginal canal may have expanded, needing a larger cup to ensure it stays firmly in place.

What to Know Before Buying a Menstrual Cup or Disc

Measure Your Cervix Height

The average cervix height is between 45-55mm or 1.8”-2.25”. Cervix height reflects the distance from the vaginal opening to the tip of the cervix, as it protrudes into the vaginal cavity. The cervix lifts and lowers over the course of one menstrual cycle—higher during the first half of your cycle, lower as it nears menstruation again.

Measuring your cervix height requires placing a finger inside the vagina, feeling for the cervix (it feels a bit like the tip of your nose!), and then measuring the amount of your finger that passed beyond the vaginal opening. Do this several times, but primarily near menstruation to get a sense of your cervix height and whether you need a menstrual cup or disc.

Know Your Pelvic Floor Muscles

One additional consideration is the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles are incredibly responsive! Every time we sit, stand, jump, or run; they activate. If you’re highly athletic, these muscles might be getting a lot of additional conditioning and be quite strong. If you’re less athletic, or depending on the types of exercise you do, these muscles might be less conditioned and require some toning to hold a menstrual cup in place securely. After childbirth, because of a lot of pressure from carrying the baby and/or from vaginal birth, these muscles might have lost their tone. Some signs of weak pelvic floor muscles include bladder or bowel incontinence, difficulty with sexual function, or challenges with keeping your menstrual cup in place.

We hope you found this information as fascinating as we did. Periods are incredible and here at Furuize, we grow a deeper appreciation for them every day. Happy period-ing!

FURUIZE