Menstrual cups have several advantages, the most notable of which is that they are reusable. Many menstrual cups can be used for a long time. You can save money by using menstrual cups instead of tampons or sanitary napkins every month. A menstrual cup can also be worn for up to 12 hours before it needs to be emptied. When compared to a tampon’s average time of 4 to 8 hours, that’s a significant amount of time saved.

Smaller menstrual cups are typically recommended for women under the age of 30 who have not given birth vaginally. Larger sizes are frequently recommended for women over the age of 30, who have given birth vaginally, or who have a heavier period.

HOW SHOULD YOU SELECT YOUR FIRST MENSTRUAL CUP?

With so many brands of menstrual cups on the market today, you may feel lost in the sea of options and wonder which one to buy as your first menstrual cup. Before you rush out to get the most popular brand or whatever is most easily available, consider the following factors to ensure your first cup is appropriate for your body!

1. INSPECT YOUR CERVIX

When selecting a menstrual cup, one of the most important factors to consider is the height of your cervix.

Check your cervix near or during your period, as this is the lowest point in your body.

Stand up and adopt the tampon-insertion position, propping one of your legs up on a chair or the bathroom counter. Stick your finger into your vagina and see how far up you have to go to feel your cervix. We’ve heard the cervix described as a “round marble with a dent in the centre,” “the tip of your nose,” and even “a slimy donut”! It may even feel like a tiny penis if you have a dangly cervix.

It should have a distinct feel from the rest of your vaginal canal.

2. WORK OUT YOUR FLOW
How often do you have to change your pad or tampon if you’re currently using disposables? 
Tampon boxes typically have an absorbency rating along with an estimate of the capacities of various sizes. 
You can compare the capacity of your regular tampons to the capacity of the menstrual cup. 
For example, 
if you use one super tampon with a capacity of 12ml for 3 hours, you can use a menstrual cup with a capacity of 25ml for an estimated 6 hours!
Pads make it more difficult to estimate your flow because they don’t usually come with absorbency ratings. 
Follow your instincts and make an educated guess based on how frequently you need to replace your pad.

3. THE CUP’S FIRMNESS

You don’t want a very firm cup if you have bladder issues, such as a sensitive bladder.  
A firm cup can put pressure on your bladder, giving you the sensation that you need to pee all the time. 
Cups with extremely prominent rims are also not recommended, as the rim tends to press firmly against the bladder.  
A softer cup is recommended because it will not press uncomfortably against the bladder. 
A firmer cup is preferable if you lead an active lifestyle and have strong pelvic floor and vaginal muscles. 
A cup that is too soft may be crushed by your muscles, causing the seal to break and leaks to occur. 
The best option is a firmer cup that can keep its shape while inside your body.