So you've decided to change your menstrual ways and purchase a menstrual cup, but when you start browsing online you stumble upon an infinity of options, colors, sizes, shapes, and materials and things start getting a little complicated. But, don't worry, that's what friends are for, and we want to make the purchasing your cup experience as easy as it can get.
It can be overwhelming!
In a previous post, we established what a menstrual cup was and the benefits of changing to more environmentally friendly menstruation, but we also acknowledge what important things to take into consideration and the hygienic risks that come with it. Personally, for me, I've been using my menstrual cup for around 6 months intermittently because my flow varies from month to month, so sometimes I only get spotting and other times I do get enough flow to use the cup, thank my PCOS for that. Going back to my cup usage, it has been a love-hate relationship, it is definitely an item that takes time for you to grow comfortable with and the time solely depends on the type of cup you purchase and the brand.
When purchasing a menstrual cup things can become a little overwhelming, there are hundreds of brands, colors, types, and materials to choose from, so my first suggestion would be to do your research! Because we are talking about an item that you will insert into your body, research is very important, from reading reviews to knowing what the brand is all about will help you make a wise decision.
Where do I start?
Here are some tips and tricks to look out on when looking for your menstrual cup:
Inform yourself about the menstrual cup and how it works to ensure it's right for you
Choose a brand cleared for sale by the FDA or the entity in charge of regulating drugs and medical devices in your country to ensure quality and safety
Purchase the right size. Take into consideration the size of your cervix, if it's short, medium, or tall, and if you've given birth, to ensure not buying a size too small. Here we explain how to find the size of your cervix.
Find the right material for you, since some cups may be made from latex and there may be people with latex related allergies, there are other options from you to choose from, like medical Silicone or TPE
The options are endless
Taking into consideration the above tips, you may find it a little easier to get the right cup by looking into brands that apply the specific material and size you may need. Here are ten cups we found, with different shapes and sizes and what makes them unique:
Made from durable silicone that becomes more flexible with body heat.
Available in 3 sizes
Material: 100% medical grade silicone
Ultra soft silicone and a unique, one size fits all shape, nixit conforms to you. No confusing sizes, no awkward folds.
One size fits all
Material: 100% medical grade BPA-free silicone
Bell-shaped menstrual cup that collects your monthly menstrual blood. Inserted like a tampon, Lena sits comfortably in your vagina and offers a leak and sensation-free period.
Available in 2 sizes
Material: 100% medical grade silicone
Gentle and super comfortable for those with bladder sensitivity, cramping or discomfort with firmer cups.
Available in 2 sizes
Material: 100% medical grade silicone
The most user-friendly and effective feminine hygiene experience imaginable.
Available in 2 sizes
Material: 100% medical grade silicone
A disc shaped menstrual cup that collects your monthly menstrual blood.
Available in 3 sizes
Material: 100% medical grade silicone
The only cup in the world that can be removed like a tampon.
Available in 2 sizes
Material: 100% medical grade silicone
The one that rolls as thin as a tampon
Available in 2 sizes
Material: 100% medical grade silicone
The bottom valve means the cup does not need to be removed to be emptied. Just pinch the valve pearl up to open the valve, and then pinch it down to close once the cup has been emptied.
One size fits all
Material: 100% medical grade silicone
Just like a slipper for your vagina, we’ve designed Hello Cups to be smooth and comfortable
Available in 3 sizes
Material: 100% medical grade TPE
Now, let's get things clear, the number of menstrual cups available in the market are endless and we've mentioned just a small portion of what you can purchase. The important thing is that you choose a menstrual cup that you will feel comfortable with its shape, size, and material, and if you have any questions feel free to ask your OB-GYN, they will help you sort out the size of your cervix and other questions you may have about the menstrual cup.
And, if you are interested into making the change and you've read all the articles, seen all the videos, and still can't seem to find the right fit for you Put a Cup In It has come up with a quiz where they find you the perfect menstrual cup in 9 questions. So head on over if you're interested and get the cup party started!
Image by Patricia Moraleda from Pixabay