The menstrual hygiene products which market women provide a lot of options for them to choose from. There are menstrual pants, sanitary pads, tampons, and of course, menstrual cups.
Menstrual cups were made almost the same time as of tampons, but it did not gain that much recognition—until now. Currently, menstrual cups are making an impact in women’s lives which is why it is now getting its attention and fame as a menstrual hygiene product.
Now, if you are one of those women that have taken a liking in the menstrual cup like DaisyCup, and is thinking of using one, then surely you would need the information in choosing your first cup to be able to use it comfortably.
Tip #1: Know Your Cervix
Knowing your cervix height is one of the most critical factors in considering choosing a menstrual cup. This is because your menstrual cup’s size will be determined by how high your cervix sits.
You could check your cervix near or during your period, the time where the uterus is the lowest in a woman’s body. It is essential to do the checking around this time so that you will get your cervix’ position accurately. Don’t know how to measure your cervix? No worries! Here are some tips for you.
Stand up and take the position that is often recommended when inserting a tampon, then prop up one of your legs up on a chair or any slightly elevated object. After that, make sure that your fingers are clean then stick one finger into your vagina and see how far up you have reached before feeling your cervix.
You would know that it is the cervix when it feels like you are touching the tip of your nose or anything that would feel quite different from the rest of your vaginal canal. Now, if you can’t feel your cervix, then you might have a high uterus. If you can touch it, then you have medium to the high cervix, and as for low to medium, you will immediately feel it with just one knuckle.
Having a higher cervix means you’ll be needing a longer cup; this would be more suitable for you so that you won’t have any problems in removing the cup later. For lower cervix, a shorter cup will suit you best.
Tip #2: Determining Your Menstrual Flow
Determining your menstrual flow is important in choosing your cup so that it would be able to cater to your needs during your period. Now, if you are currently using disposable such as tampon and pads, then how often do you change it? Compare the capacity of your usual tampons with the menstrual cup’s capacity.
For instance, if you used a tampon with a 12 ml capacity for 3 hours, then you can definitely make use of a menstrual cup with a 25 ml capacity for an estimated 6 hours! However, if you are having difficulties in determining your flow with pads then go with your instinct and make an educated guess based on how often you change.
Tip #3: Menstrual Cup’s Firmness
Your menstrual cup’s firmness will highly affect your comfortability, which is why it is needed that you know what you want and what your body needs. For example, if you have bladder issues like having a sensitive bladder, then you really don’t want a firm cup, right? Since it might put pressure on your bladder and give you a constant feeling of needing to pee.
Also, cups that have extremely prominent rims are not recommended since the rims tens to press against the bladder quite firmly. With this said, a softer cup is advised since it will not be pressing the bladder with much pressure, that might result in an uncomfortable feeling.
However, if you are leading an active lifestyle and has a strong pelvic floor and vaginal muscles, then a firmer cup will suit you best. This is because a cup that is too soft for you may get crushed by your vaginal muscles which might break the seal and cause some leaks during your period. This is why if you’re like this, then a firmer cup that can hold its shape while being inside your body is your best bet.
Parting Words
Menstrual cups like those of Daisy cup surely gives women the right advantages that they need in their daily hustling life. Not only that you can save more money if you use menstrual cups, but it can also save up time and provide more opportunity for productivity since you won’t be needing to go in and out of the comfort room for a whole day.
Lastly, remember that it is not a one size fits all kind of thing, which is why it is important that you should know your body enough to know what you should look for in your menstrual cup. Although there’s no harm in asking other women, it is essential that you “ask” your body too.