Selecting a menstrual cup size can be equally as daunting as making the decision to switch to a menstrual cup. Selecting the correct size is just as important as the quality and brand of cup you choose. It will impact your entire menstrual cup journey as it influences the comfortability and ease you experience, as well as whether or not there’ll be any leakage.
A common misconception is that your menstrual cup size is determined by your flow, although flow is a factor it’s not the only thing that plays a role in determining what size cup to choose. Also, if you’ve used tampons the size and absorbency of the tampons doesn’t necessarily correlate with your menstrual cup size.
We want you to experience fuss-free, comfortable and simple periods with our ultra-soft menstrual cups. Worrying about if you’ve purchased the correct size should be the last thing on your mind. Here are a few guidelines to help you choose the right cup size for you!
How old are you?
Why on earth does age matter when it comes to choosing a menstrual cup?! Well, the younger you are the more toned and strong your pelvic floor muscles will be. As menstruators age, their pelvic floor muscles naturally become less toned and their strength weakens. Pelvic floor muscles help keep the menstrual cup in place in the vaginal canal. If you’re younger than 30-years-old and haven’t had a full-term pregnancy your pelvic floor muscles will be more toned and strong. This means you can select our smallest size cup the Oshun Blue Ultra-Soft menstrual cup (Size A).
If you’re 30-years-old or older this is when the pelvic floor muscles naturally begin to lose their strength, and a bigger cup like our Kitaka Coral Ultra-Soft Cup (Size B) would work best. It’s important to note that even if you’re 30 or older and have not had a full-term pregnancy the Kitaka Coral Ultra-Soft cup should still be the size you select, as your pelvic floor muscles aren’t as toned anymore. We’ll explain more on why it matters if you’ve had a full-term pregnancy in the following section.
Have you had a full-term pregnancy?
The reason why it matters whether or not you’ve had a full-term pregnancy is because as your pregnancy progresses your body gets ready for the pregnancy by loosening up your muscles, specifically your pelvic floor muscles. This makes it easier for the baby to come out of the vaginal canal.
Now, it doesn’t matter if you’ve had vaginal or cesarean birth when it comes to selecting a menstrual cup size. What matters the most is whether or not the pregnancy was full-term (over 37 weeks), which means the pelvic floor muscles would’ve began to loosen up. Let’s say you’re under 30-years-old and you’ve had a full-term pregnancy what size should you choose? Still size B, because your pelvic floor muscles may be less toned due to the pregnancy.
What is your cervical height?
Your cervix is located at the base of your uterus at the beginning of the vaginal canal inside your body. The size of your cervix changes depending on the day of your menstrual cycle, so it’s a good idea to check your cervix height at the beginning and towards the end of your cycle. Checking your cervical height is important because it can give you an accurate idea of the cup length you should choose. It also lets you know how much space you have in your vaginal canal for the menstrual cup so that it doesn’t touch your cervix.
You can measure your cervical height in the shower or bath by inserting a clean finger into the vaginal canal. The cervix feels like the tip of your nose, so once you feel it on the tip of your index finger you’ve successfully located your cervix. If you can’t feel anything don’t be alarmed, it just means you have a high cervix. If you’ve managed to locate your cervix, press your thumb against your index finger to mark the height. You can then use a ruler to measure the height and use this measurement when selecting your menstrual cup size.
If you have a low or tilted cervix our Size A cup would be the best option for you.
Flow Level
Your flow level is a major factor in choosing the right menstrual cup size. Cups come in different capacities, and picking the right one for your flow can make the difference between changing your cup twice a day and every couple of hours.
- Light to Medium Flow: If your period tends to be light or medium, you can choose almost any cup based on other factors like comfort and cervix height. Smaller cups are often sufficient for lighter flow days.
- Heavy Flow: If you have a heavier period, you might want to consider our cup Size B (Kitaka Coral). Our Larger cup holds more fluid, meaning you won’t need to empty them as often.
Now that you know the factors involved in finding your perfect cup, here are some helpful tips for choosing confidently as a first-time user:
- Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: Your first cup may not be your forever cup, and that’s okay. Many people experiment with one or two different sizes and firmness levels before they find a cup that feels like “the one.” Honestly though? Our raving reviews speak for themselves. We think we’re “the one”.
- Practice Inserting and Removing at Home First: Before your period starts, practice inserting and removing the cup a few times so you’re comfortable with it. Taking the time to learn the process can make it much easier once your period arrives!
Choosing a menstrual cup size may seem like a challenge, but it’s worth the effort to find a fit that feels right for your body and lifestyle. By understanding your body’s unique characteristics – from your cervix height to your flow level – you’re one step closer to finding a cup that will serve you comfortably and reliably. And don’t be afraid to reach out to us for guidance; we are most happy to help and offer personalized advice!
Remember, the perfect fit might not happen on the first try, but the right menstrual cup can make period care easy, eco-friendly, and incredibly freeing. Happy choosing!
Amanda Khwili –
Using the Sheba menstrual cup has been the best decision I’ve ever made for myself! I literally want to make a review every month when I’m on my periods coz it’s literally the best thing ever!
I used to struggle a lot with pads since I have sensitive skin so I would literally use baby powder so my skin don’t get irritated. I had to change my pads regularly, I’d use more than the average person when I’m on my periods. So I am saving a lot of money by having a cup!
Ever since I’ve used Sheba products I no longer stress when it’s that time of the month
I was educating people to starting using cup, preferably the Sheba feminine products as my cup hasn’t faded colour still in good condition 6 months later!
You guys are doing an amazing job
Amanda Khwili –
The only time I was so excited to have my periods and I could finally start with my menstrual cup journey :).
The instructions were easy to follow and the cup is soft so it was easy to fold it in. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience, I have never felt so connected with my body while on periods and for me using a cup helped me to understand my body better and it is quite intimate.
I truly enjoyed using the cup and I will continue using the cup with much more confidence knowing there are no leaks, I even forget I had one inside.
I would highly recommend the Sheba Feminine menstrual cups!
Khensani Canca (verified owner) –
As a person living with pcos this has helped me a ton. It’s comfortable and I did not experience any kind of leaking. I don’t think I’ll ever go back to pads and tampons