Menstrual Cups and Your Cervix: Tips for Comfort and Fit
Menstrual cups offer a reusable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective approach to period care. But finding the right cup that fits your unique anatomy for leak-free wear can take some trial and error. Understanding where your cervix sits inside the vaginal canal provides key insight into choosing the best menstrual cup size and shape.
Anatomy and Menstrual Cups
The cervix refers to the lower portion of the uterus that protrudes into the top of the vaginal canal, connecting it to the uterus. During menstruation, the blood flows from the uterus through the cervix on its way out of the body. A menstrual cup catches this uterine blood for up to 12 hours before needing to be emptied.
The length of the vaginal canal and exact position of the cervix varies from person to person. For some, it sits low near the vaginal opening while for others its high up close to the uterus. Menstrual cup sizing corresponds to this anatomy - smaller cups have shorter bodies for low cervices and longer cups suit those with higher positioned cervices.
Cup Shapes and Cervix Height
Beyond length, menstrual cups come shaped as:
- Rounded bells
- Triangular v-shapes
- Bowls with hollow centers
These distinct forms influence how cups open, seal, and collect flow. The bell or v-shaped cups tend to have softer, thinner rims designed specifically to fit around a cervix when opened. This prevents leaks and discomfort associated with tops that hover and rub near the cervix.
In contrast, hollow bowl cups made of firm material hold their shape higher in the vaginal canal by sealing along the vaginal walls instead of directly under the cervix. These work better for those with a cervix positioned very low or very high.
Choosing Your Cup
Assessing your cervix type and height early on guides you toward an optimal cup and fit, including:
- Low cervix = shorter cup
- Average cervix = average cup
- High cervix = longer cup
- Sensitive cervix = soft cup
Try out menstrual cup quizzes, consult comparison charts that detail lengths and dimensions, read product details and user reviews, or ask a knowledgeable advisor for personalized recommendations.
Using and Inserting Menstrual Cups
Once you select a menstrual cup aligned with your cervix position, learn proper usage and care for comfortable, mess-free wear.
Folding Techniques
Though made of flexible material, menstrual cups feel quite firm and full before insertion. Folding and compressing it makes insertion smooth and fast.
Common folds include:
- Punch down
- Seven fold
- Half moon/triangle
- Labia fold
Practice a few to find your personal preference based on cup type and accessibility.
Inserting Your Cup
Once prepped, follow these steps for easy, comfortable insertion:
- Relax muscles and breathe
- Assume a comfortable position
- Gently insert and angle toward lower back/tailbone
- Slide past pubic bone if you feel it
- Ensure cup opens and seals fully
- Check placement around cervix
- Trim stem if necessary
Many menstrual cup users prefer inserting their cup while squatting or sitting over hovering above the toilet. Wear a pad as backup until you get the hang of insertion.
Removing Menstrual Cups
Removing properly prevents mess and eases any discomfort or suction. Gently relax the muscles and the cup's seal. Reach in slowly, grasp the base or stem, and slide out carefully angling downward. Empty it out into the toilet before reinserting.
Troubleshooting Menstrual Cup and Cervix Fit
It can take a few cycles getting the hang of using a menstrual cup with your unique body. Review these common cervical issues and solutions:
Rubbing and Discomfort
If the cup irritates by rubbing against your cervix, try:
- Turning cup upside down for opposite angle/shape
- Trimming the stem if rubbing occurs
- Switching to shorter cup if cervical rim rubs
- Considering wider or softer bell-shaped cup
Pain Upon Insertion
Uncomfortable insertion might indicate:
- Using wrong fold technique or insertion angle
- Transitioning slowly into new positions
- Needing a smaller, shorter, or more flexible cup
- Underlying condition making penetration difficult
Discuss persistent discomfort with your gynecologist.
Leaking and Overflow
Leaks typically stem from:
- Wrong shape or size cup
- Improper opening, sealing, or placement
- Very heavy flow exceeding capacity
- Uterine tilt influencing fit
Troubleshoot by reassessing anatomy, reviewing insertion method, or trying a larger cup capacity.
Be patient learning what works for your body. The right menstrual cup for your cervix and flow makes hassle-free, environmentally sustainable period care possible.
FAQs
How do I measure my cervical height?
Use your middle finger to feel inside along the vaginal canal around your period start date to gauge where your cervix sits. Measure the distance from the opening to your cervix to compare against menstrual cup lengths when choosing the best size.
Can my cervix position change?
Yes, the cervix moves higher or lower at different points of your menstrual cycle and life stages. So you may need different sized cups or more attention to placement each cycle. Track inconsistencies in fit.
Do menstrual cups sit around the cervix?
Bell-shaped and v-shaped menstrual cups are designed to open up around the cervix, using it as a central guide. This helps prevent leaks out the sides. Wider hollow cups use vaginal walls to seal instead.
Can menstrual cups cause cervical damage?
When used properly, menstrual cups do not damage the cervix. Unlike tampons absorbing flow, cups collect it below without touching the cervix if the right size and shape is used. Seek medical care if you experience localized cervical pain.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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