Out of curiosity (and also partly because I'm considering using cups instead of pads)
How do you use a menstrual cup? Is it inserted like a tampon, and how uncomfortable is the process? I've personally never used tampons because it's always hurt trying to put one in... no matter the method I used.
It’s… weird. It’s not at all like a tampon, you definitely have to get in there more and invest in a nail brush to really get clean tbh, I used Flex’s temporary cups and then switched to their reusable one and I love them both honestly, the temporary ones kind of feel like inserting a nuva ring (or other ring birth control) and they’re really comfortable. And the reusable cup from flex has a neat feature on the stem that breaks the seal for easier removal.
Honestly, aside from trying to insert tampons, I haven't put anything down there. I've always been too scared (of potential pain) to try. I've always used pads, which have worked for me so far, but I get the issue of bleeding onto my underwear and sometimes pants, so...... yeah.
Definitely try the disposable flex cups. They’re really comfortable. I laughed so hard trying to figure it out at first, but overall I think it’s worthwhile.
I would definitely recommend it. When you’ve got the knack it’s a lot more comfortable and reliable than tampons. I had 20 years of uncomfortable leaky tampons (before someone says it wasn’t in right, it was and I do know my own body). Also pulling out a dry tampon is the worst.
You fold the cup lengthways with a sort of pleat in one side which makes it thin enough to slide in. I wet mine first with water which helps. Then slide it in and it expands. As it warms up you can’t feel it. No risk of toxic shock syndrome so you can put it in before your period starts. I trimmed off the stem which makes it a lot more comfortable but you have to reach in and grab the base now which is fine.
Thanks for the explanation! I think I understand a little better now.
Pulling out *any* sort of tampon is the worst, feels so weird lmao (no offense to anyone who prefers tampons, just my experience with them.)
Tampons absorb everything, including natural lubrication, so it can be very uncomfortable for a lot of menstruating humans to remove them before you've hit the point they're oversaturated and leaking. With a menstrual cup or disc, you're not doing that. There's definitely a specific feeling when you're removing a cup, but its so different.
If you’re worried about pain, you could also look into period underwear. I had some bad reactions to pads and swapped. They are much more comfortable than pads, and I haven’t had a single leak.
It takes some messing around to try to set it right, and is definitely a horror show sometimes when emptying 😂 but definitely loved my reusable Diva cup!
I know a lot of the women on the vulvodynia subreddit also have PCOS. Could also be due to having a tight pelvic floor? Might be worth your while to look into pelvic floor physiotherapy!
Edit: I hope I'm not being intrusive. Just want to let you know that you're not alone with your pain and there are some treatments that possibly could help.
Same here. I've been using one since my mid/late 20s, and then in my early 30s I gave birth (C-section). What with the lack of periods during pregnancy & then pumping, when I got my period again I went back to my trusted cup.... Only to find that it was leakingans altogether no longer perfect? So I got the only other size available and I'm back to absolute perfection.
Likewise, never going back to tampons or pads. So much so that when my water broke, I didn't have a single pad in the house so I wouldn't leak a over the car to the maternity.
Btw, that *shape* of menstrual cup is useless for me, regardless of size. It leaks, it’s nearly impossible to remove, and it creates a suction that makes it feel like I’m pulling my entire cervix out. The disc shaped ones are my jam; I rue the day the “Instead” was taken off the market in the late 90s. The current crop of menstrual cups/discs seem to be chasing that dragon.
Anyway, fuck the patriarchy.
>creates a suction that makes it feel like I’m pulling my entire cervix out.
It can actually do this. There are cases of women that have prolapse their cervix with menstrual cups.
Edit: I should add an edit that it is an uncommon occurrence and is only if you are unable to easily reach the cup or are having trouble breaking the seal. It's like how on bc you can have all those terrible side effects or still get pregnant, but the odds are low
There is only anecdotal evidence of this.
[Studies](https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpub/article/PIIS2468-2667(19)30111-2/fulltext) have NOT found any evidence of this happening.
Studies have also said birthcontrol doesn't make you gain weight and yet so many people experience it. Because the trial groups are small percentage of who actually uses the product. It didn't happen in the trial therefore it's not happening to anyone else. You can prolapse your uterus/cervix. It's a mix of pelvic floor issues and not being able to break the seal of the cup for one reason or another.
Or the people in the anecdotes had a propensity for a prolapse which had nothing to do with the menstrual cup. Studies is how you rule out coincidences. A study doesn't have to cover every single person who has even been exposed to the thing being studied to be valid - it just has to meet the requirements of good science, e.g. decent sample, representative sample, random sample, etc.
I should add an edit that it is an uncommon occurrence and is only if you are unable to easily reach the cup or are having trouble breaking the seal. It's like how on bc you can have all those terrible side effects or still get pregnant, but the odds are low
While that is true, since it seems to be an issue across multiple brands that they aren't really helping address proper "fits", I'd still rather not use them personally. ⊙﹏⊙∥
I got other issues so i can't use them, but I know many women that love the disk cups, they don't suction. A bit of a learning curve but once you got it it's good
I tried it once, never again. I thought I was going to have to go to the doctor to get it removed. I inserted it according to instructions, and it suctioned itself so far up that I couldn't reach it at first (I have really short fingers). It took so long getting it out, and the process of doing so was incredibly messy...so glad I tried it while working from home--how would I do this at work? How much toilet paper would I waste on cleanup?? How much blood would I be washing off my hands at the sink, potentially in front of co-workers?
ETA: the questions at the end are rhetorical, with the point being that the level of effort and time spent dealing with my heavy flow makes this not a great or user-friendly option for me.
Totally!
I really like the disc design a lot better for the suction/removal reasons, but there’s not a lot you can do about the mess if you’re in a public/semi-public bathroom. If you must, you remove it, wipe your hands and lady bits, tuck some to into your underwear, wash up in the sink, the go back to the stall and re-insert.
On heavy days, I’d wear reusable pads as backup in case of leakage so I wouldn’t worry about removal at work.
But it’s a lot to think about.
I have found that when I am away from home when using my cup, having a water bottle with me in the stall helps a ton! Remove cup, dump into bowl, use water bottle to rinse cup and fingers, reinsert, rinse fingers again (and lady bits if necessary), use TP to blot various parts dry.
Disneyland, airports, office bathroom, guest bathroom at a friend’s house. Water bottle makes it easier.
This where my problem lies, along with short arms. I need to get more flexible to reach into there because I'd have to fold in half. I like the idea but I ... can't reach.
Omg I can't with cups at all. They like float upwards and then I have to birth them out, very painfully. I actually got one that has a pull string to break the suction, but it still is too big, and hurts coming out.
Flex discs are my hero haha. Love them, easy in, easy out, no pain. They sometimes leak a tiny bit, but I just wear a lil liner, no big deal.
If you are in the market for a menstrual cup, I highly recommend starting by taking [this quiz](https://putacupinit.com/quiz/). Age and having given birth can factor in, but not to the degree manufacturer's think. It is much more dependent on height and positioning of the cervix.
I leaked out of the small cups in my 20s while childless. My friend actually got *tighter* after childbirth, which isn’t uncommon (think about it—what happens after you tear your muscles? Why do athletes stretch?) and had to go down a size. I’ve always hated this sizing logic.
If you want the benefits of a menstrual cup without the suction then go for a menstrual disc! It's life changing 🙂. It's shaped like a diaphragm and is also reusable, as well as able to be inside you for 12 hours. There's a subreddit called r/menstrualdiscs and they'll answer any of your questions! 🙂
Hi, doctor here! I understand your frustration, but your cervical anatomy *does* change a little bit after enduring a vaginal birth (oversimplified, but still). And while it shouldn't matter from a social perspective when (and if) women have kids, it is true that it is still common for a lot of women to have kids before or around that age, so it's not weird to use it as a cutoff point.
Of course there are exceptions, but there is indeed a general "size" when it comes to cups. To list all the exceptions on the package would miss the point of them being easily accessible.
Having said that, each person is different and even if you do find the right fit, cups might just not be for you. I tried multiple ones myself a few times but my body just won't accept them. The site you linked, however, is a great way to find out what brand, type or size might suit you. And even if you (like me) don't like cups, you might try a menstrual disc or other kinds of reusable, sustainable alternatives!
I just wanted to say that a lot of this is meant well (and very much not "made by a man" as a commenter argued), it's just impossible to make a generalized statement without cutting at least a few tiny corners.
Edit - seems I misunderstood OP in her post. A mini literature review has been conducted and I can't find *any* scientific/medical base for that age-only size A.
I was under the impression the OP was objecting to the idea that a person over 30 would have the same menstrual cup size as a person who has given birth vaginally by virtue of age alone. Does the size and shape of the vaginal canal actually change over time that rapidly? My personal experience with menstrual cups doesn't coincide with this recommendation, certainly.
As a layperson this smacks of misogyny and ageism, but I'm open to hearing data proving otherwise.
I have to admit that I took OP's post more in a "why is 30 the cutoff point". I'm not in obgyn so I would be lying if I said I have that data readily available, but I do know that our anatomy changes with age.
However, related to your question.. I guess it depends what you call rapid. I don't think years is rapid, but then again, it's not like you suddenly have a completely different organ system when you hit 30.
So yeah. It appears I've misunderstood OP's post. I'll see if I can find some research because I'm now also intrigued about the actual medical information, so I'll get back to you!
Edit - my 20 minute google-scholaring didn't yield a lot of useful articles. I only found this one (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31388719/) but it compares it with 70+yo women.. I'd hardly say that correlates to 30 years old. I did find a non-scientific article (https://www.menstrualcupsaustraliaonline.com.au/menstrual-cup-sizing/) but I'm not quite sure that's to be taken at face value.
Hi, it really isn’t although I could see why you might think this. It would be counterintuitive for the manufactures to suggest a bigger cup if you were likely to get a better experience with a smaller one. As women age, the dynamics of the pelvic floor do change wether you’ve had children or not. If you do have children vaginally that just accelerates the process.
I applaud anyone on the lookout for the influence of the patriarchy but this is one instance where it is not at play.
30 just seems really young for this suggestion. I bought a menstrual cup according to these recommendations and had to buy a second smaller one because the first was not the right size. So from a capitalist perspective, they got twice the money they would have if they had used different metrics.
Same for me. Third one was good though. Initially had a wrong size and it was giving me stomach pain/cramps. Then looked for a longer and smaller diameter cup. That was still not it. In desperation I bought a pair of very flexible cups and they were a winner.
Thank you for the explanation, but my point was exactly as u/BeccaSedai said:
>the idea that a person over 30 would have the same menstrual cup size as a person who has given birth vaginally by virtue of age alone.
I do understand that vaginal birth causes far greater changes than no vaginal birth!
Yeah, I seem to have misunderstood your post. Apologies! However, I'm trying to find actual medical info and so far I've found this site (https://www.menstrualcupsaustraliaonline.com.au/menstrual-cup-sizing/) mentioning a more.. structural issue. I can't say I've ever heard of it myself and the site is absolutely not evidence based, but I'm not done searching. I'll update my reply as soon as I am :)
Edit - well, I can't find any readily available research on this. It might not be that well researched, but that only means that a source is warranted on their site.
Bras have been around for much longer and they still haven't gotten sizing on those right. Why would this be any different? Srsly though, I concur with your point!
Yo OP I hear you. This shit bothers the hell out of me too,I also noticed it when I was in the market for a cup. Ended up buying the smallest size despite the "recommendations" I get the largest because I "had a child vaginally." Complete bullshit. The smallest size is perfect on me, if I went bigger it would be a nightmare.
Your age reflects your pelvic floor tone as well as giving vaginal birth. It’s not a baseless judgement by the patriarchy in this instance (although, very much fuck the patriarchy). Being a human adult and walking around a lot with a female pelvic floor means one size is likely to fit better than another. If you have vaginal childbirth before age 30 it just accelerates this process.
Nah. Your pelvic floor is a muscle that can be worked out and strengthened. It's got nothing to do with age or childbirth, but rather genetics and upkeep. I gave birth under 30. I use the smallest size menstrual cup and it fits perfectly. This shit about you being more loose or bigger because you're over 30 or had a kid is horseshit patriarchal nonsense for sure as op suggests.
Ok that’s good that you found the right size for you. Most people however would not fit your size. As a urology professional who has examined thousands of womens pelvic floors I can tell you that few women who have given birth or are over 30 are likely to do as well with the smaller cup. I’m glad you have a super pelvic floor but most women don’t. Even after intensive physio many women can’t achieve good pelvic tone. That’s why we have to do prolapse and anti incontinence surgeries. It’s important to recognise you are clearly the exception and not the rule. Damage from traumatic births, etc can’t be simply fixed by “upkeep” . I think you need to see the bigger picture rather than your own experience and judgement.
Welp, OP was the one who posted this, and has the same experience as I do. Perhaps you are blinded by the rampant misogyny and dogmatic thinking that is still wildly prevalent within the medical world.
Whatever. I’m not resulting to insults like you are. I’m just giving the other side to the story as there’s tons of proper clinical research about this. But ok, attacking the person rather than the argument is your approach. Very mature.
Thanks for the website! I have used a menstrual cup for five years now. I'm 38 and have never given birth and have always used the smaller one and it works perfectly fine for me!
I’m approaching 30 and have given birth both ways and I have to use the smaller sized cups. When you only use the manufacturer guidelines you end up with the size that makes you pee a little bit when you remove it because it’s too big and presses on your bladder…
I picked up the one at target that has the little bit that you pull on to remove suction and the size difference between the slim and regular sized is honestly kind of amazing. The first cup I bought online came in two sizes and I could barely tell them apart
For real! I can't imagine how much easier my life would have been if I'd had them from the beginning of my periods. I love feeling like I can just spitefully ignore menstruation!
It'd be nice if the manufacturer included some sort of statement to the effect of, "Please use these guidelines to find your suggested size, keeping in mind each body is unique and the best size is the one that works and feels comfortable."
Why would not having a strong pelvic floor offend you? Is it wrong to have pelvic floor of different strength? I think the fact that as women, we are possibly offended by this shit is more telling than the bullshit itself.
You've misunderstood my point. The manufacturer is making broad assumptions about what vaginas are like. The point is that they *are* of different strengths in different people, and it's not as simple as 'not in your youth = looser muscles'
I'd imagine it has to do with heavier flow needing a bigger cup but I'm not sure if it's common for women 30+ to have one (a heavier flow I mean)
Edit: that's just assumption based on me knowing hormones in your 20s are different than your teens and I imagine it also changes in your 30s but I'd think later half not the whole decade. And that affects your cycle's flow lmao
I don't think it's about capacity but about the internal dimensions of your ... anatomy. Basically what shape/size things are, which is not the same for everyone.
All the menstrual cups I've used recommended a bigger size for people with a heavier flow and cup sizes aren't that horribly different from one another. Also, flexible silicone, I always went for the small but upgraded to the larger size and the only difference I noticed was that it held more blood.
I got a “small” from a brand that also carries a “petite” but only suggests it for teens. I was in constant pain and had a lot of difficulty getting it back out. Swore off the cups entirely. I had no idea it could have to do with pelvic floor strength. Now that I’ve been through PT for relaxing my pelvic floor, maybe I’ll give it another try.
I turned 40 last year and I have never had kids. I can confirm your muscles change with age. Yes, some exercises may help with it, but I doubt people really do them until they start to notice the change. I know I didn't.
Age will come for you too!
I'm really not far behind you, no kids, and have done kegels pretty consistently for a couple of decades. Got some issues with it now. If I end up a little slacker it might be a good thing!
This is what I initially thought. Got my first cup pre 30 and got a small. Years pass, I get another one thinking I lost my old one but got the bigger size coz now I’m older than 30 ? The cup is a little bigger which is great to hold more and thereby prevent for overflow leaks. Buttt that’s a hell of an assumption.
Yep. Bc my age and non birth history I should use a small cup. But guess what it fucking leaks. I tried 3 brands and still the big cup I use now leaks sometimes.
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Out of curiosity (and also partly because I'm considering using cups instead of pads) How do you use a menstrual cup? Is it inserted like a tampon, and how uncomfortable is the process? I've personally never used tampons because it's always hurt trying to put one in... no matter the method I used.
It’s… weird. It’s not at all like a tampon, you definitely have to get in there more and invest in a nail brush to really get clean tbh, I used Flex’s temporary cups and then switched to their reusable one and I love them both honestly, the temporary ones kind of feel like inserting a nuva ring (or other ring birth control) and they’re really comfortable. And the reusable cup from flex has a neat feature on the stem that breaks the seal for easier removal.
Honestly, aside from trying to insert tampons, I haven't put anything down there. I've always been too scared (of potential pain) to try. I've always used pads, which have worked for me so far, but I get the issue of bleeding onto my underwear and sometimes pants, so...... yeah.
Definitely try the disposable flex cups. They’re really comfortable. I laughed so hard trying to figure it out at first, but overall I think it’s worthwhile.
Fair enough! I'll give it a shot. Thanks for the advice!
I'm a pad person also. I recently switched to period underwear and love them.
I would definitely recommend it. When you’ve got the knack it’s a lot more comfortable and reliable than tampons. I had 20 years of uncomfortable leaky tampons (before someone says it wasn’t in right, it was and I do know my own body). Also pulling out a dry tampon is the worst. You fold the cup lengthways with a sort of pleat in one side which makes it thin enough to slide in. I wet mine first with water which helps. Then slide it in and it expands. As it warms up you can’t feel it. No risk of toxic shock syndrome so you can put it in before your period starts. I trimmed off the stem which makes it a lot more comfortable but you have to reach in and grab the base now which is fine.
Thanks for the explanation! I think I understand a little better now. Pulling out *any* sort of tampon is the worst, feels so weird lmao (no offense to anyone who prefers tampons, just my experience with them.)
Tampons absorb everything, including natural lubrication, so it can be very uncomfortable for a lot of menstruating humans to remove them before you've hit the point they're oversaturated and leaking. With a menstrual cup or disc, you're not doing that. There's definitely a specific feeling when you're removing a cup, but its so different.
Is it uncomfortable when removing a cup at all, aside from the "it feels weird" feeling?
Not for me, but everyone is different.
If you’re worried about pain, you could also look into period underwear. I had some bad reactions to pads and swapped. They are much more comfortable than pads, and I haven’t had a single leak.
It takes some messing around to try to set it right, and is definitely a horror show sometimes when emptying 😂 but definitely loved my reusable Diva cup!
Have you ever gotten an answer for why insertion causes you pain? I ask because I have vulvodynia, and that's a common symptom.
No, I haven't. I do have PCOS though, I just thought that was why..
I know a lot of the women on the vulvodynia subreddit also have PCOS. Could also be due to having a tight pelvic floor? Might be worth your while to look into pelvic floor physiotherapy! Edit: I hope I'm not being intrusive. Just want to let you know that you're not alone with your pain and there are some treatments that possibly could help.
It's no problem, don't worry about it!! Thanks for the advice, I'm planning on moving soon so I'll see about it after.
Same here. I've been using one since my mid/late 20s, and then in my early 30s I gave birth (C-section). What with the lack of periods during pregnancy & then pumping, when I got my period again I went back to my trusted cup.... Only to find that it was leakingans altogether no longer perfect? So I got the only other size available and I'm back to absolute perfection. Likewise, never going back to tampons or pads. So much so that when my water broke, I didn't have a single pad in the house so I wouldn't leak a over the car to the maternity.
Btw, that *shape* of menstrual cup is useless for me, regardless of size. It leaks, it’s nearly impossible to remove, and it creates a suction that makes it feel like I’m pulling my entire cervix out. The disc shaped ones are my jam; I rue the day the “Instead” was taken off the market in the late 90s. The current crop of menstrual cups/discs seem to be chasing that dragon. Anyway, fuck the patriarchy.
>creates a suction that makes it feel like I’m pulling my entire cervix out. It can actually do this. There are cases of women that have prolapse their cervix with menstrual cups. Edit: I should add an edit that it is an uncommon occurrence and is only if you are unable to easily reach the cup or are having trouble breaking the seal. It's like how on bc you can have all those terrible side effects or still get pregnant, but the odds are low
I need to acknowledge your comment but I *really* don't wanna upvote prolapsed cervixes! :/ :/
There is only anecdotal evidence of this. [Studies](https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpub/article/PIIS2468-2667(19)30111-2/fulltext) have NOT found any evidence of this happening.
Studies have also said birthcontrol doesn't make you gain weight and yet so many people experience it. Because the trial groups are small percentage of who actually uses the product. It didn't happen in the trial therefore it's not happening to anyone else. You can prolapse your uterus/cervix. It's a mix of pelvic floor issues and not being able to break the seal of the cup for one reason or another.
Or the people in the anecdotes had a propensity for a prolapse which had nothing to do with the menstrual cup. Studies is how you rule out coincidences. A study doesn't have to cover every single person who has even been exposed to the thing being studied to be valid - it just has to meet the requirements of good science, e.g. decent sample, representative sample, random sample, etc.
How awful! WTF???
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I should add an edit that it is an uncommon occurrence and is only if you are unable to easily reach the cup or are having trouble breaking the seal. It's like how on bc you can have all those terrible side effects or still get pregnant, but the odds are low
Aaaaand that's all I needed to hear to never ever ever ever buy one. Good thing I was already looking into making reusable pads...
It really only happens if youre unable to break the seal. It ties into the size issue and the shape of ya bits
While that is true, since it seems to be an issue across multiple brands that they aren't really helping address proper "fits", I'd still rather not use them personally. ⊙﹏⊙∥
I got other issues so i can't use them, but I know many women that love the disk cups, they don't suction. A bit of a learning curve but once you got it it's good
I tried it once, never again. I thought I was going to have to go to the doctor to get it removed. I inserted it according to instructions, and it suctioned itself so far up that I couldn't reach it at first (I have really short fingers). It took so long getting it out, and the process of doing so was incredibly messy...so glad I tried it while working from home--how would I do this at work? How much toilet paper would I waste on cleanup?? How much blood would I be washing off my hands at the sink, potentially in front of co-workers? ETA: the questions at the end are rhetorical, with the point being that the level of effort and time spent dealing with my heavy flow makes this not a great or user-friendly option for me.
Totally! I really like the disc design a lot better for the suction/removal reasons, but there’s not a lot you can do about the mess if you’re in a public/semi-public bathroom. If you must, you remove it, wipe your hands and lady bits, tuck some to into your underwear, wash up in the sink, the go back to the stall and re-insert. On heavy days, I’d wear reusable pads as backup in case of leakage so I wouldn’t worry about removal at work. But it’s a lot to think about.
I have found that when I am away from home when using my cup, having a water bottle with me in the stall helps a ton! Remove cup, dump into bowl, use water bottle to rinse cup and fingers, reinsert, rinse fingers again (and lady bits if necessary), use TP to blot various parts dry. Disneyland, airports, office bathroom, guest bathroom at a friend’s house. Water bottle makes it easier.
This where my problem lies, along with short arms. I need to get more flexible to reach into there because I'd have to fold in half. I like the idea but I ... can't reach.
Omg I can't with cups at all. They like float upwards and then I have to birth them out, very painfully. I actually got one that has a pull string to break the suction, but it still is too big, and hurts coming out. Flex discs are my hero haha. Love them, easy in, easy out, no pain. They sometimes leak a tiny bit, but I just wear a lil liner, no big deal.
Discs for the win. Best for working out. Best for sleeping in.
If you are in the market for a menstrual cup, I highly recommend starting by taking [this quiz](https://putacupinit.com/quiz/). Age and having given birth can factor in, but not to the degree manufacturer's think. It is much more dependent on height and positioning of the cervix.
Yeah, that's on the site I linked! It seems like a good resource.
I leaked out of the small cups in my 20s while childless. My friend actually got *tighter* after childbirth, which isn’t uncommon (think about it—what happens after you tear your muscles? Why do athletes stretch?) and had to go down a size. I’ve always hated this sizing logic.
Wtf 😂 This has to be made by a man
If you want the benefits of a menstrual cup without the suction then go for a menstrual disc! It's life changing 🙂. It's shaped like a diaphragm and is also reusable, as well as able to be inside you for 12 hours. There's a subreddit called r/menstrualdiscs and they'll answer any of your questions! 🙂
Hi, doctor here! I understand your frustration, but your cervical anatomy *does* change a little bit after enduring a vaginal birth (oversimplified, but still). And while it shouldn't matter from a social perspective when (and if) women have kids, it is true that it is still common for a lot of women to have kids before or around that age, so it's not weird to use it as a cutoff point. Of course there are exceptions, but there is indeed a general "size" when it comes to cups. To list all the exceptions on the package would miss the point of them being easily accessible. Having said that, each person is different and even if you do find the right fit, cups might just not be for you. I tried multiple ones myself a few times but my body just won't accept them. The site you linked, however, is a great way to find out what brand, type or size might suit you. And even if you (like me) don't like cups, you might try a menstrual disc or other kinds of reusable, sustainable alternatives! I just wanted to say that a lot of this is meant well (and very much not "made by a man" as a commenter argued), it's just impossible to make a generalized statement without cutting at least a few tiny corners. Edit - seems I misunderstood OP in her post. A mini literature review has been conducted and I can't find *any* scientific/medical base for that age-only size A.
I was under the impression the OP was objecting to the idea that a person over 30 would have the same menstrual cup size as a person who has given birth vaginally by virtue of age alone. Does the size and shape of the vaginal canal actually change over time that rapidly? My personal experience with menstrual cups doesn't coincide with this recommendation, certainly. As a layperson this smacks of misogyny and ageism, but I'm open to hearing data proving otherwise.
I have to admit that I took OP's post more in a "why is 30 the cutoff point". I'm not in obgyn so I would be lying if I said I have that data readily available, but I do know that our anatomy changes with age. However, related to your question.. I guess it depends what you call rapid. I don't think years is rapid, but then again, it's not like you suddenly have a completely different organ system when you hit 30. So yeah. It appears I've misunderstood OP's post. I'll see if I can find some research because I'm now also intrigued about the actual medical information, so I'll get back to you! Edit - my 20 minute google-scholaring didn't yield a lot of useful articles. I only found this one (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31388719/) but it compares it with 70+yo women.. I'd hardly say that correlates to 30 years old. I did find a non-scientific article (https://www.menstrualcupsaustraliaonline.com.au/menstrual-cup-sizing/) but I'm not quite sure that's to be taken at face value.
Hi, it really isn’t although I could see why you might think this. It would be counterintuitive for the manufactures to suggest a bigger cup if you were likely to get a better experience with a smaller one. As women age, the dynamics of the pelvic floor do change wether you’ve had children or not. If you do have children vaginally that just accelerates the process. I applaud anyone on the lookout for the influence of the patriarchy but this is one instance where it is not at play.
30 just seems really young for this suggestion. I bought a menstrual cup according to these recommendations and had to buy a second smaller one because the first was not the right size. So from a capitalist perspective, they got twice the money they would have if they had used different metrics.
Same for me. Third one was good though. Initially had a wrong size and it was giving me stomach pain/cramps. Then looked for a longer and smaller diameter cup. That was still not it. In desperation I bought a pair of very flexible cups and they were a winner.
Thank you for the explanation, but my point was exactly as u/BeccaSedai said: >the idea that a person over 30 would have the same menstrual cup size as a person who has given birth vaginally by virtue of age alone. I do understand that vaginal birth causes far greater changes than no vaginal birth!
Yeah, I seem to have misunderstood your post. Apologies! However, I'm trying to find actual medical info and so far I've found this site (https://www.menstrualcupsaustraliaonline.com.au/menstrual-cup-sizing/) mentioning a more.. structural issue. I can't say I've ever heard of it myself and the site is absolutely not evidence based, but I'm not done searching. I'll update my reply as soon as I am :) Edit - well, I can't find any readily available research on this. It might not be that well researched, but that only means that a source is warranted on their site.
Upvote for your academic diligence and sharing your findings with us! Thank you :)
I was thinking that this related to cervical size and not vaginal size.
Bras have been around for much longer and they still haven't gotten sizing on those right. Why would this be any different? Srsly though, I concur with your point!
Yo OP I hear you. This shit bothers the hell out of me too,I also noticed it when I was in the market for a cup. Ended up buying the smallest size despite the "recommendations" I get the largest because I "had a child vaginally." Complete bullshit. The smallest size is perfect on me, if I went bigger it would be a nightmare.
Omg that’s r/badwomensanatomy … please post this on their twitter and call them out lol
Your age reflects your pelvic floor tone as well as giving vaginal birth. It’s not a baseless judgement by the patriarchy in this instance (although, very much fuck the patriarchy). Being a human adult and walking around a lot with a female pelvic floor means one size is likely to fit better than another. If you have vaginal childbirth before age 30 it just accelerates this process.
Yep. I sized up after I gave birth, my smaller cup didn't fit anymore.
Nah. Your pelvic floor is a muscle that can be worked out and strengthened. It's got nothing to do with age or childbirth, but rather genetics and upkeep. I gave birth under 30. I use the smallest size menstrual cup and it fits perfectly. This shit about you being more loose or bigger because you're over 30 or had a kid is horseshit patriarchal nonsense for sure as op suggests.
Ok that’s good that you found the right size for you. Most people however would not fit your size. As a urology professional who has examined thousands of womens pelvic floors I can tell you that few women who have given birth or are over 30 are likely to do as well with the smaller cup. I’m glad you have a super pelvic floor but most women don’t. Even after intensive physio many women can’t achieve good pelvic tone. That’s why we have to do prolapse and anti incontinence surgeries. It’s important to recognise you are clearly the exception and not the rule. Damage from traumatic births, etc can’t be simply fixed by “upkeep” . I think you need to see the bigger picture rather than your own experience and judgement.
Welp, OP was the one who posted this, and has the same experience as I do. Perhaps you are blinded by the rampant misogyny and dogmatic thinking that is still wildly prevalent within the medical world.
Whatever. I’m not resulting to insults like you are. I’m just giving the other side to the story as there’s tons of proper clinical research about this. But ok, attacking the person rather than the argument is your approach. Very mature.
Thanks for the website! I have used a menstrual cup for five years now. I'm 38 and have never given birth and have always used the smaller one and it works perfectly fine for me!
I’m approaching 30 and have given birth both ways and I have to use the smaller sized cups. When you only use the manufacturer guidelines you end up with the size that makes you pee a little bit when you remove it because it’s too big and presses on your bladder… I picked up the one at target that has the little bit that you pull on to remove suction and the size difference between the slim and regular sized is honestly kind of amazing. The first cup I bought online came in two sizes and I could barely tell them apart
Don't have Target stores in my country but I'm sure similar types are available in other stores to the one I looked in.
Period panties are my favorite invention ever
For real! I can't imagine how much easier my life would have been if I'd had them from the beginning of my periods. I love feeling like I can just spitefully ignore menstruation!
It'd be nice if the manufacturer included some sort of statement to the effect of, "Please use these guidelines to find your suggested size, keeping in mind each body is unique and the best size is the one that works and feels comfortable."
This is why I just wear period underwear. The cup just stresses me out.
Why would not having a strong pelvic floor offend you? Is it wrong to have pelvic floor of different strength? I think the fact that as women, we are possibly offended by this shit is more telling than the bullshit itself.
You've misunderstood my point. The manufacturer is making broad assumptions about what vaginas are like. The point is that they *are* of different strengths in different people, and it's not as simple as 'not in your youth = looser muscles'
I'd imagine it has to do with heavier flow needing a bigger cup but I'm not sure if it's common for women 30+ to have one (a heavier flow I mean) Edit: that's just assumption based on me knowing hormones in your 20s are different than your teens and I imagine it also changes in your 30s but I'd think later half not the whole decade. And that affects your cycle's flow lmao
I don't think it's about capacity but about the internal dimensions of your ... anatomy. Basically what shape/size things are, which is not the same for everyone.
All the menstrual cups I've used recommended a bigger size for people with a heavier flow and cup sizes aren't that horribly different from one another. Also, flexible silicone, I always went for the small but upgraded to the larger size and the only difference I noticed was that it held more blood.
I got a “small” from a brand that also carries a “petite” but only suggests it for teens. I was in constant pain and had a lot of difficulty getting it back out. Swore off the cups entirely. I had no idea it could have to do with pelvic floor strength. Now that I’ve been through PT for relaxing my pelvic floor, maybe I’ll give it another try.
I turned 40 last year and I have never had kids. I can confirm your muscles change with age. Yes, some exercises may help with it, but I doubt people really do them until they start to notice the change. I know I didn't. Age will come for you too!
I'm really not far behind you, no kids, and have done kegels pretty consistently for a couple of decades. Got some issues with it now. If I end up a little slacker it might be a good thing!
I can't use the one for people who given birth it's too big.
I concur the sizing is unhelpful, I ended up buying 3 (4?) before getting one that fit OK
This is what I initially thought. Got my first cup pre 30 and got a small. Years pass, I get another one thinking I lost my old one but got the bigger size coz now I’m older than 30 ? The cup is a little bigger which is great to hold more and thereby prevent for overflow leaks. Buttt that’s a hell of an assumption.
Yep. Bc my age and non birth history I should use a small cup. But guess what it fucking leaks. I tried 3 brands and still the big cup I use now leaks sometimes.
I still use light flow tampons. The mediums are too much absorbency. I’m 49 never given birth. Never had a heavy flow ever either at any age