How To Choose The Right Menstrual Cup Size For You!

June 4, 2023 Tracey Bailey

Fear not! Firstly, choosing the right menstrual cup size is not as hard as it sounds. Secondly, we are here to help!

Whether for beginners, teens, heavy flow, menopause or doing sport, our guide will help you know what size menstrual cup to get to find the best one for you. How to choose the right size menstrual cup for you | shop menstrual cups at Biome

Menstrual cups work by creating a seal; when a menstrual cup is worn correctly, it will be leak-free and comfortable. The truth is, whichever size you opt for will likely function. However, because a menstrual cup is an investment that you will have for a while, it's best to ensure the size you choose will best serve you for your unique requirements over the years to come. Everybody is different, and multiple factors could affect how to determine your menstrual cup size.

Do menstrual cups come in different sizes?

No two brands will have the same system for sizing their menstrual cups, and there isn't a generalised "size guide" that you can apply across the board. Generally, the size of a menstrual cup refers to the diameter. We will break down the sizes offered by the brands you find here at Biome.

Sizes for the Lunette period cup

The Lunette menstrual cup comes in two sizes: size 1 and size 2. All of the Lunette cups are soft and pliable, but the size 1 is made of softer silicone than the size 2. The softer silicone could be a better match for younger and first-time users and those with a more sensitive bladder.

Size 1 holds 25ml and has a diameter of 41mm. (Recommended for light to normal flow or teens and young adults)
Size 2 holds 30ml and has a diameter of 46mm. (Recommended for normal to heavy flow)

Shop Lunette here .

Sizes for the OrganiCup

The OrganiCup comes in three sizes - Size A, Size B and the mini.

Mini holds 19ml and has a diameter of 37mm. (Recommended for teenagers or those who need a smaller size)
Size A holds 27ml and has a diameter of 41mm. (Recommended for those who haven't given birth vaginally)
Size B holds 33ml and has a diameter of 44mm. (Recommended for who have given birth vaginally)

Shop OrganiCup here.

Sizes for the Juju menstrual cup

The Juju menstrual cup comes in four sizes - Size 1, Size 2, Size 3 and Size 4.

Unlike some of the other brands, the Juju sizes don't simply go up in ml and diameter but are different lengths and shapes.

Size 1 is recommended for those who are under 30 and have not given birth.
Size 2 is recommended for those who are over 30 or have given birth.
Size 3 is recommended if you have a high cervix or long vaginal canal.
Size 4 is recommended if you have a low cervix or a short vaginal canal.

Juju menstrual cup sizes

Shop Juju menstrual cups here.

Other things to consider for menstrual cup sizes

Flow

Flow can be impacted for a number of reasons and it can change through different stages of life, identifying your flow will help you find the size that works for you.

A general guide for identifying a heavy flow: if you note 80ml or more for your entire cycle or 16 soaked tampons or pads for a whole process (1) or you needed to change a tampon or pad every few hours. As flow is self-identified, have patience with yourself as you find what works for you and your body.

Age

Teens, tweens, and younger adults are more likely to find the smaller sizes more comfortable. The smaller sizes are easier to insert and remove, making the transition to menstrual cups more comfortable. As some women age, they can experience a loss of pelvic floor muscle definition due to hormonal changes. Therefore the larger sizes might be a more suitable match.

Pregnancy and childbirth

Pregnancy is a highly individual journey, and everybody reacts and transforms differently to going through pregnancy. Usually, the larger sizes will suit somebody who has delivered a child through vaginal birth. It is recommended to avoid using a menstrual cup during pregnancy and for postpartum bleeding or discharge.

Cervix

As menstrual cups are worn in the vaginal canal, sitting below the cervix, the cervix length can be a factor in finding the right fit for you. For example, if you have a lower sitting cervix, a shorter model would be a better fit. For the best result, we recommend measuring the length of your cervix to know which range you fall into. Also, remember to measure your cervix while you are on your period; this is because your cervix moves throughout your cycle.

Lifestyle

Lifestyle is another factor to consider when choosing your menstrual cup size. If you have an active lifestyle and strong pelvic floor muscles, you will likely benefit from a smaller size. A firmer cup is also more suitable for somebody with a more active lifestyle, as if the cup is too soft, it could get crushed during movement, which could cause leaking.

Bladder

For those who experience any form of bladder issue such as a sensitive bladder, it's recommended to opt for a softer cup. The firmness can pressure your bladder and create a constant feeling of needing to go to the bathroom. It's also not recommended to opt for a cup with a prominent rim, as this can also irritate and press on the bladder. Instead, it's recommended to opt for a soft cup.

What size menstrual cup should I use?

We recommend using all of the above information to decide based on your lifestyle and body. However, we know that a generalised suggestion is sometimes appreciated, so here's our choices to help you know what size menstrual cup to buy. But, please note: this is guidance only as we can not guarantee the cup will be best for you.

Best Menstrual Cup for Beginners

People can begin to use a menstrual cup at any age, so the decision on the best menstrual cup for beginners depends on the other factors we have explained above such as flow, childbirth, and size of your cervix.

For all beginners, it is important to remember to never pull by the stem when removing your cup. Use the stem to guide your fingers to the base of the cup, then pinch the cup to break the seal. Slowly pull down while continuing to pinch the base.

Best Menstrual Cup for Teens and Tweens

Can someone aged 12 or 13 use a menstrual cup? Yes, once someone has started periods they can use a period cup, no matter their age. However, younger girls may find it difficult to insert a cup, as many do even with tampons at first.

They will need careful guidance to learn how to insert and safely remove the cup. Always remind tweens and teens to never pull on the stem to remove.

We recommend for teens and tweens, and those with a lighter flow or those requiring a smaller size. OrganiCup’s Mini.

Best cup for those who have not delivered a child vaginally and with normal flow

Juju model 1
OrganiCup’s size A
Lunette size 1

Best menstrual cup for heavy flow, have delivered a baby vaginally, or are over 30 years of age

Juju’s model 2
OrganiCup’s size B
Lunette’s size 2

Best menstrual cup for menopause

Many women find a menstrual cup benefits them during menopause when your vagina is often more dry. Period cups leave your vaginal ph and wetness more in balance, unlike tampons which suck up all your vaginal fluid.

Be careful if you have an IUD, as using a cup could dislocated the IUD. Consult with your GP.

The best menstrual cup to use during menopause depends on the factors explained above.

Best menstrual cup for those with a sensitive bladder

For those with bladder sensitivities our OrganiCup range is the softest.

Best menstrual cup for sports and an active lifestyle

For those with very active lifestyles who want to minimise the risk of leaking we suggest the Lunette 2 as our firmest cup. A menstrual cup can be used while swimming, running and doing yoga.

Best menstrual cup for a short cervix

If you have found that you have a very short cervix, we suggest the size 1 period cup in the Lunette range or the model 4 in the Juju range

Shop all menstrual cups

Lastly, when using a menstrual cup they can sometimes overflow. We suggest wearing washable and reusable period underwear such as Modibodi to catch the flows. A reusable wet bag is also handy should you need to store your cup on the go.

We hope that you feel confident in how to choose your menstrual cup size! If you have any further questions or need any more information about choosing the right period cup for you then please visit one of our stores or contact our customer service team.