
If you have not heard of cups here are reasons they might interest you, then I will share how to pick one out:
Pros:
- Saving money because you spend $35 and can use it for 5-10 years
- Use them anytime of the month
- You dont feel flooding/gushes
- Being healthy and preventing any TSS/ irritation issues because there are no icky bleaches, deodorizers or absorbency gels
- Saving the earth because no waste
- They hold more than pads or tampons= more sleep
- No strings, no bulk
- Discreet when packing a suitcase
- No/minimal odor
- Super easy once you get the hang of it
- Great for all sports, swimming and travelling
- Tons of options!!!
So let's pretend that we are in feminine product aisle of the store, and I'll help you pick out which is best for you. These options are important because with a cup that isn't a match for your body, you won't get all the nice benefits you should have access to. Here are some things to consider---
1) Your birthing experience
If you have had a natural birth, you'll likely want a bigger width to your cup... When you use a cup, you're looking for it to seal along your insides, so there is a good chance a momma needs more width to her cup and that the rest of us don't. Also sexual activity in general might play a factor, but thats not something I know much about if you know what I mean :)
2. Stiffness of the cup
Both soft and firm are good things. Soft ones wont pop open and seal properly when you insert them-- but firmer ones can also be harder to break the seal and there is more pressure felt when wearing it. You'll also want to note that some cups are firmer or softer at the rim than the base and sometimes squishy cups can still be be springy at the rim.
3. Capacity.
Almost all of the smallest cups can hold a super tampon and a half of fluid, but many can hold a lot more than that. This will correlate with how long and wide it is. Each cup is different and will tell you the capacity on their page. Depending how high up your cervix is really depends the capacity limits. The Femmecycle (I think) is one to look into for low ones.
*The NaturalMama, my goldilocks (read: favorite) cup is perfect for me. Here is some stats on it:
NaturalMama
Stiffness: Soft (but springy!!)
Capacity: 27 to holes/ 33 to rim
Body Length: 56mm
Stem: flat, short stem
Width: 44mm
These are other cups that may work for you and once you get a general idea of what is going to work, you can check further color and stem options. Check them out and leave me your questions!!
The cup on the right is a Lily Cup. It is not their compact model, but awesome for being able roll up for super easy use.
The cup on the right is a Lunette, one typically recommended as a first cup. It is neither firm nor soft, I believe.
The cup on the right is a Small MoonCup USA and is the same as the Keeper- only the Keeper is made of rubber, is the firmest cup on the market (not good if youve never used one!), but costs less.