Menstrual cups are reusable devices that collect menstrual blood inside your vagina. The types of menstrual cups are made of silicone, rubber, or latex, and come in different shapes and sizes. Menstrual cups can offer many advantages over other menstrual products, such as being eco-friendly, cost-effective, safe, and convenient.
However, not all menstrual cups are the same. There are different types of menstrual cups that suit different needs and preferences. To choose the right menstrual cup for you, you need to consider several factors, such as your age, cervix height, flow, pelvic floor muscles, and personal preference.
Types of Menstrual Cups
There are many brands and models of menstrual cups on the market today. They vary in size, shape, material, color, design, and price. Some of the most popular brands include DivaCup, Lena Cup, Mooncup, Lunette, Saalt, Ruby Cup, and Nixit. However, regardless of the brand or model, there are two main types of menstrual cups: bell-shaped cups and disc-shaped cups.
Bell-Shaped Cups
Bell-shaped cups are the most common type of menstrual cups. They have a round or conical shape that resembles a bell or a tulip. The cups have a stem or a ring at the bottom that helps with insertion and removal. They fit below your cervix and create a seal around it to prevent leaks.
Bell-shaped cups come in different sizes, usually small and large. The size depends on the diameter and length of the cup, as well as the capacity. The capacity is the amount of blood that the cup can hold before it needs to be emptied. The capacity ranges from 15 to 40 milliliters (ml), depending on the brand and model.
Bell-shaped cups are suitable for most women with different cervix heights, flows, and pelvic floor muscles. However, some women may prefer a shorter or longer cup depending on their anatomy and comfort level.
Disc-Shaped Cups
Disc-shaped cups are a newer type of menstrual cups that are shaped like a disc or a diaphragm. They have a thin rim and a soft pouch that collects blood. They have no stem or ring at the bottom. The cups fit around your cervix instead of below it and create a seal behind your pubic bone to prevent leaks.
Disc-shaped cups come in one size that fits most women. The size depends on the diameter of the rim and the depth of the pouch. The capacity is not measured in milliliters but in hours. The capacity ranges from 6 to 12 hours, depending on your flow and how often you empty it.
Disc-shaped cups are suitable for women with different cervix heights and flows. However, they may not be comfortable for women with sensitive bladders or pelvic floor muscles, as they may put pressure on them. They may also be more difficult to insert and remove than bell-shaped cups.
