Menstrual Cup
SIZE GUIDE

Flo Angel Menstrual Cup Size Guide South Africa

FloAngel Menstrual Cup Size Guide

Every body is unique

When selecting the correct menstrual cup size it can be a daunting task especially for first time users or when changing brands. Every brand has different sizing, one brand’s small might be compared to another brand’s large.   Our Menstrual Cup Size Guide leads you in selecting the correct Flo Angel menstrual cup size to suit your body. Remember: Every body is unique, vagina’s come in all different sizes and shapes and finding the right fit cup for your body is important to ensure a good comfortable fit and to prevent leakages. 

Flo Angel Lulu Menstrual Cups come in two sizes: Small and Large

Flo Angel Menstrual Cup Size South Africa
Flo Angel Menstrual Cup Size Guide

What menstrual cup size is right for me?

There are so many things in life you have to consider, and your vagina’s size has certainly not been one of them… till now. Not to worry! We have put together a complete menstrual cup size guide to empower you in choosing the correct menstrual cup size for you. 

FloAngel menstrual cups are soft and pliable, our period cups conform to your body shape.  We are all made differently and choosing the correct cup size will ensure a more comfortable fit. If you choose the correct cup size, you should not be able to detect your cup when inserted (amazing right!). 

When it comes to choosing the correct menstrual cup size that will suit you there are two main factors to consider:

Have you given birth vaginally?

Are you over or under the age of 30?

These two factors are important to consider because as we age our pelvic floor becomes weaker and giving vaginal birth also impacts our pelvic floor. With these factors in mind we recommend the following:

  • If you have given a vaginal birth: Large
  • If you have given birth with a C-Section and are under the age of 30: Small
  • If you are under 30 and have never given birth: Small
  • If you are over the age of 30: Large
Flo Angel Menstrual Cup Size Guide

There are times when you would have to consider other variables when selecting the correct menstrual cup size for you, these include:

Are you a virgin or teenager?

Menstrual cups can be worn at any age when menstruation starts. We do recommend that users are comfortable with their body before using a menstrual cup.  

Using a menstrual cup can potentially stretch or cause changes to the hymen, but it’s important to understand that the hymen is a flexible and stretchable piece of tissue that naturally changes over time due to various activities and hormonal changes. The hymen is not a solid barrier that “breaks” during activities like using menstrual products, sexual intercourse, or physical activities.

Here’s some information to consider:

  1. Flexibility: The hymen is a thin membrane located at the opening of the vagina. It has an opening that allows menstrual blood to pass through. Using a menstrual cup, which is designed to be inserted into the vagina, may stretch the hymen slightly, similar to how inserting a tampon or engaging in physical activities can. However, this stretching is usually minimal and not necessarily indicative of loss of virginity or any harm.

  2. Normal Activities: Everyday activities like walking, running, riding a bike, or even using your fingers to explore your own body can also stretch or change the hymen. Many girls and women have hymens that naturally have an opening or are more flexible.

  3. Comfort and Relaxation: Proper insertion of a menstrual cup involves relaxation and ensuring that the cup is inserted correctly. The vaginal muscles can stretch and accommodate the cup comfortably. It’s important to use a cup that is the right size for you and to follow the recommended insertion and removal instructions to minimize any potential discomfort.

  4. Virginity Myth: The concept of “virginity” is complex and varies culturally. It’s important to remember that the state of the hymen does not determine someone’s virginity. Virginity is a social and cultural construct and has different meanings in different societies.

If you have concerns about using a menstrual cup and its potential impact on your hymen, you can consider speaking with a healthcare provider. They can provide you with accurate information, address any concerns you may have, and offer guidance on using menstrual products comfortably and safely. Remember that the hymen is a normal part of female anatomy that naturally changes over time, and using menstrual products should not cause significant or harmful changes.

Pelvic floor tone and strength

Menstrual cup size selection may be different due to pelvic floor strength and tone. Pelvic floor strength is influenced by a combination of factors, including genetics, lifestyle, hormonal changes, pregnancy and childbirth, age, and certain medical conditions. 

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and tissues that provide support to the pelvic organs (such as the bladder, uterus, and rectum) and play a crucial role in various bodily functions. Here are some factors that can influence pelvic floor strength

If you regularly do pelvic floor exercises, lead an active lifestyle or do other exercises like yoga, or pilates we recommend the size small. (Whether you have given birth vaginally or not.)

There might various reasons for a woman to have a weaker pelvic floor:

  • a sedentary lifestyle
  • hormonal fluctuations and changes with age
  • chronic constipation
  • obesity
  •  high impact activities that strain the pelvic muscles
  • medical conditions such as prolapse, neurological conditions and  surgical procedures

In the case of weaker pelvic floor muscles we recommend users the suitable menstrual cup size will be the Flo Angel Large Menstrual Cup

Cervical Height

Cervix height refers to the position of the cervix within the vaginal canal. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It can move up and down throughout your menstrual cycle and can affect your comfort and the fit of a menstrual cup.

Understanding your cervix height can help you select a menstrual cup size that fits well and is comfortable to wear.

There are generally three categories of cervix height:

Low Cervix:

    • If you can easily reach your cervix with your finger, you likely have a low cervix.
    • A low cervix means that your cervix is closer to the vaginal opening.
    • You may find that a shorter or “low cervix” menstrual cup is more comfortable, as it won’t extend too far into your vaginal canal.

Medium Cervix:

    • If you can reach your cervix with your finger inserted about to your second knuckle, you likely have a medium cervix.
    • A medium cervix is located in the middle of the vaginal canal.
    • Most standard or regular-sized menstrual cups should work well for individuals with a medium cervix.

High Cervix:

    • If you can’t easily reach your cervix or need to insert your finger deeply to reach it, you likely have a high cervix.
    • A high cervix means that your cervix is located deeper within the vaginal canal.
    • You may prefer a longer cup that can accommodate your high cervix and provide a comfortable fit.

Selecting the right menstrual cup size based on cervix height is important because a cup that is too long for your cervix height might be uncomfortable or difficult to insert, while a cup that is too short might not provide adequate leakage protection.

To determine your cervix height, you can follow these steps:

  1. Wash your hands thoroughly.
  2. Insert a clean finger into your vagina until you feel your cervix. Note how far you can insert your finger before touching your cervix.
  3. Based on your findings, you can choose a menstrual cup length that corresponds to your cervix height.

When selecting a menstrual cup size based on cervix height, consider looking for cups labeled as “low cervix” or “short” if you have a low cervix, and opt for standard or regular-sized cups if you have a medium cervix. If you have a high cervix, you might consider cups with longer lengths for a comfortable fit.

Keep in mind that individual anatomy varies, and some experimentation might be necessary to find the best fit and comfort for you.

If you have a short vaginal canal (low cervix) please choose a small menstrual cup size. Flo Angel Lulu Menstrual Cups have a trimmable stem – in the event that your cervix is very low and you find the stem uncomfortable you can simply cut the stem shorter.  

For a long vaginal canal (high cervix) we recommend a large cup. 

If you would like to learn more about your cervix height – view this great resource video. 

It’s important to note that pelvic floor strength and health can be improved through targeted exercises known as Kegel exercises. These exercises involve contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles to enhance strength and control. If you have concerns about your pelvic floor health, experiencing symptoms such as urinary incontinence or pelvic pain, or are preparing for pregnancy or childbirth, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider or a pelvic floor physical therapist. They can provide personalized guidance and exercises to help you maintain or improve pelvic floor strength.

Period flow rate and flow volume

Period flow rate and volume are two distinct but related aspects of menstrual bleeding. Understanding both can help you choose the right menstrual cup size for you. 

Period Flow Rate: Flow rate refers to how quickly or slowly menstrual blood is expelled from the body. It is usually categorized into different levels:

  1. Light Flow: Minimal blood loss. You may not need to change a menstrual product as frequently (e.g., every 6-8 hours).

  2. Moderate Flow: Steady blood loss. You may need to change a menstrual product every 4-6 hours.

  3. Heavy Flow: Significant blood loss. You may need to change a menstrual product every 2-4 hours.

  4. Very Heavy Flow: Exceptionally heavy blood loss. You may need to change a menstrual product every 1-2 hours.

Period Flow Volume: Flow volume refers to the amount of menstrual blood expelled from the body over a specific period, usually measured in milliliters (ml) or the number of sanitary products used:

  1. Light Flow: Minimal blood loss, typically fewer than three small-sized sanitary products per day.

  2. Moderate Flow: Steady blood loss, usually requiring three to five regular-sized sanitary products per day.

  3. Heavy Flow: Significant blood loss, requiring more than five regular-sized sanitary products per day or a combination of regular and overnight products.

  4. Very Heavy Flow: Exceptionally heavy blood loss, necessitating frequent changes and the use of high-absorbency products.

Menstrual Cup Usage and Flow: When using a menstrual cup, understanding both flow rate and volume is essential when selecting the correct menstrual cup size:

  • Choosing the Right Size: Understanding your flow rate and volume helps you choose a cup with the appropriate capacity and comfort level.

  • Emptying Frequency: Knowing your flow rate and volume helps you estimate how often you need to empty the menstrual cup to prevent leakage and discomfort.

  • Monitoring and Comfort: Monitoring the cup’s fill level helps prevent overflow. Flo Angel menstrual cups has measurement lines to aid in gauging your flow volume.

Both flow rate and volume can vary from person to person and cycle to cycle. Tracking your flow patterns over several menstrual cycles can provide insights into your needs and will help you select the right menstrual products for each day of your period.

If your monthly flow is very heavy the large menstrual cup size would be more suitable, although the small menstrual cup can also be suitable and would just be needed to be emptied more often. For a light to normal flow the small menstrual cup size would be prefect. Those with a heavy menstrual flow might consider buying two menstrual cup sizes – both the large and the small. The large would be worn on the first 2 to 3 days of your period and then switch over to the small for the remainder of your period. 

Flo Angel menstrual cups can hold the equivalent of 3 to 4 tampons giving you up to 12 hours of continuous wear before you have to empty and reinsert your menstrual cup. No matter what menstrual cup size you choose you will have a lot more freedom using a period cup than any other alternative period care product. 

 

Still Not Sure What Size To Buy?

Flo Angel Small and Large Menstrual Cup Set

Get the best of both worlds with the Small and Large Flo Angel Menstrual Cup Set

  • 1 X Small Cup
  • 1 X Large Cup
  • 1 X Menstrual Cup Sanitizer
  • 1 X Manual
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