Finding the perfect menstrual product can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, especially if you have a high cervix. Yet, with the surge in popularity of menstrual cups, women with a high cervix have several options tailored to their unique anatomy.
Understanding the High Cervix
To find the right menstrual cup, it’s essential first to understand what it means to have a high cervix. Throughout the menstrual cycle, the cervix—the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vaginal canal—changes position. For some, the cervix sits higher in the vaginal canal, especially during menstruation. This means that when inserting a menstrual cup, one might need to push it further up than someone with a low cervix.
The position of the cervix can be determined by inserting a clean index finger into the vaginal canal. If you can reach the cervix only with the tip of your finger or not at all, you likely have a high cervix.
Why is Cervix Height Crucial?
Cervix height plays a pivotal role in choosing a menstrual cup. Most menstrual cups are designed for an average cervix height. However, if you have a high cervix and opt for a shorter menstrual cup, you might find it challenging to reach and remove. Conversely, those with a very low cervix using period cup with a longer cup might experience discomfort.
Choosing the Right Menstrual Cup for a High Cervix
Longer Cup Design
Cups like the Lily Cup and Diva Cup have a longer, rounded body, making them suitable for a high cervix. Their elongated design ensures they sit comfortably within a long vaginal canal without causing any discomfort.
Narrower Cup
A narrower cup might be more comfortable for some, especially if combined with a higher cervix. This ensures that thicker rim of the cup sits securely without exerting pressure on the vaginal walls or the sensitive bladder.
Material and Flexibility
Menstrual cups made from medical grade silicone are soft yet firm enough to pop open once inside. They adapt to the vaginal walls, ensuring a snug fit, especially vital for those with a high cervix.
Capacity
If you have a heavy flow along with a high cervix, it’s essential to choose a cup with a larger capacity, like the Saalt cup or Juju cup. These cups ensure longer wear times without the need for frequent emptying.
Finding The Best Menstrual Cup For You
Some individuals prefer menstrual discs over period cups. Reusable menstrual discs sit at the base of the cervix, collecting menstrual fluid. They can be a viable option for those with a high cervix, but it’s essential to get acquainted with their insertion method.
Trial and Error: Your Best Bet
One size doesn’t fit all, especially when it comes to the best menstrual cups around. It might take trying out different menstrual cups to find the perfect cup for your high cervix. Brands like Diva Cup, Lily Cup, and Saalt Cup are renowned for their quality and variety, but there are numerous other cups on the market. The key is patience and understanding your own body.
For more than a decade, menstrual cups have transformed many women’s reproductive health experiences. Their eco-friendliness combined with convenience makes them a favorite. For those with a high cervix, finding the right cup might require some exploration, but the comfort and freedom they offer make the journey worth it.
Benefits of Using a Menstrual Cup for High Cervix Users
The world of menstrual products has evolved dramatically over the years, and menstrual cups have emerged as a leading choice for many women. For those with a high cervix, the benefits can be even more pronounced.
Extended Wear Time
With the cervix positioned higher, there’s more room in the vaginal canal, allowing for cups with greater capacities. A higher capacity cup means it can hold more menstrual fluid, making it especially beneficial for those with a heavy flow. Brands like the Saalt cup and Venus cup offer longer wear times of up to 12 hours, reducing the need for frequent changes.
Fewer Leaks
The design of longer menstrual cups for high cervixes ensures a snug fit against the vaginal walls. This reduces the likelihood of leaks, especially when the cup is positioned correctly below vaginal wall of the cervix, capturing all menstrual flow.
Cost-Effective in the Long Run
Although the initial investment in a menstrual cup might seem high, remember that these cups can last for more than a decade if maintained properly. This longevity of period cups translates to significant savings when compared to the recurring costs of disposable menstrual products.
Eco-Friendly Choice
Unlike disposable tampons and pads, menstrual cups are reusable. By switching to a reusable menstrual disc or cup, you contribute to reducing landfill waste. The planet will thank you for it!
Natural and Safe
Most menstrual cups, including the Lily cup and Diva cup, are made from medical grade silicone. This material is hypoallergenic, latex-free, and free from harmful chemicals, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience. Moreover, silicone cups are gentle on the vaginal walls, reducing the risk of micro-tears that can sometimes occur with other menstrual products.
Active Lifestyle Friendly
For those who lead an active lifestyle, the comfortable position of the menstrual cup is a boon. Whether you’re into yoga, swimming, or hiking, the cup stays securely in place. The longer body of cups designed for a high cervix ensures they remain comfortably positioned, even during strenuous activities.
Understanding Different Menstrual Cup Varieties
With so many different menstrual cups on the market, it can be daunting to choose the right one, especially if you’re a first-time cup user. However, understanding the subtle differences can help:
- Length and Shape: The primary consideration for high cervix users is the length of the cup. Cups like the Lily cup have a longer body, making them an ideal choice. Some cups also come with extended stems, which can be trimmed based on personal comfort.
- Material and Rigidity: While medical grade silicone is the most common material, some cups, like the Kind cup, might use thermoplastic elastomer. The rigidity of the cup can also vary. A softer cup might be easier to fold and insert, while a firmer cup can pop open more easily once inside.
- Capacity and Diameter: These factors play a crucial role, especially for those with a heavy flow or wider vaginal canal. Brands often offer different menstrual cup size options, so consider both your flow and cervix height when choosing.
Tips for First-Time High Cervix Cup Users
Embarking on your menstrual cup journey can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience. Add a high cervix to the mix, and you’ve got a unique set of considerations to mull over. But fear not! Here’s a curated list of tips to ease your initiation:
Measure Your Cervix Height
Before you delve into purchasing a menstrual cup, it’s essential to measure your cervix height. This can be done by inserting a clean index finger into your vagina. The point at which you can feel the tip of your cervix (it feels like the tip of your nose) indicates your cervical height. If you’re touching it with the tip of your finger, you’ve got a high cervix.
Choose the Right Cup Length
For those with a high cervix, a longer cup is ideal. This ensures that the cup is easily reachable for removal. Brands like the Lily cup, Juju cup, and the Diva cup offer variations suited for shorter cup or for a higher cervix.
Practice Insertion and Removal
For first-time cup users, especially those with a high cervix, the insertion and removal process might seem a tad intimidating. Familiarizing yourself with the “folded cup” technique can be helpful. Remember, the more relaxed you are, the smoother the process.
Keep Tabs on the Stem
Many menstrual cups come with a stem to aid in removal. Depending on the length of your vaginal canal, you might need to trim the stem to ensure it doesn’t protrude from your vaginal opening. Always ensure a little part of the stem remains in longer vaginal canal to aid in cup removal.
Use Water or a Water-Based Lubricant
A bit of lubrication can simplify the insertion process. Ensure you use a water-based lubricant, as silicone-based ones can degrade the quality of your menstrual cup over time.
Rotate to Seal
Once inserted, ensure your cup is fully open by rotating the cup inside it. This creates a seal against the vaginal walls, preventing any leaks. If you’ve opted for a softer silicone cup, ensuring the seal is even more crucial.
Your Menstrual Cycle and Cervix Height
A fascinating aspect of reproductive health is the dynamism of the cervix. Over the course of your menstrual cycle, the cervix moves. It’s generally the lowest during menstruation and elevates to its highest position around ovulation. Thus, while you may have a high cervix during most of your cycle, it might lower slightly during your period. This underpins the importance of understanding your own body and making menstrual product choices accordingly.
Moreover, other factors like childbirth can impact the position of your cervix. Those who’ve had a vaginal birth might experience a slightly lower cervix than before.
Maintaining and Caring for Your Menstrual Cup
Whether you have a high or low cervix, ensuring the longevity and hygiene of your menstrual cup is paramount. After all, this is a product that comes in direct contact with your vaginal canal. Let’s delve into the key maintenance steps:
Regular Cleaning
Between cycles, make sure to clean your menstrual cup thoroughly. Most menstrual cup manufacturers suggest boiling the cup in water for a few minutes to ensure it’s germ-free. It’s essential, however, to avoid using any harsh chemicals or soaps that might leave a residue, as this could lead to irritations.
Storing Properly
When not in use, store your menstrual cup in a breathable bag, often provided by the brand like Diva cup or Saalt cup. This allows the medical grade silicone or other material like thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) to breathe, ensuring longevity.
Periodic Inspection
Over time, cups can show signs of wear and tear. Periodically inspect your menstrual cup for any splits, changes in texture, or an unpleasant odor. These might be indications that it’s time to replace your cup.
Understanding the Lifespan
A menstrual cup can last for more than a decade with proper care! This makes them not only environmentally friendly when compared to disposable tampons but also cost-effective.
Pelvic Floor Muscles and Menstrual Cup Use
The pelvic floor muscles play a pivotal role when it comes to using a menstrual cup. These muscles, located at the base of the pelvis, support the uterus, bladder, and rectum. They also come in contact with the cup’s base part of the cup, holding it in place.
For those with a very high cervix, understanding the pelvic floor becomes even more critical. A stronger pelvic floor can grip the cup more firmly. On the other hand, if you have a sensitive bladder or weaker pelvic muscles, you might want to opt for a softer cup. It’s essential to ensure that the cup doesn’t exert undue pressure on the surrounding vaginal walls or the bladder.
Conversely, if you have robust pelvic floor muscles, a firmer cup might be more suitable to withstand the muscle’s pressure and remain open. Engaging with a certified nurse midwife or a gynecologist can help you gain better insights into your pelvic health.
The Connection Between Menstrual Cycle and Cervix Height
As we traverse deeper into understanding menstrual cups and their relation to cervical height, it’s crucial to note that our cervix doesn’t stay at one fixed position. The menstrual cycle greatly influences cervical height and where the cervix sits.
Understanding the Menstrual Cycle
Throughout the menstrual cycle, the position of the cervix changes. During menstruation, the cervix is usually at its lowest point. As you approach ovulation, it moves higher into the vaginal canal. After ovulation, the cervix begins its descent, preparing for the next menstrual cycle.
Cervix Height Variations
For individuals with a high cervix, these variations might be less noticeable since the cervix remains relatively high for most of the menstrual cycle. However, if you have a very high cervix, it can sometimes feel almost out of reach. On the other hand, those with a very low cervix might notice more significant changes, especially during menstruation.
Menstrual Cup Selection Based on Cervical Movement
Considering these cervical movements, it’s essential to note that you might feel more comfortable with different menstrual cups at various points in your cycle. For instance, a longer cup like the Lily cup might be ideal during ovulation, while during menstruation, a shorter menstrual cups or even a full menstrual cups work for disc might feel more comfortable. Most menstrual cups, however, are designed to cater to these changes in cervix height.
Debunking Menstrual Cup Myths
There are many myths floating around about menstrual cups. Let’s tackle a few:
Myth 1: Using a menstrual cup can affect your sex life. Fact: Using a menstrual cup doesn’t stretch out the vagina or cause any changes that would affect your sex life. The vaginal walls are elastic and return to their regular size after the cup is removed.
Myth 2: A high cervix means a heavy menstrual flow. Fact: The height of your cervix is not directly related to menstrual flow. You can have a high cervix and a light flow or a high cervix menstrual vice versa.
Myth 3: It’s difficult to remove a menstrual cup if you have a high cervix. Fact: With a little practice and the right cup, removing a menstrual cup can be effortless, even if you have a higher cervix.
Choosing the Right Cup Based on Flow and Lifestyle
Your menstrual flow and lifestyle play pivotal roles in selecting the perfect cup. If you have a heavy flow, opt for a cup with a higher capacity like the Venus cup. On the contrary, if you have a lighter flow, a smaller cup or a narrower cup might suffice.
Moreover, if you’re an athlete or someone with an active lifestyle, you might prefer a firmer cup that stays put during rigorous activities. Understanding your body and your needs will guide you to the right cup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can your cervix be too high for a menstrual cup?
No, your cervix cannot be too high for a menstrual cup. While it’s true that some individuals have a higher cervix than others, manufacturers design a variety of menstrual cups to accommodate this. For those with a particularly high cervix, longer cups, or those with longer stems, are usually recommended. The key is to find the right fit that ensures comfort and prevents leaks.
What menstrual cup is best for high cervix?
The best menstrual cup for a a high cervix menstrual cups tends to be longer in design to ensure easy retrieval. The Lily cup, for instance, has a longer body and is a popular choice for individuals with a high cervix. Another notable mention is the Diva cup. However, everyone’s anatomy is unique, so it’s essential to explore different menstrual cups to find the one that fits and feels best.
How high should the cervix be for a menstrual cup?
There’s no specific height the cervix should be for a menstrual cup. Instead, it’s about understanding your anatomy and selecting a cup based on that. If you can easily reach your cervix with the tip of your index finger, you might consider it to be at a low or medium height. If you need to insert most or all of your index and middle finger just to feel your cervix, you have a high cervix. Based on this, you can then choose a cup designed for your cervix height.
