Navigating the challenges of heavy periods can be a daunting task. While disposable tampons and sanitary pads have been the go-to options for many, an increasing number of people are turning to reusable menstrual cups for a more sustainable and efficient solution. If you’re among those struggling with a heavy flow, you might wonder which reusable menstrual cup is the most suitable for your needs.
Understanding Menstrual Cups for Heavy Flow
For starters, what is a menstrual cup? It’s a bell-shaped device, typically made of medical grade silicone, that is inserted into the vaginal canal to collect menstrual fluid. Unlike disposable tampons or pads which absorb blood, a menstrual disc holds the menstrual blood, preventing leaks and ensuring comfort (while there are also disposable menstrual cups).
Most menstrual cups are designed with the average menstrual flow in mind. However, if you’re someone who often thinks, “how much blood is too much for big cup?”, then you’re probably looking for a cup designed for heavy flows. A heavy period can be quite bothersome, but finding the right menstrual cup can make all the difference.
Size Matters: Larger Cups for Heavier Periods
When considering the best menstrual cup for heavy flow, size is an essential factor. A larger menstrual cup size typically has a higher capacity to hold more menstrual blood. Hence, it can be a great asset for those with heavy periods. For instance, while an average menstrual cup may hold around 25-30 ml, some larger cups designed specifically for heavy flows can hold as much as 40 ml or more.
Brands like Super Jennie Menstrual Cup and Saalt Cup offer sizes that cater to those with a very heavy flow. The Super Jennie, in particular, is renowned for its capacity, making it a popular choice among those with heavy menstrual cycles.
Another point to consider is the shape and firmness of the cup. Some find that firmer cups might pop open more easily after insertion, creating a secure seal against the vaginal wall, which is vital for preventing leaks during heavy periods. On the other hand, a softer silicone cup might be more comfortable for some users, especially those with a sensitive bladder or lower cervix. It’s a balance of comfort and functionality.
Features to Consider for Heavy Flows
Material
Most menstrual cups are made of medical grade silicone. This material is safe, hypoallergenic, and long-lasting. Its flexibility ensures a comfortable fit inside the vaginal canal, ensuring no leaks.
Shape
While most cups have a bell-shaped design, there are slight variations in shapes, such as a smaller cup, more rounded body or a longer cup. Depending on the position of your cervix (be it a high cervix or low cervix), you might find one shape more comfortable and effective than another.
Capacity
This is a key feature for those with heavy periods. Look for cups labeled as suitable for heavy flows or those that mention removing cups for a higher capacity.
Ease of Use
Especially for those new to using a menstrual cup, it’s essential to find one that’s easy to insert and remove. Brands like the Lena Cup and Diva Cup are among the best known menstrual cups and are often recommended as a great starter cup due to their user-friendly design.
Beyond the Cup: Menstrual Discs
While reusable menstrual cups that are gaining popularity, there’s another product on the market you might want to consider: menstrual discs. These are similar to cups in that they collect blood, but they sit slightly differently in the vaginal canal, resting more towards the back. Some people with heavy flows find discs, such as the Flex Reusable Disc (a reusable menstrual cup), to be a suitable alternative or addition to traditional menstrual cups. They can hold just the right amount of menstrual fluid, ensuring comfort throughout the day.
Keeping It Clean: Menstrual Cup Maintenance
Having a heavy flow means that you might need to empty your cup more frequently than those with a lighter flow. It’s vital to ensure proper and clean a menstrual cup after cleaning to maintain hygiene. Rinse your cup with water after emptying it and clean it with mild soap at least once a day. Many cup manufacturers also recommend boiling the cup for a few minutes between cycles to ensure it’s thoroughly sanitized.
Heavy periods can be challenging, but the right menstrual products can make a world of difference. With the increasing variety of menstrual cups available, you’re likely to find the perfect fit for your flow. Whether you’re considering the Diva Cup, Saalt Cup, or exploring the world of menstrual discs, understanding your needs and being informed is the first step to a more comfortable period.
Factors to Consider for Heavy Flow
In the ever-evolving landscape of menstrual products, the focus remains on ensuring maximum comfort and efficiency. For those with heavy flows, understanding the intricacies of the different menstrual cups is crucial. In this section, we’ll delve deeper into factors to consider when searching for the best menstrual cup for heavy flow.
Know Your Cervix: High vs. Low
One essential factor that many are unaware of is the position of their cervix. It can be either high or low, and this position can influence the size cup you need.
- High Cervix: If you have a high cervix, a longer cup might be more suitable. The Diva Cup is one such cup that’s slightly longer, making it easier for those with a high cervix to retrieve.
- Low Cervix: For those with a low cervix, a shorter cup might be a better fit. This ensures that the cup doesn’t protrude and remains comfortably inside the vaginal canal. Cups like the Cora Cup are often favored by those with a lower cervix.
Remember, the best menstrual cup is one that fits comfortably and doesn’t cause discomfort or leaks, regardless of your cervix’s position.
Flexibility and Firmness: Soft vs. Firm Cups
The flexibility of a menstrual cup is a defining factor in its comfort level. Some people prefer firmer cups, which can pop open more easily once inside, ensuring a leak-proof seal. However, others might find firmer cups uncomfortable, especially if they press against the bladder or pubic bone.
Softer cups are slightly softer in texture than other cups and might be more suitable for those who find firmer cups uncomfortable. The Saalt Soft Cup is a softer variant, whereas the Super Jennie Menstrual Cup is known for being on the firmer side.
Volume and Capacity: More Than Just Size
When dealing with heavy flows, understanding how much blood a menstrual cup can hold is paramount. The higher the capacity of period blood in a cup, the longer you can wear it without the risk of overflowing.
For example, while most cups can hold around 25-30 ml of menstrual fluid, some cups designed for heavy flows, large cups like the Super Jennie, can hold more. Always check the cup’s capacity, especially if you have heavy periods.
Insertion and Removal: A Crucial Skill
Using a menstrual cup requires a bit of practice, especially when it comes to inserting and removing the cup. The key is to fold the cup gently and then insert it. Once inside, the cup should unfold, creating a seal against the vaginal wall.
To insert and remove, gently pinch the base to break the seal, ensuring minimal mess. Period cups like the Flex Cup and Lena Cup are renowned for their easy insertion and removal mechanisms.
Beyond Traditional Cups: Exploring Menstrual Discs
As mentioned earlier, menstrual discs are an alternative to traditional disposable menstrual cups alone. They can be particularly effective for those with very heavy flow, as they typically have a larger capacity and sit differently in the vaginal canal. Brands like Flex offer reusable cup that are easy to use and can be a game-changer for many.
Other Features to Look Out For
- Texture: Some cups have grips or ridges at the base, making them easier to grasp during removal.
- Stem Design: Depending on your comfort, you might prefer a longer stem, a ball-shaped stem, or even no stem at all. Some people trim the stem for a more customized fit.
From understanding your cervix’s position to the cup’s firmness and capacity, there’s a lot to consider when choosing the best menstrual cup for heavy flow. It might require some experimentation, but with a bit of patience, you can find the perfect fit that will make your periods more manageable and eco-friendly.
Materials and Quality: Trusting Your Cup
The world of menstrual cups might seem vast and confusing, but once you delve deeper, you realize that certain features distinguish the best menstrual cups from the rest. One such essential feature is the material from which a cup is made.
Medical Grade Silicone: The Gold Standard
Many of the best-known menstrual cups, including the Diva Cup and Lena Cup, are made from medical grade silicone. This material is celebrated for several reasons:
- Safety: Medical grade silicone is hypoallergenic, which means it’s unlikely to cause allergic reactions. It also doesn’t harbor bacteria when cleaned properly.
- Flexibility: This material offers a balance between flexibility and firmness. It can be comfortably folded for insertion and springs back to its shape inside the vaginal canal.
- Durability: Cups made from this material can last more than a decade if maintained properly. This makes them not only eco-friendly but also wallet-friendly in the long run.
Menstrual Cup Cleaning: Keeping it Sanitary
Given that menstrual cups are reusable, ensuring they are clean is paramount. Here’s a simple guide to menstrual cup cleaning:
- Rinse First: Always rinse your cup with cold water. This helps prevent the menstrual blood from staining the cup.
- Wash with Mild Soap: After rinsing, wash your cup using a mild soap. Make sure the soap doesn’t have strong fragrances that might irritate your vaginal walls.
- Boil Periodically: At least once a month, boil your cup for about 10 minutes. This will disinfect it. If you’re using cups like the Saalt Cup or the Lena Cup, you’ll find that the medical grade silicone withstands high temperatures without deforming.
- Store Properly: Once you’re done with your cycle, make sure your cup is thoroughly dry before storing it in a breathable pouch. Most menstrual cup manufacturers provide a cloth bag for this purpose.
Beyond Size: Heavy Flow and Cup Shape
While many might think different cup size is the only variation, the shape of the cup can also make a difference. For instance:
- Bell-Shaped Cups: Cups like the Diva Cup have a bell shape, which can be more comfortable for some users and can also hold a good amount of menstrual fluid.
- Flatter or Disc-Shaped: Menstrual discs are flatter and can have a slightly higher capacity than bell-shaped cups, making them an option worth considering for heavy flows.
How To Use A Menstrual Cup Use: Tips for a Leak-Free Experience
Even with the best menstrual cup for heavy flow, leaks can happen. Here are some tips to ensure a leak-free experience:
- Ensure Proper Sealing: Once inserted, make sure the cup has fully unfolded. You can rotate it slightly or run a finger along the edge to check.
- Check the Position: The cup should be positioned below the cervix. If the cervix is positioned outside the cup, it might cause leaks.
- Empty Regularly: On days with very heavy flow, consider emptying the cup more frequently. Knowing how much blood your cup can hold and how much you typically bleed can guide you on the best times to empty it.
When searching for the best menstrual cup for heavy flow, consider more than just capacity. Material quality, shape, and proper usage are equally critical. By understanding these aspects, you’ll be on your way to a more comfortable and efficient menstrual experience.
Exploring the Best Menstrual Cup Brands
Choosing the right menstrual cup for a heavy flow might seem daunting given the variety available. However, understanding the offerings of popular brands can make this process smoother.
Diva Cup: A Household Name
The Diva Cup has become one of the best-known menstrual cups in the market. Made from high-quality medical grade silicone, it boasts both durability and comfort. Designed in a bell shape, this cup has been the choice of many, especially beginners. However, its capacity might not be sufficient for those with a very heavy flow all day, so regular emptying might be required on those days.
Lena Cup: Versatility at its Best
The Lena Cup offers two sizes, with the larger one being particularly suitable for those with heavier periods. Its bell-shaped design and soft silicone make it a favorite among users who prioritize comfort. The grip at the base of the large cup also facilitates easy removal, and the cup’s design generally results in fewer leaks, making it a worthy contender when considering the best menstrual cups for heavy flow.
Saalt Cup: A Rising Star
The Saalt Cup has rapidly gained popularity. Its slightly softer silicone design provides comfort, especially for those with a sensitive bladder or who are more aware of firmer cups. It offers two sizes, and the larger size is tailored for heavy flows. One distinguishing feature is its bulbous shape, which might be better for some anatomies.
Super Jennie: The Capacity Champion
For those searching specifically for a larger cup to manage heavy flows, the Super Jennie Menstrual Cup is hard to overlook. Celebrated for its higher capacity, it stands out as one of the best menstrual cups around that can hold as much blood as some users might need for several hours, even on heavy days. The soft silicone design ensures comfort, and its tapered base makes for easy removal.
Flex Cup: Innovation at the Forefront
Flex Cup is one of the newer entrants in the market. It brings an innovative design with a pull-tab, which makes the removal process smoother and less messy. Its capacity, especially in the larger size, is commendable, making it suitable for heavy periods. Additionally, for those interested in exploring beyond cups, Flex also offers the Flex Reusable Disc, which can be a great option for managing heavy flows.
Other Cups Worth Considering
There are countless menstrual cups available, each with its unique features. Brands like Cora Cup, Venus Cup, and many others also have their loyal user base. When searching for the best menstrual cup for heavy flow, it’s essential to read reviews, understand the capacity and shape, and consider personal comfort and anatomy.
While the above brands are among the more popular in the market, the best menstrual cup for heavy flow ultimately depends on individual needs and anatomy. Trying different cups may be necessary before finding the perfect fit, but with persistence and research, you’re bound to find the best cup and right match.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do menstrual cups work for extremely heavy flow?
Yes, menstrual cups can work effectively for extremely heavy flow. Many women with heavy periods prefer menstrual cups over other options because of their higher capacity. However, it’s essential to choose a cup that offers a larger capacity, fits well, and is made of quality material. Additionally, for those with very heavy flow, it might be necessary to empty the cup more frequently than the average user.
What is considered heavy flow with a menstrual cup?
A heavy flow in terms of a menstrual cup often refers to filling more than half of the cup’s capacity within a few hours. Most menstrual cups have a capacity ranging from 20ml to 30ml, and some larger cups can hold even more. If you find that you’re emptying a full cup every 3-4 hours or even sooner, you likely have a heavy flow.
What menstrual cup has the highest capacity?
Several menstrual cups on the market cater specifically to heavy flow by offering a bigger cup with higher capacity. Brands like the Super Jennie menstrual cup and the Saalt cup have larger size options designed for heavier flows. However, it’s crucial to compare various brands and their volume capacities to find the one that might work best for your needs.
Is menstrual cup safe for heavy bleeding?
Yes, using a menstrual cup is safe for heavy bleeding. In fact, menstrual cups can be a great alternative to disposable tampons or pads for those with heavy periods due to their larger capacity and longer wear time. It’s important to ensure that you’re using the right size cup and emptying and cleaning it regularly to prevent overflows and maintain hygiene.
