Your cervix and menstrual cups

This the most common question I am getting when I receive emails asking for guidance. I will recommend on separate articles which menstrual cups are best to use in each case but I wanted to shed some light on what the cervix is and how to assess yours to find your Goldilocks cup.

What is the cervix?

The cervix is a tiny but very important part of female anatomy. It is essentially the connection between the vagina and the uterus. It looks like a little doughnut of flesh around 3cm in diameter, that varies in firmness depending on your menstrual cycle, pregnancy and arousal. It has a tiny opening that allows sperm to swim in and menstrual fluid to flow out. Your multi functional cervix is also designed to adapt for childbirth, with the ability to expand up to 10cm during labor. Check out pictures of actual cervixes at the Beautiful Cervix Project and watch the informative video below.

What has the cervix got to do with menstrual cups?

Buying a pair of shoes that don’t fit you is a pretty uncomfortable experience, Well imagine buying something for your vagina that doesn’t fit…If you know the length of your vaginal canal, then you can choose the menstrual cup that is the best length for your body.

Menstrual cups come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, but what’s important is that it sits below your cervix to collect the flow, while also being fully inside the vagina (stem and all). Look at the image below to understand why it can’t sit past your cervix, it would defeat the purpose of wearing a cup if the flow is going right past it. So find out your measurements, check the dimensions of your cup, and see how it measures up before you buy your menstrual cup.

When choosing a menstrual cup you will often hear people talking about their cervix, being low, short and whatnot. This the most common question I am getting when I receive emails asking for guidance.

There are also factors to consider other than your cervix height. Your flow, the tonicity of your pelvic floor, your child birth history are also part of it. Read my tips on how to choose a menstrual cup.

So how do I measure my cervix height?

Insert a (clean) finger into your vagina. Keep moving until the tip of your finger is touching your cervix. You’ll be able to distinguish your cervix from the rest of your vagina, as the tissue is a little bit firmer than your vaginal walls. It feels a little like the tip of your nose.

Image source: Rubycup.com

The monthly cycle of your cervix

It’s not just your period that is affected by your monthly hormone cycle. Your cervix can actually move throughout your cycle as well! Around ovulation (when you’re most fertile) the cervix is often higher in the vaginal canal and tends to be a bit softer. Close to and during menstruation, many women’s cervixes move lower in the vagina and become firmer. Your cervix height even changes throughout your period, which also affects the type and length of cup you should buy. Try checking your cervix height at different stages throughout the month and your period, so you can be sure to pick a cup that fits you throughout menstruation.