If you’re searching for the best menstrual cup for your body, you’ve likely read a lot of tips to help you find the best fit. Our bodies are as unique and varied as our personalities, and sometimes it can be a bit intimidating to try to find the perfect cup for your body. One of the most important factors to consider when you choose a menstrual cup is your cervix height. This is probably something you’ve never thought about before, so we have a quick and easy guide to help you measure your cervix for a menstrual cup!
Before we start, remember we have a 100% Happiness Guarantee on all of our products. Your happiness is important to us! If you aren’t completely happy with your Pixie Cup, we’ll help you find a different cup size that is right for you, or you will receive a full refund.
How do you measure your cervix for a menstrual cup?
The first step to choosing a cup is measuring your cervix. The position of your cervix can affect how your cup fits and feels when you’re wearing it. We believe your menstrual cup should always be comfortable — it’s one of the biggest reasons for switching to a cup! If your cup is uncomfortable for any reason, your cup may be the wrong size or it may be positioned incorrectly. This is common for women who have a tilted uterus or a low cervix.
How do you know if your cervix is high or low?
How do you know if your cervix is high, low, or somewhere in between? We have an easy test to figure out your cervix height. All you have to do is insert your finger into the vaginal opening and feel for the cervix. Your cervix, which is the lowest part of the uterus, may feel like the tip of your nose: firm but a little soft. You may also feel a small dip in the middle, which is the cervical opening.
One important thing to remember is that your cervix changes position and texture throughout your cycle. Around ovulation or the middle of your cycle, the cervix becomes higher, softer, and harder to reach. During menstruation, the cervix is lower and firmer. Because this is when you’ll be wearing your menstrual cup, it’s best to check your cervix on or right before the first day of your period. (Measure your cervix in the shower to avoid any mess!)
Start with clean hands and trim nails and get into position. You may find it best to squat, or stand with one foot on the edge of the bathtub. Insert one or two fingers into the vagina and feel for the cervix.
If you can reach the cervix at just your first knuckle, your cervix is low. If you can reach it at the second knuckle of your finger, your cervix is a normal height. If your cervix is difficult to reach, or you cannot reach your cervix at all, you have a high cervix.
Once you know your cervix height, it’s time to choose your cup! We have different cups for all cervix heights from low to high. You want a cup that’s big enough to accommodate your flow, but not so big that it won’t fully open or it becomes uncomfortable.
Best menstrual cup for a low cervix
If your cervix is medium to low, we recommend that you start with our small Pixie Cup. Cup users with a low cervix may feel some discomfort if their cup rubs up against the cervix, so try a smaller or shorter cup. Our Slim Pixie Cups were made especially for users with a low cervix. They’re made with a slightly softer material, and they also have a shorter stem.
Stem length can also be an issue for those with a low cervix. If you find that the stem is irritating because it sticks out a bit, there’s an easy way to fix that, too!
If the stem of your Pixie Cup is protruding from your vagina, or if it irritates you inside, take some scissors and trim it just a little. Trim just a small amount at first, to make sure it’s not too short to reach for removal, and see if that works. Some women end up removing the stem entirely. This may work for you if your cervix is low enough that you can grab the cup and pinch the base to remove it without using the stem.
If the end of the stem is sharp after trimming, you can use a nail file to soften the edges. If you trim the stem and the bottom of the cup is still irritating, you can also try turning the cup inside out.
Best menstrual cup for a high cervix
If you have a high cervix, we advise you to try our large Pixie Cup or even our XL Pixie Cup, depending on how heavy your flow is. Our large cups are taller, so they’re easier to reach if your cervix is high.
Even though our bodies are all so different, each of us has the opportunity to live in period freedom. Give yourself a chance and invest in a Pixie Cup. You won’t regret it for a minute.
Leaks. This just might be the greatest fear that keeps people from trying a menstrual cup. What if my cup leaks?
Menstrual cups offer countless benefits over disposable menstrual products. Not only can they be worn for up to 12 hours at a time and reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals and toxins, they also save you money and reduce waste. Many cup users also report positive side effects such as shorter periods and less cramping. But menstrual cups can take some getting used to, and if you’re a new user, it’s not uncommon to experience some menstrual cup leaking.
We hear from many women who are frustrated that their menstrual cup is leaking, even if it’s only been in for a few hours. They often think this means that menstrual cups just don’t work for them or won’t provide the hassle-free, leak-proof solution they’re looking for. But don’t give up yet! The solution to a leaking cup is often very simple.
Before you read any further, we want you to know one thing: It may take a little time to get used to your cup and learn how to use it. Sometimes leaks will happen during that adjustment time, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that you have the wrong cup or that you can’t use cups. It’s simply a learning period.
Factors such as how you fold or insert your cup, the position of your cervix, and where your cup sits in the vaginal canal can all affect how well it works. So, give yourself and your cup a little grace and keep trying until you find a leak-free system that works for you! We can promise that it will be 100% worth it.
That said, there are sometimes specific factors that may contribute to menstrual cup leaking. Take a look at these 10 reasons for menstrual cup leaks and learn how to fix them.
10 reasons for menstrual cup leaks
1. Your cup is too big
Yes, you read that right. Using a cup that is too big is the number-one cause of leaks among our customers. New cup users or people with a heavy flow often want to use the largest cup they can get. But a bigger cup isn’t always the answer. You also have to consider the diameter of the cup rim. If the cup is too big, it won’t fully open after it’s inserted. When that happens, you’ll have small indentations around the rim that can let leaks through. If leaks are a problem for you and you’re using a large or extra-large cup, trying going down in size. Another indication that your cup is too big is if it’s uncomfortable and feels like it’s putting too much pressure on your pelvic area (which can also make you feel like you have to pee).
2. Your cup is positioned incorrectly
Improper insertion is another common cause of menstrual cup leaking. The vaginal canal isn’t straight up and down; it’s angled toward the back. So as you insert your cup, make sure you direct it back toward the rear instead of straight up. It may also help to change your position while you insert the cup. Some women find it easier to squat, or stand with one leg on the toilet seat. Whichever position you choose, make sure your muscles are as relaxed, because tense muscles will make inserting your cup much harder.
3. Your cup didn’t open fully
Learning how to make your cup pop open can take a little practice. After your cup is inserted, run your finger around the rim. If you feel a fold or dip in the cup, this means it didn’t fully open. Simply twist the cup clockwise or counterclockwise and it should pop open. If that doesn’t work, you can try sliding the cup up and down a little bit as well, or use a different fold. Sometimes the the punch down fold doesn’t work as well as the C fold or 7 fold. Learn more about folds.
4. Your cup is too small
If your cup is too small for you, it might not create a tight seal and instead slide down in your vaginal canal. This could allow fluid to leak around the edge of the cup. We offer several different cup sizes to make sure you have options!
5. You aren’t using lubricant
If you’re having trouble with leaks, a little water-based lubricant could go a long way! A smooth insertion will help your cup open easier. We created a Pixie Cup Lubricant that is perfect for your cup! It’s hypoallergenic, made with simple ingredients, and specifically formulated so it won’t cause any damage to your silicone cup.
If lubrication doesn’t help, maybe you have the opposite problem! Some women find that inserting their cup dry creates a more secure seal. Make sure your cup is nice and dry before inserting, and see if that takes care of leaks.
6. You’re not emptying your cup enough
We often hear from women who say their menstrual cup is leaking after only a few hours. You might be thinking, It hasn’t been 12 hours yet, and my cup is overflowing! Is something wrong?
Not at all! Your cup is safe for use for up to 12 hours, but sometimes — on your heavier days or if you have a heavier period — it might be necessary to empty it more often. This is completely normal. Just like tampons, a menstrual cup can last for different periods of time for different people. If you find that you’re having to empty your menstrual cup often, try a larger size, like our Pixie Cup XL.
7. You have strong pelvic floor muscles
While strong pelvic floor muscles offer many health benefits, they can also squeeze your cup, causing a half-full cup to overflow. If this is you, just change your cup just a little more often on your heavy flow days.
8. The air holes are blocked
The air holes around the rim of your cup are there to create a good seal, so if these are blocked, it’s possible that you could experience some leaks. If your cup is leaking, check and make sure the air holes are clean before inserting your cup. Our post about getting rid of the menstrual cup smell contains some tips for removing the buildup from air holes.
9. You have residual fluid on your vaginal walls
Sometimes you might think your cup is leaking, but it’s really just a bit of residual fluid from your vaginal walls. This is more likely to happen on the heavier days of your period. Just grab a wipe and clean out the extra residue so that it doesn’t leak out after you insert your cup.
10. Your cervix is tilted
For most people, the cervix is usually positioned centrally, which allows all fluid to flow directly into the cup. Your cervix does move during menstruation, however, and if your cervix is tilted or positioned against the wall of your vagina, this could cause the fluid to run down the vaginal wall. The same thing can happen if you have a tilted or retroverted uterus.
If you think your cervix isn’t lined up with the cup or it’s touching the rim after inserting, take your cup out and reinsert it. Try positioning the cup so it sits below your cervix, or opening the cup lower in the vagina to catch the extra flow.
Clearly, there are a lot of factors that affect how well your menstrual cup works. This may all seem overwhelming, but don’t get discouraged! After a few cycles with your menstrual cup, it will all become second nature, and you’ll never want to go back to pads and tampons! We’ve helped many cup users find the perfect fit, so if you’ve tried these suggestions and you’re still experiencing leaks, get in touch!
Remember, our 100% Happiness Guarantee means Pixie Cups are risk-free! If you aren’t completely happy with your Pixie Cup, we’ll help you find one that works for you or give you your money back! Order now and receive free shipping on orders of $25 or more!
This content was originally written on April 15, 2019, and has been updated for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.
You bought a Pixie Cup and have been using for a few months now, and you have experienced the incredible freedom a menstrual cup brings to your life.
What is the next step?
If you’re like me, you want to tell ALL of your friends about it, because good news is meant to be shared! Nobody should have to use an uncomfortable, chemical-packed, drying tampon EVER again… especially not people you love!
Sometimes, though, it feels a little weird to bring up the topic of menstrual cups. After all, they are period related, and in spite of our hard work to make periods a non-taboo topic, it can bring a comfortable conversation to a screeching halt.
Today we’re going to share a few tips on sharing about your menstrual cup journey with a friend!
1. Open well
“Hey guys… guess what I decided to try!”
That is a perfect opener. It’s genuine, authentic, and totally you! Your friends, if they are real friends, are already excited to hear about your life! Share it with them! If that doesn’t feel like you and you’re a little nervous, feel free to own that, too!
“So, I feel really weird saying this, but I decided to try something new and I wanted to know what you think.”
Again, perfect! You are genuine and nice, and not sales-y at all! I feel pretty safe saying that all of us probably don’t like being used as a potential sales technique. Even though you’re not technically gaining anything but support by sharing about your menstrual cup journey, you never want someone to feel like you’re pushing anything on them. When you do decide to ask them their thoughts, you can say something like “Do you think you would ever try it?”
2. Be yourself
Our society screams these words so often they sometimes fly straight over our heads. “Be yourself and everything will turn out alright.” Let’s twist this message a little and say “don’t be afraid to share your true story.” This is a good reminder when you’re trying to convince your friends to try something new. You can go ahead and throw out statistics and a few comments about how a menstrual cup saves money, but your personal story is the most convincing message you can give. Your friends trust you and will love being able to ask you questions about your journey with a menstrual cup.
3. Remind yourself that they will want to know
“What if they think it’s weird that I use a menstrual cup?” That thought might fly through your head a time or two. Just remind yourself of how you felt before you tried one, and remember the reason why you feel so much different after using a menstrual cup. Your friends deserve to know about the thing that changed your life so much. Even if they do think it’s a little weird at first, they will soon grow comfortable with the idea! Plus, chances are they have heard of menstrual cups before… it’s becoming a huge movement!
4. Ask if they have any questions
Chances are, your friends have not tried a menstrual cup before because they have a few questions! Consider ending the conversation by asking if they have any questions that are holding them back from trying a cup! Some women are afraid of leaks, others may feel that it’s out of their price range. You are the perfect person to calm their fears and help them have the answers they need to try a cup out!
5. Follow up
After you tell your friend about menstrual cups and she decides to try it out, follow up with her! Walk beside her in her journey as she tries it out for the first time, and share some advice if her cup causes any issues! Most of the time, minor issues can be easily fixed by trying a different fold for insertion or altering the cup position. Even if she doesn’t have any questions at all, it will mean a lot to your friend that you checked in on her and are supporting her through the process.
6. Celebrate with a white dress party!
Host a party and ask the friends that use menstrual cups to wear white dresses! Then, share the freedom you experience with a menstrual cup that allows you to wear white at any time of the month!
How did you find out about menstrual cups? Were you nervous to try one at first?
The idea of “period freedom like never before” lifts the hopes and perks the ears of every woman. Wouldn’t all of us love the opportunity to live life without fear of leaks or being caught off-guard by Aunt Flo?
If a menstrual cup truly does provide period freedom, why doesn’t every woman own a menstrual cup?
There are so many answers to this question, and we are doing our best to answer all of them, week by week, right here on our blog! Today, the question we are addressing – one that holds some women back from trying a Pixie Cup – is this: Will I be able to feel my Pixie Cup?
We understand why women ask this question. After all, it’s really hard to imagine how a “cup” can fit inside our bodies without us even noticing it.
The answer to this question is, you should not be able to feel your Pixie Cup while it is inside your vagina. That being said, some women may feel some slight discomfort when first using the Pixie Cup, so we will address why that is and how it can be fixed in a few simple steps.
First, you may notice the stem of your menstrual cup if you have a low cervix. If you can feel the stem inside, or if it is not completely inside your vagina, you can remove your cup and trim the stem a little with some scissors, and file the ends down with a nail file if they feel sharp. Start by trimming less at first, so you don’t accidentally cut off too much. If your cup is still bothering you, let us know. We will help you to find a cup size that is a better fit for you.
Second, it is possible that you could feel some pressure on your cervix. This occurs when the rim of the cup seals around the cervix instead of within the vaginal walls. If you notice this pressure, be sure to insert your cup a little lower in your vagina so your cup can seal within the walls of your vaginal canal. If your cup continually moves up toward your cervix, let us know. You might be a better fit with a larger Pixie Cup size.
Have you noticed any discomfort with your menstrual cup? Share your tips and tricks for Pixie Cup use in the comments!
Your Pixie Cup can become sparkling clean in just 3 minutes! We know, it sounds like an impossibility! But we have committed to providing you with the BEST period care on the market. Let us learn all about caring for and cleaning menstrual cups below!
Last October we shared our Pixie Cup sanitary secrets with you and today we are adding one more. The secret we have been keeping for a month now is your Pixie Cup‘s new best friend…. ???? meet the Pixie Cup Steamer!
Every month you are so excited to use your sparkling clean Pixie Cup! You go through your period with an extra light spirit, knowing that your cup is leak-free and you can do whatever-the-heck you want, even hot tub or swim!
THEN your period is gone and you no longer need to use your cup. You plan to stow it away neatly, Marie Kondo style, but first, it needs a deep clean.
Many menstrual cup users boil their cups in a pot on the stove but, as you may have found, your friends (or husband and kids????) might gag a little at the idea of eating food out of that pot again! You might have even found yourself sneaking out into the kitchen in the middle of the night to boil your cup in private!
Say goodbye to inconvenience… say hello to our Pixie Cup spa, the Steamer! Never has cleaning menstrual cups been easier! All you have to do is place your cup on the platform, close the lid, and push the (super cute) blue button! Voila! Your cup will be clean within three minutes!
We only have a limited quantity of steamers at this time so be sure to order yours soon! Happy spa day!
For most people, the cervix is usually positioned centrally, which allows all fluid to flow directly into the cup. Your 
