Most cup manufacturers give a certain age as the defining factor when choosing the right size. However, choosing your cup isn't always that simple, since there are other factors to consider. There are many 14-year-old virgins using the bigger Lunette, as well as middle-aged women who prefer the smaller Lunette. Most women can use either cup, but one of them might be more comfortable.
The amount of flow. We have noticed that this is the most important factor when choosing the right cup. As a general rule, the bigger cup is best for a heavier flow and smaller cup for a lighter flow.
Anatomy. Since every woman's anatomy is different, we sometimes recommend the smaller cup for heavier flow and vice versa. This can depend on:
Age. The smaller Lunette cup was originally designed for younger women to use as their first cup. Young women usually have tighter vaginal muscles, and inserting the smaller cup might be easier. The muscles lose elasticity with age and hormonal changes, caused by factors such as pregnancy. These changes can affect the amount of menstrual flow quite radically, making one cup more apt than the other. Many women transfer to the bigger cup at some point in their life and generally speaking, Lunette size 2 is suitable for most adult women.
Virginity. We recommend the smaller Lunette cup to be used before first engaging in sexual intercourse, even if you have a heavy flow. Because your muscles and hymen are most likely quite tight, it is easier to insert the smaller cup.
Pregnancy. If you have been pregnant, we recommend the Lunette cup size 2, because the shape of the vagina changes during pregnancy. Hormones change the vaginal muscles and the hip bone structure.
Location of your cervix. With a thoroughly washed finger you can see if you can reach your cervix during menstruation. If your cervix sits very low, it is better to choose the smaller Lunette, since it is shorter and most likely fits more comfortably inside your vagina.
Physical/athletic activity, e.g. sports, yoga, or Pilates. Sports that strengthen the core muscles extensively also have an effect on pelvic floor muscles. Many women who regularly participate in these kinds of physical activities have very strong vaginal muscles also later in life. If this applies to you, consider using Lunette size 1.
Sensitive bladder. If you have an extremely sensitive bladder, the softer size 1 might be better for you. Remember that most women can’t feel the cup at all, whichever size they choose.
From the table below you can check which cup we primarily recommend considering your situation.
If you are still unsure about which size to choose, don't hesitate to contact us at info@lunette.com.au
Which size to choose? |
If you have a lighter flow |
If you have a heavier flow |
|
virgin |
1 |
1 |
|
teenager |
1 |
1 or 2 |
|
Young woman, has not given birth |
1 |
2 |
|
Young woman, has given birth |
1 or 2 |
2 |
|
Adult woman, has not given birth |
2 (or 1) |
2 |
|
Adult woman, has given birth |
2 (or 1) |
2 |
|
Short vagina (you can easily reach your cervix with your finger) |
1 |
1 |
|
Active sportswoman, e.g. pilates, yoga |
1 |
1 |
The diameter of the Lunette menstrual cup model 1 is 41 mm by 47 mm in length. The stem measures 25 mm. The volume of the cup is 20 ml.
The diameter of the Lunette menstrual cup model 2 is 46 mm by 52 mm in length. The stem measures 20 mm. The volume of the cup is 25 ml.
The Lunette menstrual cup is soft and pliable.
The limit of heavy periods in considered being 80 milliliters of flow.
The Mansfield-Voda-Jorgensen Menstrual Bleeding Scale can give you indication about how much you are bleeding:
1. Spotting. A drop or two of blood, not even requiring sanitary protection, though you may prefer to use one.
2. Very light bleeding. You need to change the least absorbent tampon or pad one or two times per day, though you may prefer to change more frequently.
3. Light bleeding. You need to change a low or regular absorbency tampon or pad two or three times per day, though you may prefer to change more frequently.
4. Moderate bleeding. You need to change a regular absorbency tampon or pad every three to four hours, though you may prefer to change more frequently.
5. Heavy bleeding. You need to change a high absorbency tampon or pad every three to four hours, though you may prefer to change more frequently.
6. Very heavy bleeding or gushing. Protection hardly works at all; you need to change the highest absorbency tampon or pad every hour or two.
(Source: Newsweek)
If you are bleeding moderately or more, Lunette cup model 2 might be better for you.
Tampon absorbency is measured in grams, whereas the capacity of menstrual cups is measured in volume. One milliliter of menstrual blood is roughly equivalent to one gram, so the numbers can be compared to the Lunette cup capacity in milliliters. The absorbency of tampons are the following:
- Junior/ light absorbency – less than 6 grams (1 teaspoon equals about 5 grams)
- Regular absorbency – 6 to 9 grams
- Super absorbency – 9 to 12 grams
- Super plus absorbency – 12 to 15 grams
- Ultra absorbency – 15 to 18 grams
Tampons that absorb over 18 grams do not have an official term and are not recommended.
The Lunette menstrual cups hold 20 ml (size 1) or 25 ml (size 2). As a comparison, making a tampon this size (25 to 30 grams) is dangerous and even illegal in some countries, because of the risk of TSS.
Keep in mind that it is scientifically proven that menstrual cups don’t change the composition of blood during the time the cup is kept inside the vagina. There are no reported cases of TSS in connection with use of menstrual cups since the cups were invented in the 1930's. If you are interested in reading more about tampons and TSS, please see the TGA website.
(Source: http://store.lunetteaustralia.com.au/pages/sizing-guide)
