Check out our menstrual cup size guide at Lunette to ensure the best period cup size for managing your flow. Your menstrual cycle prayers are sure to be answered!
What Menstrual Cup Size Do I Need?
As if knowing your bra size wasn’t enough, now you have to know your vagina size? Don’t panic, that’s why we’re here.
Although you’d be well off with either menstrual cup size, we want to make sure you’re comfortable with your choice. That’s why we offer two sizes (because not all vaginas are the same). In general, both cup sizes fit most well enough, but usually one is more comfortable to use than the other.
Lunette Menstrual Cup model 1 is slightly smaller in size and softer silicone, which is why we often recommend model 1 if you are a first-time user, teenager or you just feel like a smaller cup may be easier to use.
Commonly the cup size is chosen according to the flow, not the measurements. If you have lighter flow – model 1 might be your choice. However, if your flow is on the heavier side, you might prefer model 2 – which allows you to stretch the time between emptying your cup a tiny bit longer!
Your flow
Lighter flow? Model 1 might be for you.
Heavier flow? Give model 2 a go!
Model 1 is great for:
Spotting is a drop or two of blood, not even requiring a pad, though you may prefer to use one.
Very light bleeding is when you need to change a low absorbency tampon or pad one or two times per day, though you may prefer to change them more frequently.
Light bleeding is when you need to change a low or regular absorbency tampon or pad two to three times per day, though you may prefer to change more frequently.
Model 2 is great for:
Moderate bleeding is when you need to change a regular absorbency pad or tampon every three to four hours, though you may prefer to change it more frequently.
Heavy bleeding is when you need to change a high absorbency tampon or pad every three to four hours, though you may prefer to change more frequently.
Very heavy bleeding, or gushing, is when your period protection barely works at all. In these instances, you’d need to change the highest absorbency tampon or pad every hour or two, though you may prefer to change it more frequently.
Cup measurements
The Lunette Menstrual Cup Model 1
Light to average flow
All Lunette menstrual cups are soft and pliable, however, Lunette Cup Model 1 is made of softer silicone than Lunette Cup Model 2.
- The diameter is 41 mm (1.6 inches) by 47 mm (1.9 inches).
- The stem measures 25 mm (1 inch).
- The volume of the cup is 25 ml (0.85 fl oz).
- Measuring lines: 5ml (0.17 oz) and 13.5ml (0.46 oz).
The Lunette Menstrual Cup Model 2
Average to heavy flow
All Lunette menstrual cups are soft and pliable, however, Lunette Cup Model 2 is made of firmer silicone than Lunette Cup Model 1.
- The diameter is 46 mm (1.8 inches) by 52 mm (2 inches).
- The stem measures 20 mm (0.8 inches).
- The volume of the cup is 30 ml (1.0 fl oz).
- Measuring lines: 7.5ml (0.25 oz) and 15ml (0.5 oz)
Other things to consider
Lunette is emptied about 2-4 times a day, and can be used overnight for up to 12 hours*.
* Please note that local restrictions may apply: e.g. France (ANSES): 6-8 hours and no overnight use. Australia (TGA): up to 8h. Germany: up to 8h.
You will quickly learn your own rhythm by viewing how much fluid your cup has gathered. The measuring lines outside of the cup help to monitor your flow. Some may also feel slight pressure, heaviness or bubbling sensation when the cup starts to fill up.
Age
For teens and young users, the smaller model 1 makes for easier ins and outs. However, we still recommend choosing the cup mainly based on flow and comfortability!
Pregnancy
For those people who have given birth out there, you can use the Lunette menstrual cup model 1 or 2. Pregnancy changes a few things down there, so firstly take into account your new cervix position, and secondly your new flow volume post childbirth. If the cervix is, for example, coming lower than it used to, then the bigger cup may put pressure on it and model 1 will be a better fit. If the cervix is higher than it used to be it could be that the cup moves up, making it a bit harder to reach the bottom and model 2 might be easier use. Often child birth also affects your flow, if your flow is significantly heavier – you might want to change to a model 2. You can, of course, also continue using model 1, but you will need to empty it more often.
Cervix & pelvic floor
If you have a low-sitting cervix, try the shorter model 1 for a better fit. If the cervix is high the cup may move up, making it harder to reach the bottom and model 2 might be easier use. However, it's normal for the cervix to move during your cycle, and it's often lowest on your heavy cycle days. The pelvic floor holds the cup in place, but if the pelvic floor is weaker - it is harder to hold the cup and the cup may move inside the vagina (e.g. slip out) or the cup may start leaking. Kegel exercises strengthen the pelvic muscles and prevent future problems like urinary leakage. Good news is, using the cup also trains the muscles as they actively need to hold the cup.
Lifestyle
If you're a fitness goddess with strong vaginal muscles, consider using model 1. With strong or tight pelvic floor and vaginal muscles model 2 might cause pressure.
Bladder
Sensitive bladder? The softer model 1 might be a match made in heaven for you. Sometimes the cup may be located very near your bladder and feel like it is pressing on the bladder, causing an uncomfortable feeling, especially when sitting or exercising/moving around. Softer model 1 is more malleable and adapts to your body better – easing the pressure.
How does the menstrual cup differ from the tampon?
Both are internal menstrual protection. A menstrual cup collects the blood and the tampon absorbs it. A tampon can be used only once whereas a menstrual cup is reusable and the same cup can be used for many years.
The absorbing capacity of a tampon is given in grams and the capacity of the menstrual cup in millilitres. One ml of menstrual blood is comparable with a gram, so the capacity of tampons and menstrual cups are comparable.
The capacity of the Lunette menstrual cup is 25 ml (model 1) and 30 ml (model 2). The absorbing capacity of a tampon is 6-18 g. Menstrual cup holds, on average, the same flow as three (3) medium flow tampons. Model 2 holds nearly twice the amount of a super tampon.
