Yes, your menstrual cup size can change as you age. The body you have when you first get your period, sometimes as young as 10 is very different from, say, your body in your 30s. Over the years, natural changes in your pelvic floor muscles, vaginal firmness and even the position of your cervix, mean the cup that once fit perfectly might need an upgrade.
For many, aging also coincides with major life events like pregnancy and childbirth which can naturally stretch the vaginal muscles. This is why many brands use age-based guidelines (like under 30 vs. over 30) on menstrual cup packaging.
So, let’s try to understand if your cup needs changing with age. And what really matters when finding your perfect, most comfortable menstrual cup size as your body evolves.
Why is Menstrual Cup Size Linked to Your Age?
Menstrual cup size is often linked to age because the muscles that hold the cup in place (pelvic floor) loosen up over time.
The pelvic floor is this incredible web of muscles deep inside you that acts like a supportive hammock to hold up your uterus. And since it also lines your vagina, it’s basically what gives your cup a gentle, secure hug to hold it in place and prevent leaks.
Now, brands suggest a wider cup after 30 because, like any other muscle in your body, the pelvic floor can weaken and lose some of its elasticity over time. This means your current cup may no longer be wide enough to form a secure seal.
However, you don’t have to buy a bigger cup right on the day of your 30th birthday. For some, the natural change is so gradual, it isn’t enough to warrant a new size. Plus, if you lead an active lifestyle with exercises like Pilates or yoga that strengthen your pelvic floor, these muscles might stay firm enough for your current cup to remain a perfect fit.
How Can You Tell Your Cup Size Has Changed With Age?
The best way to know is to listen to your body. If your trusty cup suddenly doesn’t feel right, it might be a sign.
- Sudden Leaks: Your cup starts leaking when it was perfectly reliable before.
- New Pressure or Pain: You begin to feel discomfort, cramps, or a new pressure on your bladder that wasn’t there previously.
- The Fit Feels Off: The cup slips down, doesn’t feel as secure, or is generally not as comfortable as it used to be.
Why Has My Menstrual Cup Size Changed With Age?
Here are the real-life moments that might signal it’s time to reassess your menstrual cup size as you age.
Can childbirth change my menstrual cup size?
Yes, childbirth can change your cup size, especially after vaginal delivery. A full-term pregnancy is a marathon for your pelvic floor. These muscles stretch significantly, and while they have an amazing ability to recover, they may not return to exactly how they were before.
Research shows that the main pelvic floor muscle involved in birth can stretch over 3x its normal length. That is nearly DOUBLE what muscles can typically tolerate.
Even if you have a C-section, the nine months of pregnancy alone put sustained pressure on your pelvic floor.
So, your old, pre-baby cup might suddenly feel too narrow, slip or leak because it can no longer form a secure seal against your vaginal walls. This is when you should move to a bigger cup with a wider diameter, which can create that snug fit you need.
Do I need a new menstrual cup if my cervix has lowered?
Yes, over time, your cervix can sit a little lower than it did in your 20s and bump into your cup. As per a study, your cervix descends by a good 6mm by the time you reach menopause. So, a cup that used to fit perfectly might now feel too long, pushing uncomfortably against your cervix and causing cramps, pain or even pressure on your bladder.
If you’re already using a shorter cup, then the problem might be that your cup is too firm. This is where a thoughtfully designed cup made from medical-grade silicon, which is not just firm but also flexible, like Nua’s Menstrual Cup, can be a true lifesaver. It gives you all the security without any added pressure.
Other than this, re-evaluating how you insert your cup and trying different folding techniques (more on that here) can also help with your body’s changing needs as you grow older.
Has my pelvic floor grown too wide for my menstrual cup?
In your late 30s or 40s, the pelvic floor muscles naturally lose some tone and widen. A cup that used to fit snugly might now struggle to form a complete seal. But don’t worry, a slightly bigger cup can help fix this issue in no time.
Also, sometimes, it’s not just about size. The cup’s design matters too. An ergonomic cup with flexible ridges, like Nua’s, can adapt to your body’s changing shape, hugging your vaginal walls more securely and creating a super comfortable seal.
Do I need a new menstrual cup size for perimenopause?
Yes, you might need a new menstrual cup for perimenopause as your menstrual flow can suddenly become heavier, longer or less predictable during this time.
You might notice that your cup fills up faster than it used to, needing to be emptied every few hours. In this case, sizing up slightly can help with both capacity and a better seal, as pelvic floor muscles often loosen with age.
How Can I Check if My Cervix Has Lowered Enough to Bump Into My Cup?
Your cervix height plays a huge role in your cup’s fit and a quick measurement can help you know if a different menstrual cup size is the key to getting your comfort back. Plus, you can easily check it at home during your period.
- Wash your hands and find a comfortable position, like squatting or resting one leg on the toilet seat.
- Guide your index finger into your vagina upwards.
- Keep going until you touch your cervix (it will feel like the tip of your nose).
- Take note of how far your finger went in.
If you could touch your cervix by inserting only up to your first knuckle, it’s considered low. A shorter menstrual cup will likely be a much more comfortable fit for you.
You Are the Expert on Your Body
For your menstrual cup, the most reliable sizing chart is your own body and your own experience. There is no standard vagina for every age, so comfort is your only guide here.
If you’re over 30 and your current cup works perfectly, feel free to stick with it. Or you can always experiment with a larger size to see if it’s even more comfortable. On the flip side, if you’re under 30 and without kids but feel your cup is loose, trust your gut and size up. It’s completely okay. Because if you feel it’s not the right fit, then it is not the right fit, no matter what the packaging says.
It might take a little trial and error but finding that perfect cup, the one you barely notice, the one that never leaks, the one that gives you 8-12 hours of freedom, is absolutely worth it.
Have more questions about menstrual cup sizing? Leave them in the comments and we will help you figure it out.
