The sizing guide for the Asan menstrual cup is based on period flow. This is to make it super easy for you to choose a cup that will fit well and doesn’t leak.
That said, we do get a lot of questions about cervix height and menstrual cups. If you have a low cervix and are wondering which is the best menstrual cup for you, this blog will answer all your questions.
firstly, what is a cervix?
Sometimes referred to as “the neck of the uterus” – your cervix is a tiny opening at the very top of your vaginal canal. It is through this opening that menstrual blood flows out of your body into the vagina (and it’s also the opening from where sperm can enter the uterus!)
how do you measure your cervix?
Your cervix is positioned on your lower abdomen and is a part of female reproductive anatomy.
When people refer to “cervix height” or “cervix position”, they mean how far up your vaginal canal your cervix sits. You can measure the position of your cervix using the knuckle test, where you insert a finger into your vagina until you can feel your cervical tissue.
Follow the steps below to do the knuckle test for measuring cervix height:
- Wash your hands and make sure your fingers are clean
- Insert your index finger into your vagina, as high up as it will go
- Stop when you can feel a bit of soft tissue at the top, which may feel like the top of your nose
If you can insert most of your finger or your full finger in, you have a ‘high cervix’. If you can only insert up to the first or second knuckle, then you have a ‘low cervix’ or a short cervix.
Fun Fact: For many people, cervix height changes during the menstrual cycle! During the ovulation phase, when you are the most fertile, the cervix tends to be softer and is placed high. As your periods approach the cervix tends to get firmer and placed lower due to the contraction and expansion of the uterus.
If you’ve done the knuckle test and you have a medium or high cervix, then check out our blog post on the best menstrual cup for a high cervix.
how do you know if you have a low cervix?
Having a low cervix means that the distance between the cervix and the vaginal opening is short. Using the knuckle test rule, if you can only insert 1 or 2 knuckles of your finger inside then you have a low cervix.
We suggest measuring your cervix height during menstruation (i.e. when you are on your period). This will help you decide on the best low cervix period cup for you.
Also, if you’ve never inserted anything into your vagina before, then it’s important you’re not mixing up your cervix with your hymen! Your hymen is a thin issue that may cover the entrance to your vagina. If you’re trying to insert just a fingertip and feel some resistance, this is probably your hymen, not your cervix.
why is my cervix so low? is it bad to have a low cervix?
Everyone’s cervix position is different, however if you feel you have a very low cervix, it might be worth getting this checked with your gynaecologist.
Without medical knowledge, it can be hard to know if you’re actually locating your cervix or touching something else – if you feel that something is protruding down into your vagina, it could also be a case of a prolapsed uterus which is definitely something to get checked out.
can you use a menstrual cup with a low cervix?
A menstrual cup is a bell-shaped silicone cup that collects your period flow. It’s a super easy and convenient way to manage your periods, so it’s no surprise you might be looking to switch to a period cup!
The answer to “can I use a menstrual cup if I have a low cervix?” is: it really depends. If you can insert a few cm of your finger into your vagina, the good news is you can probably find a menstrual cup that will ensure you have a worry free period with a low cervix.
how do I choose a menstrual cup if I have a low cervix?
Choosing a menstrual cup for a low cervix can feel confusing at first but the simple knuckle test will make it easy for you.
If you can insert about half your index finger into your vagina, you should comfortably be able to use the Asan menstrual cup. The Asan has a height of roughly 64-67 mm, including our handy removal ring. It is designed to be super comfortable and not to leak, making it an ideal choice for a low cervix user.
Both sizes of the Asan menstrual cup will work well with a low cervix, so we recommend choosing our cup based on your menstrual flow. We have many users with a low cervix who use both our light/medium flow size and our heavy flow size. Just insert the cup into your vagina until it finds a comfortable position.
One useful tip for low cervix menstrual cup users is to trim the stem or chop the removal ring from your cup. This is to ensure the ring does not poke if you, if it sticks out of your body.
how do you insert a menstrual cup with a low cervix?
If you have a low cervix, you should insert your menstrual cup gently, until it is completely inside your vagina. Don’t try to force it up higher than it will naturally go.
Begin by using the c-fold or punch-down fold, then gently guide your cup in, angling it towards your tailbone. You should not be able to feel the cup once it is inside you.
If a little bit the ring sticks out, this is completely fine. It is made from super soft and flexible silicone and should not poke you, making it the best menstrual cup for a low cervix. If it does irritate you, then considering trimming the ring with a scissor.
how do you remove a menstrual cup with a low cervix?
For users with a high cervix, removing a menstrual cup can be a challenge as it can travel quite far up your vaginal canal.
If you have a low cervix, the good news is that your cup will be very easy to remove!
The main thing is to remember to always pinch your cup before removing it, as you need to break the suction that has formed with the walls of your vagina.
Gently guide two fingers into the vagina until you can feel the base of your cup. Pinch to break the seal, and then wiggle the cup from side to side to guide it out. Even if you have chopped the ring off your cup, we have three grip-rings at the base of the cup so you will always be easily able to grip onto it and guide it out.
can you chop the ring off your menstrual cup?
For most people we do not advise chopping the ring off your cup. It’s designed to make the cup very easy to remove.
If you accidentally chop it off and your cup travels high up your canal, it can be very difficult to retrieve.
That said, if you have a low cervix and your ring is sticking out or causing discomfort, you may want to chop it off. Please do use your Asan menstrual cup for one full menstrual cycle (i.e. all days of your period) before chopping the ring off your cup. This is because your cervix position may change during different days of your period.
We have a great guide on how to trim the stem off your cup. Please refer to this guide to make sure you are doing it correctly and safely.
Ready to make the switch to the life-changing Asan menstrual cup? Click here to get yours now!