If you’re reading this, you probably have a vagina or love someone with a vagina and want what’s best to help them manage and care for their period. You might have been considering a menstrual cup or menstrual disc, and have landed on a Saalt Cup or Saalt Disc. Saalt menstrual cups and discs can be worn for up to 12 hours and help maintain your natural pH levels as they are naturally non-toxic, odor-free, and made from 100% medical-grade silicone so there is no discomfort or dryness. Because it has 3 to 6 times the capacity of a regular tampon, you can have a period and a life, no pads or strings attached. Our Waste Calculator shows how much money and period waste you would save by making the switch to a Saalt Cup or Disc.
How using a Saalt menstrual cup or disc can teach you about your anatomy
Okay, so you know how great a Saalt Cup and Disc is for you and our planet. But how do you choose one? Cup and Disc sizing has more to do with cervix height than any other factor, yep—even flow amount. Why you ask? Well, let’s get to the nitty gritty.
Mastering a menstrual cup or disc comes with the unique opportunity to fully understand your own personal internal and external anatomy. We know, you might be thinking “you want me to put my fingers up where?” Yes! We do! This is the best way for you to assess which Saalt Cup or Disc will be the right size for you. Besides, it’s YOUR body. In your lifetime no one is going to understand the body you live in or advocate for your health and personal needs like you. So go ahead, you have permission. Start exploring and get to know you. This is the best way to find out what size Saalt Cup or Disc you will need.
Your cervix can change position throughout your monthly cycle. Because your cervix may descend lower into the vaginal canal or continue to sit higher during your period, it's best to check your cervix height once your period starts. You may find it helpful to check on different days of your period to observe any changes that may impact period cup or disc sizing.
When determining where your cervix is, use clean hands and insert 1–2 fingers into your vaginal canal. Feel for the opening of your cervix, which feels similar to soft cartilage (some compare to the tip of a nose but softer). Your cervix will have a tiny hole in the center. If you feel your cervix when your finger is inserted with only the 1st knuckle inside your vagina, you have a low cervix; inserted to the 2nd knuckle is medium or average height; 3rd knuckle is a high cervix. We have a great tutorial for checking where your cervix is located here if you need help. 
For users with a medium to high cervix, we recommend a Saalt Cup Regular or a Saalt Disc Regular. The Saalt Cup Regular has a longer bulb, typically making retrieval more manageable for users with a high cervix. The Saalt Disc Regular has a wider rim, which typically suits people with a higher cervix and larger fornix. For users with a medium to low cervix we recommend the Saalt Cup Small, or a Saalt Disc Small. The Saalt Cup Small is the same length from rim to stem as the Saalt Regular cup, but the Saalt Small cup has a smaller bulb typically making it more comfortable for users with a medium to low cervix. Additionally, the Saalt Disc Small has a smaller rim lending to more comfort for people with a low cervix and smaller fornix. For young users, like teens, new to inserted period products or those with a very low cervix we have a Saalt Teen Cup. The Teen Cup is slightly softer than our original firmness Saalt Cup, but is not quite as soft as the Saalt Soft Cup. As cervix height and flow fluctuate for many people during menses, Saalt offers the Saalt Duo Pack, set of two cups, and the Saalt Disc Duo– so users have options based on daily cervix fluctuations. Thanks hormones! 😉
If going the menstrual cup route, should you choose an original Saalt Cup or a Saalt Soft Cup? For users with a strong pelvic floor who are active, we recommend the original Saalt Cup. For users with a weakened pelvic floor (typically this happens with age, pregnancy, frequent constipation) or decreased physical activity, we recommend the Saalt Soft Cup, also available in our Soft Duo Pack offering both sizes. Our Saalt Twin Pack of period cups comes with both firmness levels in the same size. Hello, period options!
Can Young People or New Users Use a Cup for Period Flow?
This is a very good question and one we receive often. The simple answer is yes, but if you are new to inserted menstrual products, we would recommend talking with a safe adult like a parent, school nurse, or your physician/pediatrician regarding any questions or concerns you might have. There is a thin membrane that stretches around the opening of the vagina called the hymen. The hymen has a circular-like appearance with a small opening; it could be considered a curtain that rests at the opening of the vaginal canal, but not a complete seal or enclosure. Menstrual fluid and discharge are able to move past your hymen.
Just like so many other body parts, the hymen comes in different shapes, sizes, and colors. The hymen is a ring of tissue usually with a centrally placed opening, sometimes shaped more like a crescent moon than a circle. Sometimes the hymen folds over on itself, protrudes forwards, or even rests more internally. Your vagina and hymen are incredibly elastic, and while it is possible that inserting a menstrual cup could tear the hymen, it can also be overly stretched at any time during normal activities or physical exertion, such as playing sports or picking up something heavy.
The size and shape of your hymen are not determined by your sexual history. Depending on the size and shape of your hymen it may take some time to find what insertion methods will be most comfortable for you. We recommend taking it slow as you start out with your new menstrual cup or disc, especially if you haven't used inserted products previously. Lubricate your cup or disc with a water-based lubricant, and take some deep breaths to relax your muscles.
Water-based lubricants on tampons or menstrual cups, like our Saalt Teen Cup, can be used to help introduce inserted period products to a new user.
As you navigate your new learning curve with period cups or discs, using backup like period underwear can be a great option. Period panties, like Saalt Wear, absorb all sorts of moisture including sweat, discharge, urine and period flow. Leakproof underwear can offer a great deal of peace and support while you navigate your new reusable learning curve.
If you have questions about cup sizing or which sustainable period products might work best for you, please reach out to our Saalt Coaches. We have Saalt experts standing by to help assist you at sayhey@saalt.com. TMI welcome, as always.
