I didn’t grow up hearing much about menstrual cups. Pads and tampons were the norm, and for a long time, I didn’t question them. They were familiar. Predictable. But not exactly perfect.
Over time, though, I started noticing the downsides. I didn’t love how often I had to change tampons, or how they felt on lighter days. Pads could be bulky and not especially comfortable, especially when I was active. There was also the constant restocking—running to the store, making sure I had enough on hand, sneaking a spare into my bag “just in case.”
That’s when I started looking into menstrual cups. I kept hearing people say how much more freedom they felt using one, and honestly, I was curious. No more scrambling for supplies every month? No waste piling up in the bathroom trash? That sounded… really appealing.
At first, I was overwhelmed by how many options there were. Sizes, shapes, firmness levels, materials—turns out, menstrual cups aren’t just one-size-fits-all. Which is actually a good thing. Because after having kids, my body had changed in ways I hadn’t fully appreciated. And one of those changes was a lower cervix.
I didn’t know cervix height mattered when it came to period products. But it absolutely does. A regular-length cup might feel too long or not sit comfortably for someone with a low cervix. That’s exactly what I was experiencing when I tried a standard cup—it just didn’t feel right. It sat too low, and I could never quite get comfortable.
After doing more research, I found that some brands make shorter cups designed specifically for people with a low cervix. That was a bit of a lightbulb moment. I ended up choosing the MeLuna Shorty XL, which offered a compact shape and enough capacity for my needs. I also liked that it was made from TPE, a material that’s soft, flexible, and less likely to dry out sensitive tissue.
It was different from the full-length cup I’d originally tried, but that’s exactly why it worked. The shorter shape stayed in place better and didn’t cause that uncomfortable sensation I’d been getting before. And the ball handle? Easy to reach without being pokey or in the way.
Once I found the right cup, everything just felt easier. I didn’t have to plan around my period as much. I could leave the house without packing a mini stash of supplies. On most days, I only needed to empty the cup twice—once in the morning and once at night. And on top of that, I wasn’t contributing to monthly waste anymore. It felt like a win on every level.
Making the switch also gave me a different kind of confidence—more awareness of my cycle, more understanding of how my body actually works. There’s something empowering about managing your period with one simple, reusable item that quietly does its job in the background.
Of course, there was a learning curve. It took a few tries to figure out the best fold, and I had to experiment with positioning. But that’s part of the process, and once it clicks, it really does get easier. And for those who have specific needs—like a low cervix or a body that’s changed after pregnancy—there are cups out there designed with that in mind.
If you’ve been thinking about switching but aren’t sure where to start, you’re not alone. I waited longer than I needed to because I assumed cups were too complicated or only for a specific kind of person. But they’re not. They’re for anyone who wants a cleaner, lower-maintenance, and more sustainable way to manage their cycle.
And if a standard cup hasn’t worked for you in the past, it might not mean cups aren’t for you. It could just mean you haven’t found the right fit yet.
For me, that right fit was the MeLuna Shorty XL. But more than that, it was the realization that there are options—real, thoughtful options—for all kinds of bodies. And that switching to a cup doesn’t have to be perfect right away to be worth it.
Honestly, I wish I’d made the change sooner.
