Use the size charts to figure out what you think might fit you best. http://community.livejournal.com/menstrual_cups/1285963.html Then narrow down your choices by capacity and shape, then go with your gut.

As for your IUD, some cup makers say you can use their cup with one, others say not to, and yet others say to ask your doctor. Personally, I think that's their legal departments talking, not necessarily their medical advisors. I've noticed that the ones with bigger anti-suction holes are more likely to say it's OK so if you like a cup with small holes, you can try to enlarge them yourself -- if you think that will make a difference.

I have an IUD and have used a diva cup with it for several years. My GYN doc said it was absolutely fine to use them together. In her opinion they were safer than tampons because they don't sit up against the cervix like a tampon does but just sits below and collects the fluid. She was so OK with it that she said it was fine to start using it immediately after I had a new IUD inserted. That said, I suppose it may be best to check with your doctor but be aware that not all of them are that familiar with cups. Also for what it is worth, OB's are the only tampons that worked for me and the diva cup fits me very well and I have been quite happy with it.

i've never had an IUD...sorry can't help with that.

i only ever used ob tampons.

i'm 35, two kids, delivered vaginally.

depending on the day (or my mood) i use a: lg Fleur, lg Diva, lg LadyCup, sm. LadyCup or med. MeLuna. i've also got a lg Lunette that i feel is too stiff.

when i was trying to decide what cup to buy, i looked at the size charts, then looked at the high capacity cups (i used to go thru a super tampon in about an hour), then tried to figure out where my cervix is (about 2 inches in for me) and then went with one i could buy easily online. I started with the Diva (got mine thru Lunapads.com), which if i had to use everyday of my period would totally work. Little did I realize I was starting a cup addiction. I got the Ladycups from ebay, the MeLuna thru a co-op order, the Fleur used thru LJ, and the Lunette directly from the company. My favorites are the lg Fleur (lots of capacity and squishy enough to make insertion easy) and the LadyCups (again, not too stiff...easy to fold...some feel the LadyCups are hard to grip as they don't have grip rings, just small bumps, but i've gotten used to it.)

good luck!

OK, since everyone else is suggesting what fits them (not necessarily you too) I'll say that I also have a fairly short wide vagina, just like you. And an IUD.

I use a (large) UK Mooncup for my light days. They're not available to the US any more so a Femmecup is a good substitute. Cheaper too. I think they're cheapest directly from the manufacturer but shop around. You'll have to order it internationally.

My heavy days cup is a large Lunette. LOVE it. Medium length, frosted texture, solid tab stem, large anti-suction holes. It's one of the stiffer cups, which I think makes it pop more easily and seal more securely. If the $40 price tag is frightening, then check out the Green Donna. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170593683827 It's nearly identical and a little squishier, which some people find more comfortable. Available in clear or pretty pink.

well, what are we supposed to do? start throwing out suggestions..buy THIS one, it'll be perfect. Then it most probably will not be the best one. you said it well with your first comment...look at size charts! i just throw in my two cents cause i feel there aren't as many of us that are over 30 and/or gone thru childbirth...which for me changed things a LOT in that area...don't know how anybody else is...haven't figured out how to poll people on that yet. :)

My comment wasn't aimed at you.

Too often, people reply with what fits them without considering whether it might also fit the OP. You both have had a couple of kids and like the same brand of tampons.

However, if I were the OP, I'd take a "because it fits me" suggestion from a 14 year old virgin with a grain of salt. They are most likely built differently due to age and kids.

i try not to comment on the ones that i can't relate to...since i just found cups at 33, I've got no experience with being young or pre-childbirth and cup usage. (plus a really bad memory anyways.)

I think it's so cool, though, that younger people are considering & using cups. My daughter is 9 and based on my own experience (back in the 80s it seemed like there was always a trial period with pads before girls even started using tampons) I wouldn't have even considered suggesting a cup once she needs one. Good to know it's a possibility.

There are several young teens here who have tried cups -- many successfully.

Many automatically gravitate toward the smallest/shortest cups but some of the short cups can be really hard to remove if they happen to have a long vagina -- so I think length is an even more important consideration for young users than those who are accustomed to putting things in/out of their vaginae.

Personally, I had my period for over a year before I was ready to move to tampons so let your daughter make the decision about when she's ready to switch from pads to anything internal. I get the impression that you will be open about her options early on. :o)

My Mom offered me a cup when I was 12 but I wasn't ready yet. "EEEWWW!!!" I regretted that decision for decades until I finally rediscovered cups only about 3 years ago.

i agree. i've got a 5 yr old daughter and i'm so glad that i now know about cups and cloth pads. i understand what you're saying about a trial period with pads. seemed that way to me too.

Have you measured how far into your vagina your cervix is? It's a fleshy little nub that feels like the tip of your finger. Well you probably know that if you have an IUD. If you can't find it because it's so high, or it's at the end of your finger, you probably can handle a longer cup. If it's only an inch or two in then you probably need a squatter cup like lunette, yukki, ladycup, or fleurcup.

There's also capacity to consider. These are the general capacities of tampons:
*Light/Regular: 6-9ml
*Super: 9-12ml
*Super plus: 12-15ml
*Ultra: 15-18ml

From checking out the size charts and comparing it to how many tampons you use per day, you should be able to figure out what a good capacity is for you. (Cups go up to 30ml max.) Since you're older and have had a baby vaginally, the companies do recommend that you get a larger cup, but that rule isn't true for necessarily everyone. :) Good luck!

http://www.wikihow.com/Buy-a-Menstrual-Cup

Good to know. I am 15-18 ml on the heaviest days, and 2 finger joints to the cervix. Sounds like something like Lunette would work best.

Yup yup. :)

Thanks so much, folks - this is really helpful. I was hoping to find out personal experience as well as resources, so both are welcome.

Regarding IUDs, I wouldn't rule out the Diva. The longer body length means that you can pinch the bottom of the cup to remove it without worrying that you're going to pull the strings of your IUD (did this with a meluna, not a fun experience). Basically, all shapes/sizes of cups have things to look out for when you're using them with an IUD, but if you're careful and aware, it shouldn't be a huge problem!