To think I must have it in wrong...

[crazydoglady6867]

I am on my first day with a mooncup and I absolutely cannot give up trying, it is very important to me that I no longer use disposable pads and tampons, but it aches inside a little and I am leaking a little too. I got the size it said I should have, as an older lady who has had babies but could it be too big for me, if it’s too small I am stuck as it only comes in two sizes and I have the biggest one I have used tamping for 40 years but can’t seem to get this to sit right, is it worth trying the smaller one?

[crazydoglady6867]

tamping? Tampons!!!

[plire]

I couldn't get on with one. I think I have an inverted uterus.

Anyway I use sponges and washable pads now to ease my conscience!

[Bambamber]

It took me a little while to get used to it. I found inserting it a little higher really helped

[oldfatandstressed]

I use the divacup which is similar. I found it ached if the positioning was wrong. You need to do the 'u' fold with the top, and then when you insert it, aim it almost towards your lower spine rather than upwards like you would do for tampons. It took me three periods to work out how to get my cup in and comfortably, but I absolutely swear by it. I also find that allowing the cup to ping back to cup shape when it is semi inserted lets me get it angled properly, and then it only needs a little squish to get it secure. It is so comfortable, never leaks and is soooo much more convenient. Good luck.

[ThanksForAllTheFish]

Cutting the stem off really helps with comfort I found.

[UtterlyUnimaginativeUsername]

Another vote for washable pads if you don't get on with the cup. I love mine.

[Inkstainedmags]

It does take a little practice. Also, on my one super heavy day I often need extra protection so I bought a couple of small reusable pads.

[Inkstainedmags]

Forgot to say how worth it it is when you get the hang of it. No waking up in the morning to a flood, can go all day without thinking about it, so much less hassle all around.

[EdHelpPls]

Took me a few cycles to prevent all leaks. Make sure when you insert it you aim kinda towards your back, rather than straight up. I got pants with a waterproof layer as a backup. These have recently arrived and are v comfy but I haven’t used them “properly” yet. wuka.co.uk

[Kettlepotblack]

The mooncup is amazing - I would try and stick with it. You really shouldn't be able to feel it though. When I first tried it the same thing you described happened to me and it was because I hadn't cut the long bit in the middle short enough - have you definitely done this?

[dontticklethetoad]

Try a different fold. I leaked to start with until I changed the fold. Also they always say they're supposed to sit low, but I put mine quite high and it feels/fits better.

pistachioproject.com/2015/01/6-folding-methods-for-menstrual-cups.html

[FairfaxAikman]

Experiment with different folds - I find the tulip fold works best for me.
If you sit on the toilet to insert, put it in pretty much horizontally.
Make sure it's opened up fully - you should be able to turn it 360 degrees easily.
Cut the stem off.
Failing that there are other brands you can try. I get on best with the Diva Cup.

[TERFragetteCity]

I used the mooncup before the menopause but after, on HRT i just couldnt stand it. So now use reuseable pads. I did love the mooncup, got less pains and cramping.

[crazydoglady6867]

Aww, thanks for so many helpful replies. I have ordered some reusable pads from Cheeky Wipes to tide me over whilst I get used to it, I will also get another make to try that too.

[RedLemonade]

Agree with PP re cutting off the stem. Also that it definitely takes a few cycles to get it right.

I actually got another cup in a smaller size after a few months as I felt mooncup was maybe too big, but ended up reverting to it after one or two cycles because I realised it actually was the right size, I just needed more experience with inserting.

That said I ended up trying cloth pads as I was getting sick of the (admittedly slight) faff of cleaning the mooncup. I love cloth pads now. Yes there is still cleaning of blood involved but somehow the whole process works better for me than the cup.

[KingLooieCatz]

I'm on cloth pads and I haven't looked back since I started.

Kinda wish I could get on with mooncups. I ordered one and just took one look at it and thought "that's never gonna happen" but I was the same with contact lenses. So there is an unused mooncup here if anyone wants it. Message me and I'll post it to anyone who wants.

With the cloth pad I just drop it on the floor of the shower before I get in and stand on it a bit while I'm showering. That does most of the dirty work. Then they go in with a wash of whatever.

[HildaZelda]

For all of you using cloth pads, can I ask where you got them from, and how many you would use on an 'average' period? For me average would be about 5-7 days, first 2 days heavy, then tapering off and just a liner usually on day 6/7.

[sparklefluff]

I found that I needed to make sure I was inserting it towards my tailbone and not just upwards.
Also, the leaking will be if it's not popped and that also could be why it's uncomfortable.
Have you tried looking at the page 'put a cup in it?' They have some good food suggestions. I find rather than trying to pop the cup, if I apply pressure to the vaginal wall it then gives the cup space to pop and it then is perfect

[sparklefluff]

Food? I meant fold 🤦🏼‍♀️

[DianaPrincessOfThemyscira]

I didn’t like mine, it felt ‘pinchy’ and I was very aware of it. Plus although I cut the stem off I still felt like I could feel it.

I got a soft stemless meluna cup and love it. Easy to get in and can’t feel it at all.

[ThePinkOcelot]

Hasn’t it just been on the news recently about them being more toxic than tampons?!

[ThePinkOcelot]

i.stuff.co.nz/life-style/well-good/teach-me/103313539/menstrual-cups-are-more-likely-to-cause-toxic-shock-syndrome-than-tampons

[Sleepless123456789]

It took me ages because I was nervous and tensing up, so experimented with different ways of putting it in while having a warm shower / bath to relax muscles, then 'got' it. It sounds to me that you haven't got it in far enough, I was quite surprised at how far up it had to go! Also since your cervix moves depending on your menstrual cycle you might find it easier in a few days

[KingLooieCatz]

@HildaZelda I got my cloth pads from Amazon. Search "washable pads" I think. I use one per night, two per day on heavier days and one per day towards the end, but I suspect my flow is on the light side. You could always start by buying a set of 5 or 6 and see how you get on with them and buy more if you like them. That's what I did.

To start with I found they slipped around a bit, but now they've had a few wears and washes it's not an issue at all. I contemplated securing with a safety pin underneath but it hasn't been necessary. Snug fit pants also help.

I couldn't go back to disposable pads now, I found they all seem to have a plasticky coating these days.

Mine are "Cheeky Mamas".