Can anyone help with menstrual cup questions please?

[Nquartz]

I've used the Kind cup for the first time today but found it quite tough/painful to get in & out.

I bought the size recommended for my age (38) and I've had a vaginal birth but I'm wondering if it's too big. I feel a bit bruised!

Do I persevere or do I need to give up?!

It took a few cycle to get used to it for me but brilliant now. There's definitely a knack to it. Top tip is to pretend your doing a poo and it'll come out easily. Fold it in half to put it in. I think they get more pliable after a few months.

I tried 4 different types before I found one that was comfortable, easy to get in and didnt leak. Try the one you have got for a bit longer but if its not suiting you dont give up as another make might be better !

I was a mooncup user and the first time I tried to take it out I was worried I was giving myself a hysterectomy! Breaking the seal is key, try taking it out in the shower a couple of times where you have have a good squat and not worry about a blood bath until you get used to it - persevere, best decision I ever made

Oh God I remember it well, it does take a bit of getting used to!

For taking it out, you definitely have to 'bear down' a couple of times to push it down a bit otherwise you will never get it out (I remember having visions of going to A and E with a stuck mooncup!)

Putting it in, I just fold it in half and put it in, squatting definitely helps. And then to make sure it's opened properly and sealed I run my finger around it until I can feel its opened. You do have to have a bit of a rummage around sometimes!

As PP fold your cup in half when inserting.

When removing slide finger and thumb up the side and squeeze the cup to break the seal, then carefully wiggle it out.

You’ll get the knack it takes a couple of cycles to get the hang of it.

There’s a questionnaire here to help you decide if you’re using the right one for you. They do vary in softness, diameter, length, shape etc. Plus there are different insertion methods. I remember finding it tricky at first, but not feeling bruised.

putacupinit.com/quiz/

It's just practice. You'll be able to get it in and out v quickly by the end of the week I'd say.
The key thing is breaking the seal and keeping it upright as you pull it out. Make sure right over loo in case of spillage. Do not yank as then contents can go flying.
I had to stop using it as it put pressure on my bladder all the time but other than that I thought it was quite cool.

Persevere ,it is the best thing I have bought.

I've been using one for 9 years now, started out as trying to save money and now I can't stand the feel of a tampon . I had a few mishaps when I first started using it but I've not had a leak since the first few uses .

Breaking the seal is key otherwise it dies feel like you are trying to vacuum your innards out. Twisting or rocking the cup can do the trick.

They do take a bit of getting used to but if you can get comfortable with it then it really is so much better than disposable ST.

does

I couldn’t insert mine when I got it but watched videos by precious star pads on YouTube and learnt the different folds and how to get them to open

To insert I always run mine under really hot water first. I think it makes it a little more pliable. I prefer the fold in half technique, but it does sometimes take a few minutes to open and I can feel it pop.

When removing bearing down does help push it out a little and d allow you to grab the bottom. I think it's generally okay until you try to get the rim out and then it's a little bit sore.

Good luck. I love mine now and feel much less conscious.

Thanks everyone, I'll keep persevering. I think it hurts because the rim feels really rigid/hard so I hope it softens up a bit.

Do people use pads/tampons overnight? For some reason I thought it could stay in for up to 12 hours but it says only 6 so I used a tampon overnight.

@Sliceofrice

Thanks for the tip, I'll try running it under the hot tsp next time I put it in.

It might be too big. I use a smaller one than is recommended for my age/number of births. It seems like height is a better mechanism for calculating the size required. I also prefer my slightly softer Meluna to the mooncup, which is pretty hard. Apparently firmer ones are better if you do a lot of sports or have very good muscle tone because they help prevent leaks, but too firm makes it uncomfortable and difficult to use. But you don't want it too soft because too soft won't put the correct pressure on your vaginal wall and it won't work.