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Original poster

Menstrual cup disaster. Help!

40 replies

CupCalamity · 23/02/2021 20:21

Name changed because I don't want this to be recognised for obvious reasons!

After reading lots of threads on here and doing the quiz I bought a Saalt regular cup. I was actually feeling slightly excited about using it, keen to do my bit to help the environment and also reduce the tampon changing faff.
So period due in next few days, thought I'll have a go with it. Went in fine, couldn't feel it. Yay! I thought.
Well then several hours later the fun starts when I tried to remove the bastard thing.
Could only just reach the base with the tips of my fingers and when I gently squeezed the base in as instructed the break the seal, it was very painful and I seemed to basically be squeezing right onto my cervix. The cup had suckered itself right onto my cervix. Couldn't reach the top of it to break the seal that way.
After much wriggling and poking, I got quite panicked, visions of having to go to A&E flashing through my mind etc.
Eventually DH managed to remove it with me lying on the bed, somehow it came out rim first which is surely rather impractical if it had been blood filled. And my poor bits feel quite bruised Sad

All words of advice welcome for my next go, as I would so love to get on with the cup! Did I put it too high up? Or was I wrong to try when not actually started with period?
For context, I haven't had a baby and am fairly slim, if that makes a difference.

OP posts:
dinonuggets · 23/02/2021 20:25

Definitely try a smaller cup. Or you can get these disk things instead

broodyas · 23/02/2021 20:26

Bearing down helps when trying to remove, once I've beared down enough to reach the stalk I (gently!) pull the stalk until I can get my finger high up enough to push in the edge of the cup and break the seal.
Also you weren't wrong to try it out but it is definitely easier when you're on your period!

anascrecca · 23/02/2021 20:26

I usually break the seal by tilting it slightly to one side or pressing one side in. This is with a mooncup but I'm assuming yours is similar. If I just try to pull it down without doing this it doesn't work and feels like it's pulling my cervix. Once you've got the hang of it it's so worth it.

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Beauty
broodyas · 23/02/2021 20:27

Also as PP has said it's definitely worth persevering as it makes things so much easier once you're used to it!

Sunshine3013 · 23/02/2021 20:33

You don't need to push it up that high!

Original poster
CupCalamity · 23/02/2021 20:46

Thank you for everyone's replies. I think I was so keen to ensure it went in properly and stayed in that I must have really wedged it too high up. I'll give it another go and try out the removal tips. Thanks!

OP posts:
HenrysPool · 23/02/2021 21:18

Definitely doesn’t need to be that high! I cut the stem off mine so it doesn’t catch or hang out Grin
I find I just need to pinch the bottom and the seal breaks and I can pull it out.
Initially I’d wait until your period had started before inserting so you can be happy with it. Then once you’re confident you can put it in in advance.

WhereDoMyBluebirdsFly · 23/02/2021 21:23

Also, if you're struggling, it's easier to get out if you squat down in the shower. Try to pinch it to break the seal, or even just push one side in. Once the seal's broken it should come out easily.

It's so worth it! I've had my Moon Cup almost 10 years now and I shudder to think of all the tampons I would have used in that time. ~18 per period x 12 months x 10 years = 2,160 tampons Shock

amusedbush · 23/02/2021 21:26

As others have said, if you squeeze it that will break the seal. It’s definitely easier when you’ve got your period!

fruitpastille · 23/02/2021 21:32

After 3 or 4 similar experiences (although at least I managed without dh) I've given up with mine.

MrsBDarcy · 23/02/2021 21:32

You poor thing. I tried mine once and it hurt when I sat down. So much I had to take it out. I can't afford to buy lots to try so back to tampons here

Janeteapot · 23/02/2021 21:35

Try not to bear down when you're removing it. It's a recipe for pelvic floor issues/prolapse.

EduCated · 23/02/2021 21:35

They sit much lower than you think, or at least than I thought!

MamaNewtNewt · 23/02/2021 21:36

Like others I really recommend giving it another go and not putting it so far up next time. I've used a Mooncup for the last two months and although it took a bit of practice it's been brilliant, just wish I'd done it years ago!

Fluffyandsilly · 23/02/2021 21:38

You’ll get the hang of it!
They are tricky to start with. You just need to get your technique sorted. And they are worn much lower than a tampon.

StanfordPines · 23/02/2021 21:38

I agree with everyone. It’ll be easier when you have your period. Don’t put it up high like a tampon. It sits really low.
I’m on my second one over 20 years of use. At 46 I don’t think I’m ever going to need to buy disposable again.

BashfulClam · 23/02/2021 21:39

Sorry but this stood out For context, I haven't had a baby and am fairly slim, if that makes a difference. What difference does being slim make?Confused

MinesAPintOfTea · 23/02/2021 21:39

It’s much easier to remove when full - although my first time I did take it out in the shower to reduce the risk of mess. And put it in so it is just barely above your pelvic floor muscles, much easier to break the seal.

olderthanyouthink · 23/02/2021 21:46

Dear god, it did a full 180???

I have that cup, the stem is so much softer than the moon cup so it didn't bother me not trimming it but it did stick out a bit, that's how low I wore it.

SmileyClare · 23/02/2021 21:46

I suppose slim could equate to a small build, so needing a smaller size cup? I don't think Op was showing off. Grin

Well done to your dh having a rummage, it sounds like he saved you a trip to A and E.

I don't think you should put it in before you come on, I mean I wouldn't use a tampon before I started bleeding- ouch.

I'd give it a go during your period but don't beat yourself if you don't get on with it. They're not for me, far too fiddly and difficult to remove without blood splattering everywhere.

BashfulClam · 23/02/2021 21:58

@SmileyClare a smaller build is still immaterial really. My 4’11’ size 4 cousin gave birth to a 9lb+ baby with no problem and no tearing. She is built like a tiny little bird (her partner is 6’5’’ and built like a house end). It just confused me why it was relevant.

BiscuitSewingTin · 23/02/2021 22:37

I wear mine very low. I cut the stem off and only insert the cup as far in so that the bottom is just inside.

Original poster
CupCalamity · 23/02/2021 22:52

Thanks, I appreciate all those who've commented with helpful advice. So it definitely sounds like I pushed it too high. I'll psych myself up for another go, and wait til period comes this time. I really want this to work!

@olderthanyouthink yes! Felt as horrific as it sounds, I can assure you.

@BashfulClam I wondered if perhaps being quite a narrow build was relevant for cup size. It was hard to know which size to pick to try. I didn't know that a smaller build is immaterial when it comes to vaginas.

OP posts:
RealisticSketch · 23/02/2021 22:59

They vary quite a bit so though I agree with others that you don't wear it so high up your personal shape (internally) also makes a difference, and the stalk length etc etc vary a lot too.
This might help
menstrualcupreviews.net/comparison/

paperdreams16 · 23/02/2021 23:20

I also tried the Saalt cup after doing a best fit quiz, put it in very low as instructed and wore it overnight - in the morning it had disappeared! It took me a good half an hour to reach it, break the seal and remove it, it definitely made its way higher than I initially put it. I wonder if that particular cup wasn’t the right size for me - maybe try a different brand? I’ve also looked at trying a different one but they’re expensive to ‘test’.