Mooncup WTAF

[Roszie]

I bought one of these to be more eco friendly and have been waiting patiently to use it.

OMG. The pain. It's like having a hard bit of plastic shoved up there. I waited a song as I could bear it before taking it out.

The agony of removing it nearly made me faint. I then spilt all over the floor

Is it me doing it wrong or are these awful and just have great marketing? I've sent DH out for some tampons.

As long. I didn't wait a song

Are you breaking the vacuum? Have you cut the stalk?

Try the put a cup in it quiz.

There are lots of different cups.

I have a saalt cup which is really comfy.

Moon.cups are pretty firm with a large rim so aren't fir everyone

Checklist:
Have you bought the right size?
Have you removed/shortened the stem?
Did you break the seal before removing?

If yes to all of the above it might be worth trying a cup made of softer silicon.

Also are you putting it in high enough, it sits lower than a tampon but you shouldn't be able to feel it.

I've cut the stem off mine completely and you definitely do need to break the seal before wiggling it out (don't pull).

I definitely don't find them comfortable. Getting them out, even with the technique, is too much for my tender vagina 😂.

I think you are probably doing it wrong! I can't feel mine at all if it is in properly. Are you getting it up high enough? Are you following instructions for insertion and removal? I fold it into a C to insert it and then kind of twist it round to open it up. Sometimes it takes a minute to settle into place but if it's still uncomfy after that it's normally too low so I remove it and try again x

I cut nearly the whole stem off as it was too long. I inserted it in a c shape but didn't twist.

Also didn't break the seal removing as I couldn't reach the top bit.

The rim is very hard plastic and I think that's what I can feel.

Did you do the Put A Cup In It quiz to determine the best cup for you?

You need to find your cervix first so you have something to aim for. Insert your finger till you feel something firm with a small hole.

I prefer to use the "C" fold with the fold pointing towards the floor whilst crouching down. Not the most elegant of poses but it works for me! Use a water based lubrication too if need be.

I remember this the first time I used one. The pain of removing it took my breath away, I thought it was doing lasting damage to my insides. You need to break the seal and fold it in on itself a bit to get it out painlessly. I found practicing in the shower was easier at first instead of worrying about spilling it into the loo. I'm so glad I persevered now but I totally know where you're coming from!

You only need to pinch the bottom to break the seal.

It needs to be high up, so you can't feel it, the same as a tampon.

The mooncup rim isn't very hard plastic, it's fairly malleable silicone. Have you bought an actual mooncup or a different brand?

It's a mooncup, the size for those who have had vaginal births.

I'm trying to steel myself up to having another go.

It is silicon but feels hard and it's a thick rim.

you can break the seal by pinching the base. I agree with putting it in and out in the shower at the start. It softens up after a while but I wouldn't be without mine now. It's literally changed how I feel about periods.

It needs to be wet when you put it in, so run it under the tap first otherwise it won't go in high enough.

Pinch the bottom to break the seal, wiggle it down a little and then pop your finger between the rim and your vaginal wall to fully break the seal and it'll come out easier. Don't pull, wiggle.

I love mine and don't find it hurts at all or feels hard. It can be uncomfortable if I haven't put it in far enough. I run it under the warm tap to put it in to make sure it is clean, soft and flexible. Agree with other tips you've had about folding it to go in and breaking the seal as you bring it out.

You could also try the smaller size if you are finding the larger an issue, or a different brand.

Also as PP say, as long as I've put it in far enough I don't feel it at all when it's in. I've been known to completely forget it's there for quite a long time at the tail end of my period.

I found that when mine were cold they were harder to insert so always run under a hot tap before inserting. However don't make the mistake I did once and insert immediately after sterilising (by boiling in water for 10 minutes) - the silicone needs to cool before you use it ...................ouch!!

I've had another go but it's dented on both sides but feels quite secure. It's not as painful but I'd be amazed if it doesn't leak

Mooncup have ad advice service run by nurses and midwives - probably best to get in touch with them if you need some help and guidance. [email protected]

Did you boil wash it first? Mine is so comfortable that I can’t feel it when it’s in so my instinct is that you’ve either not inserted it correctly or it’s not the right cup for you. Did you dampen it before inserting? I find that helps hugely compared to going in dry, as it were

First few months I used my cup only when I was at home and removed it standing in the bath the first few times until I got the hang of it.

But mine isn't a mooncup, it is another brand with a ring pull bottom and it is very squishy. I do a punch down fold and it will only pop open in one direction ie against one wall of my vagina but I have had 2 c sections not vaginal births.

Definitely break the seal when removing. It just takes practise but I can understand that if it is painful then it does put you off trying again.

You really shouldn't feel it at all when it is in, like a tampon.

I find the Mooncup too stiff myself, I switched to a Saalt cup 2 years ago and it is so damn comfy, total game changer!

Roszie, you don't have to persevere with the moon cup. There are products which are biodegradable, eco-friendly which would not cause you discomfort.