Are menstrual cups uncomfortable

[SeaBoat]

I grew up using disposal pads and then when I went into my 20s I used pads and tampons.

About 4 and half years ago I became unwell with a very bad cough. Since then I found tampons very uncomfortable for some strange reason. They don't feel right. It's been a few years since I used them.. Since then I made the move to reusable products as in reusable pads and period underwear and I love it.

I will need an option going forward for a swimming pool. Either tampons or a menstrual cup. I don't know what to decide on. My main products of choice will be pads and reusable underwear but I need an option for a pool.

I had a look online and there's such a thing as period swimwear. Would period swimwear work in a pool or would period blood get washed out from the swimwear?

All help would be appreciated.

I use a saalt cup.
It took a few goes until I got used to it. But now I wouldn't be without it.
Bit of lube and up it goes!

I use a mooncup. I actually do find it comfy as long as I’ve got it in the right place - otherwise it can be a bit awkward. Getting the seal takes a few goes sometimes too. But once it’s in, it’s all good. I never use the stem to take it out, I pinch the bottom to break the seal and do it that way. All fine. The only time it’s ever seriously leaked was the day I ended up running a marathon on the first day of my period (saying that still makes me feel absolutely nails) and I don’t think I can hold that against it tbh!

The most comfortable thing! I've got one in right now but wouldn't know it, can't detect it at all once it's in. It's changed my life.

I used one for years and years. Then got to 40 and just couldn't anymore, just couldn't get it in comfortably.

I used one for years, but I could never use it alone - always needed backup.
I do wish I had known about the concern that pulling them out wrong might worsen any pelvic floor weakness. I got a proplapse after starting to use it, though I was having kids as well so who knows if the cup was implicated at all. Mine was a mooncup so perhaps another brand would have been better.
If you suddenly can't use tampons after having a cough, I'd be inclined to get medically checked out just in case there is anything else going on down below that has caused this change.

What @BewareTheBeardedDragon said.
Anyone on this thread who has a problem with things changing after a cough, or who has trouble using tampons really should get checked out. The two things I've mentioned are suggestive of a prolapse. For those worrying about what that means, surgery is not the only option. There are other ways of dealing with it - the mention by a PP of noticing that a menstrual cup helps with having a wee isn't far off the mark - one of the treatments for a prolapse is a ring pessary which hikes any extra tissue up.

Oh god, i never knew that could have been a problem. Tampons weren't comfortable and that coincided with a summer of coughing. I just stopped using them.

Mine pinched so badly it makes my eyes water just thinking about the fucking thing.

Those of you worried about the suction have you tried

https://nixit.com/products/nixit-menstrual-cup?variant=15856471801928&currency=GBP&utmsource=google&utmmmedium=cpc&utmcampaign=Perf-MaxxUK&utmterm=&utmmcontent=&gclid=CjwKCAjwoKXBhAaEiwA2RZ8hJWIItsE66-cNORIWG3JW1ZrMsf7JuS5hVGE602tTi6hXNUqCK8CIRoCZQAQAvD_BwE

It doesn't sit as high. It looks big but it's soft and when you squeeze it's same width as a tampon. I haven't had vaginal births and I find it comfortable.

Something to be aware of re. Proplapse - ime unless you present actually asking a medical professional about symptoms, they won't mention that you have one if they're down there for other reasons eg. Smear/coil etc

I can't feel my mooncup at all. It's wonderful.

I can’t feel mine when properly in. I wouldn’t use it in a pool though - I’m pretty sure it would leak

I use an Organicup and it’s THE BEST THING EVER.

I did cut the stem off as I felt it was chafing a bit but as soon as I did that, no problems at all.

I swim with my mooncup in and not had a problem. I also trimmed the stem to make it comfy.

I absolutely love my mooncup, it's been an absolute game changer for me, especially as I have got older and my periods are all over the place. As long as I've got it with me, I know i can pop it in and I don't need anything else. I can't feel like at all once it's in properly, it's so comfy, and apart from period pains on the first day of my period I basically forget I'm even on my period. Theres no smell whatsoever either because the contents never come into contact with the air. I use the Mooncup branded one and it's always been OK, but there are lots you can try.

Its great for swimming as well. The only time I had a slight issue was when I went to a watermark and had been going down the slides/jumping in, and some of the water ended up in the cup! But it was still fine.

I've got a moon cup which is comfortable enough. It might not be the optimum one for me but it functions well enough to not be bothered about trying other brands.

I never got on with tampons, and used them for the minimal time for activities like swimming. I never got an applicator tampon in comfortably. They were also too drying. A cup glides in much more easily.

Worth getting checked out for a prolapse though.

I have a coil and the leaflet that came with is discouraged the use of tampons and cups, I’ve already used reusable pads for 3 years so bought a period swimsuit from cheeky wipes, it’s suitable for lighter days. I’ve used it a few times and like it. It’s not the prettiest of suits (plain black) but it does the job when I need it to!

I've tried 3 different menstrual cups and found mooncup the best and easiest to insert by far.. I have very irregular periods and often bleed for up to 5 weeks. Mooncup has not let me down yet.

I use a Bettercup and it's brilliant. When it's inserted properly, I can't feel it at all.

I have a moon cup and a salt cup. I have a short vag and find the saalt cup slightly more comfortable but both have changed my life. 1st day I have to change mid day, after that I'm good from first wee to last at night. Sometimes (not recommended) 24 hours. Defo cup for life.

I know this isn’t what you’re asking, but I have the same problem as you, I hate wearing tampons etc, so have decided I don’t want to deal with my period at all while I’m on holiday.

I’m going to take norethisterone, a drug which delays your period. You can only get it on prescription so I got it from an on line pharmacy (as there wasn’t a hope of getting an appointment with my GP this millennium)

Just an idea if that would work for you?

Not for me. Uncomfortable and far too much rummaging!!! Get a dr to check you down below for a prolapse, surprisingly common.

They're comfortable but very messy! I used one until one day I tipped the contents all over me. I switched to the sponge, much much better.

I have these

Menstrual Cup - 2 Period Menstruation Cups - Soft Flexible Medical Grade Silicone for Comfort and Fit - Size Small or Large - Sanitary Pad and Tampon Alternative amzn.eu/d/bQPmlEp

They're okay for me, I can't feel them but I cut the stem off.

I bought period swimwear for going on holiday. They were amazing! No leaks, no nothing. I even wore them on a heavy day and there was nothing. They are great.