Or should I have just ordered a Mooncup?

[ohbigdaddio]

I really like the idea of using a menstrual cup and bought a cheapish one online. It all seems fine but I have had a 'dry run' yesterday and today and both times it has taken me about 20 minutes to remove with much sweating and stressing that it's stuck. I know stressing is not the thing to do! Sorry for TMI but getting my fingers in to break the seal and pull it out has been a logistical nightmare! I can't imagine trying to co-ordinate the whole thing when it's actually full of blood.

It has a fairly short stem and getting hold of it has been very difficult. On reflection I can see that other cups, including the Mooncup, have a much longer stem but as I bought this to help save the environment, should I persevere –does it get easier – or just give up and try a Mooncup?

Which brand was it? I got a set of 2 from amazon called duchess cup for 15 quid. Ive never tried mooncup but this one does the job well.

You probably just need to get used to it. The long stems are annoying and uncomfortable- I always cut them off (on my second cup now). Also when you're on your period things will likely be a bit more lubricated down there which will help.

You need to trim the stem down anyway as it shouldn't be poking out, really. I would persevere a bit longer. I've used a mooncup for about 2 years and I still don't get it right every time. If I squat I sometimes pee a bit so often do it on the bathroom floor with a towel under me. Not very dignified! You're right, stressing and panicking does not help at all! so try and relax. I either leave it and do jobs to distract myself then come back to it. Removing it in the shower also helps me as I relax better! Don't give up!

I always cut the stem off my mooncup anyway as it would be horribly uncomfortable. You should just be able to slide a finger up next to the cup and push it in on itself a little bit to break the seal? Then grab the bottom between two fingers or thumb and forefinger and pull?

Or if all else fails, squat and push with your pelvic floor muscles. (In the shower is best!)

I've found it's easier to get them out if you ignore using the stem and just pinch the base of the cup and pull and wiggle out, but let it open up a bit again before you fully remove it or it's easy to spill.

You might well find it easier when you’re on your period. Cervix’s can move lower when that happens. Are you removing it while sat on the loo?I can’t get mine out otherwise. Alao, have you tried bearing down (pushing) - this also can help! Good luck. I’m happy with my lunacup but had yo buy 3 different ones to get one that fitted. Love it now.

It will be much easier when you're on your period. Lubrication

Some are different. I never got on with the mooncup as I find the thick rim not comfortable. Bought a si bell and I love it

Have you tried the PutACupInIt quiz OP? Might help you decide which cup is most suited to you.

You can't leave the stem on a Mooncup anyway as it pokes you.
You probably need to practice. Get a stool and put one leg up on it whilst sitting on the loo. Bear down a little so the Mooncup goes to the entrance of the vagina, then push one finger up against the side to break the seal. It's like contact lenses or tampons or something- seems impossible at first but then becomes second nature!

I have a mooncup and haven't had any problems, but I did trim the stem down so that's probably not your issue. Are you trying to pull it by the stem? That will be hard as you've got to break the suction first! Go a bit further up and squeeze the bottom of it, then you can gradually pull down. Using your muscles can help too! You could also be at a place in your cycle where you're naturally a bit "drier" at the moment, which might be making it a bit trickier.

I'd say persevere with the one you've got for a period or two and see how you get on. Good luck! :)

Thanks all, will persevere! BunsOfAnarchy It's the Dutchess cup I'm using!

I had to trim the stem on mine a lot anyway. They take a long time to get used to in my experience. I've been using mine since May and have just about got the hang of it now.

The lube will help. Sometimes I get a bit sore if I try to take it out too often

As a pp said when youre on your period your cervix is much lower, so it's far far easier to reach

It all seems fine but I have had a 'dry run' yesterday and today and both times it has taken me about 20 minutes to remove with much sweating and stressing that it's stuck.

Christ, did you not need a valium after all that??

My technique is to pinch it to break the seal twist slightly pull down a but then release the pinch so it opens again before gently removing it completely.

As a pp said when youre on your period your cervix is much lower, so it's far far easier to reach
Turns out I'm still learning about my body at the age of 40!

Don't worry op, I certainly wasn't aware of the height (length?) Of my cervix until I became a regular mooncup user

I have the mooncup and the long stem hurts! I trimmed it off but had to leave a little bit as I struggled getting it out. I'm pretty confident with my body in that respect but after a few scary times of it seeming to go upwards of its own accord and becoming completely unreachable (even on period with a low cervix) I'm scared to try it again.

As others have said, don't worry! It will just take time. Keep persevering and give it a proper run (wearing back up pads if you use those) and if you don't get on with it after a couple of cycles, you could try a different one. After three cycles you'll figure out what the problems are and know what to look for next. I've been using mine a year and it still sometimes does something new, but I love it and would never go back! (I'm using a mooncup btw, it was just the first one I found). It took me 15/20 mins the first few times too. Now I can do it like that *snaps fingers . As others have said, pinching the base is usually all that's required.

Well done for making the choice - we need more women like us!!

Just a quick update - I'm now on my period. Seem to have got the knack of removing it and it is a lot easier now than on my 'dry run!

It is revolutionary! Love it!

...We need to convert the world now

Use it for your entire period before you attempt to trim the stem. Despite what previous posters have said, you may not need to trim it. I have a high cervix and I can only just reach the end of the stem (I haven't trimmed it at all). I'd need a wetsuit to retrieve it if I'd trimmed the stem!