Mooncup first time user advice please (TMI warning)

[Minime85]

Hi so I've had a mooncup sitting in my drawer for probably about 8 months and not dared to try it. Have just tried to use it for the first time and needed to trim the stem. Got it in fine but taking it out . So I'm looking for any advice on how to get it out without feeling like I'm pulling my insides out with it please. Also it was almost half full and had only been in 5 mins so how can I tell when I need to empty it? I can't even imagine trying to do any of this outside of Home as I made a right mess . Thank you in advance x

Try pinching the bottom of it and twisting slightly to release the pressure. It forms a seal so if you just grab the stalk and pull, it is like a plunger and won't come out.

Knowing when to empty it will be a bit of a matter of trial and error and figuring out how much you flow on each day of your period. It does take a bit of practice to get used to it. If you are concerned about leaking, you can always use a pad as well at first.

I have to put my finger i and push the rim to break the seal or vacuum or whatever it is and pull it outslightly crumpled in if that makes sense. I can't just prull it straight out by the stem.

What bambam said.
I was mind with a cloth pad, so I know when it's leaking, and needs emptying.

Also if out and about take a bottle of water with you in your handbag it's useful to wash your cup with it straight into the toilet. I love my moon cup I don't notice it anymore. I tried to use it probably to soon after having my son and initially found it uncomfortable but now it's fine.

I do what bambam says, to release the seal.

Over time, you'll learn how it feels. You'll learn to identify how heavy it feels just before it becomes too full. It's a bit of trial and error at first, but I've been using my cups (originally Mooncup, now another brand) for a decade now, and they're worth getting used to.

I don't empty mine out and about. If I'm going to be out for a very long time on a very heavy day, I'll wear a cloth pad for backup because that's more convenient for me. By day 3, that's not necessary even if I'm out for 12+ hours.

Thanks everyone for advice. Had a few leakage problems today so lots of practise needed over next few months! I am very heavy for about 3-4 days, so can't use at work tomorrow but certainly going to persevere. Yes I read about bottle of water too.

I have also braved trying my mooncup in the last couple of days,after reading everyone raving about them on here! Definitely going to take a bit of getting used to....and it feels like I make mess everywhere when I empty it,but once in I was amazed how I didn't feel it. Likewise taking it out,I feel like I'm pulling my insides out,I think I may be inserting it too high up,which may make it easier to remove. I just pinched the bottom bit above the stem which seems to release the seal enough to extract!

I did panic first time i tried to remove it as it just wouldn't come out and was painful, just needs some practice. Agree about carrying a bottle of water though got spatter in my white shirt in the pub once - nice!

Are you giving it a half turn after insertion? That will seal it and stop leaking.

To remove, I pinch to break the seal.

If you ever can't get it out, squat and rummage

Or take it out in the bath.

If it leaks and fills quickly, you might find you need a different make. I leaked for most of the first 3 days of my period with a mooncup, and needed to empty it every two hours!!! I needed to use a loo with a sink out and about as it was such a blood bath. Bought a meluna large size last month and it is amazing!! Dont need to worry about it making a seal, it never ever leaks, and even on my heaviest day only need to change it once at lunchtime. Properly life-changing.