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Original poster

Help help help! Mooncup novice emergency! Poss TMI!

26 replies

mooncupnovice · 01/09/2009 23:50

For some reason I thought it would be a good idea to 'try out' my new mooncup in preparation for my period which hasn't yet arrived. Why oh why I thought this would be a good time of day to do this?! So I successfully got it in. But now, um well I can't get it out! Read the instructions and tried to 'break the seal' but only succeed in pushing it in further. Now it's beyond my reach even when squatting. I can just about locate the stalk but I can't get a grip as it's too um slippery and the seal is probably still intact.

I didn't cut any of the stalk off (thank god!) so how can it go so far?! I cant get my hand in far enough to get hold hold of it! Panicking now . Will I have to go and get the nurse to retrieve it in the morning? How embarrassing!

OP posts:

PortAndLemon · 01/09/2009 23:59

If I were you I'd leave it in overnight. You'll probably find that doing your next poo will shift it down slightly to the point where you'll be able to grab the bit just above the stalk when squatting. Then to break the seal you want to slide a finger up one side and sort of push in.

foofi · 02/09/2009 00:00

Don't panic! You will be able to manage it. You need to relax and 'bear down'. Personally I don't do the breaking the seal thing, it's made of very flexible material and it will just pull out. It does help if you have short finger nails. If you can't get it sitting on the edge of the loo, you could always try lying in the bath!

Good luck - we've all been there - it's like anything, you just need practice

CarGirl · 02/09/2009 00:01

if it's in there for a few days it won't be a problem.

PrettyCandles · 02/09/2009 00:05

OK, take a few deep breaths and relax. Most of us Mooncuppers have been where you are, we got it out, and ended up complete converts and fans of the Mooncup.

Things that I have found help me:

The more relaxed you are, the easier it all it.

Sitting on the loo, rather than actively squatting, allows you to physically relax your muscles and reach in without having to ballance as well.

You don't need to break the seal immediately (I never do). If you reach in with your middle finger - ie the longest one - bear down, and simultaneously breathe out, the M will descend far enough for you to grip it between finger and thumb.

Twirl it gently as you pull it towards the outside. This often breaks the suction. At the very least it will avoid the sink-plunger sensation, while allowing you to get closer to the rim.

Remember to breathe out with a loose jaw and soft mouth. That will help prevent you tensing up.

If sitting on the loo doesn't work for you, try lying on your back with a cushion under your hips. Yes, 'that' position .

If you're still struggling, go have a bath/glass of wine/bar of chocolate, whatever helps to relax you and try again later.

It will be all right, promise.

Original poster

mooncupnovice · 02/09/2009 00:05

I will leave it until the morning then, and cut my fingernails although I'm not convinced I will be able to get it. Didn't think it could go that far in . Not had children so didn't expect it to be so 'roomy' in there!?

OP posts:

Original poster

mooncupnovice · 02/09/2009 00:25

Owww I don't want it in me anymore! I just cant get a grip, why is it such a slippery bugger? why couldn't they have put grippy bits on the stalk?!

OP posts:

FluffySaysTheDailyMailsShite · 02/09/2009 00:54

Wash your hands and dry them, push a finger up to one side and push the side in, it should release the suction.

FluffySaysTheDailyMailsShite · 02/09/2009 01:00

did it work?

YodaIAmNot · 02/09/2009 01:24

pmsl fluffy, are you going to give us a demo

FluffySaysTheDailyMailsShite · 02/09/2009 01:26

lol! No way!!

CarmenSanDiego · 02/09/2009 01:28

Never used a mooncup but might trying to grip it with a cloth (facecloth?) over your fingers... or wearing latex gloves help?

gigglewitch · 02/09/2009 01:30

barbecue tongs?

FluffySaysTheDailyMailsShite · 02/09/2009 01:45

ZacharyQuack · 02/09/2009 04:48

fabric sticking plasters on your fingers?

Tie a string to the stalk, other end of the string tied to the doorhandle, slam the door.... (though that might only work for teeth )

woodenchair · 02/09/2009 08:15

Mine sits really high and it was a bit of a surprise the first time it dissappeared up there! After about 3 months i had perfected getting it out, it can take a while to get used to.

I sit on the loo and kind off push down, using a finger to twist it slowly as it comes out. I find it comes out easier that way. Like i said it took me a couple of months to be completely happy eith mine but now i couldn't imagine using tampons again

Original poster

mooncupnovice · 02/09/2009 08:52

Thanks for all your replies! Its just too damn slippery! I have already resorted to a facecloth and latex gloves for gripping, still no luck. Just running a bath to see if that will help at all. Plasters are an excellent idea, I will try that one now! PMSL at barbecue tongs, I am so desperate to get it out that isn't actually a bad suggestion!

OP posts:

MmeLindt · 02/09/2009 09:02

Can you try to bear down (like doing pelvic floor exercises). I can "eject" my mooncup by doing that. AIBU to be proud of that?

It cant go anywhere, you will get it out. Try not to panic.

Original poster

mooncupnovice · 02/09/2009 09:02

I DID IT, I DID IT, ITS OUT! WOOOOP!!!!
Full marks Zachary for the fabric plasters, the extra grip was what did it. But seriously I will not be doing that again in a hurry! The concept is great, and I couldn't feel it in there but getting it out is a mission!

OP posts:

Original poster

mooncupnovice · 02/09/2009 09:17

Off to have my relaxing bath now that trauma is over. Thanks again to mumsnet and all your genius ideas, particularly the string and doorhandle-can you imagine....!? Looks like it will be back to the uber-super-plus-extra-suck-out-all-your-moisure tampons for the time being. x

OP posts:

MmeLindt · 02/09/2009 09:18

Give yourself a day or two to recover and try again. Honestly, it is the best thing in the world, I forget I even have my period. Getting it out will get easier.

Original poster

mooncupnovice · 02/09/2009 09:32

Hmm I agree its probably great if you have had children and are a bit more 'stretchy' down there. I only managed to get it in by folding it up as much as possible, so pulling it out felt like torture - yes I realise it won't compare to giving birth! But to those of you that suggest mooncups for young girls/teenagers, would they really manage?

p.s. MmeLindt - Not a chance I will forget I have my period! Not when it feels like I have an articulated lorry parked across my abdomen.

p.p.s not sure why it is an articulated lorry, but it's definitely a VERY large heavy vehicle!

OP posts:

fishie · 02/09/2009 09:35

i had a cs so that hasn't made any difference to stretchyness or lack of and this hasn't happened to me.

i expect your cervix is much higher up than during period, don't be scared of trying again but do wait until you actually need it!

(also, do none of you remember pouch of douglas?)

scroobiuspirate · 02/09/2009 09:48

hiya,

I have a mooncup, and went back to using it just 2 days ago after a break of 2 yrs (on mini pill).

I can only say that it's taken me about 3 inserts/changes to get back into the swing of how to use it. it isn't straightforward, so don't get downhearted.

I nearly di but have also found this site last night and it's really really supportive!

loads of info

I have had ababy and have stretched, but gettingit out is still tricky.

i would say tho, that trying it before your period is a no no! Your cervix drops more during your period, and the vagina is alot more squishy tissue wise. I found that pulling it to one side then the other, releases it well.

PortAndLemon · 02/09/2009 09:52

I've never reckoned a mooncup would be an easy option for a young girl/teenager, but I used one just fine before DCs and post-c/s (although admittedly I was an old gimmer by then, and come to think of it technically the one I used pre-DCs was a Keeper (a bit more flexible IMO) rather than a Mooncup).

You're unlikely to get it stuck during your period, really.

MmeLindt · 02/09/2009 09:54

I don't know if a teenager would manage a mooncup. They do tend to find things like that a bit yukky and off putting. It took me a while to get the hang of tampons at that age.

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