So I got a Mooncup...

[CaptainBrickbeard]

They are raved about so much on Mumsnet, I have heavy periods but I love to swim and want to be more eco-friendly so it seemed like a good solution.

I’ve tried it today for the first time and I hate it! I can feel it constantly so I trimmed the stem almost completely but I can still feel it when I walk. I tried to readjust it and the PAIN when I first took it out - honestly, I gave birth twice with no drugs at all but I was not prepared for that. I’ve now got the hang (I hope) of completely breaking the suction seal before removal but it involves - contorting more than I had anticipated.

Anyway, I’ve tried wriggling it around a bit but I can still feel its presence constantly there and it’s incredibly irritating.

I hated the idea of a menstrual cup but I really wanted to be wrong. I want to love it but am not impressed so far. Will I get used to it? How long did it take if you have one and like it?

Yes I find it completely secure when swimming. I'm actually just about to jump in the pool now. Much much better than wearing a tampon for swimming in my opinion and experience. Good luck with finding one that suits you.

My most favourite thing is sleeping, I used to really really hate waking up having leaked everywhere or covered in yuk, I don't get that with my cup. On the days I am on I empty and reinsert mine in the shower morning and night so I feel lovely and clean all the time 😊

Op you can get cups with larger capacity. I would look into a different type.

I agree if you cant get a grip on it bear down and the cup will move down so they can get to it. You can check if the suction has worked when you've put it in by gently tugging it a bit. You'll feel its 'stuck'.

I found the Mooncup horrendously rigid ... and the stem totally unnecessary and invasive. I now use a Meluna cup, and you can trim the stem off.

I trimmed the stem off the moon up,I think most people do,I can't imagine how it's comfortable leaving it on.

It's like a tampon,if you can feel it then you haven't got it in far enough ime. I used to put it in as far as I could and it sort of settled into its own position. I definitely couldn't wear it as low as some women say they do.

I was just about to throw mine out when I had another go and I didn't look back,so keep going!

I use a sckoon cup which is quite soft. My understanding is that the mooncup is quite stiff, which is probably why you are feeling it.
There are pros and cons with different cups. Stiffer cups open more easily inside you, but sometimes they can feel uncomfortable. Softer cups can be more of a fiddle to open, but generally are more comfy.
There are different folds you can try to get the cup to 'pop' open inside you, or do what i do, insert it, then pull it down very slightly, before shoving it up again, this helps mine 'seal' properly. Just remember to break the seal before removal.

The other thing to bear in mind is the shape of the cup. It helps to know where your cervix is during your period (it normally moves lower during your period - so it's worth using your finger to measure where your cervix is), so you know what length cup would suit you.
Tbh, i never found my cervix, so i just went for a mid length, soft cup which has worked really well for me.

The original mooncups were REALLY rigid,much more than they are these days,I couldn't get on with a softer one at all for exactly that reason Hairy it didn't spring open.

Fortunately ,periods stopped for me soon after buying the new one so not a problem at the moment

I was recommended the Saalt Soft too OP but I'm currently using a TOTM cup (bought from Tesco) and seem to be having success with that.

The mooncup felt to me like having a concrete dildo up there, so uncomfy.

Yep, the Mooncup is incredibly uncomfortable for me. I’ve been impressed with how much nicer a cup is than pads but this type is definitely not right for my body whatever I do. Thanks to this thread though, I don’t have to give up on cups completely; I’ll order a Saalt one and try that out next month.