Mooncup questions and problem

[SmudgedWardrobeHamster]

I practised with my new Mooncup and although I think I got it in okay it was SO painful to remove it. What am I doing wrong?

I’m 49 and on HRT if that matters.

I’m not sure if I took it out in the correct way? I put it in and it seemed to disappear quite a long way up so all I could do was pull on the stem, which I hadn’t cut. I’m sure you’re not supposed to pull on the stem but what is it there for?

Does everyone sterilise it after the last period and again before the next one?

What position do you assume in trying to get it out? I tried it over the toilet to catch everything but couldn’t get a good enough purchase so moved but am worried about getting blood all over bathroom. Also when I go back to work the toilet cubicles there are tiny so there isn’t anywhere else to go!

Any help would be appreciated!

First off, the first few times are very tricky! It's how I found out that a neat dot of toilet bleach will remove bloodstains from MIL's bathroom carpet....

You need to get your fingers further up. You need to break the seal, so as far as necessary for that. I do it on the loo, leaning forwards a bit to shorten the distance. A friend dies it bending forwards abs pushing down with one foot on the bath. You want to squeeze the cup itself JUST enough to break that seal. Twisting slightly might help.

I have to say having a slight prolapse and everything being baggier down there definitely helps.

I think I cut the stem too short when I first started to use mine a year ago and found it really hard to get it out,however now I just push down,like I'm going for a poo and grab the base of the cup. It's probably only an inch up? I give it a squeeze and it breaks the seal.
Not sure about tiny cubicles but wet wipes could be an answer to clean your self up before you come out? Obs not flushing down the loo! Shove into a nappy sack?

Well, there’s got to be some joy in having a prolapse!
Thanks. I think I cut my stem too short too but other than that I was sort of getting the hang of it. I wasn’t sure if it was giving me back ache but I persevered. Then last night upon removal I had the worst back and stomach cramps I’ve ever had and my stomach bloated up. It was quite frightening. I also feel my cervix feels a little used. Like new shoes rubbing. I’m now frightened and sore and have retired the Mooncup, at least for this cycle.
What on earth happened?