advice on mooncup difficulties

[rumms.livejournal.com]

Hey there! First time mooncup user here.

You ladies are always brilliant, so I thought I'd ask for a bit of help from other users. This is the first time I've used my mooncup, and having just put it in, I've come up with several problems/questions.

Firstly, the suction. Damn, I didn't expect that, but when you think about it, it's kind of logical. Now I've got it in, I'm finding it hugely difficult to get out - I'm glad I didn't trim the stem before, because I'm needing all of it just to get some kind of purchase at the moment. How has anyone else dealt with this? I've tried reaching up and pressing the side of the cup open to get some air through, but it's very difficult and I can't really get a proper grip on it.

Also, every now and again, I'm getting a dull little achy pang, as if my vagina's saying, "excuse me? What the chuff is this?!" Is this normal, and will it go after I've had a chance to get used to it?

Also, Im going on a long car-journey tomorrow, and at the moment, it feels like the mooncup is slightly more uncomfortable when i'm sitting down than when I'm standing up. Is it advisable to use it on a long journey when I've only just started getting used to it? Or should I revert to pads for the breaking-in period?

At the moment, I'm kind of walking round like a cowboy and feeling slightly delicate. Er... a little help? Anyone? :(

Thanks!

Comments

[shug-avery.livejournal.com]

my cup (a diva, by the way) was extremely uncomfortable until I trimmed the stem completely off. of course, I didn't make a hole in the cup, but I cut it off. I found my cup to be perfectly comfortable once I didn't have a little stick poking at me all day.

also, I found that just trying to pull the cup out without folding it or breaking suction was like trying to suck my cervix out. I use my index and middle fingers to sort of fold the cup and then I pull it out. it works much better for me that way.

remember, you don't have to wear your cup all the time just because you have it. do whatever you feel like. I've found, though, that my cup is perfect for long trips because I only have to change it twice a day.

maybe if your cup hurts when you sit down, you're having the same problem as I had. trying trimming the stem and/or pushing your cup up higher.

[rumms.livejournal.com]

The thing is, I'm afraid to trim it off at the moment, because it's the only think I can get a grip on to try and pull the thing out! I put some KY on it to help get it in, and now it's so slippery I can't hold onto it at all.

Did you have any aching at all? It doesn't feel like the sharp little nip you get when the stem pokes into you - more like a duller, small ache a bit higher up, where I imagine the rim of the cup is pressing. I suppose it's probably something I need to get used to, but it'd reassure me if I knew it happened to other people too.

Thanks for your help :)

[ghoti-e.livejournal.com]

Next time you use lube to help get it in, try putting it on yourself instead of directly on the cup. I've found that helps get the sucker in (pun intended) without making it quite so extra-slippery when it comes time to remove it.

[rumms.livejournal.com]

Heh. Good idea, thanks! I'll do that next time.

[kuni-bob.livejournal.com]

I got that at first with my Diva...it turns out it took me a couple of cycles to get "used" to the suction. I gave myself a break (used a pad) when it started to hurt, then put it back in again when I was fine. By the end of the second cycle, I could wear it the whole time, no problem. Hope that helps!

[jacquelinewas17.livejournal.com]

When you sit, if it's uncomfortable by the opening to your vagina, maybe you *should* cut the stem. I know when I first got my Diva, that was my problem. When I take my cup out, I put a finger of my free hand up into my vagina and try to get some air into the cup to break the seal, like you described. That, combined with pulling the cup down while holding on to the bottom of the cup [rather than the stem] helps break the seal.

I know this isn't extremely helpful, but you should Definitely visit the livejournal community menstrual_cups, the ladies over there are extremely helpful

[rumms.livejournal.com]

Sure, I think I will. Oh well, practice makes perfect! Thanks for all your help.

[lolamatopoeia.livejournal.com]

I'd suggest coming on over to menstrual_cups - it's also a really helpful and active community. I probably would neither have found out about the cups nor kept using one despite difficulties had it not been for them.

I also have a Mooncup - and yeah, suction! - and I've trimmed the stem almost completely off. To remove it, I reach in and grab the little nubby stem (what's left of it) between my thumb and forefinger and then bare down until I can grab the base as I continue to bear down (don't pull too hard - ouchy!). Once I can grab the base I slide my thumb against the side and push my thumb down to break the seal from the top. I know it sounds incredibly awkward (and sometimes it genuinely is) but it works every time. I hope that helps somewhat, and that you find a method that works for you.

Oh, and also - I do get the dull aches as well (and I think my vagina says the same thing). I can't really explain it, but it does get less noticeable - and I only seem to notice it at certain times in my cycle. It could also be that you're a little sore from trying to get the hang of this thing too. In any case, good luck!

[rumms.livejournal.com]

I've just looked at the community and it looks great. Joined straight away! I'll look in the memories, but I think everyone's answered my queries now anyhow. I can picture just what you mean about your taking-out method, so I'm going to try that in a minute when I've relaxed a bit, heh. Thanks for the advice! It all been a big help.

[bronwe.livejournal.com]

I find pinching the base of my cup helps with the suction issue while I'm taking it out. And for the sitting issue, I've found that if I put my weight more on my butt than on my vulva region, I feel the cup less. But if you feel more comfortable using pads, just use pads!

[juxtap0ser.livejournal.com]

I just got a divacup and only had a chance to use it for 1.5 cycles. I learned to put it in on the tail end of one, so it wasnt really necessary, just a learning experience. Then, I just had my period and used the cup sucessfully the whole time. The first day of heavy bleeding happened to coincide with a 12 hour car ride from New Jersey to Maine. It worked beautifully. I emptied it at every rest stop to be safe, but i didnt have to worry about how long it was in between stops and when it filled up there wasnt that uncomforatble moistness you get will a full tampon. I say if you are comfortable puting it in and taking it out, car trips are a total yes!

And as for the discomfort, mine was awful until i trimed the stem off. I left 1/4 of it on, and its fine. At first i was worried about removal, and had 2 instances where it was a bit of a chore, but its way more comfortable. And im sure that with more practice it will be like nothing.

[atalanta0jess.livejournal.com]

I have the divacup, and what I do to get it out without sucking my cervix out is to bear down to push it to where I can reach it. Then grab the bottom and pinch it to break the seal. Maybe that'll help.

If the stem is pinching you when you sit down, or poking out of you, you should trim it. If not, then not, IMO.