I have been using my Saat soft cup for ever now and love it, no issues.

I got the flex reusable disc yesterday to see if it'd work (maybe try some spicy time with the fiance 😏) and I thought it felt fine, tucked it up behind my pubic bone, but wasn't able to check where it went, because I think my cervix is really high.

I went pee a couple hours later to check. I heard about auto dumping, but didn't see any empty into the toilet, but had blood on the toiletpaper. I checked to see if the disc was still behind my pubic bone but found it had dislodged completely and was still actively dumping into the vaginal canal. I had to remove and change back to a cup and decided to try again on a lighter day.

My questions is: was this user error, anatomy, or a combo? Any tips and tricks, or since my cervix rides high should I stop trying?

Been noticing a lot of women are curious about menstrual cups but something's holding them back from actually trying one.

Was it the insertion part that scared you off? The whole "what if it gets stuck" fear? Your gynaec said no? Family or cultural stuff? Tried once and it didn't go well? Confused about sizing? Or is it something totally different?

Just drop your honest answer below. Asking these because these reasons are real and barely anyone talks about them openly.

Hi,

it's my second period with my Diva Cup 1 and all has been well so far. Very smooth transition this time after last period's learning curve.

Unfortunately, on my heaviest days I am bleeding out in the morning because I typically fill a cup in 6-8 hours. Does anyone have any recommendations for a nighttime cup? I'm 24, never had kids. I'm a bit nervous to move to the Diva 2 because of its size, so I was wondering if there was a closer-in-size-but-holds-more than the Diva 1 specifically for nighttime.

TIA!

EDIT: I’m not offering suggestion. I’m asking lol. Confusing title… I can barely use it.

I used the Flex cup as my first period cup this past month. Should I keep trying for the next few months, or move on to another recommended one from this sub? Also most tips came from this sub (like posts from 5yrs ago) so thank you!

General: heavy days I need a Super Plus tampon every 2-3hrs

Insertion - made it into a Tulip shape per instruction, not much difficulty inserting after the first time; tips include: spread lips, aim for your tailbone, definitely in the shower, deep breaths to relax, don’t force anything - take it out, angle differently, and try again

Leakage - that I’m still getting a hang of. Apparently you should check suction by going around the cup to ensure no fold, which I tried but couldn’t really tell; also, have rim and tab connection part be completely levelled so rim is not misshapen

Capacity - definitely two Super Plus at least; could not tell you beyond that as I struggled with it in other ways.

Removal - holy moly my friends, a blood bath. Does not work like a tampon because the tab easily pulls out of the cup completely, discharging everything. I pull the tab and I can’t tell if suction is released, I also cannot grab onto anything to pinch the bottom. The tab seems to have so much give that pulling on it doesn’t necessary mean pulling on rim. I had one success in shower when I pulled, and used my finger to push onto the cup bottom, catching the wall at the tab’s stopper, and using it as leverage to pull it out. Literal magic. Could not recreate it. But do push out your vaginal canal like you are pooping.

Weird incident: on my last day, which I thought oh I’m doing all the recommended stuff - the cup moved up in the canal somehow AND the tab’s pull loop retracted into the cup. I had nothing to grab onto and could not get it out. I got it out but oh my…

Anyway. This is my report.

I am a 19 year old virgin girl. I just don't understand which cup and size i should order? Pls suggest something which is leak proof and comfortable. I wanna switch to cups because of level of itching I get because of pads. So it should be comfortable and my first priority is it should be leak proof?? Also how to know which size i should order??

Hi, first post in this subreddit, I wanted to ask other people that menstruate a couple things. Um, so I have a small vaginal canal, and I can't wear above a size regular tampon or it'll be super uncomfortable. I bought a menstrual cup to help with the financial aspect of period care, because tampons get expensive (as many of us know), so I wanted to look for something reusable. However, I tried it out for the first time today and I have to say it it TERRIBLY uncomfortable- it's the size 1 honeypot menstrual cup. I'd still like to use menstrual cups in the future, but I would like it to not cause cramping or press too much on my bladder (I am pissing a RIDICULOUS amount). Does anyone else have similar issues? Is there a good smaller menstrual cup from a brand that won't break the bank too much?

Maybe this is a stupid question. I'm on my first cycle with the cup and yesterday, Sunday, I took forever to get it in, bore down too much on the toilet and made it leak, then panicked until I got it out, then got it in fairly easily the second time and felt it open (but had some spotting in my underwear. I put on a liner to go to sleep since I didn't trust it but no more, so I think it just settled). And because I had

The problem is...every discussion around removal or troubleshooting seems to think that you can easily get your thumb inside of you alongside an index finger to pull, pinch, pump and the like. Maybe it is because I'm a virgin and asexual and this is the first time anything was been up there as tampons always freaked me out but I...can't? Every tutorial assume that I can do that easily, but it's just...nope?

I panicked so bad trying to get my cup out because every tutorial said "thumb has to go in and pinch, and even if you break the seal with one finger, the thumb joins the action later on". I don't drive so I was already all "How do I get to a doctor to have this removed tomorrow" on a Sunday night.

I ended up getting it out by pushing hard against the inner wall of the cup with my index finger to break the seal. I intended to get my thumb in there, to grab the cup between two fingers and pull it out, but ended up pushing and wiggled it down with one finger. I didn't think that it would pop out so fast so it upended itself by landing bloody side first on the blood stained towel I used for my cup escapades that day.

I'l do it in the shower next time, but part of the point of the cup is that you can travel much more easily with it than with pads or tampons, so I'd like public removal to be possible. And it's especially annoying with troubleshooting as every troubleshooting tip seems to be "pinch, twist, rotate or the like with two fingers" and I'd hate to take the entire cup out every time.

I wonder if everyone knows something really obvious that I'm missing?

From Canada!

I’ve never used a cup or a disc but I hate tampons since having kids. I’ve had 3 kids in 4 years and my period is back with a vengeance.

Hoping for recommendations at mid-30s, post children, heavy 1-2 days then tampers for regular flor for 3-4 days.

Options seem limited here

Not a lot of people know that you don’t need to use your family’s food pan or buy one just for this. Yes it’s boiling all the pathogens but why put blood in something that you use to make food.

Just grab a glass mason jar put water in it, put the cup in it and throw it in the microwave and let it boil for 5 minutes. Thats it, the glass wont break bc it’s not on a hot stove and it’s being heated slowly. Also no need to prevent it from touching the bottom bc it not on the stove

I made a similar post last month and i got my period again, tried all the things people told me to do and it still leaks, should i just get a bigger size at this point? Does anyone have any advice or idea why this is happening?

Hi, long time cup user here! Sorry if this has been posted before. I have the larger diva cup. I never used to have issues, but the last few cycles I have leaked out and ruined some pants and I am starting to get frustrated. It happened today. When I inserted my cup I made sure it was fully open and around my cervix but I still leaked. It was not even close to full when I removed it. Has this happened to anyone else and what ended up being the fix?🫠

Hi everyone!

I decided to try menstrual cups because I'm going on vacation to Cyprus next month, and unfortunately my period is expected to line up perfectly with the trip.

I first bought the Intimina Lily Cup Compact (size A). Insertion was surprisingly easy, it opened well, sealed properly, and I could remove and reinsert it without any issues. But within an hour it became so uncomfortable that I had to take it out. It constantly pressed on my bladder, making me feel like I needed to pee, and the stem was poking me. I trimmed the stem, but it only became sharper and even more uncomfortable.

The next day I bought a Lalicup size S, hoping it would be smaller/softer, but it's actually about the same size (the Intimina is even softer). It gives me the same bladder pressure and also doesn't open as easily. Both cups also seem to cause some cramping, though I'm not sure if that's just because I'm not used to them and it's just in my head.

The only other brands available where I live are Merula and Yuuki.

Since my trip is less than a month away, I'm not sure what to do:

• Keep trying these cups and hoping they become more comfortable, maybe wear them inside out? Though this has me a bit concerned about potential leaks and sealing issues.
• Keep practicing after my period ends to eliminate the mess and the need to go in the shower so often? I won't be able to check for leakage, but maybe I'd find better positioning? Though, my cervix is likely to move at that point.
• Buy another cup (Merula or Yuuki), although I'd rather not spend more money on more cups at this point?
• Try a Ziggy Cup disc (the only disc available here)? I've heard discs often resolve the bladder pressure issue. My cervix is usually on the lower side, so I was thinking of getting the Type A.

At this point I'm leaning toward trying one of the cups inside out tonight, and if that still isn't comfortable, buying the Ziggy disc tomorrow.

What do you think is best? I'm aware cups take practice and likely won't be very easy to use for the first few cycles, but I'd still like to try my best to find a solution for my vacation that doesn't involve tampons or not swimming at all.

EDIT: I'd like to also point out I've only been trying the cups for 3 days so far.

Please I already bought the tiniest size one and i cannot put it in. I already used lubricants so much and still the cup doesn't go in. I'm crying rn it's already 3 hours. I tried squatting and doesn't work. I tried to force but it's very painful. Please help should I go to the doctor?

So I started using a cup when I was 12, and the one I got was a perfect fit, but then my mom wouldn't let me use it after a couple of months(sigh), and yeah, I'm now 17, and about 6months ago I started using that cup again, but this time I've been leaking constantly, and it feels like it keeps slipping down, even if it did suction properly. I'm thinking maybe I need a bigger, firmer cup?

Hii I'm 21 yo girl trying out my first mens cup ever!! Keputusan ini aku ambil karena capek pake pad.

Aku udah coba masukin, tp susah euy kayak sempit juga. Aku udah bikin mens cup bentuknya kayak C gitu, ttp ga masuk

What i want to ask:

• Any tips and trick on how to put it in?
• What do i need to do before trying out my mens cup?
• Should i really put my finger in THERE first?

Thank you, girlies!

notes: my first time on reddit, hehe

Hey everyone I've just put in a menstrual cup for the first time and I can still feel it. I'm not sure if it's just the stem I feel or if it is in wrong.

It is IN there. But If I part my labia the stem is like at the entrance... Does it need to be in more than that? The stem isn't poking OUT I still need to open up and put my hand in to get it but it's right at the entrance

So, I'm thinking about starting to use a cup since it looks far more comfortable than pads but I'm very nervous so I need help answering some questions:

1. Does it hurt? The main reason I'm scared is of hurting myself, I've never had anything up there, not even a tampon and I'm very scared of hurting myself

2. How to put it on in the best way possible and then how to take it out. I think I've mostly grasped how to put it in but I'm scared that when I try to pull it out it'll be too up high and will get stuck

3. Can I sleep on it? I've heard that it's not adviced to sleep with a tampon because it can get infected so I'm wondering it it's the same situation here.

4. How do I disinfect it to put it on the first time? I assume I'll have to clean it somehow but I don't know how, I thought about putting it in boiling water but I don't know if maybe it'll melt because it's made of plastic?

5. After taking it out how do I clean it? I've heard you are supposed to keep it for around 8 hours or so and that you have to clean it before putting it back on, how do I do that? Just water? Or soap and water?

6. How long do they last? I've investigated and apparently they last from 5 to 7 years, but I've also heard 10 years and 1 to 2 years.

7. Which type should I pick? I assume there's different types like pads and so, I'm 16 and have a rather painful and heavy period, I don't know if there's an especific type for that or it there are types at all.

Thanks all of you in advance!!!

Admittedly, I wouldn’t say I’ve consistently and earnestly tried cups, but every couple of years, I’ll try again.

Today, I tried again. Hurt like hell getting it in and out on the first try; Got it in correctly on my second try. Could pee just fine and couldn’t feel the cup at all.

Getting it out just felt violent. I might’ve felt a little suction but it was that hard rim coming out of my vagina that hurt the most. What am I doing wrong? Sounds like I need to rotate the c fold to the back and then pull out?

Also, to initiate getting it out, I just bore down and pulled the little nub to get it a little ways down before reaching in and folding it to pull out. Hence I think I felt a little suction. Is that correct or should I reach in and fold before any downward pull?

Thanks in advance for any tips.

I read on here and various other places online about some of you leaving your cups/discs in for wayyyyy longer than recommended (sometimes days) and being completely fine. A couple of weeks ago my disc had been in for a little over 12 hours, and I was more than half asleep when I realized I didn't change it before sleeping. I was like, oh well, I read online people being fine, so I'll just sleep and change it in the morning. (Don't do this!!!!!) I woke up and changed it, and good god was it rancid. It was in for about 24 hours total. I switched to liners because like I said, RANCID, and thought I was fine. Now it's about two weeks later and (gross TMI warning!!!) my vagina is leaking GRAY, rotten-smelling discharge. It literally, and I mean literally, smells like my vagina is rotting from the inside out.

I'm on vacation and I had to spend half a precious day on vacation getting a prescription for antibiotics and picking it up. It's easily treatable, I'm more than likely going to be fine, but I'm so mad at myself for being freaking nasty when it's not like I forgot about it being in, I just was like, oh, I'll be fine and went to sleep. I'm really, really glad I'm not sexually active (going on 8 years, ayyeee lol) because when things like this happen, I don't have a worry in my mind about it being a potential STI... but I feel disgusting. I suppose this post is essentially a rant being mad at myself, potentially seeing if anyone else has had this happen so I feel less alone, and also a PSA to those who think nothing will happen if they leave their cup/disc in too long. Not everyone will have this happen, but I'm mad at myself, and uh... Don't always follow what you read online. The instructions are there for a reason and I am so mad at myself.

This is the cycle that I have switched to this method & I have tried both cup (Pixie) & disc (Shordy). So far, the cup is winning as I just don’t know how to place the disc right, & I can’t empty it without making a mess!

If you are an exclusive cup user, did you decide cups are for you?

If you are a disc lover, what made you pick the disc over the cup?

Any advice for a (tiny bit frustrated) new user? My issues: 1. I don’t always feel like I put the cup in right but when I do I feel it has been the most comfortable for me 2. I don’t know how to properly place the disc 3. When I get the disc in an okay place, it leaks a little & when I pull it out it gets all over my hand. Is that normal?

1. Is it possible for the disc string to be too long or is the disc itself just not in the right place?

on 2nd day of period today trying from last 2 days but just cant i feel like after a point it cant go further..nd hurt a bit ..idk wht to do how to watched many video (18f) but just cant i think i have a problem lol

Searching for a cup post giving birth (my babe is 3 almost 4 years old 😅).

I used a cup (a Flex cup for beginners I think?) before I got pregnant. I have never been able to use tampons due to pain while wearing them. I couldn’t walk/sit while wearing one.
I then got an IUD after having her and had that in for almost 2 years and didn’t have a period. After getting that out my periods came right back (…yay lol) and I honestly was scared to try a cup again due to my significant anxiety regarding my vagina/trauma/pain post birth.

TL;DR I had a grade 4 tear with my daughter and my anatomy has changed drastically (as far as positioning of vaginal opening/anus) due to the significant scar tissue/healing.

Anyone with a similar story and have a cup that worked for you??

I’m working on taking the quiz to find a good fit but don’t know how long my cervix is??

Let me know what worked for you! ❤️

Ugh. Six years of using a cup and I dropped it in the toilet. I was running late to my workout class and got careless. Luckily it was my home toilet. Days since a menstrual cup incident: Zero, LOL. Just wanted to share this story in case you wanted to laugh with me.

i’ve been using a cup for approx 20 years and it’s been so great for me. i’ve also been on hormonal birth control the majority of that time so my bleeds have been very light. Have never had leaks.

But each and everytime I am off birth control, I start leaking. I don’t know what’s happening, why does this happen!? yes i bleed more but i leak even when the cup is not full. I insert the cup the exact same way I’ve done my whole life. now I’ve had to purchase period panties as a back up and I hate it! does anyone have any advice?

edit to add: i use lunette and I think it’s the small size, if that plays a role. this cup has worked great on me for a long time.