I had to use the extra small because for some reason my body is super tiny on the inside even though I look rather large on the outside that was the only way it made it comfortable for me I also cut the tip down a little bit as well and that helped out a lot but there's many different types not just Diva cups there's ones that are made with softer silicone even that I have gotten for my neighbors daughter
You can't just pull it out as it will really hurt. You have to break the seal with your finger before removing. I would try the smaller size. Sometimes the tip can irritate as well so most people cut it down.
Whatever size/cup you choose the best tip I can give you is to MAKE SURE THE CUP IS WET DURING INSERTION. Water acts as a lubricant. I found that especially in the beginning it made the process far easier. I've tried the diva cup, the lunette, and another lesser known brand. The model 1 lunette is by far my favourite. I'm 27 with no children. Even the model 1 diva cup was too intense in terms of suction, how large it is, and how rigid it is. I'd get 3 days in and I'd be too sore to use it. The model 1 lunette is smaller, softer, and has gentler suction. The downside is it won't last 12 hours on a heavy flow but neither will the diva cup. The upside is that the lunette is my favourite period product. Even on days when I'm merely spotting I feel more comfortable using it than a liner.
I went with the smaller version of a menstrual cup as I fit the criteria. I recommend squeezing the cup when removing it as it should create a suction which can be broken when squeezing or breaking the seal with your finger. Using them requires a lot of trial and error to begin with and getting very personal with your parts. You shouldn't be able to feel it once it's in (similar to a tampon) and it shouldn't leak if it's in properly. It might be that using a different insertion technique helps - check out some other videos such as Hannah Witton or Katrin Berndt :) you can also practice inserting and removing when not on your period which i highly recommend as it's a lot easier when there's not blood everywhere. I use the Lily cup which was £15 from femininewear . Co . UK and it's a very nice soft rubber/silicone and I got it in purple so it doesn't stain as quickly. Good luck and I am happy to answer any queries!
I tried one a few years back & found that the ‘stalk’ bit that you get hold of to pull it out, really made me sore, it always seemed to rub when wearing it. They advised trimming it a bit shorter but that seemed to make it worse, so gave up in the end. Maybe was due to being it a sitting position all day, but I’m not sure or could have been the wrong size. Good luck next month Gem xx
Ok, I watched the whole video before commenting. In my social circles I'm king of a menstrual cup evangelizer, so I'll try my best to help you. First thing is I don't really like this "beyond 30 and/or have kids" thing. It's not only about that, but about how strong are your pelvic floor muscles and how high is your cervix. The getting it is if preety frightening in the begining, and I sugest you look up different kinds of folds. The one you showed is the most popular one, called "C fold", but I think it's still too wide, so I use the "folded diamond". Taking it out hurts A FREAKIN LOT if you just grab the grabby thingy and pull out, you should definitely fold the cup a bit and take it out carefully. I find the the best way is to use the stick just to pull it down a bit, then grab and press the base of the cup itself to release the vacuum, and then sort of pull and grab higher so that it folds as it comes out. Don't worry, it comes with practice. One thing that called my attention is that you always expect that it should hav lasted longer without leaking, but the 12h limit is the limit for hygiene and alergy reasons only. The volume of the cup will be enough to cover that time period only if your flow is low. Personally, I empty my cup every 3-4 hours on the first-second day, then 6 hours on the third and from day 4 untill it ends I can usually empty before bed and after waking up. I'm not mentioning my times because they should be a guide, but to show how flow intencity affects how much time you can rely on your cup not to leak. If you see leaking too soon, you might wanna check if the cup is properly open (this takes a really intimate - and healty- relation with your vagina and cervix), and the folded diamond fold I mentioned above also helps with that. Finally, I can't recommend enough that you check the Precious Star Pads channel (ru-vid.com/show-UC5jJ_1US1DjRYJF_WU4sQ5w?pbjreload=10) for all kinds of tips on mestrual cups. It was my main source of research before buying my cup and during the first months. I LOVE that you didn't give up immediately and are willing to try again changing what's bothering you instead of just blaming everything on the general menstrual cup concept! Good luck!
The one thing and only thing I'd add to this is that I always have to cut the stem off of menstrual cups completely leavint the bottom smooth, otherwise they rub and make me sore.
Worst experience with the menstrual cup haha. I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and I managed to give myself a freaking uterine prolapse at 16 trying a mentrual cup. Now 20, prolapse still going strong, or or should I say "low" . Worst thing was other than the prolapse issue I liked that it held so much more liquid than a tampon!
I was always hesitant to try a cup because i am under 30, have never been pregnant, but I have *pelvic floor issues* so i never got one as it was too much guesswork on the sizing, and they are expensive to have to purchase one after the other. I almost feel like I would have to consult a physio to get any clue about sizing!
I had the same problem the first time while taking it out! I found that folding it in half while taking it out, like you do when you put it in, helps immensely 😊.
Same here. The Diva Cup HURT. I have two pelvic organ prolapses and a connective tissue disorder, so I thought that explained the discomfort, but maybe I just got the wrong brand/size. 💜
I found the cup softens over time. It did hurt first period I used it. And was awful awkward. But it defo got better over time. I also recently have seen cups that have better designed handles that are easier to grab to remove. Which is something I would have loved to have.
If it’s latex the cramping is your body reacting allergy. I had 4 catheters in one week and all 4 were expelled within half an hour of it being in. Turns out my innerds are allergic to latex
I'm sorry! Should have warned you that there's a pretty big learning curve on these boogers. I had the same problem when I started with mine, I could not figure out for the life of me why it hurt SO BADLY taking it out! You're right, it creates an immense amount of suction up there, and tugging it down only makes it hold on tighter. While you're taking it out, break the seal!! I squeeze it around the middle, wait for the (very obvious) POP and then gently pull down, it's a lot easier and doesn't hurt :) The model sizes have more to do with the strength of your vaginal walls I think, the first model is a lot softer and smaller than the second and can be harder to make sure that it's completely opened up. If you have problems with leakage, the smaller model might be too soft!
Wow. U are an amazing woman! I'm 67, nrw to ur Channel. I love you. You are an excellent educator. I am sad for all u went through. Bless u for ur honesty!
Definitely try the smaller size! I wasn't sure about it at first but it grew on me and I think it's great - but it isn't necessarily for everyone. Another tip is to fold it differently to how the package shows, instead of making it a U shape turn it more into a point (not sure I can explain it, but experiment with folding it to make it more pointy), also definitely squeeze the bottom as hard as you can when you are taking it out! I'm so glad you're not totally against trying again, it really changed my life to have one and I'm keen for them to be more common. I got the sizing first time, which was mostly luck mixed with starting to use it when I was 17, so the guide was quite easy to follow because I didn't need to think about it. Good luck and I'm glad you're feeling better from using it!
They have dif models that are vary in shape and also in depth. If u can feel it, it might just be too long. I can't use super tampons because sometimes they are too long, or too big. Just like every penis is a dif size/shape/length, same with a vagina. U might be better off to try one that's at the very lest smaller but also maybe shorter? Just make sure it's a body safe material like medical grade silicone etc 😊 I'm over 30, with no kids but I would prob still get the smaller one of any model if there were two sizes, just cause I know I'm a petite woman and I have pretty petite features.
I could never do a cup. It only been the past 3 years I've even been able to use tampons. I have a pelvic floor conditions There's also Vaginismus ans a couple others I can't remember off the top of my head. Mine started as a teen, not being able to use tampons. Sex wasn't an issue, I was too sick to take much have sex. But I always felt like I had to be. This got brushed off to having a small bladder. How, something that rared up in the middle of a new health crisis- I felt like I had a UTI (urinary tract infection) 99% of the time. For *years.* I just slowly kept getting worse until I couldn't take it and go and talk to a urologist. He had no clue. Another 6 after them had no idea, another 2 and 1/2 years You can imagine how invasive the tests were. Then one day, someone mentioned there was a _female_ urologist at the clinic, would I like to try her, since we hadn't gotten anywhere. I isad, "YESPLEASE." Perhaps a little loudly. She diagnosed me witba pelvic floor disorder in under 10 minutes (5, really). My pelvic muscles were basically just one solid clench that wouldn't let go. So I got written for physical therapy (I haven't been able to because of other abdominal and overall health issues but even just _one_ session helped) and a prescription for a muscle relaxan to be insterted vaginally and it ONLY affects those mucles. At 30 years old, I was _finally_ able to wear tampons! But these? I know for 100% these would hurt. Any size, any brand. I'm better but not "cured.b But I found out just how many women or female-identified people suffer from pelvic related probelms we shouldn't and don't have to. I only labled a COUPLE but there way more. See ours actually not normal. For one sex should not hurt every time. Occasionally it's lack of fore-play nd lubde, but not always. In France, _all_ postpartum women are written a course of post pregnancy physical therapy. They lehave less from problems with incontinence, less problems with prolapse (there are a lot of types...) which means less very _dangerous_ surgery using abdomen mesh (which is in trouble atm) and less issues with... sex! Women's bodies are still not be treated well all over, especially those of with disabilities, but for all women as well. Apologies for the rant, I am just very sure the next wave of comments be "well you just didn't use it right!" Because I've had that. But it may be a problem with a medical problem, just not a woman putting something in wrong.
As a wheelchair user I’m confused as to how this would even work, but I’m good with pads so it’s all good. As always I enjoy and appreciate your videos! 🙌🏽👍🏽
This video pretty much sums up my initial experience, hahaha. I bought the size 2 based on the instructions, opened it and thought “you’ve got to be kidding me. This thing is huge!” I ended up buying a smaller brand, which was easier to use, but now after some practice I can use either one no problem. You just need to find the right fold and give yourself a couple months practice.
Hey Sweetie, it definitely needs some work. But it shouldn't be painful to get it out. Maybe try the smaller size and another brand. Others are less stiff. Mine is from lunette and it's not that stiff. I've used a cup for a few years now. If you've got any questions, please feel free to ask! ❤
Don't know if you're still going to see this, but I have been using the MeLuna cups and they have maaaaaany more sizes and three different material strengths. I had the problem of having a too long cup and went through their customer help to find what was best for me and it's really great now. I went through the same I can kinda feel it but not super strong so maybe I should just ignore it process lol. Their service is also very thorough and look at what problems you had with previous cups. Another factor is that it takes a few cycles to get the hang of it and like others said you should squeeze it when taking it out so the suctioning seal is broken. If you are interested in comparisons of many different cups and how to use them I can recommend the channel Precious Stars Pads, that's how I got into menstrual cups :)
I'll say that it definitely takes time to get used too, and to learn how to properly use it, but once you get it it's great, you can go swimming, not worry about changing it throughout the day, not worry about buying period products, and TSS is much less likely
Oh, and it can give you worse cramps if the positioning is putting pressure on your cervix. Sometimes I have to take it out and place it back in a better position. Also, it may be better for you to use the smaller cup, based on your experience with this one.
I also found it very uncomfortable, I could feel it. A constant pressure. With a neurological disability I was exhausted trying to get it in. After a few tries I went back to what was easiest and the least hassle.
Hey there I'm so glad you did cover this topic because I'm living in Germany and we don't talk about such things over there so thank you for helpng me out. You are the best and I miss you and your content and I'm so glad to rediscover your channel! Have a nice day. 🤗
I am 33 and have never used tampons! Lol. I always found the idea really off-putting and I was terrified of TSS disease. I used to have awful periods and so I got a Mirena IUD fitted. Was the best decision ever! I'm on my second one now and going to keep on using them till menopause haha. They last for 5 years and you hardly bleed at all or have abdominal pains. P.S there is no way in heck I could use these cups lol - I am so pain sensitive. I'm glad it works for other people though.
I used a menstrual cup for years before my accident, and now I can't. I have partial paralysis. It's from the knee down, but also the "saddle" area. I can't feel myself well enough to use anything like that. I switched to period underwear.
Immediately after removing the cup, I started having severe pain and it’s day 3 now. I am getting sharp pains in my GI tract after I eat as well. I’ve been researching and hoping I just hit a nerve and I will be better tomorrow! 😭
I am interested in this video as I have tried the Diva cup size A. I did not find it painful to place in or out however, (TMI alert for my personal anatomy) I have a low cervix most of the time that sits only 2inches from the opening of my vagina. I didn't know this about me until I used the Diva cup. 😶 Now I understand why I dislike tampons. Of course my vaginal canal is meant to reform and stretch which is not painful but I found the menstrual cup to be uncomfortable. They say you shouldn't be able to feel it. I certainly do. I even cut off the stem and still...felt like a bulb nesting in my yoni. I found it difficult to relax my muscles as I felt an urge to push it out. ...so I sanitized the thing and gave it to my sister. 😁 For legal purposes: Don't share your cups.
I’m impressed you actually managed to get it in and to pop open. I’ve never been successful at that part when I tried I a few years ago and ended up just giving up. You can also practice when not on your period which is something people recommend. And some people even say to use lube. To help.
I’m over 30, no children but well, you sort of have an impression on how big or thight you are down there so I just went for the smaller size, could not see myself needing the bigger size. So glad that I chose that one because it clearly was the right size. I’ve learned that, for taking it out, you need to first undo that vacuum in there. So I just squeeze the bottom until that “seal” is undone and then take it out, trying -for me and my form- trying to have that indent to my most sensitive bits, the front (the indent that comes after squeezing it to undo that vacuum). Because it can indeed become sore when on period just in general so yeah, I experience less pain/no pain with that indent towards the front side of me. I have to say, since using the cup, my period slightly developed into a more doable form of cycle with less cramps and pain all over. I now have reached the point that I might not need an anti-conception inplant just to dull out those monthly torture that pms can give you. Normally you don’t get your peeiod with an inplant but after inplant number 5 or so (so 5x 3 years) I started to have too much unpredictable bleeds and always needed to use a liner at least. Now, after implant number 8 (I think 🤔 time…😅) I can endure my periods far better. It’s nowhere near what it was, I sometimes even experience some time on the cycle that I would consider myself as Not having pms so it is astonishing how much those unnatural liners and tampons and such can interfere with our cycle, making all those symptoms far worse. I recently have bought my first couple of period pants, just need to wash them first (hectic times) but can’t wait to live on only period pants, my homemade leakage absorbers for in my normal underwear that is still too good to not use up and the cup for the heavy days if need be. Do you still use tampons or cups so many years later? Just watched the period pants video previous to this one so I know you had a positive experience with that and then still opted to use tampons for heavier days and the pants for lighter days
You can cut the nubbing thing off it would stab me and it hurt so much..It seems like you didn't have in far enough if you feel it it's not in far enough. Yeah it takes about 5 minutes for me to change it witch is shorter than changing tampons every couple hours but it does not seem right for you. But i have a so...
I’ve tried SO many times over the past few *years* and I cannot get more than half of the darn thing in. And then it really hurts. I’ve tried every fold I can find. 😞 I really wish I could get it!
If u don't find one you like, or if any ladies here are looking for healthier tampons, I just started using Cora brand. You can customize what sizes you get, you can sign up for a subscription and have them sent every month (or u can customize when they send them) etc. they are all organic cotton, so no nasty chemicals and they have ones with no applicators and pads too! Best part is they donate sanitary items to a girl that can't afford them, in countries where girls miss school because they are considered unclean for having a period....they also help give health education to these girls too. They also pay the "luxury" tax that America puts on women's period products so you don't have to because they aren't a luxury...they are necessary as a part of our health ...anyways, I have nothing but good things to say about the Cora company!
Check out @preciousstarspads !! Yes, there is a huge learning curve but she has a lot of videos and experience that make it easier. She has had some health problems which is why she started using the cups. There are so many different types so don't give up! Lots of folds, go on putacupinit.com to find out which cup is for you, tips for using.
Here's a website were you can compare all different kinds of cups! putacupinit.com I personally love menstruation cups because I'm allergic to the materials in tampons and pads (creates an itchy situation)
I simply don't with periods, I'm nonbinary and have a brain injury so was immediate nope , also don't think it was helped by the fact I started in ICU , I take birth control so it doesn't happen
I don’t know how they can say that over a certain age you need a bigger model, every woman is different and that cup looked seriously big and your body frame is tiny. Good luck next time!
I know it is a year and some later but there is "put a cup in it" community they can help you. There is also a facebook group where you can talk to people that are in a similar position to you and seek help. Some people find the erfect cup from the first try, other take a bit longer. We are all unique :D
There is an adaptation period on these even for the able body person. As a general rule, if you can feel it, it is not placed correctly. Also I had to cut off the little tip completely on mine as it was irritating me and serves no real purpose. My personal trick to know for sure if it is in place correctly is to cough afterwards, if it moves when couching, it is not installed correctly.
I tried the cup a few times and I just could not find the right fit I tried lots of different brands they ware all to big. I even found one for teens and that was even to big. I am in my twenties I don't think the sizing system works as we are all different.
Idk if it’s just me, and if any of y’all could tell me I’m not alone, that would be good... so I have a menstrual cup, but when I try and put it in it hurts SO bad. It feels like I’m trying to shove something in a hole that’s way to small. This is obviously a TMI, but I have the diva cup SMALLEST size, yet I can’t even get it in all the way. And even the one time when I had it in half way, I wouldn’t reach in and get it because it hurt so bad, so I literally just pulled it out and OH MY GOD that was the WORST pain I have ever felt. Kinda traumatized.Just to mention I’m 14, and a virgin, so maybe that has something to do with it, but it’s really annoying because I’m so tired of using tampons. But if anyone could help me I would be so thankful. I’m kinda thinking it’s because I’m to young, but idk
Hi. I'm not the most versed to help you, but the Diva Cup brand might be the wrong fit for you. According to the comments there's a website called Put A Cup In It that has a quiz you can take that'll guide you onto a size range and brand options that are best suited to you. I would highly suggest checking it out. Also, there are reusable pads and I believe reusable tampons if you want a more eco-friendly option to tampons. Also, maybe talk to your doctor, if you are able, and get some guidance. Hope you can get something comfortable soon.
Very helpful (not specifically for me cause i'm a man) but your vulnerability & willingness to talk about everything like this is wonderful. REAL LIFE. My wife & i are talking about a "texas condom catheter" for me if we have to fly. Rather than a traditional catheter (tube up in urithria) Texas catheter is for men. Basically a catheter that goes on like a condom so i won't pee my pants. I wish there was something like this for women & hope somerhing else comes along for menstrual cycles. Thank you again.
I'm sorry you had such a painful experience! In addition to the other tips (trying the smaller model, being sure to break the seal when you pull it out), I'd recommend trimming the stem. For me, that made the biggest difference, as I could feel it poking when I sat down otherwise. I've also stuck with size 1 even though I'm now over 30. After about 15 years of practice with menstrual cups I can promise it does get much easier and quicker!
I used size 2 with no problem. Used it for several years and wish I'd had it earlier in life! I'm very comfortable with my private area, touching and such. I found that was the biggest issue many women face. And yes, the cup looks big, but it fit perfectly, after a couple times. I used a different brand which had a longer tail and just cut it down a little. Removal and insertion became second nature after a few times. And, I used castile soap for cleaning. I actually had a small bottle in my bag at all times. I highly recommend the use of a cup.
I tried several cups before I found one that worked. I love the one with the built in valve so i can release the suction. It is a much more soft silicone and the opening curves in rather than flairing out. I have very narrow “bits” and many of the other models are just way too big. I had one cup pop open before it was all the way in and tore a little bit of me. It took a year before I tried again. Now i love my cup because there is no more stress about packing enough tampons
I had to upgrade to the bigger size post childbirth. The smaller one hurt me when I tried to use it my first real period postpartum. I cut the stem off and find it much more comfortable.
my first time using a cup killed lol and when i finally got it in right i could feel the stem kina jabbing as it was just at the entrance of my bits lol either although it did catcheverything without leaks but idk either i'm made wrong or doing it wrong and i did find it made my cramps worse xx
I’ve looked at cups so many times but the sizing thing has always stopped me. On the age and delivery front, I’m in the exact same boat as you. For a very short time I used a diaphragm for contraception and the smallest size made, was on the large size for me (you have to be measured for them in a women’s wellbeing clinic) and I’ve always feared that even the small size would be too big. Like you I am very sensitive, for example I always bleed after having a cervical smear, and my mucus membranes become inflamed very easily, I don’t even tolerate tampons well and need to stick to pads. As much as I love the idea of the cup, I think it’s an idea that I’m going to have to abandon, as I feel I’m very likely to end up the same way as you. Sorry it didn’t work out, and I can appreciate how nasty it is sitting in a wheelchair on swollen and sore bits.
I'm so happy you're trying it out. I have so many friends who swear by it and after some health related no-period-times I'm now again having periods and also using a cup and trying to work out the kinks (I have the Lunette because that's what available where I live). Here's my top tips so far: 1)Make sure the stem isn't too long. I got some rather bad irritation the first time around because the stem was too long and really irritating my bits when sitting down for long periods or walking around. (I think my cervix might be low and that's why the longer stem was irritating) 2) When putting it in, I use the "7-fold" (fold it in half and then one corner down, easily findable online). I use my pelvic muscles to help - bear down when inserting, pull up with the muscles, then bear down again, spin it and make sure that it's properly unfolded. Then pull my pelvic muscles tight again and voilá, usually I wont be able to feel it until it's full enough to change and therefore lowers down (I start getting a weird need to pee when it's full. Or the bubbly effect) 3) When taking it out, I bear down, break the seal by slipping a finger along the cup, and then, folding it slightly, pull it out. There really shouldn't be any pain, if there is, then the suction is still probably trying to keep it in. If I may give a bit of advice, I think you should try the smaller-softer size, maybe also trim the stem (and try and round it off, learn from my mistakes, I actually used an old nail-file) and make sure you break the seal before you take it out. Also if you get the smaller size, you might need to change it out more often, but it still holds at least two tampons worth. That was a monster of a comment but I hope you fare better the next time around :)
I can only properly put mine in while laying on my side in bed. It’s easier to access it to make sure it deals around the tip of the cervix. It’s also easier to remove by pinching it to release the seal. I have zero sensation. Make sure to run your finger around the rim to make sure it’s sealed properly.
Take the quiz on put a cup in it, it give you idea what cup might be suited for you, for the size go by your flow, as you can use either size and make sure your break the seal of the cup and fold it a little, wont hurt so much
Rule number when choosing a menstrual cup: do not follow the kids/over 30 advise. Just dont. Think about how light or heavy your flow is, try and find out where is your cervix during your period, and do not just get the diva cup cause its available everywhere. Diva cups are quite long and if you have a low cervix it wont work. Use the punch down fold because the recomended C fold is just waaaaaaay too big for a bunch of people. I’ve been using cups for years now and I still cant get thing in with the C fold. Get some lub!
