Girl talk and menstrual cup struggles

LEARNING TO EFFECTIVELY INSERT YOUR NEW MENSTRUAL CUP

#1 Figure out what “fold” is for you – This will help with the effective insertion of the cup into the vagina.

#2 Squat – I find this the easiest way of inserting a menstrual  cup, as it opens the space and gives you more room to put the cup in.

#3 The insertion! –This is the hardest bit but is why steps #1 and #2 are SO IMPORTANT.  I would 100% recommend trying your first insertion and removal in the shower, as it can be fiddly at first to get the insertion and removal of your menstrual cup correct. If you have previously used tampons, you will hopefully be aware of the curvature of your vagina. Similar to a tampon, you will want to slide the cup on a slight angle (almost horizontally) and then follow the curve of the vagina (which is naturally slightly curved up and back). Be aware that every vagina is different and some people will find using a cup easier than others.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVE INSERTED YOUR MOON CUP INCORRECTLY?

Leaks, spills, pinching and the feeling that your cervix is being sucked out by a vacuum?
It happens to ALL OF US.

Here is a list of FAQs to help understand whether you have inserted your menstrual cup properly.

I can feel the menstrual cup inside me?
Let’s be honest, if you’re a first time user of the menstrual cup, then I would recommend not comparing it to a tampon. The cup collects the liquid, it doesn’t absorb it. And when you first set eyes on the size of a menstrual cup – it can be bloody daunting!  (no pun intended) Even the small cup looks as if it’s the width of 2-3 tampons and I vividly remember a million thoughts running through my head.. things like “Shit, that is not what I expected! Is this going to stretch my vagina? Is using a menstrual cup going to hurt? How do I get this menstrual cup thing in me!?  Is this all worth it?” and trust me when I say you’ll gain a whole new relationship with your body – especially your vagina. For some of you, it may the first time you’ve really had to have a good feel around trying to get your cup in the correct position. But all jokes aside, if you can feel the menstrual cup inside you, then there is a chance that you have inserted the moon cup incorrectly – try squatting and gently moving the cup into a better position. Once you get the hang of how far up the menstrual cup needs to sit in your cervix, you’ll never look back!

My menstrual cup is pinching, suctioned to my cervix and hurting?
If you have inserted your menstrual cup correctly, then you essentially shouldn’t feel it and it certainly should not be pinching you. If you are experiencing a pinching sensation with the moon cup, then you have inserted the cup incorrectly. Not to worry! Simply try to relax, then break the suction on the cup by gripping and pinching the base of the cup – once the seal is broken, remove the cup, give it a quick clean and try reinserting. Practice makes perfect, and in the first few months of using a menstrual cup, it comes down to trial and error. If you would like a step-by-step guide to help you remove your menstrual cup, I share what I have found to be the easiest way to remove my moon cup, in my next post which you can read here.

My menstrual cup keeps leaking?
Truth is.. this happens to almost all of us at first! When I first started using the cup, it happened at least once every cycle – usually when I had inserted it incorrectly, or was bleeding more than normal. Don’t be discouraged – it can be one of two things: either you are using the wrong sized menstrual cup, or you have inserted it incorrectly. If on the off chance you suffer, like me, from a heavy flow on the odd occasion, then I can offer a solution! I always keep my handy dandy, super cute hannahpad on hand. I use the reusable liners during the day and modibodi knickers for night use so I can sleep peacefully, without waking up looking like a murder scene. Viola! No more spillage fear.

Please note: It is important that the little air holes are kept clean and free of any reside – this not only reduces the amount of bacteria, but also helps the cup form the proper suction necessary to sit in place.

HOW DO I REMOVE THE MENSTRUAL CUP?

When I first started using my menstrual cup, I found that A LOT of posts were all focused about the insertion and which brand of cup to buy, but no-one really focused on how to remove the menstrual cup – & we sure as hell know that what goes in, must come out!

Here’s what I have found to be the easiest step-by-step guide to help you remove your menstrual cup

#1 Prepare – Thoroughly wash and dry your hands before choosing your preferred location to remove your cup. This can be either the toilet or the shower. If you have only just started using the menstrual cup, I would advise that you remove your menstrual cup in the shower for at least the first few cycles until you get a technique down pat and to avoid unwanted spillage.

#2 Technique – There are a few different techniques that can be used when removing your menstrual cup – these can be the grip & pinch method, which is where you grip the base of the cup part of the cup (not the stem) to aid in the release of the suction seal on your menstrual cup. Or inserting a finger up along the side of the cup and gently pressing the cup in toward itself, to break the seal before removing  (Caution! If your cup is really full, I would strongly advise that you at least try to grip and pinch method, to avoid spillage) However! If you have a long vaginal canal, or a high cervix, this method may be the easiest method for you when removing your menstrual cup.

Please note: you should never remove the cup by just pulling on the stem – it can and will hurt due to the suction that is created between the cup and your cervix.

#3 Positioning the body – Relax, get comfortable, squat, raise your leg, tuck your tailbone under – figure out the best way for you and your body when inserting and removing the cup. Everyone will be a little different and will prefer their own method here. There is no right or wrong way.

Another alternative is the Keela cup. Unlike all the other cups on the market, the Keela menstrual cup IS designed to be removed by pulling on the stem of the cup. This breaks the suction seal and makes removing your keela cup simple, effective and mess free. Great for those who are wheelchair bound, first time users of the menstrual cup and those who loved using tampons.

Most of all – practice & patience! It can take a few months to get used to using and removing your menstrual cup. Trust me when I say that It will get easier over time, save you money and will save you from having to worry about regularly changing a pad or tampon! When inserted correctly, your menstrual cup can stay in for up to 12 hours! (depending on the heaviness of your individual flow)  [5]

If you are still having difficulty removing your menstrual cup, then Juju has a great video on How to remove your menstrual cup pain free. I also found these Tips for Removing Your Menstrual Cup quite helpful when first learning how to use my menstrual cup.