How To Insert A Menstrual Cup Without Pain

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How To Insert A Menstrual Cup Without Pain
4 Tips to avoid menstrual cup pain during insertion –

  1. Use a folding method that has a smaller insertion surface. At Ruby Cup, we recommend the punch-down fold if your vaginal canal tenses during insertion. Fold your cup by punching down one side to create a smaller insertion surface.
  2. Spread some water-based lube around the rim of your menstrual cup. This will ease the insertion process for you. The silicone in silicone-based lubricants will affect the medical-grade silicone of the menstrual cup so choose a water-based lubricant.
  3. Find the best position to insert your cup. Some people insert it while sitting on the toilet, some people with one leg up, others squatting, and some even reported succeeding with inserting their menstrual cup while in the shower. Similar to how you would have inserted your tampon.
  4. Relax, By relaxing you’ll loosen the muscles of your vaginal canal facilitating a smoother insertion. It’s OK to feel nervous the first couple of times. Just remember you’re making a planet-friendly choice, and if you choose Ruby Cup your actions are helping to eliminate period poverty worldwide.

Why does my menstrual cup hurt when inserting?

An error occurred. – Try watching this video on www.youtube.com, or enable JavaScript if it is disabled in your browser. If it hurts when you insert your menstrual cup the most likely culprit is a lack of proper lubrication coupled with the cup’s folded size.

Adding a cup safe water-based lubricant to the rim of your cup can make insertion easier. It can also eliminate the pain you may experience when inserting the cup. If lubricant alone doesn’t help try experimenting with other menstrual cup folds. The “Punchdown Fold” method can be more comfortable for insertion, because the tip is narrow and the cup slowly tapers.

If the cup needs to be even smaller you can try the ” Labia Fold ” (works best with softer firmness cups). If you find insertion painful, because it feels like something is blocking the cup, you may have a low cervix and your cup is coming into contact with it.

  1. Do not force a cup into your body if something is blocking it and you’re in pain.
  2. Take the menstrual cup quiz to find the brands that are best suited for a low cervix instead of trying to force a cup to fit.
  3. If it feels like your vagina is extremely tight and trying to insert your menstrual cup or even a tampon can’t be done, this could be a sign of vaginismus.

Vaginismus is a muscle response, either physical or emotional in nature, when the vaginal muscles tightly contract during penetration. It’s treatable, so if you suspect this might be your issue see your care provider for a diagnosis and treatment plan.

One of the biggest reasons to switch to a menstrual cup is that it’s more comfortable to wear than tampons. If that isn’t your experience so far, then you must be wondering what all the hype is about! Well, your cup shouldn’t cause any pain or discomfort during wear. The most common cause of menstrual cup pain during wear is that the cup is too firm,

This means that the cup is exerting an outward force that is felt by other organs and parts of your body. Not everyone’s anatomy disagrees with firm cups but lots of users find a softer menstrual cup works better for them. If you are finding that your cramps get worse (not better, as is often reported by cup users) or that you feel the urge to urinate, that’s a sign that you need a softer cup or a menstrual disc.

  • If you have painful periods due to a health condition it’s still possible to use a menstrual cup or disc.
  • In fact, many people with endometriosis, PCOS, and fibroids find these products the best option since they also tend to have heavy periods.
  • Softer firmness cups or discs might be an overall more comfortable experience for you.

Extremely sharp and painful cramps are a sign that the cup is touching or even suctioning to your cervix. This is not a fun or comfortable experience. Many times the cup will walk itself up and find the cervix during wear, even if you try to position the cup lower when you insert it.

  1. To fix this issue you either need a wider diameter cup that won’t suction to the cervix or a shorter cup.
  2. You can also switch to reusable menstrual discs since these are suction-free.
  3. Even though most menstrual cups have a long stem at their base this is not what you should use to remove your cup.
  4. Simply tugging the stem to remove your menstrual cup may cause pain or discomfort because the cup has created a “suction” inside your vaginal canal.

Removing without breaking the suction is a common mistake, but easy to fix. Simply make sure you always pinch the base enough to bring the rim away from your vaginal wall, thus breaking the seal to remove. Another potential cause for painful removals is the size of the cup.

  1. We fold the cup to insert it, but it’s not folded when we remove it.
  2. For some users, this can be painful, especially for cups that are a wider diameter or firm.
  3. A firm cup applies outward pressure and if you pull it straight down that could hurt on the way out.
  4. Instead, try angling the cup while removing it at the widest part, the rim, while it exits your body.

This reduces the overall size. A messier option but even more effective way to remove your cup without pain is to fold it in half while removing it. Be sure to have your body positioned over your toilet or do this in the shower. Even with some of these suggestions, it’s possible only a new menstrual cup or disc will address the cause of your pain, because your current product just isn’t right for you.

What is the easiest position to insert menstrual cup?

Ok, so you have decided to give a menstrual cup a go. You have read the rave reviews or been recommended to try one by a cup loving friend. It may seem daunting as you look at your new purchase and wonder just how well it will work. To help you as you begin along your menstrual cup journey, we have put together a few tips to help you get the best results when using your cup for the first time.

  1. It is important to remember that every women is different, in cycle length and flow, in cervix position, in pelvic floor strength, and the list goes on.
  2. However, following the below suggestions, should help prevent or resolve any issues you may be experiencing.
  3. Don’t expect to be able to insert and then remove your cup perfectly the first time and then proceed with life as normal with no further issues.

In some cases, this might be exactly what happens, but experience shows that it takes a little practice to get used to using a menstrual cup – but the results are always worth it! You may wish to consider wearing a panty liner for the first couple of cycles until you are confident with using your menstrual cup.

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You should not be able to feel it inside of youYou should not experience any leaksNo part of the cup stem should be protruding from the vaginal canal (please read about trimming the end)

1. Read the instructions Make sure you read the instructions that come with your cup thoroughly, BEFORE using it. This may seem obvious, but we know many of us get so excited about our new period cup, that we just jump right in without fully knowing what to do.Get a grasp of the different folding techniques, so that you can try each and find the one that suits you best.

For all menstrual cups, use only as directed and always read the label. If any symptoms occur from the use of the cup, please see your doctor/healthcare professional.2. Relax Inserting a menstrual cup will be easier when you are relaxed. Try your menstrual cup for the first time when you ARE NOT having a period.

If you have difficulty inserting or removing it, at least you won’t be dealing with rampant hormones, blood, and stress at the same time. DO NOT leave the cup in place, simply try inserting, walking around, and then removing it.3. Wet the cup It is easier to insert a cup when it is wet.

  • For this reason you may want to dampen the entrance to your vagina with water or a water-based lubricant as well as the rim of the cup.
  • Many women find it helpful to learn how to insert their cup while in the shower.4.
  • Get the correct angle Do not insert a menstrual cup in a straight up (vertical) angle.

For correct insertion, it needs to be put into the vagina at a horizontal 45 degree angel. Aim towards the base of your spine. Squatting down with knees spread open is often a good way to first insert your menstrual cup. You should stop inserting the cup as soon as the cup and end of the stem can no longer be seen.5.

Wait for the ‘pop’ To ensure the cup doesn’t leak, it needs to achieve a good suction seal around the vaginal wall. Once you insert the cup, it needs to ‘pop’ open to form the seal. Some people feel this pop, others do not. Gently run your finger around the base of the cup. If it feels flat or scrunched at any spot, it probably hasn’t popped open properly.

Grip the base of the cup and try rotating it 360 degrees. If that doesn’t work, remove the cup and try again. You may also want to try performing a few pelvic floor exercises (Kegels), as this can help establish a proper seal.6. Keep it low Many women make the mistake of placing the cup too high in their vagina.

  • It should sit low in the vagina (lower than a tampon), and ideally, not over the opening of your cervix.
  • The end of the stem should be sitting no more than 1cm from the vaginal opening.
  • Nothing should be sticking out, but it should be only just inside you.
  • In some cases the menstrual cup may rise up higher and then settle in it’s own position.

Do not be alarmed by this, it just means you may have to reach a little further in to remove it. If the cup is sitting right against your cervix, you may experience some discomfort. Try re-inserting the cup again.7. Partially insert then open Another tip is to only insert the first part of the cup and then try opening it just inside the vaginal canal.

  • One it has opened, you can gently push it up into the correct position.8.
  • Trim the stem The stem of the menstrual cup should not be protruding outside your vagina, or irritating your labia.
  • Some women who have a low cervix, may find that this happens.
  • To combat this, simply trim the end to a length where it will not be a problem.

Please note: DO NOT trim the end until you are able to easily remove your cup. Trim no more than half a cm at a time, and try your cup again to see if it is more comfortable.9. Remove correctly Do not pull on the stem! Use the stem simply as a guide to find the base of the cup.

  1. If the cup is hard to reach, try bearing down so as to push the cup down your vaginal canal.
  2. If the cup is slippery and hard to grasp when you try to remove it, you can use a tissue to wipe the base before pulling it out.10.
  3. Get the right size Often leaking issues or discomfort may be due to a cup that is the wrong size for your needs and stage of life.

Make sure you read the menstrual cup sizing guidelines for the particular brand you are purchasing accurately, to ensure you have a cup that will provide a correct suction seal around your vaginal wall.

Can menstrual cup damage cervix?

So, can a menstrual cup damage your cervix? – Even though there have been rumors about it, there is currently no known evidence of menstrual cups damaging your cervix. If your cup is the right size and in the right place, there should be no issues of pain or problems with your cup getting stuck to your cervix.

Should I feel my menstrual cup when I sit down?

Is it normal to feel a menstrual cup? – No – once you insert your menstrual cup, you shouldn’t feel it. Menstrual cups are incredibly comfortable. Sometimes, when I’m using mine, I can forget that I’m with it. If you feel it when you walk or sit or hurts when it’s inside, something isn’t right.

Why is my menstrual cup so uncomfortable?

The discomfort or pressure you feel with a new menstrual cup or disc can also be a sign that this product isn’t the right size/firmness/shape/length for you. You should not be able to feel a menstrual cup or disc after a few cycles. If you do, it’s probably not the one for you.

How far should I push my menstrual cup?

4. Open – When you can no longer hold the cup in a folded position let it “pop” open inside your vagina, and continue to push the menstrual cup from the base of the cup. You should gently push the menstrual cup deep enough so that the stem is no longer protruding out of your vaginal opening. Do not push the menstrual cup so deep that you are unable to grab the stem of the cup.

Can you insert a menstrual cup too far?

frequently asked questions – Can you insert a menstrual cup too far? When figuring out how deep a menstrual cup should go, it’s important to remember that the vagina ends in the cervix – so nothing can go beyond the cervix or get lost! If you insert your menstrual cup too far in, then you may experience leaks or find it a bit tricky to remove.

  • So remember to wear it as low as it will comfortably sit.
  • If you can feel your menstrual cup, then it is likely pressing against your bladder or other organs.
  • Remove your cup and reinsert it again, taking care to insert towards your tailbone.
  • You can also move your cup a bit lower or higher, to see if this makes it more comfortable.

If you continue to feel your cup and it is causing you discomfort, you might need to try a softer menstrual cup. Asan’s light/medium flow size slightly softer while our heavy flow size is slightly firmer. We hope you found this how far to insert a menstrual cup guide helpful – if you’re ready to take the plunge, get your Asan cup today and embrace comfortable and worry-free periods! Should the menstrual cup steam stick out? When inserting the menstrual cup, do not let go until it is completely inside you.

  1. It is okay if a little bit of the stem sticks out, as long as you do not feel it.
  2. The Asan cup comes with a handy removal ring which does not poke or irritate the vagina, which pointed stems can sometimes do.
  3. How to insert a menstrual cup without pain? If you have never inserted anything into your vagina, you may feel slight discomfort the first time you insert a cup.
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Make sure to take deep breaths, stay calm, and insert very slowly and gently. You can lubricate the cup with clean running water to make it slide in easier. If you experience any serious pain or discomfort, stop using the cup and consult your doctor. How far do you insert an Asan cup? Is it different from other menstrual cups? Just like with other cups, you should ensure the Asan cup is completely inside you, but do not push it all the way up to the cervix.

  • If a little bit of the ring sticks out, that is totally normal.
  • It is also normal for your cup to slide upwards or downwards during the course of the day.
  • I can feel my menstrual cup when I walk.
  • Is it inserted incorrectly? Once you’ve inserted your menstrual cup you shouldn’t feel it inside you.
  • In that case just remove the cup and re-attempt it to make sure it has been inserted properly.

However if you’re someone with a low cervix, it’s completely okay to slightly feel the menstrual cup inside you when you walk as the ring may be sitting at the base of your entrance.

Is it easier to put menstrual cup or tampon?

Cons –

  • More mess. The main disadvantage that people mention is how messy emptying the cup is. With practice, most of us can work out a suitable technique and quickly get over the “ick factor.” Also, cleaning it in a public bathroom might present a challenge for some.
  • They can be difficult to insert. People who are younger and/or who’ve never had intercourse may find it difficult to insert the cups. And if you have an IUD in place, using a menstrual cup could pull the IUD strings and dislodge them. If you have concerns about insertion, talk to your healthcare provider.
  • Possible fit problems. Individual anatomy can make proper use of the cup difficult. For instance, if you have a dropped uterus or uterine prolapse, Dr. Higgins says that a menstrual cup may not fit in place properly. But to ensure that you feel more comfortable when it comes to insertion, she recommends talking to your provider and asking them to walk you through the process during an office visit.
  • They can be hard to remove. Taking menstrual cups out requires a bit of a learning curve. You shouldn’t pull on the stem when you remove it. Instead, pinch the base and pull and allow the collected fluid to empty into the toilet. You can then rinse it with tap water and reinsert.
  • Regular sterilization is required. After each cycle, sterilize the cup using boiling water or a sterilizing solution used for baby bottles.

Why is my menstrual cup suctioning to my cervix?

Function and safety – Menstrual cups are folded before insertion. The menstrual cup is then allowed to spring open, forming a seal against the vaginal wall. For removal, the base of the cup is pinched, and the product moved gently side to side while pulling down (see Figure 1 ). Menstrual cup use. (a) Users find a fold suitable for them; punchdown-fold, 7-fold, and c-fold illustrated. (b) The folded menstrual cup is inserted and allowed to spring open. (c) To ensure the menstrual cup is fully open and therefore creating a seal against the vaginal wall, users can run a finger around the vessel to feel for bumps as a sign it is not open, or users can gently pinch and twist the menstrual cup.

  1. D) The menstrual cup sits lower than a tampon.
  2. The stem may need to be trimmed to avoid discomfort.
  3. The length of the vaginal canal will affect where the menstrual cup sits in relation to the cervix.
  4. E) To remove, users must ensure the seal is broken by running a finger cup the side of the menstrual cup, or pinching the base of the vessel.

The cup is then gently removed, and it can help shift the menstrual cup from side to side. Issues arise with incorrect sizing or firmness, see Table 1, If the menstrual cup is too small or the menstrual cup is too soft and the pressure from the vaginal wall prevents the menstrual cup from unfolding, it will leak.

What is the negative effect of menstrual cup?

Toxic shock syndrome – Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a serious and potentially life threatening bacterial infection that a strain of Staphylococcus aureus causes. It is most commonly associated with tampons, but in very rare cases, it also occurs in people who use menstrual cups.

Some advocates for menstrual cups cite older research as proof that TSS only occurs when people use highly absorbent materials internally, such as those found in tampons. However, more recent research shows that TSS is possible in menstrual cup users too. According to the authors of the review in The Lancet, the risk of TSS is low,

Compared with tampons and sanitary pads, menstrual cups are:

  • reusable, which creates less waste
  • convenient, as they can stay in the vagina for longer than tampons
  • more cost effective than disposable products
  • less likely to contribute to yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis, according to some studies
  • potentially less likely to cause leaks once a person gets comfortable with using them

73% of menstrual cup users in The Lancet review wanted to continue using these products after the studies were over. It can take more time to learn how to use menstrual cups. A person may need to try several cups before they find the right one for them.

Some people have difficulty using menstrual cups. In some cases, this is due to differences in anatomy or to conditions such as vaginismus, which causes pain when a person tries to insert items into the vagina. A gynecologist may be able to help with this issue. People with severe vaginal injuries and those who have just given birth should not insert anything into the vagina.

Before using a menstrual cup for the first time:

  1. Find a cup that fits the body well and is neither too hard nor too soft.
  2. Sterilize the cup by adding it to a pot of clean, boiling water for 10 minutes.
  3. Alternatively, it is possible to purchase sterilization tablets, which can be useful when clean, hot water is not available.
  4. Wash the hands with soap and water.

To insert a menstrual cup:

  1. Wet the outside of the cup with water or apply water-based lubricant.
  2. Press the rim of the cup together so that it forms a straight line. Fold it in half so that the rim forms a “C” shape.
  3. Holding the cup in this shape, insert it rim-first into the vagina.
  4. Once inside, the cup should open up and form a seal around the vaginal wall. A person can test this by running their finger around the edge.

A person can wear the cup for 8–12 hours at a time. They should then empty it and rinse it out thoroughly before reinserting it again. It is important never to wear a cup for longer than 12 hours at a time without emptying and washing it, even if it is not full. To remove the menstrual cup:

  1. Wash the hands with soap and water.
  2. Carefully insert the fingers into the vagina and pull gently on the stem of the cup.
  3. When the bottom of the cup is within reach, pinch it to break the seal.
  4. Remove the cup and empty the contents into the toilet or sink.
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After each period is over, a person should sterilize the cup again before storing it in a clean container until the next period. They should never share menstrual cups with others. The term “virgin” describes someone who has not had penis-in-vagina sex.

It is a social construct rather than a biological state. Using a menstrual cup does not mean that a person has lost their virginity. However, these items can occasionally stretch open the hymen, which is a thin piece of tissue that some people have around their vaginal opening. Even if a menstrual cup or tampon does stretch the hymen, this does not mean that a person is no longer a virgin.

Menstrual cups are safe to use, as long a person follows the safety guidelines. There is no evidence that they are any more dangerous than tampons. Rarely, menstrual cups can cause pain, urinary problems, or infection. If this occurs, it is important to stop using the product and speak to a doctor or gynecologist.

Do menstrual cups weaken pelvic floor?

Why can’t a menstrual cup cause pelvic organ prolapse? – Menstrual cups do not create enough suction (or downward force) on your pelvic floor to cause the kind of damage or weakening needed for pelvic organ prolapse. Even after monthly use of menstrual cups for say ten years (Ruby Cup’s lifespan).

  • In truth, period cups don’t really form a direct or powerful vacuum suction, at least not the hoover-strength force the word suction conjures up in your mind.
  • The soft, 100% medical grade silicone walls and rim of Ruby Cup rest up against the walls of your vagina and maybe the tip of your cervix (the muscular opening to your uterus).

Ideally a well-fitting menstrual cup creates a leak-proof seal, but not suction. The ideal location for your menstrual cup is below your cervix. Part of finding the right size menstrual cup is finding a menstrual cup which does not rub up against or sit too close to your cervix. Remember though, even if your menstrual cup attaches to your cervix and you pull down on it without trying to break the seal first, you will not cause any damage or weakening to your pelvic floor muscles. Worried about your menstrual cup getting stuck? Ruby Cup’s step by step guide to removing your stuck menstrual cup can save your day.

How do I know if my menstrual cup is touching my cervix?

Can your menstrual cup “suck out” your cervix? An expert says. A person has gone viral on TikTok after claiming their – a more environmentally friendly alternative to sanitary towels and tampons –, Taking to the social media platform, Lux (who is the co-founder of period relief brand Somedays) that said: “Your period cup can’t actually suck out your cervix.” But, in their follow up clip, Lux said, “Yes it can, and it did.” Recalling their experience, the TikToker said they’d used the FemmyCycle which allegedly “sucked” their cervix “outside” of their body, resulting in a visit to the hospital.

Taking a deep-dive into what happened, Lux said in another video: “This is a story time about how the FemmyCycle menstrual cup pulled my cervix outside of my body.” Continuing with their version of events, Lux points out that the design of the FemmyCycle cup is different to other period cups, and shows a screenshot of how it looks.

Noting that they’ve been an “avid cup user for 10 years”, Lux added: “This one is essentially shaped like a turkey baster. Like, when you squeeze the end of this sucks all the liquid up. Well, that’s what happened, but with my cervix.” Recalling the experience, they said: “I pulled on it and tried to break the seal and it felt a little bit different. And so I put my finger up inside and felt around the opening, that little tiny hole and realised that the cup had popped open inside of me and suctioned my cervix into it.” They went on to explain that the cup had “filled” with their cervix, and that “the bottom of the ball was just on the outside of my vagina so I could see my cervix.” Eventually, using a definitely do-not-try-at-home method, Lux was able to remove the period cup, but went to the hospital to make sure everything was okay.

Since then, they claim their pelvic floor is “absolutely destroyed”, meaning they struggle with incontinence. “I’m not saying that all menstrual cups are bad,” they ended their clip. “But I just think that this particular design is terrible.” While Lux makes it clear in their clip that the design of the FemmyCycle cup is what they believe to have caused the issue, their experience still left some TikTokers questioning the safety of menstrual cups in the comments.

“I better stick with pads,” said one person, with another commenting: “New fear unlocked.” Can your menstrual cup “suck out” your cervix? So, can your period cup actually “suck out” your cervix? According to Dr Nitu Bajekal, consultant gynaecologist and co-author of, the answer to that question is, no – although she doesn’t comment on the specific design of the FemmyCycle cup in question. Getty Images As for how you can tell if your period cup is sitting too close to your cervix, Dr Bajekal says: “If, with a finger, you can feel that the cup is high up, you can gently pull it down after releasing the pressure, or reinsert it.” Try not to worry though, as the expert reminds us that period cups (as well as tampons) cannot get lost inside your body.

“Knowing the different parts of your body and how they work is really important when it comes to avoiding panic and using menstrual or contraceptive methods properly,” she tells us. ” when things go wrong, you know to seek timely medical advice.” Cosmopolitan UK has reached out to FemmyCycle for a response.

This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. : Can your menstrual cup “suck out” your cervix? An expert says.

Why does my menstrual cup feel like its slipping out?

YOU MAY NOT BE USING THE RIGHT SIZE CUP FOR YOUR BODY – If you feel like your cup is slipping, or is sitting outside of the vaginal canal after you’ve inserted it (and you’ve tried re-inserting a few times with no luck), it may be that you are using the wrong size cup.

Why can I feel my menstrual cup when I push?

Why Can I Feel My Menstrual Cup? If you’ve just inserted your menstrual cup or disc, and you can feel it, it’s most likely a response called ‘hyper-awareness.’ It’s human nature to focus on a new experience and take mental notes on how it’s going for you.

Why do I feel like peeing when I insert menstrual cup?

how do i know if i have a sensitive bladder while using a menstrual cup? – Have you peed recently but are still feeling the constant urge to use the loo? Do you feel like your menstrual cup is pushing on your bladder ? Then you might have a sensitive bladder.

When a menstrual cup is sitting inside your vaginal canal to collect your period flow, it can sometimes feel like the menstrual cup is pushing down on your bladder. This pressure can make you feel like you need to pee all the time! If you feel like your menstrual cup is hurting your bladder, then remove it immediately.

If the pain continues, please consult a doctor.