Cup slides down during exercise
I have been using a menstrual cup for my past 4 periods. I am looking to get a new cup but am unsure which one to get.
I am 27 years old and have never had any children. I am currently using the Super Jennie size large (it was one of the cups recommended on the putacupinit online quiz). The main issue I am having with it is that it slides down during physical activities like running or hiking.
I am pretty certain I have a high cervix (I am able to reach my whole finger in my vagina on my period) but I still had to trim the stem off of my cup because it would stick out. It doesn’t matter if I push it up high, it makes its way down and settles lower. I also know I have strong pelvic floor muscles from physical therapy for my pelvic floor. The first cycle using the cup was uncomfortable and I felt pressure against my walls the entire time but now my body has gotten used to it and the pressure is gone.
Once I got the hang of using it, I never had issues with the cup leaking or even getting it to pop open. It does put pressure against my urethra and makes peeing not as easy, but nothing painful or uncomfortable. The main issue is just the cup slipping lower in general.
Can anyone shed light on if this is more likely to be a size or a length issue? Or something else entirely? I can make due with the cup for regular activities but exercise makes it feel completely uncomfortable and stopping to shove it higher every 10 minutes isn’t realistic.
With a high cervix, technically you can use any size cup. I don’t think the length is the issue. However, the cup might be too wide for you. I’m guessing (guessing…since you have kind of a tough situation) that perhaps your toned PFM are pressing against the cup in a way that the cup is losing it’s seal/suction, if there was one in the first place (not all cups with suction with your body).
If you can reach your cup without a stem, I would suggest trying the cup inside out. Sometimes that gives the user a better “fit” or gives them a better idea about a size….if it still migrates downward, you’ll probably need to try a different cup. This test is free since you already have the cup 🙂
If that didn’t help….
I would suggest a bit narrower cup for starters. A “V” shaped cup.
1. you don’t lose the length with your high cervix
2. your toned PMF might squeeze the cup upward instead of outward.
Think of like this:
If you have a “V” shape in your hand and squeeze, your hand would slide to the narrow part pushing the “V” upwards.
If you have a “U” shape and squeeze, your hand could slide either way since there’s no taper one way or another.
It sounds logical, but honestly I don’t want to BS you and pretended that that’s the fix.
3. it may cut down on some of the bladder pressure since it’s more narrow.
I find that just changing the shape or size of a cup can ease the pressure or place it in another area that’s not so sensitive.
Some softer “V” shaped cups that you can look into are:
EvaCup, Yuuki “Rainbow” or “Soft” versions (Rainbow is their softest version), Casco, OrganiCup
Normally is someone is very physically active, I would suggest a cup on the firmer side, but with your sensitivities you might want to try the softer cups first.
If you have a heavy period, the Yuuki or the Casco would hold more than the other two.
As I mentioned above, some cups create a seal/suction. This can help a cup stay in place. To check if the cup has done this, give the cup a gentle tug and see if there’s any resistance. If there is, chances are it did create a seal.
Lastly, I normally don’t suggest “Bell” shaped cup often to someone who has a high cervix, but “Bell” shapes tend to ride up and sit higher in the vaginal fornix (the space around your cervix). However, this might also help with slipping issues. If your cervix is very high, you’ll likely need some of the stem length so trim the stem bit by bit until it’s comfortable.
Lena “Sensitive” version, LaliCup, Fleur Cup, and Juju are some cups that you can check into. These are all on the softer side. The LaliCup is a little different in which is has a unique channel pattern that allows the cup to fold smaller and also helps it to pop open and stay open.
I hope something here helps with your situation. I’m sorry that you’re having troubles getting a good “fit”.
Good Luck <3
