Cup Troubleshooting (Softer Cup?)
I have been trying to use the Lily Cup One on and off for about a year now. It’s painful to insert and remove, and is uncomfortable during wear. The times that it isn’t uncomfortable I find it leaks.
I’m 16 and have been using tampons for years, but with a heavy flow (and hatred for pads) I really want the cup to work. I have not been able to find my cervix, which i’m assuming means mine is pretty high.
I’ve looked into a bunch of troubleshooting material, and the only thing I can think of is that I need a softer cup. I was looking into the Lily Cup, but was wondering if anyone had any suggestions or any ideas of different issues I may be having. I’m nervous to invest in other cups and would like some outside advice. Thank you so much!
Hello There!
I have been trying to use the Lily Cup One on and off for about a year now. It’s painful to insert and remove, and is uncomfortable during wear. The times that it isn’t uncomfortable I find it leaks.
The Lily Cup is an ergonomically shaped cup. It needs to be positioned a certain way to work as intended with the longer side (side with the notch) downward, closer to the rectum. It also does not have any air holes which can create a tighter seal during use and strong suction during removal.
As you are a former tampon user, I also would like to note that the cervix is not directly in and up. Inserting a cup in the same position as you would a tampon can result in the cup shifting or pushing the cervix to the side, and/or leaking and discomfort.
Instead, the cup should be inserted more down and back towards the tailbone.
Try inserting the cup while in a squat. It will help you insert and position it easier as your cervix will be pushed closer to the vaginal opening. Removing the cup may also be easier in the position, as well but I advise you to do this in a tub or shower for easy clean up if there is spillage.
If the Lily Cup is still uncomfortable, I might suggest trying a standard “V”-shape cup. With a standard shape, you won’t have to worry about which way is front or back. A “V”-the shaped cup will still give you some length as opposed to a bell-shaped cup.
As for leaks, if you’re experiencing some spotting, wipe the stem and base as best as you can with a pH-balanced wet wipe or damp cloth to clean off any excess blood. Often, it is just some excess blood that finds its way out with gravity.
If you are overflowing the cup like you don’t even have it in, either you have pushed the cup to the side of the cervix or you need to empty the cup more frequently or need a higher capacity.
*An average large-sized cup holds 30-35 ml of fluid. The original small Lily Cup holds approx 28 ml while the large holds 32 ml.
I’m 16 and have been using tampons for years, but with a heavy flow (and hatred for pads) I really want the cup to work. I have not been able to find my cervix, which i’m assuming means mine is pretty high.
The cervix moves throughout the cycle. It’s at its highest position during the peak of ovulation. Sometimes it’s so high that it’s hard to reach or can’t be found at all. It lowers a couple of days before menstruation starts and stays there until 2 or 3 days after the period begins. At the middle to the end of the period, it starts to move back up again.
Some people notice this difference and use two different sizes or shaped cups for ease of reach and comfort. Others don’t notice this change at all.
I’ve looked into a bunch of troubleshooting material, and the only thing I can think of is that I need a softer cup. I was looking into the Lily Cup, but was wondering if anyone had any suggestions or any ideas of different issues I may be having. I’m nervous to invest in other cups and would like some outside advice. Thank you so much!
Try the insertion method that I mentioned above and see if the cup feels more comfortable to wear and if wiping the stem/base eliminates the leaking issues. If not, I would have to suggest trying a standard “V”-shaped cup.
There are brands that offer a two-pack of cups in two sizes for a lesser cost. It will help save you money and allow you to try the two sizes to see which one is easier to use; insert & remove, feels more comfortable, and has the capacity that you’re looking for for your heavy flow.
Here are a couple of suggestions:
Venus Cup Starter Kit – Small & Large cups that are considered high capacity for heavier periods but have a round base as opposed to a tapered “V”-shape. These cups are medium in firmness and hold 29 & 47 ml.
Hannah Cup Duo Pack – Small & Medium cups that are “V”-shaped with a medium-firm body (medium body) and a medium/firm rim (slightly firmer than medium) for easy expanding. These cups hold 23 and 30 ml.
Casco Cup Size 1 (not mini) – Sadly, these cups aren’t offered in a two-pack but it’s a narrow and long cup that’s a soft/medium and holds 30 ml.
Don’t be discouraged to try larger sizes just because you’re a teen. No one knows your anatomy or situation but you. Cup companies suggest a guideline for their sizes but cups are not one-size-fits-all and everyone’s body is different.
Here’s a link that might be useful:
Locate & Measure your Cervix
I hope this helps.
Good Luck! <3
Red Herring
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