How do I stop pain when inserting/removing?
First time using a menstrual cup. I got the smallest shortest cup, (according to the internet) the MeLuna shorty. I have a very low cervix and I can barely fit one finger in, which is uncomfortable. After trying for 3 cycles, I finally got my menstrual cup in all the way for the first time using the origami fold. It was a bit painful to get in but once it was inside it comfortably opened, and I couldn’t feel it at all.
Then when I went to take it out a few hours later, I pushed down to release the suction on the cup and tried to pull it out, which hurt so bad I just put it back in. I tried again an hour later (after looking for tips online) and it came out quickly with the C fold but still hurt. It was sore for about an hour afterwards.
I know I have been putting it in at the right angle and everything, so is it possible that my vagina is just too small for a menstrual cup? I’m a bit too scared to try again at this point.
Hi, I had the exact same problem with the Meluna cup so I switched to the Lumma cup. It’s about the same size, softer, and less firm than the Meluna shorty.
I’m sorry that you’re having some troubles using a menstrual cup without any issues.
A cup should never hurt or feel uncomfortable. It also definitely shouldn’t be that hard to use if it’s the “one” for you. BUT…some times the one for you still requires practice before it’s your new best friend.
Q: is it possible that my vagina is just too small for a menstrual cup?
The vagina is like a balloon in which when we put air in it, it can and will expand upwards and outwards up to 200x it’s normal size. When we let the air out, it returns to back to its previous shape/size.
A menstrual cup is much, MUCH, smaller than an infant. So no, a vagina will not be too small.
There are some people with a very low cervix who still use menstrual cups without any issues. It may be trial and error to figure out which one/s is easy to work with and feels comfortable for you.
Smallest/tiniest is not always the answer. It could be the shape, the firmness, a ridge on the rim…etc., that’s causing your discomfort. It could also be what’s giving you issues while removing the cup.
You might need a soft or medium soft silicone as opposed to the rigid TPE (which MeLuna is made with). Something that’s bell-shaped but short. Maybe with a flared rim instead of a meaty bump of a rim.
Bell-shaped cups with flared rims tend to ride up and sit a bit higher into the vaginal fornix.
Many people with a low or very low cervix find that these “fit” and feel more comfortable because 1. it sits higher, 2. the base is more rounded.
These cups may look larger than the small MeLuna Shorty, but their features/shapes may work out better for you.
Your cervix can sit inside of the cup comfortably, while still allowing you some capacity for your menstrual flow.
You might want to look into the following cups all in a small size:
Sckoon, LaliCup, Merula, Super Jennie, Ruby Cup, Natu, MyCup, Si-Bell, Lena “Sensitive”, ClariCup
If your cervix is so low that it’s at the opening of your vagina or even hanging on the outside, you probably have a prolapse that needs medical attention.
However, if you were referring to the vaginal opening, there are some things that can help prepare for penetration. It’s likely that you have anxieties about inserting the cup already. Especially since you had an unpleasant experience, which may be causing you to tense up without even realizing it.
Touch-therapy is something that you can do in the privacy of your own space. Basically using a finger to massage the area so that it’s not so tense. You can add another finger or move on to a “toy” when you’re comfortable. Use a personal lubricant to help ease things. Friction is bad!
You can even use lubricant with your cup as long as it’s water-based. A silicone-based lubricant can compromise a silicone cup.
Menstrual Cups and “Small Vagina”
PAIN: Can you please elaborate on where and what type of pain you are feeling?
Does it feel like your cervix is being pulled? The “suction” probably isn’t broken.
Do you get a sudden sharp shock? You’re probably hitting or brushing up against the urethra. A softer cup may help, or if you can pinch the cup rim down, it will help keep that from happening.
Does the cup chaff on the way out? Again a softer cup might ease that, or a cup with a less bulky rim.
Do you feel like you need to urinate more frequently, feel like you didn’t empty your bladder when you do, or have a slow urine stream? =Softer cup.
If I totally missed the mark and you’re experiencing other symptoms, please let me know. Since I don’t know exactly what’s going on, how you’re feeling, what you’re doing, etc., I can only suggest things that have been mentioned before and hope that something here will help.
Good Luck!!
