How on earth do I get it to stay?
Hello there,
I’m brand new to the menstrual cup, and I have tried for literal hours to get it in but I just can’t?
I have tried:
– lube
– water
– c-fold, punch-down-fold and the 7-fold
– sitting on the toilet
– leg up on bathtub
– consciously relaxing
– aiming for my tailbone
HOWEVER, every single time I manage to get it in far enough, it opens, slides back down, it does seem to create a seal however half of the cup is outside of me and I can easily pull it back out, if wait long enough it just falls out. I have measured my cervix (on my period) and I’m using the diva cup that should be the right size for me.
Please provide any wisdom you can!! Seriously struggling here and it’s extremely frustrating 🙁
Hi There!
I’m sorry that your first experience with menstrual cups hasn’t been successful. I know it can be frustrating 🙁
It sounds like you’ve tried your best to get the Diva Cup to work for you, but there is a chance that it’s just not the right cup.
You mentioned that you measured your cervix and since you chose the Diva Cup, I’m guessing you have a high cervix during your period?
Our cervix moves during different stages of our cycle. It’s not uncommon to find that your cervix is on the lower side during the beginning of your period (transition into your period) and then higher during the middle to the end of your period (transition in preparation for ovulation).
You didn’t specify which size Diva Cup you are using – 0, 1, 2, but users have experienced sliding when the cup is the wrong length, the wrong shape, or the wrong diameter. I know that doesn’t narrow things down 🙁 But you mentioned, “every single time I manage to get it in far enough”, which leads me to believe that you might need a shorter cup or one that is bell-shaped.
When the cup is inserted all the way, does it sit just at the opening of your vaginal opening? It should sit at least one to two inches in so that it is above the pelvic floor muscle. The pelvic floor stretches like a hammock from your coccyx to your pubic bone that helps keep the cup in place. If the pelvic floor is weak, it can also pass beyond it without a lot of pressure. A shorter cup or one that is bell-shaped (possibly one with a flared rim) may help keep the cup situated where it needs to be.
I can’t speak for the diameter since I don’t know which size you’re currently using, but if you’re using the large (model 2) Diva Cup, then a wider cup might keep it from sliding out. It has nothing to do with how small or large your vaginal opening is unless you feel uncomfortable or experience pain during insertion.
A few cups you might be interested in (in no particular order other than alphabetically):
Lena – still on the narrow side but shorter and has a flared rim (which tends to ride up and sit higher around the cervix). This cup is offered in two different firmness levels. I would suggest the original if you haven’t experienced any bladder or bowel sensitivities.
Saalt – Wider/rounded body but still on the shorter side. This cup does not have a flared rim. Like the Lena Cup, the Saalt is offered in two different firmness levels. I would suggest the original if you haven’t experienced any bladder or bowel sensitivities.
Venus – I would only suggest the small, specifically. The large is about the same length as the Diva Cup. This cup is narrow and shorter but does not have a flared cup.
Diva Cup link for reference.
The other two cups listed you can check out and make your conclusion as to which size you would like to try. However, all of these cups mentioned are also offered in 2-packs which consists of a small and large and is cheaper than buying them as a single.
Let me know if you need more details about these cups or if you have any other questions or concerns about them.
Good Luck! <3
Red Herring
@redherringtv
RedHerringTV on YouTube
