Is My Cup Inserted Properly?
I just bought my first cup, a Lena Cup Large. I have a medium to high cervix, fairly heavy flow for a few days, and no bladder issues, so after doing some research, I decided that the Lena Cup was worth a try. Unfortunately, it arrived at the tail end of a strange period caused by stopping birth control pills in the middle of the month (not my plan, I just started forgetting them), and the only times I’ve been able to try it, my flow has been light/almost non-existent. I am able to insert it and get it to open best with a c-fold, although I’ve tried the punchdown as well. I wore it overnight with no leaks, but not much was there to collect either. While wearing it during the day, I’ve had problems with it feeling like the cup is sliding down. I believe I have some kind of a seal, since I do hear a suction popping sound during removal, and I can’t feel my cervix if I have it in right over top of it, but something just doesn’t seem right. I can rotate the cup easily, and the instructions with the Lena cup say that it should not rotate if placed properly. When I first put it cup in, I can’t feel the stem, but as I wear it, the stem starts to slide out further and poke me. When I remove it several hours later, it is noticeably lower in my vagina. I do know that I am probably more naturally “lubricated” inside than average (I wear pantiliners every day), so could this be a problem? Without having a heavy flow while wearing the cup I know it’s hard to say if it is placed correctly, I’m just wondering if what I’m experiencing could be normal wear and movement, or if I’m doing something wrong.
Hi There!
First of all, congrats on taking the plunge to trying a menstrual cup! Second, it’s refreshing to hear that someone did a little homework before buying a cup.
Having a medium to high cervix, you could normally use almost any length of cup that you’re comfortable with, but I would normally suggest a “V” shaped cup for the length and ease of reach for removal. Bell-shaped cups, especially with a flared rim, tend to ride up and sit higher than “V”-shaped cups. This can make it hard to reach when come time to remove it.
I do want to add that the cervix moves quite a bit during our cycle and it may sit differently when you’re in the middle of your period.
When ovulating, your cervix is at it’s highest. It starts to move lower as you near your period and is at the lowest point during. Toward the middle and end, it starts to move back up. As you can see, it’s always on the move. This can make using a cup for some people, a different experience day to day 🙁
I personally can use certain cups at the beginning of my period but not the end, and vice versa.
On a side note, I can rotate almost all of my cups, and I do to make sure that it’s open completely and around my cervix.
Since you were at the tail end of your period while using the Lena, I would suggest trying it again during your next period and see if it doesn’t work itself out. It may just need some practice, too since it’s new to you.
However, the sliding issue gives me the idea that the shape or size (more so the shape) isn’t the right one for you.
If you have a heavy flow, here are some cups that might work for you:
- LaliCup large
- Yuuki large
- Rainbow – softest version, Soft – medium firmness, Classic – aka “the rock”
- I wouldn’t suggest the Classic version if you have a sensitive bladder.
- Super Jennie large
Again, I would suggest trying the Lena for at least another period or two. Use back-up (pad) just in case you experience leaking, before running out to buy another cup.
Sometimes these issues resolve with some practice.
Until then, if I missed anything or if you had additional questions, please feel free to reply.
You can see and compare the cups that I mentioned here:
Good Luck & Keep Practicing! <3
Thank you for the reply. I’m definitely going to keep trying. I wore the cup again all day today for very light flow and had no leakage. The stem protrudes from my vagina at various points during the day depending on whether I am sitting or standing, and it occasionally pokes me, so I may trim it after some more trial runs. The cup never slides to a point where it itself is uncomfortable or falling out, if it is even sliding at all, because I’m beginning to think that my cervix may just be not as high as I thought. It definitely is 3 knuckles or so deep on my middle finger, but maybe my fingers are shorter than average. It’s so hard to tell what exactly is going on in there.
I’ll definitely keep in mind these other cups in case the Lena cup doesn’t work out.