Is my cup the right size?
So I ordered the Dutchess cup from Amazon in size A (large) due to me age being 28 but no kids and I’m not sexually active. I have had my first period since I got the cup. The firmness seems ok, I didn’t find it technically difficult to insert however it seems big so a bit painful and uncomfortable. As soon as it went in I gave it a tug and it seemed to have formed a seal so it was a good relief that it was so much easier than what I read. I feel my cup maybe too big as I could feel it and it felt like constant pressure and a bit uncomfortable. And I have read you shouldn’t be able to feel it. I had no leaks over night. When it came to removal, the seal was so strong and it was over my cervix so pulling was only pulling in my cervix causing pain. I found it really hard as you have to place 2 fingers in to try get out when there was no space in there. Even with doing what it said to press on the sides to break the seal it didn’t work as my seal was not around the vaginal canal but rather over the cervix. I almost cried because I thought I may be one of the horror cases I read about who ended up in the ER or doctors to have it removed. But I went as high up as I could reach and as trying to push it off my cervix from one side and pull from the other. Eventually it came out. I had a moment of fear not to reuse but in determined to make the switch. My cervix isn’t low it seems medium but I think the cup is large as I put it back in it as very low and lose and just pacing it in slightly it went right back on to the cervix. After an hour I took it out and did try again to keep it lower by it went back into the cervix. I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong. From what I’ve been reading it shouldn’t go into your cervix but form a seal around the vaginal wall. Also it’s uncomfortable this was as I can feel the constant pressure on my cervix. Could someone please give me some insight. I’d greatly appticiate it.
First of all, congrats on deciding to take the leap to reusables! I know it’s a big step and there is a learning curve, but I hope that we can help sort any issues out.
I’m glad to hear that inserting the cup was fairly easy and that you experienced no leaking. However, you are right, you should not feel the cup after it is inserted.
The feeling of constant pressure or needing to urinate more frequently, feeling like the bladder isn’t completely emptied, a slow urine stream, or even constipation, can be signs that a cup is too firm and applying pressure to a sensitive area.
Changing the firmness or shape/size of the cup can help ease this pressure.
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Does the cup always create a tight seal? It’s so strange that this issue is a hit or miss for many of us. Since we’re all different, each of us is going to have different experiences with a specific cup. In this case, I have never had the Dutchess Cup (or any others with the exact same design) create a tight seal for me. BUT, I know it happens often that cups that I don’t experience that with, others do and vice versa.
No one can guarantee that you won’t experience this with any given cup. However, it seems more common when cups have very small air holes or no air holes at all.
The only thing that I can suggest for this, it to try a cup that has more length to it for an easier reach, if possible.
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When we insert a menstrual cup, even if we place it low, our muscles will tense up with regular movements and “squeeze” the cup. Depending on “fit” this can move the cup upwards into the vaginal fornix around the cervix, or push the cup out of the vagina.
Think about it this way…create an “O” around an egg by placing the pointer and thumb tips together. Then slow and gently close the diameter by squeezing the egg. You’ll find that the egg will start to move up or down. Probably upwards to sit on your fisted hand.
So you’re not doing anything wrong. Our PFM (pelvic floor muscles) play a big part in what’s happening. They tense up and relax with everyday movements.
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With everything that you’ve shared with me, I had a couple of cups in mind that might make things a bit more comfortable and easier. You didn’t mention anything about how light or heavy your flow is, so I didn’t use that detail in my selection.
Dutchess Cup (large) Measurements for comparison:
- Total Length: 65mm
- w/o Stem: 54mm
- Diameter: 46mm
- Capacity to the Rim: 34ml
CASCO CUP small or large (not “mini”) – The size choice is yours depending on how light or heavy your flow is. These cups are both the same length, which even the small size is longer than the Dutchess Cup.
Although the small-sized Casco Cup has about the same firmness in the rim, this cup has a narrower diameter which may ease the pressure.
- Total Length: 70mm
- w/o Stem: 56mm
- Diameter: 42mm
- Capacity to the Rim: 30ml
The diameter of the large Casco Cup isn’t too far off of the Dutchess Cup but lacks the extra firmness that those rings near the rim add so it’s softer.
- Total Length: 70mm
- w/o Stem: 56mm
- Diameter: 44mm
- Capacity to the Rim: 40ml
Since both sizes are longer than the Dutchess, the base of the cup might be an easier reach to help break the seal.
PRISM CUP (large) – I only suggest the large size because the small size might be too short for an easy reach. This cup has a nice narrow body, a longer stem, and has a softer rim than the Dutchess. The air holes on this cup are larger and travel downward diagonally with the higher point starting inside of the cup. The large holes and placement might be key to a gentler seal or aid in breaking it without pain.
- Total Length: 75mm
- w/o Stem: 56mm
- Diameter: 45mm
- Capacity to the Rim: 35ml
Check out these cups and see if any of them interest you. If you have additional questions about any of them, let me know 🙂
Until then, happy browsing!!
