I’ve been trying for SEVEN years..
I’ve literally been trying to use a cup for 7 years. I have gotten a good almost completely leak proof seal a hand full of times. And granted it hasn’t been quite 7 years because I’ve had two children since then so I obviously wasn’t using it while pregnant. But during times I was actively having a period over the last 7 years I’ve been trying. I’ve tried several different folds, I’ve tried two different cups, and I’ve looked up countless videos and blog posts about them. And I can not consistently get a good seal. Even the times I get a someone decent seal and it actually collects blood I leak plenty. But more often then not it catches little to no blood and it’s a leaky nasty mess! I hate sitting in pads full of blood and tampons since using a cup are like a swear word and I don’t swear! But seriously… who has to try this long? Something has got to be wrong! How do I fix this and have this blissful experience I was supposed to be having????
Hello There!
First, I’m proud of you for not giving up after all this time. I know it’s probably meaningless coming from a stranger, but some people give up after the first time they insert a cup.
It’s a little hard to pinpoint what might be the issue without knowing a little more.
What two cups and sizes do you have?
Do they feel comfortable and are easy to reach when you need to remove them?
Do you feel like you have to reach in more than necessary to retrieve them?
I’m going to go step by step as I would for any new user. Please don’t feel like I’m talking down to you, I just want to be sure that you have an easy, successful cup experience.
Inserting:
1. Squatting down will give you the best position to insert the cup. It will roll your pelvis, automatically make you bear down, and will bring your cervix closer to the vaginal opening. You can also bear down even further which will help with placement.
2. Our cervix isn’t typically straight up. A cup will not be inserted at the same angle as a tampon. Instead, aim the folded cup down and back towards your tailbone (from a squat). It might sound strange, but aiming down will help position the cup slightly to the side of the cervix nearest to the rectum.
3. When you release the fold, the rim should expand and be right under or around your cervix. If you’re in a squat, this will be easier to do.
4. Give the cup a gentle tug to see if there is any resistance. Even very slight resistance means that the cup has created a seal. If the cup slides easily, give the base a small pinch to force out some air and create a seal.
*Not all cups will create a strong seal for each person.
5. If possible, use a single finger and gently press the side of the cup and swipe it to the right or left; whichever is easier. This will help work out the rim if it’s caved in. You can also note if the cervix is exposed. If it is, wiggle the cup down a bit to let the cervix adjust, and then use a finger to push the cup back into place.
*If you have a high cervix and are unable to insert a finger near the rim, you can let the cup open lower in the vaginal canal and then use a finger to push the cup into position. This can also be helpful if you find that the cervix keeps getting in the way of allowing the rim to completely expand.
6. After you have placed the cup, use a pH balance wet wipe or cloth to clean the grip rings and/or stem of any excess blood. This will help with residual blood spotting.
Common reasons a cup might be leaking:
1. Incorrect placement.
2. Cervix in the way of allowing the rim to expand completely or the cup has pushed the cervix to the side.
3. Using the wrong size or shape.
– A small or short cup, or a bell-shaped cup with a flared rim, can make the cup ride up and sit higher around the cervix. This will make the cervix sit deeper into the cup and compromise the capacity.
4. Cup is too soft.
– A cup that is too soft may not open completely or may get dislodged with vaginal contractions or movement. Some say that this is not possible, but too many users have said that they have experienced it.
Give these tips a try and see if they help. If you would rather try a different cup altogether, I’d be happy to give you some suggestions if you answer those questions at the beginning of my reply.
Until then, Good Luck & Happy New Year!
Red Herring
@redherringtv
RedHerringTV on YouTube
