leakage issues
Hi there, I have been trying to transition to using a menstrual cup for the last 3 or 4 cycles and I have been unable to resolve a frustrating problem of continual leakage (sometimes spotting, sometimes more. But I can never risk going without a panty liner). I am using an Organicup (now called AllMatters) size A and also intermittently trying a Mooncup size B but I have the same problem with both.
(I prefer the Organicup because the Mooncup feels too bulky and the rim is very thick which I find painful to insert and remove, but in any case they both seem to cause leaking so I assume the problem is more with insertion/placement somehow?)
I am unable to tell if the cup has opened properly – I can tell the rim is open all the way round but sometimes the body of the cup feels slightly flattened because of being compressed by the vaginal walls (I think I have a quite reactive pelvic floor). Is that normal, or by ‘open’ must the cup be as open as it appears outside the vagina?? If so I can’t see how I could adjust this…
I checked and seem to have a high cervix (my finger goes all the way in to the knuckle).
I have to take blood thinners for a medical issue, which makes my flow heavy but also watery, I don’t know if that could be the issue, but I understand people with heavy flow can use cups fine, and the leakage occurs even when there is little in the cup.
I use a ‘punchdown’ fold as I found all the others left the cup feeling too big for insertion.
Any advice gratefully received!
Hello There!
Although you’ve been practicing using a menstrual cup over the last few periods, I’m going to go over some common issues and how you might be able to resolve them. Bare with me if you already know something discussed below.
Insertion and Placement:
– In a squatting position, aim the folded cup down and back towards your tailbone. The cervix isn’t normally located straight up into the vaginal canal. Inserting it as such can result in a cup that won’t open completely, leaking, shifting or rotating, and/or discomfort and pressure.
– After the cup is inserted, insert a finger and feel around the rim or as high up on the cup as you can for any dents. If you feel a dent, wiggle the cup down and then use a finger to push it back up into place. Often, when a cup (any cup) is inserted completely, the cervix gets in the way of allowing the rim to fully expand. Wiggling or rocking the cup down will let your cervix correct itself.
Alternatively, you can insert the cup halfway and then let it open before using a finger to push it into place.
Either way will help the cup open before being positioned directly under or around the cervix.
*If you feel a slight dent in the body of the cup, it is fine as long as the rim is completely expanded.
– To avoid spotting, use a wet wipe or cloth to clean any excess blood from the base and/or stem as best as you can.
Using a short cup while having a high cervix can result in the cup migrating up into the vaginal fornix (the space around the cervix). This in turn can cause the cervix to sit deeper into the cup and compromise the capacity. Signs of this happening is if you notice some blood in the cup when removed, but that you’re still leaking.
Think of it this way, if you take a drinking glass filled to the top with water and then insert a finger, the water will spill out. Once you remove your finger, there’s still water in the glass.
Individuals with a medium to a high cervix may have better results using a longer cup or large “V”-shaped. Using a longer cup will still offer some capacity even if the cervix sits inside of it. It will also be easier to reach during removal.
If you’re a heavy bleeder, you may also want to look into a cup with a higher capacity as long as you feel comfortable with the shape and diameter.
Cups like the Venus Cup (large – 47ml) and the LaliCup (medium – 36ml, large – 40ml, XLarge – 52ml) may provide you with a longer wear time compared to the small AllMatters Cup at 27ml.
If you need a cup with a narrow diameter, you might look into the Diva Cup Model 1, Casco Cup Size Small (not mini), or the Hannah Cup Size Small.
I’m sorry that I didn’t have any comparisons to the MoonCup but I only have one size and it’s an older version. Plus, you mentioned that you preferred the AllMatters Cup more.
I hope this helps. Let me know if there’s anything else I might be able to help with.
Until then, Good Luck <3
Red Herring
@redherringtv
RedHerringTV on YouTube
*I do NOT own this website and I do NOT stand to gain profit from sales from the discs or cups that I’ve mentioned here.
