Menstrual cup hurts while inserting
I am 20 years old and even though I am a bit late, I finally purchased my first menstrual cup in size small. I tried to insert it in while I wasn’t on my period and it was too painful. I couldn’t even put it 10% in and it hurt so bad that I had to stop pushing it in. I am terrified after that that try and can’t keep thoughts out of my head. I have seen so many videos on YouTube yet I am terrified to try again. I can easily put a finger in my vagina but not two. Is it something I should be concerned about?
Hello There!
Inserting a cup while you’re on your period and when you’re not on your period will be different.
When you’re bleeding, blood will help lubricate the cup and allow it to slide in and out easier. You’re drier when you’re not on your period (unless you’re ovulating) and it may result in a difficult insertion process. If you want to practice while you’re not bleeding, I would suggest some water-based lubricant. It helps a lot.
Another difference between practicing using a cup while your menstruating and not menstruating, is that the cervix may be in a different position.
The cervix is at its highest position at the peak of ovulation. For some individuals, the cervix can move out of reach.
Then 2-3 days before your period starts, the cervix will be at a lower position for menstruation. It will stay low until around the middle of your period when it starts to move back up to start the cycle over again.
Some people will have a noticeable difference in their cervical position, while others will not. Because of the change, some people will feel more comfortable or have an easier time reaching their cup if they switch sizes during those times. A longer (large) cup for ease of reach, or a short (small) cup for when the cervix is lower. Some brands offer their cups in a 2-pack with a small & large sized cup for a lower price.
If you’re having trouble inserting a small cup, you may have a low cervix. Have you ever checked? If this is the case, I can understand why the cup may be difficult or painful to insert. The cup may just be too long for your cervical height.
How to Locate & Measure Your Cervix
If you find out that indeed your cervix is low, you may want to look into some cups that are specifically designed for a low cervix (such as the Juju Low cervix cup) or cups that are bell-shaped with a flared rim (like the Lena Cup).
If you feel that the cup can’t be inserted because it’s too bulky, try other folds. Some folds create a narrower insertion point.
Different Menstrual Cup Fold Instructions
If none of the folds help, you may want to look into a narrower cup. Since you didn’t share which cup you are using, I can’t suggest any cups that might be narrower. However, you can check the cup comparison chart for your cup and any cups narrower than it. A narrower cup should be more comfortable during insertion.
On a side note, some brands offer the same length cups between their small and large sizes but with different diameters. For instance, the Diva Cup models 0, 1, and 2 are all the same length, but model 0 is much narrower than model 2. You’ll want to pay attention to that if you have this type of design.
As for inserting your fingers, you really only need a single finger to maneuver the cup around (if needed) and to check that it’s positioned correctly. If you squat and bear down (push) with your muscles, the stem will likely be at the vaginal entrance or even poke out. At that point, you can use your finger and thumb to pinch the stem and rock the cup down until you can feel the base. When you can, reposition your fingers and pinch and rock the base until the cup is completely out.
I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any further questions.
Until then, Good Luck!
Red Herring
@redherringtv
RedHerringTV on YouTube
