Menstrual cup not fitting?
I have had a rocky relationship with menstrual cups. I want to love them, but it just seems like they don’t quite fit. I have tried many different folds, and the only one that I can even get them in with is a push down fold. It seems like it never goes in far enough (no matter how much I try to push it in), sometimes doesn’t pop open (I have tried all the techniques: twisting it, pulling down, pushing on the sides, ect.), and it occasionally leaks (though not enough to be problematic, it still seems to collect most of the blood). It also hurts while it’s in, it feels crampy and like there is a lot of pressure on my bladder. I have two different cups, one is firmer while the other is softer and more flexible. I have the same issues with both.
I also have pain with inserting and removing tampons, and with sex. I have been told by my partner, who has been with several other people, that I am very small “down there” compared to other women. So I guess I’m wondering, could this be an anatomical problem? Are the cups just simply too big for me? Or could there be some underlying issue causing these problems? Has anyone else had a similar situation and have any advice for me?
While a vaginal opening may be narrow, the vaginal canal can expand up to 200 times its normal size. A menstrual cup should be inserted beyond the vaginal opening. The comparison is not the same.
The key phrase that sticks out to me is that you mentioned, “it never goes in far enough”. This is usually an indication that the cup is too long and/or that you have a low cervix.
Since you didn’t share what cups you’re using, I can’t suggest any options. I can, however, suggest that you try a smaller size, a shorter cup, a bell-shaped cup with a flared rim, and possibly a narrower cup.
If you indeed have a low cervix, it can keep the cup from being inserted all the way and cause discomfort, pain, and cramping; both internally and at the vaginal opening.
It can cause leaks to occur if the cervix prohibits the rim from expanding completely, and/or if the cervix sits deeply inside of the cup compromising the capacity.
Pressure on the bladder or urethra can mean that the cup is too wide or too firm. If you feel like you need to urinate more frequently, feel like you don’t empty your bladder all the way when you do use the toilet, have a slow urine stream, or experience constipation while using a cup, it’s a good indication that one or both of these is true.
Some “softer” cups are still too firm for some individuals. Again, since I don’t know what cup/s you’re using I can’t suggest anything specific that might be a better option. However, this website has a cup comparison chart that might list the cup you have. You can enter parameters of softness/firmness to see if anything comes up that’s even softer.
I hope the information gives you someplace to start.
Good Luck! <3
Red Herring
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