My cup hurts; which one should I try next?
Hello. I really love the idea of using a menstrual cup and I bought a Sckoon (size 1) a couple years ago. I used it for five or six periods before giving up (partially due to leaking and mostly due to discomfort).
Today I tried using it again, but it started hurting after not very long and I couldn’t bear to keep it in. Even after removal my cervix continued to hurt for hours.
I’m pretty sure I managed to get the seal correctly (although it still leaked a little, but I’m fine with that) and I believe I’m inserting it properly.
When I insert it I think it’s in the right location; it’s low enough that I can feel it by inserting my finger up to about my first or second knuckle. After wearing it for some time, it gets really deep and I feel like it’s pressing either on my cervix or around it. When I take it out I have to dig really deep and use the full length of my fingers to grasp the base.
I was hoping someone here would know enough about cups to know what’s going wrong (I think the cup is the wrong shape or size for me?) and what I can do about it (I was thinking I need a different one, but I don’t know what needs to be different about it).
I don’t actually know if I have a high or low, long or short cervix. I’ve tried feeling for it before but I’m not sure I ever found it, which makes me think it’s generally high. I’m planning to go digging for it again when it stops hurting.
Hello There!
It doesn’t sound like you’re having a very good experience with the Sckoon Cup. Even though it hasn’t been successful, I commend you for trying it again. I hope that I can lend you some insight as to what might be causing the issues.
The Sckoon Cup, while a great cup, is shorter and narrower than a lot of other small-sizes cups on the market.
Although you can insert and position a cup low in the vaginal canal, it can and will migrate to the point of least resistance. In this case, it will move upwards if the cup is inserted passed the pelvic floor muscle as it should be.
For individuals with a medium to a high cervix, this can make a cup more difficult to reach.
As the Sckoon Cup is narrower than other small-sized cups, it can also make it hard to get in position correctly. It might take some “target practice” to get the cervix lined up and it’s a good habit to check that the cup hasn’t pushed the cervix to the side. If the cup is sitting or sealed/suctioned directly on your cervix, it could be causing your pains.
The Sckoon Cup has a flared rim which tends to make this shape and style ride up and sit higher in the vaginal fornix (space around the cervix).
Because of the position, the cervix may sit deeper into the cup. This can compromise the already low capacity.
You can find some information on cup shapes here: https://menstrualcupreviews.net/high-or-low-cervix/
Inserting –
The cervix isn’t typically located straight up and center. When inserting any menstrual cup, aim down and back towards your rectum (in a squatting position).
Reading through your post makes me believe that you have a high cervix. I would suggest a “V”-shaped cup or a large-sized cup for the length.
If you’re worried about the age guidelines, they’re not hard rules. You’re looking for something easy to use, comfortable to wear, and holds up to your menstrual flow even if it goes against the guidelines suggested by each company.
There are longer “V”-shaped cups that have a narrow diameter if you think it will be more comfortable to insert, yet still, have the length for an easy reach. Check out cups like the Diva Cup model 0 or 1, or the Casco Cup size 1 (not mini).
You can also look into small-sized cups that don’t have a flared rim which will hopefully keep the cup from riding up too high. The small Venus Cup might be a good option.
Good Luck & Good Health <3
Red Herring
@redherringtv
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