No idea what I am doing – help!
I’m 34; have had 2 births but never engaged/dilated/delivered vaginally (2 c-sections; was told by many docs my pelvis is far too narrow – i have no idea if pelvis shape effects specifically vaginal or cervical shape/size).
I first tried a divacup size 2 – extraordinarily painful. I can get it in, but it doesn’t seem to open and hurts while inside (uncomfortable pressure) and getting it out is torturous.
I then took the MeLuna quiz and bought the smaller classic Meluna. Compared to the Divacup 2, it’s like half the size. It’s very comfortable and I don’t feel it – but it’s leaking. When I remove it, the cup isn’t empty so it is clearly catching plenty – but the leaking is obviously not ideal.
Did I just try 2 far sides of the spectrum in terms of sizing and that’s why I am not having luck? Should I size up from the MeLuna Classic smaller size? Could I just be inserting it incorrectly? Or could it just be because of a heavier than usual flow (post 2nd kid, I have a very heavy early period – changing a super tampon every 2 hours – for the first day or 2 and then VERY light after that…don’t know if this will continue or change back since I’m still under 1yr from my hormones returning to normal).
Help?!
Hello There!
I have a very similar story to yours. I was 98lbs when I had my first child. My pelvis was so narrow that they didn’t think I could give vaginal birth. On top of that, I had a difficult pregnancy in which they thought it best to schedule a cesarean ahead of time. My second child was also a scheduled cesarean.
My periods have been very heavy all my life until about three years ago (with age).
Anyhow, you’re in luck. The size of your pelvis doesn’t really come into play and the vaginal canal can expand up to 200 times its normal size to accommodate a wide variety of shapes and sizes.
You mentioned that the Diva Cup Model 2 felt uncomfortable and although the MeLuna classic in the small size was comfortable, it leaked.
I’m guessing that the leaking was from overflow but I’m going to touch base on some other issues that it could be just in case.
When inserting the cup, aim down and back towards your tailbone (from a squatting position). Our cervix isn’t typically located straight up. Aiming it back and down ensures that the cup is in the correct position.
After you insert the cup, wipe the base (grip rings) and stem (if you didn’t trim it off) as best as you can with a wet wipe or cloth. Often times there’s still blood coating the vaginal walls that eventually makes its way out with gravity. Wiping the areas mentioned will eliminate some of the excess blood and hopefully stop any “leaks”.
My thoughts are that the Diva Cup is too firm, hence the pain and pressure. If this length was comfortable for you but still easy to reach when you need to remove it, the Casco Cup size 1 (not mini) might be a good option. It’s the same length as the Diva Cup, but has a narrower diameter and is a bit softer.
If the MeLuna small in the classic firmness was more comfortable but you feel that you need more capacity, you can try the medium MeLuna Classic or check out the Venus Cup small.
Here’s a page that has some information on some features that might help you narrow down what to look for if you’re on the hunt for a different cup. https://menstrualcupreviews.net/how-to-choose-a-menstrual-cup/
Good Luck
Red Herring
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