Pee in cup
Last month, on the last day of my cycle, I purchased the diva cup. The first time I tried it, it worked great. I did not pee during those hours. It worked great, no leak, I could actually see the blood inside the cup and it was comfortable.
I used it after just to get the practice of putting it in. When I peed I had a problem. I went to pee and the cup felt extremely full and heavy. I tried to pee and only a trickle came out. I removed the cup and the pee gushed out. The cup was full of pee that has been sitting in it. Not only that, it smelled bad since the pee had been sitting in it for a while.
Yesterday I saw a spot of blood twice when wiping so I decided let me try the cup again because I’m excited about having it.
I put it in. Feels comfortable. Go pee. Pee regularly comes out but at the very end of the steam, cup begins to feel heavy. I remove, again pee inside. I rinse and put back.
What an I doing wrong? Is it the position? I have a low cervix, is that the problem? I know it’s inserted all the way, only the stem is near my entrance.
Bear with me, I don’t ever think someone is a “moron” and I’m not trying to be condescending. I’m simply trying to shed some light on the situation…as questioned in this forum.
If you’re in doubt and it’s troubling you, please ask your doctor. I asked mine because this question came up countless of times in FB groups (the possibility of urine in a menstrual cup). Although I went to school to be in the medical field and I worked for an OB-Gyn, I am NOT a medical expert. I don’t believe there is one on this open forum and you don’t have to believe me or my doctor. I just share the info that I have. You can take it or leave it – your choice.
Info for those who may not know and do not read further:
There are three ‘holes’ – the urethra (where urine/pee comes out), the vaginal opening, and the anus. Without any medical anomalies, these do not share a ‘tunnel’ at any point.
Tampon vs Menstrual Cup:
Tampons – There is a possibility that there is urine on a tampon. Since the string is hanging or bunched up outside of the body near the opening to the urethra, there is a chance for urine to be absorbed by it. Can it wick enough to fill a tampon?… I’ll be honest, I don’t know.
Menstrual Cups – Cups sit inside of the vaginal canal separated by a ‘wall’. The cup is either positioned right below or right around the cervix to collect anything that comes out of it from the uterus.
Heaviness: Some people feel a weight change in their tampon/cup as it is filled. Bearing down in any way or sitting may make it more prevalent and may cause a cup to be ‘pushed out’ or ‘slip’.
Can urine slide up into the cup?: I honestly can not answer this question definitely and have not asked any doctors about this particular topic, but…
1. Gravity
2. If you lay on your back and urinate, then give it enough time to make its way through the folds of your labia, into and through the vaginal canal, squeeze between the vaginal wall and the cup, maybe a little can find its way? I mean, sperm find their way…but then again that’s something totally different.
Only had the cup in for a few seconds:
The vaginal canal always has moisture in it even if you feel ‘dry’. The cup will collect/scoop some of this up when it’s inserted.
Having a urethra a little higher up:
This still does not connect the two ‘tunnels’.
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The vagina is an amazing thing! It cleans itself out constantly in the form of vaginal discharge and cervical mucus. It’s the body’s way of maintaining a healthy pH and good bacterial balance and keeping it lubricated. It’s also the vaginas first line of defense against infection and other germs.
During different times in your cycle, you may notice a change in the discharges appearance or smell. It can be mucousy like egg whites, or thicker and stringy. It can even become watery. Some of these you may notice on a regular basis. Other times it can be thin and light enough to dry on your underwear without detection or absorbed by a tampon showing no color.
On a “normal” daily basis:
The vagina will clean itself by producing a clear, mucus-like secretion. It can also be thin and watery. Sometimes this looks more of a milky-white when it dries on your underwear. The amount will fluctuate constantly.
Before menstruation:
Right before and during ovulation, discharge is normally more stretchy and wet. The body produces more mucus at this time.
After menstruation:
Right after your period, the discharge might be browner. People may refer to this as “old blood”. This is your body cleaning it out.
Lifestyle and daily activities can contribute to changes as well, not just your body’s monthly cycle.
Some people experience a noticeably higher amount of watery discharge during and after working out/physical activities or during and after sex.
Some other things that can increase/decrease or change the appearance, consistency, and amount of discharge are:
Vaginal douches
Hygiene products – soaps & washes
Birth control
A change in Hormones
Antibiotics
Pregnancy
Diabetes
and
Medication, to name a few.
Upsets in the pH and good bacteria balance can lead to vaginal infections.
Changes in the color, amount, consistency, or smell of the vaginal discharge are some signs that there may be a problem. Others may include burning, itching, clumpiness, irritation, or pelvic pain.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be a good idea to seek the advice of your doctor. They may check for Yeast Infections, Bacterial Infections (BV), or STIs, and can treat them accordingly.
Again, ask your doctor if you have concerns.
