Why do i get Severe cramping when using my menstrual cup
Hello, I recently got a Lynette size 1 menstrual cup. I tried putting it in for a dry run and getting it open so that I wouldn’t feel nervous about my first period with it (new user here). Well it went in and I got it open no problem! So I was actually excited about my period. When my period started I did the 7 fold and inserted it and made sure it was opened completely up. I went about my day n had cramps. So I went back into the bathroom, repositioned and continued my day. When I took the cup out there was blood in the cup so I know I had a seal. The cramps just got progressively worse to the point where I was actually puking. So I took the cup out n my cramping slowly started to go away. This time there was also a fair amount of blood in there so I did create that seal again. Did I just not insert it correctly or maybe it’s too small around my cervix or something? My cervix is average to maybe a little higher, I can reach it with my pointer finger to the knuckle. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Hi There!
Congrats on getting the cup to work for you 😀 That’s great news! However, I’m sorry to hear that it caused you some pain and cramping 🙁 That’s not so great news.
The Lunette is one of the firmer cups on the market. Great for getting the cup to open easily, not so great if you have a sensitive bladder or bowel.
Don’t worry, you’re not the only one to find the Lunette too firm, but you might want to try a cup that’s a tad softer.
If you’re able to reach the cup and are comfortable with the size as well as the capacity, you can continue to use this size or try something that’s a bit longer. This will give you a higher capacity if your flow is heavier and/or an easier reach.
Let me know if you would rather stay with something the same length and I’ll suggest a couple/few cups that are softer than the Lunette, or if you want to try something longer and softer and I’ll see what cups might work 😀
Oh my God! It happens the same to me, every single time. I’ve been using the cup for about one year and a half. Right now I couldn’t stand the pain anymore, so I took it off. I’m starting to feel better. Does a softer cup work for you? Because I don’t feel like my cup is hard at all and I think my muscles are very strong, so I’m afraid that if I buy an even softer cup it will most likely leak (as the one I got does sometimes anyway). I really don’t know what to do. I think I’ll never use it again. It’s very sad.
I am a new user, month 2, I gave a ruby cup and think my cramp us cup related. I gave 2 young children, not sure if it’s my pelvic muscles are weak or what, but I am using Tampa for a break. Help!!!
Besides the cramping, are you experiencing any other issues with the Ruby Cup?
Do you feel like you have to urinate more frequently or feel like you don’t empty your bladder all the way when you do? Do you have a slow urine stream or experience constipation while using your cup?
If you experience any of these, you might want to try a softer cup.
Do you have the Ruby Cup small or medium? I might be able to give you some suggestions based on size if you like the shape and length of this cup.
Hey there! Today was my first time using the cup, I inserted it and there was no problem. I could feel it when sitting down and bending, just like a Tampax, it was kinda uncomfortable. After a while, it started giving me light cramps and I thought it was my period but then I had mild to severe cramps and I knew at that moment that it was not period related.
When I got home, I had to take it out and the cramps then went away. I know for sure that I am not allergic to any texture or anything at all.
I want to know if there is something wrong with me or the cup.
Hello There!
There’s a couple of things that I would pay attention to that may have contributed to extra cramping.
First, in a squatting position, make sure that you are aiming the folded cup down and back towards your tailbone. Our cervix isn’t normally located straight up. Inserting it like a tampon might be pushing the cervix to the side or at least temporarily since you didn’t mention that it leaked. If this is the case, the rim could open against the cervix. This can cause the release of prostaglandins which can lead to uterine cramping. This happens more often with firm cups.
– You can try inserting the cup 1/2 way and allow it to open lower in the vaginal canal (below the cervix). Then use a finger to push it into place.
– You can also try inserting the cup with a finger against the body and then releasing the pressure off the cup slowly so that it doesn’t snap open against your cervix.
If that doesn’t ease the cramping, the cup might just be too firm for you. A softer cup may be more comfortable and minimize or eliminate the cramps.
If you can feel the cup when sitting down, bending over, or when you bear down with your pelvic floor muscles (like when you push to poop), you might want to try a shorter cup or a bell-shaped cup. Bell-shaped cups often have a rounded base that will be more comfortable for individuals that have a medium to a low cervix.
What cup and size are you using? I might have some suggestions.
Same! I just tried my very first cup and got a two pack one small and one large (they were both made for a low cervix) from the brand pixie on amazon. The first day, I tried the small one and it was very uncomfortable and pushed on my bladder so after an hour I took it out and tried the large one. The bigger cup just seemed to fit better. I did notice immediately that I was getting cramps (I get cramps from tampons so I figured it was the same). The cramps at first were not to bad so I went to bed and was fine. The next day after cleaning it and putting it back in I started cramping like crazy towards the end of the day. So I took the large out and re-tried the small one which worked for an hour or two and then again I started cramping like crazy. So here I am online trying to figure it out! I love the idea of the cup and how it saves waste and how easy it is. What I don’t love is the cramps… Literally as soon as I take the cup out the cramps stop. I am looking into different cups currently and looking for a different shape with a more flexible material. I am hopeful I can find a cup that will work with my low cervix and sensitive bladder.
There’s a couple of things that I would pay attention to that may have contributed to extra cramping.
First, in a squatting position, make sure that you are aiming the folded cup down and back towards your tailbone. Our cervix isn’t normally located straight up. Inserting it like a tampon might be pushing the cervix to the side or at least temporarily since you didn’t mention that it leaked. If this is the case, the rim could open against the cervix. This can cause the release of prostaglandins which can lead to uterine cramping. This happens more often with firm cups.
– You can try inserting the cup 1/2 way and allow it to open lower in the vaginal canal (below the cervix). Then use a finger to push it into place.
– You can also try inserting the cup with a finger against the body and then releasing the pressure off the cup slowly so that it doesn’t snap open against your cervix.
If that doesn’t ease the cramping, the cups might just be too firm for you. A softer cup may be more comfortable and minimize or eliminate the cramps.
The Pixie Cup brand carries different shapes, sizes, and firmness. Since I don’t know which one you have and the fact that quality, including firmness, may not be regulated where they are manufactured (China), the firmness may be different than the ones that I have on hand.
I suggest looking into some reputable cups that are on the medium/soft side. The Venus Cup, EvaCup (USA), Super Jennie, EverCup, might all be good options. Check them out and see if any of them interest you. I’d be happy to answer any questions regarding these cups if you have any.
Good Luck! <3
Red Herring
@redherringtv
RedHerringTV on YouTube
I love the idea of using a menstrual cup but my menstrual cup gives me cramps! I live in india and my first cup was Sirona and it was quite a soft cup and since I have strong pelvic muscles, it leaked a lot. So this times I bought a firmer cup that is SAFECUP and I feel it’s too firm. It leaks too even though the suction is always maintained and I feel like it’s pressing on my bladder too much. It gives me so many cramps and once I take it out, no cramps. I am a virgin and sirona was a smaller cup but this SAFECUP is larger and I feel it’s a little more difficult to use. Please help! And I feel my cervix is kinda on the side rather than above…I am not sure but please please help me
Hello There,
You might benefit from a narrower cup. It should ease some of the pressure that might be causing the cramping issue.
My suggestions would be the small Venus Cup or the Nari-Yari.
I believe the small Venus Cup is firmer than the Sirona but slightly softer than the SafeCup.
The Venus Cup’s straight body may also help ease the pressure that the rounded SafeCup might be applying.
The Nari-Yari is made in India. It might be easier and quicker to get. They offer three different firmness levels. The Nari-Yari is a narrow cup with a flared rim but has a longer body compared to other bell-shaped cups. It does not have a long stem.
If you are confident with removing a cup without a stem, you can always try turning either of your cups inside out to see if they feel more comfortable. They’re safe to use this way again, only if you are able to remove them without a stem.
Good Luck! <3
Red Herring
@redherringtv
RedHerringTV on YouTube
It’s never easy to tell exactly why a particular cup is causing issues.
Cups come in different firmness not only in the body but also in the rim. Sometimes just adjusting the firmness of one or the other can help ease that pressure.
Some individuals experience extra pressure with a bulky rim like those of the MeLuna Cup.
A different shape can also help ease the pressure, providing it’s still easy to reach. A “V” shaped cup instead of a bell-shape, or a cup that’s narrower than the one that you previously have may “sit” in a way that it doesn’t cause cramping.
Some people experience a strong seal/suction when there are no air holes with cups like the Merula or Lily Cups.
Can you tell me what cup you’re currently using and if you’re having any other issues with it? Does it feel comfortable? Is it easy to reach when you’re removing it? Do you feel like you’re reaching far in to remove it? Do you feel any pressure? Do you feel like you have to urinate more frequently, feel like you don’t empty your bladder completely when you do, have a slow urine stream, or experience frequent constipation while using the cup?
Any additional information on your situation or experience will help me to narrow down why your cup isn’t working out for you and maybe be able to suggest a few cups that might.
Until then, if you’re comfortable removing your cup without a stem, you can try turning your cup inside out to see if it eases some pressure.
<3 Red Herring
@redherringtv
http://www.youtube.com/redherringtv