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!
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.