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!
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