Periods 101
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Why does my menstrual cup hurt
We all know that feeling. You're mid-cycle, and just when things are starting to get really good, your menstrual cup decides to give you a good old-fashioned pain in the bottom.
Most people experience pain with menstrual cups because of the size and/or shape they have chosen. If a menstrual cup is too big, you may find that it doesn't fully open inside of you, which can cause discomfort. Likewise, if a cup is too small, you may find that it opens up too easily. This can also cause discomfort as well and make removal difficult. The most important thing about wearing a menstrual cup is that you need to feel comfortable during your period!
So why does your menstrual cup hurt, and what can you do about it? Here are some commonly asked questions about menstrual cups and what you can do to help menstrual cup pain.
Understanding Menstrual Cups
Menstrual cups are a game-changer in the world of feminine hygiene products. Unlike tampons and pads, which absorb menstrual blood, menstrual cups are designed to collect it. These nifty little devices are typically made from medical-grade silicone, ensuring they are safe and comfortable to use. Most menstrual cups are bell-shaped, featuring a stem at the end and a rim that creates a secure seal against the vaginal walls to prevent any leaks.
One of the standout features of menstrual cups is their eco-friendliness. By opting for a reusable menstrual cup, you’re not only saving money but also reducing your environmental footprint. Plus, with various sizes and shapes available, you can find a cup that fits your body perfectly, making your period a little less of a hassle. The bell shaped menstrual cup, first commercially available in 1937 and designed by Leona Chalmers, has evolved significantly, leading to the modern versions we use today.
What is a Menstrual Cup?
A menstrual cup is a small, flexible cup made from medical-grade silicone that is designed to be inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood. Unlike tampons and pads, which absorb menstrual blood, a menstrual cup holds it until you’re ready to empty it. This reusable menstrual cup can be used for up to 10 years, making it a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to disposable products. Menstrual cups come in various sizes and shapes, including bell-shaped and ring-shaped designs, to fit the unique anatomy of individual users. By choosing a menstrual cup, you’re not only taking a step towards sustainability but also ensuring a comfortable and reliable period experience.
Choosing the Right Menstrual Cup
Choosing the right menstrual cup can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re a first-time user. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a menstrual cup:
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Size: Menstrual cups come in different sizes, typically ranging from small to large. The right size for you depends on your age and whether you've given birth vaginally or not.
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Material: Mooncups are made from medical-grade silicone, which is hypoallergenic and gentle on the skin. This material is ideal for those with sensitive skin or allergies.
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Shape: Mooncups are shaped to sit low in the vagina and held in place by the vaginal wall.
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Firmness: Menstrual cups vary in firmness. Softer cups are generally more comfortable but may not provide as secure a seal, while firmer cups offer a better seal but might be less comfortable for some users. It’s all about finding the right balance for your body.
By considering these factors, you can find a menstrual cup that fits your body and lifestyle perfectly.
I can't find a size or shape that works for me. What menstrual cup size should I be?
A cup that is too large or long for your body could usually cause pain and discomfort (including cramps) if it is sitting too high up in the vagina or pressuring too hard on the vaginal walls or cervix. The menstrual cup should fit comfortably in the space behind the cervix and the pubic bone.
What you can do: Measuring your cervix is a good way to help you choose the right size menstrual cup for your body. If you’ve never measured your cervix before, we recommend doing it in a shower or bath so that you’re clean and relaxed. Put your index finger in your vagina and move it upwards towards your cervix, which should feel like the tip of your nose.
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A low cervix will measure up to the first finger joint.
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A medium cervix will measure up to the middle joint, roughly halfway up your finger.
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A high cervix will allow you to insert your finger all the way in before you reach your cervix.
If you have been able to achieve this successfully, congratulations on finding out your cervix size. Read more here on geting up close and personal with your cervix.
Common Causes of Discomfort
Experiencing discomfort with your menstrual cup? You’re not alone. Many menstrual cup users face this issue, especially when they’re just starting out. Here are some common causes of discomfort and how to address them:
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Improper Insertion: If the cup is inserted too high or too low, it can cause discomfort and even leakage. Ensuring proper insertion is key to a comfortable experience.
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Wrong Size: Using a cup that’s too small or too large can lead to discomfort and affect the cup’s performance. It’s important to choose the right size based on your body and flow.
By identifying the cause of your discomfort, you can take steps to make your menstrual cup experience more comfortable and effective.
Improper Insertion
Improper insertion is one of the most common culprits behind menstrual cup discomfort and leakage. Here are some tips to ensure you’re inserting your cup correctly:
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Fold the Cup: Start by folding the cup in half to make insertion easier. There are various folding techniques, such as the C-fold or punch-down fold, so find one that works best for you.
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Insert and Rotate: Insert the folded cup into your vagina, making sure the stem is facing downwards. Once inside, rotate the cup to ensure it opens up fully and creates a secure seal.
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Check the Seal: Gently tug on the stem to check if the cup is properly sealed. If it feels secure and doesn’t move, you’re good to go!
Proper insertion can make a world of difference in your comfort and the cup’s effectiveness.
I can see and feel the stem of the menstrual cup sticking out from my vagina… Is this normal?
It’s possible that you may experience irritation if you have a shorter vaginal canal or your cervix is too low, resulting in the bottom of your cup sticking outside of your vagina - ouch! This can feel really uncomfortable and can also prevent you from enjoying daily activities. A Mooncup Beginner is an ideal choice for beginners due to its soft material, ease of cleaning, and practical size, making it user-friendly and suitable for those new to using menstrual cups.
How to fix this: Firstly, you need to make sure the menstrual cup size you are using is correct for your body and right for the stage you are at in your life. We believe no one-size-fits-all menstrual cup exists, which is why we offer the Mooncup Beginner in 3 different sizes to choose from.
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Teen – Perfect for those under 18 or in their early 20’s with strong pelvic floor muscles.
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Size A – Perfect if you are aged 18 to 30 and have not given birth vaginally.
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Size B – Perfect if you have given birth vaginally or are over 30 years old.
Read our blog about where the stem of your menstrual cup should be.
My menstrual cup hurts when inserting! What's wrong with me?
One possibility is that the cup is inserted too high up in the vaginal canal. If this is the case, simply remove the cup and reinsert it lower down. Another possibility is that the cup is not inserted far enough into the vaginal canal. In this case, you can try wiggling the cup to help it move further up.
Try experimenting: The best advice we can give is to experiment with using a menstrual cup. It offers numerous benefits such as cost-effectiveness over time, comfort during use, and environmental advantages compared to disposable products. Try it on when you are not menstruating so you can have a go inserting the period cup without having to worry about making a bloody mess. There are a few ways to insert a period cup, but you need to find one that works for you and your vagina. Remember, happy vagina = happy you.
Using Your Menstrual Cup
Using a menstrual cup might seem daunting at first, but with a bit of practice, it becomes second nature. Here are some tips to help you get the hang of it:
Insertion, Removal, and Cleaning
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Insertion: Fold the cup and insert it into your vagina, ensuring the stem is facing downwards. Rotate the cup to make sure it’s properly seated and has created a seal.
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Removal: To remove the cup, locate the base of the cup by feeling for the stem. Pinch the base to break the seal and fold the cup in half as you remove it to avoid spilling any menstrual blood.
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Cleaning: After each use, rinse the cup with water. At the end of your cycle, sterilise it to ensure your cup is clean and ready for the next use.
With these tips, using a Mooncup can become a hassle-free part of your routine, offering you comfort and convenience throughout your period.
Removing the menstrual cup is too painful
As you probably already know, most menstrual cups come with a long stem at the base, but this should not be used to remove the cup. The mere act of tugging the stem to remove your menstrual cup may cause pain or discomfort because of the fact that it has created a “suction” in your vaginal canal. In comparison, a menstrual disc, which is also a reusable period product, can be more challenging to insert and remove due to its placement behind the cervix.
What you need to do: In the same way as inserting a menstrual cup, there is a technique for removing a menstrual cup as well. And it’s quite simple. You need to ensure you pinch the base of the period cup enough to pull the rim away from the vaginal wall, thus allowing you to break the seal, and then remove the period cup. Voila. You’re done.
Why does my menstrual cup still hurt after wearing it?
Overly firm menstrual cups are the most common cause of menstrual cup pain during wear. As a result, other parts and organs of your body feel the force exerted by the cup. Menstrual discs, on the other hand, are positioned differently in the vaginal canal and use a tension-based retention mechanism, which can offer a more comfortable fit for some users. While not everyone’s anatomy will work well with firm cups, many of us find that softer menstrual cups are better suited to our needs.
Switch to a softer period cup: If you feel like your tummy cramps are getting worse, or you constantly feel the urge to urinate, then it could be a sign that you need a softer cup like the Mooncup Beginner. We’ve created super soft yet robust cups, ensuring comfort and leak-free protection. The large cup is slightly stiffer, allowing for easy release after insertion (ideal for people with weak pelvic floor muscles post-pregnancy).
I've tried multiple period cups but still experience discomfort using a menstrual cup.
It’s important to try a variety of brands, sizes and shapes to see what works best for you. Ideally, your cup should be easy to insert, and you should not have to “push” or “pull” to get it in or out of you. If you’re still experiencing pain, it could be due to a medical condition such as endometriosis or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). If you think this might be the case, it’s best to talk to your doctor.
Alternatively, a simple option is to stick to tampons, pads or reusable period pants. Menstrual cups are not for everyone, and that’s okay. Another alternative is the menstrual disc, a reusable period product shaped like a disc that is inserted behind the cervix. It offers benefits such as being compatible with IUDs and allowing for mess-free sex. Listening to your body and doing what feels right and comfortable whilst on your period is what matters the most.
So, there you have it! A few possible explanations for why your menstrual cup might be causing you pain and what you can do about it. If you have another question, please drop us a message at customercare@wearemooncup.com
Benefits of Switching to Reusable Menstrual Cups
Making the switch to reusable menstrual cups comes with a host of benefits that can make your period more manageable and eco-friendly. Here are some compelling reasons to consider:
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Eco-friendly: Unlike disposable tampons and pads, menstrual cups are reusable, significantly reducing the amount of waste generated each month. By choosing a menstrual cup, you’re making a positive impact on the environment.
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Cost-effective: While the initial investment might be higher, a reusable menstrual cup can last up to 10 years with proper care. This means you’ll save money in the long run, as you won’t need to buy disposable products every month.
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Comfortable: Menstrual cups are designed to be gentle on the skin, reducing the risk of irritation and discomfort. Once you find the right fit, you might even forget you’re wearing it!
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Convenient: Menstrual cups can be worn for up to 12 hours, making them a convenient option for busy lifestyles. Whether you’re at work, at the gym, or sleeping, you can go about your day without worrying about frequent changes.
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Healthy: Unlike tampons, menstrual cups do not absorb menstrual blood, which reduces the risk of toxic shock syndrome and other health complications. They also maintain the natural pH balance of your vagina, promoting overall vaginal health.
Switching to a reusable menstrual cup is a decision that benefits both you and the planet. With proper care and maintenance, a menstrual cup can be a reliable, comfortable, and eco-friendly option for managing your menstrual flow.
