How do I get the damn thing in?

[Dollyroux]

Hi all,

First time trying to use a keeper cup and I can't seem to get the damn thing inside my vagina!

I tried using a bit of water based lube but it still no luck. Any tips out there from you 'old hands'?

[Trillian]

I remember reading somewhere that you kinda pinched the top closed, then folded it in half, insert it and then let it go and it should open up. Then you are supposed to give a gentle pull so it creates the seal. I could be wrong on that though - I don't use one but remember reading about how to do it.

[Dollyroux]

Thanks for replying Trillian. I tried that and still no go. Thanks for trying anyhow!

[sneakysparkle]

ok, well I fold mine in half, then fold again - then in it goes!
You could try squatting in the shower to do it - might help!
It does take a little bit of practice so dont feel bad!

I think the Obsidian Star website has some good cup info too.

You'll be a pro in no time!

[*Efjay*]

Get on you tube also. You would be surprised but there are some helpful little videos people have made (along with some amusing ones when you search about menstrual cups LOL)

[Dollyroux]

Thanks Ladies, I got it in, and it was quite good. I think I need to cut the stem, and I need to work on how to get it out - that was awkward. That suction is STRONG!!!

[Indadhanu]

To get it in, I squash it flat then fold it in half, pinch it close as I insert and then twirl to create a seal.

To get it out has took me a few cycles to get the hang of, but I pinch the bottom and push the sides together to break the seal, and then attempt to semi-fold without tipping or spilling while pulling it out. I don't use the stem, that just hurts and without pinching to break the seal I feel like I'm trying to pull my insides out! I often wonder if it bruises, and what would the Dr think if I went in for a pap smear and she saw a massive bruise in my vagina and on my cervix

[wysiwyg]

I only got two uses out of mine (mooncup) before got pregnant but I did exactly what Trillian said "kinda pinched the top closed, then folded it in half" - didn't find the putting in too bad, but the getting it out totally agree with you about the suction - and agree with Indadhanu I don't use the stem at all to pull out because without breaking the seal would never get it out. My sister who has used one for years has completely trimmed off the stem because she said it makes it more comfy and is useless really because of the suction. My cycles weren't very heavy but can imagine with a full one trying to break the seal and avoid spilling would be tricky.

[Indadhanu]

Unfortunately I can't last 8 hours in the first 4 days of my cycle without it filling up, but as much as I can, I try to just take it out in the shower

[Maruschke]

I have totally cut the stem off mine. I just empty it regularly when the witch is heavy. The stem is annoying to sit on anyway.

To put it in, fold in half, in half again, hold the folds in a pincer grip and shove it up there, let go, remove fingers .

[helle]

Thanks Ladies, I got it in, and it was quite good. I think I need to cut the stem, and I need to work on how to get it out - that was awkward. That suction is STRONG!!!

i was just gonna ask about the suction haha!

How are they compared to a tampon? i hate those damn things... and if I can avoid them I will. Eg. Last week Nan took DS to swimming lessons so I didn't have to use one!

[Maruschke]

i was just gonna ask about the suction haha!

How are they compared to a tampon? i hate those damn things... and if I can avoid them I will. Eg. Last week Nan took DS to swimming lessons so I didn't have to use one!

I hate tampons too because they suck all the fluid away and make me feel super dry. I HATE that feeling. These cups leave me feeling normal. Hard to explain, but they are a much nicer feeling against my vagina than a tampon ever was. Death to tampons.

[helle]

I hate tampons too because they suck all the fluid away and make me feel super dry. I HATE that feeling. These cups leave me feeling normal. Hard to explain, but they are a much nicer feeling against my vagina than a tampon ever was. Death to tampons.

that's what i find too... i haven't used one is easily five years, and i can still remember that dry scratchy feeling. Perhaps I'll look into them, although I think I'd only use it for swimming.

[Fleur]

I've only used mine for one cycle, but I found I couldn't get it to sit right just before, or just after, AF... only during.

[Indadhanu]

I hate how tampons pretty much absorb nothing and feel like sandpaper going in and coming out. Even with the annoying suction making removal tricky, cups win over the dryness of tampons anyday.

Cups aren't foolproof though, and I usually wear it with a thin (cloth) pad or liner in my first few days because I will fill a cup and it can overflow. Similar to a tampon though