Suction, Suction, Suction!

[kuradi8]

I've been reading the archives and there are many posts with questions and remarks about suction -- especially from new cup users.  Many use the word SUCTION when they actually should use SEAL

Comments

[zhukora1]

Hm, but what about cases where the cup actually makes contact with your cervix prior to fully opening and the pressure differential of it trying to continue opening the rest of the way (but failing because the top is covered by cervix) actually "suctions" it in place, like a suction cup? Is this technically suction? My cervix being extremely low, this has happened to me more than once. It makes for a hell of a seal, and usually results in me feeling like I have the world's biggest hickey upon removal. Idk, maybe it just means I need to clean my cup's holes better or make them bigger.

[kuradi8]

Sounds ouchy! =8oO

[zhukora1]

The suction does hurt a bit when the cup first opens, but after that it actually doesn't bother me much at all. Most times I can't really tell that's what happened until I go to remove the cup and my cervix feels tender.

I'm way more wary of the suction now that I have a Mirena IUD, but I didn't have a period at all last month, and barring any hormone weirdness may not get another for the next 5 years, so it might not be an issue..... oh man, maybe I shouldn't say that. Am I still allowed in a menstrual cup community if I don't menstruate? :-O

[kuradi8]

Shhhhhhh, I won't tell. :o)

Analogy: When we were kids, we'd all go ice skating on the pond in the winter. My best buddy (a boy) could skate OK but he didn't know how to stop so he'd fall instead -- and the more spectacular wipe-out, the better. It got the job done but there were other less painful ways. Perhaps opening lower to relieve the suction first would be more comfortable for you and less likely to pose a risk to your coil?

[zhukora1]

Unfortunately my cervix is low enough that there isn't really a "lower" for me to open my cup at. As it is I have to open it right at my pubic bone. Any lower and it wouldn't be inserted at all! ;) The cervix suction party happens to me only very, very occasionally though, so I'll probably be ok.

I'm not actually super worried, it's just always something I wonder about every time I see you comment about the "suction" vs. "seal" terminology issue since I hadn't really thought about the fact that not everybody experiences this, and I thought it might be worthwhile for me to throw in my own experiential $0.02. :)

[kuradi8]

Dialog is always appreciated. :o) So long as you're happy and comfy, all is well. :o)