did I get it in right?

[gotacola]

Today is my first time trying to use my cup and is the first day of my period in this cycle.  At first I had trouble putting it in - tried c-fold, s-fold, double 7-fold but all really hurt trying to put them in.  Finally I tried 7 fold and was able to get it in without too much drama.  It seems to be sitting just inside the pubic bone - that is,

Comments

[melissa569]

Successfully using a cup (I find) comes in steps. First you find a fold that works for you with insertion (seems like you found one thus far :) ). Then you figure out how the cup works with your body for the right position, and popping open. Then you figure out the best way to remove it. Once you have all that, you've done it.

A general rule of thumb is that if the cup is comfortable, and its not leaking-- its in right. That will be a little different for everyone, but very easy to watch for. This being your first day, you'll have to wait a while and see how it holds up against your flow. Check every hour or so to see if there is any blood in the pad. If not (and if the cup is not bothering you), you're ok.

You normally don't have to worry about where your cervix is, unless there is a problem with leaking and/or discomfort. Or if you are just determining how long or short of a cup to buy, knowing if its low or high can help. Sounds like yours is low, but since Meluna is a short cup, it should work well if your flow is not really heavy.

I'm curious to hear how things are going after a while though, hope everything is going smoothly :)

[fireaphid]

Agreed!

And for a little unsolicited advice, if you like the 7 fold but think you could do better, you might also want to try the punch-down fold, the triangle fold, and the origami fold, too. (-;

[gotacola]

Thanks for the tip. I think I fell in love with the 7 fold - just because it was a relief to find one that worked and that I could hold closed until it passed the pubic bone. But I'll check out those ones too - I just might find something better still.

[gotacola]

You're sure right about the steps. Figuring out how to get the cup out - oh my gosh - so much harder than I expected.

Completely failed to even budge it on the first attempt. On the second attempt it came out but not without lots of pain. I finally figured I had to reach right up to the rim to break the seal but the only way I could reach the rim was at the bottom so heaps of blood dribbled out when I broke the seal. Then I had it half way out and it was stuck and painful. Finally I figured I had to get extra fingers in there and fold the rim to make it small enough to come out all the way.

I'm taking a break tonight but will give the cup a run again tomorrow. I must say I'm impressed though. It was so comfy once in and it didn't leak - I only had a couple of drops of spotting on the pad which I'm guessing was the blood already on my vaginal walls when I put it in. But anyway, I spilt heaps when I broke the seal but still got the cup out half-full. So, it did the job on what is usually my heaviest day for 6 hours so I think that was good because tampons don't usually last that long.

I'm looking forward to wearing it again tomorrow - I can't believe how unaware of my period it made me. I am dreading attempt number 2 at getting it out... but at least I know I can save myself a half hour of grief by starting with breaking the seal. Hopefully I'll get better with the rest over time.

[whimaway]

I have a tip for breaking the seal. Try putting up one finger, easing it over the rim, and bending down the tip. Then drag the cup down! I think someone described this as the "gotcha nose" motion.

Oh and you seem to have figured this out, but folding into a c-fold before removal helps make it smaller.