Cannot get the cup to work comfortably. Am I doing it wrong? Is it not for me? Help Please!
I've scoured this website and many others for months on end, since I first heard about cups and reusable pads. You all are awesome, and i've learned so much on here. But I've tried searching for the solution to my struggles and can't seem to find it, so I decided to finally join as a last ditch effort before I quit cups altogether and deal with the the labor intensive and odorous reusable pads.
I started with a rainbow cup, i wanted a soft, inexpensive cup because i wasnt sure if i'd be able to use a cup comfortably (i'm a little sensitive and have never been comfortable w/tampons, they gave me cramps and I hated removal). I've had the rainbow for about 5 months now. I insert without a problem, i fiddle with it quite a bit to make it open (and dont mind that, i've delivered a child before and am comfortable w/my body), The problems:
1. If i insert it according to the pictures everywhere that show it riding lower than a tampon, in the vag. canal it doesn't open no matter how much I fiddle. It sits like a crushed popcan and starts to sag a bit and hurts my tissue. (not the stem since I cut that on the first day, i don't use it and my cup sits slanted inside me)
2. When i push it past the pubic bone, further up i can get it to open more easily, it suctions (I can tell when I remove it). The problem is i have cramps and can feel it all the time, until i finally give up and take it out.
I've tried to find a slightly lower spot for it to sit, but that doesn't work it's either too low and sags or ends up riding too high.
Sooo...I'm confused about where the cup is supposed to sit. I'm considering quitting it, even though i really wanted to be a cup user. I like the reduced environmental impact and that it doesnt take as much work as reusable pads. Anyone have ideas? I'm wondering if a firmer cup sitting lower would be better? I've been thinking of the lunette. Is the cramping just part of the deal? Is my cervix too sensitive to use a cup? I'm at a loss. I feel like i've read everything cup related on the net and cant find answers. I'd really appreciate any input or help. TIA!
In case it's helpful, I went with a size 1, since my flow is not heavy and my muscles are decent (i think), and i'm sensitive. I later tried an icare size 2 and OUCH. If there is hope of me using a cup pain free I'll never go with another china cheapie again...i promise! Right now I just don't know if it's worth it to spend money on the better cups, unless I know there's a way to make it work.
I started with a rainbow cup, i wanted a soft, inexpensive cup because i wasnt sure if i'd be able to use a cup comfortably (i'm a little sensitive and have never been comfortable w/tampons, they gave me cramps and I hated removal). I've had the rainbow for about 5 months now. I insert without a problem, i fiddle with it quite a bit to make it open (and dont mind that, i've delivered a child before and am comfortable w/my body), The problems:
1. If i insert it according to the pictures everywhere that show it riding lower than a tampon, in the vag. canal it doesn't open no matter how much I fiddle. It sits like a crushed popcan and starts to sag a bit and hurts my tissue. (not the stem since I cut that on the first day, i don't use it and my cup sits slanted inside me)
2. When i push it past the pubic bone, further up i can get it to open more easily, it suctions (I can tell when I remove it). The problem is i have cramps and can feel it all the time, until i finally give up and take it out.
I've tried to find a slightly lower spot for it to sit, but that doesn't work it's either too low and sags or ends up riding too high.
Sooo...I'm confused about where the cup is supposed to sit. I'm considering quitting it, even though i really wanted to be a cup user. I like the reduced environmental impact and that it doesnt take as much work as reusable pads. Anyone have ideas? I'm wondering if a firmer cup sitting lower would be better? I've been thinking of the lunette. Is the cramping just part of the deal? Is my cervix too sensitive to use a cup? I'm at a loss. I feel like i've read everything cup related on the net and cant find answers. I'd really appreciate any input or help. TIA!
In case it's helpful, I went with a size 1, since my flow is not heavy and my muscles are decent (i think), and i'm sensitive. I later tried an icare size 2 and OUCH. If there is hope of me using a cup pain free I'll never go with another china cheapie again...i promise! Right now I just don't know if it's worth it to spend money on the better cups, unless I know there's a way to make it work.