Cup suggestions? Anxiety help?
Hi all,
I've been having some cup trouble lately and am hoping you all could offer me some suggestions/advice.
I'm a 24 year-old who has never given birth. I've been using menstrual cups for several years. I've tried both the Lunette and the Keeper (small size on both).
The Lunette feels fairly comfortable once it's in, but I have a really hard time getting it to open. I think it's too soft. I'm very physically active, and my pelvic floor muscles are strong, and also perhaps tighter/narrower than average (though that's just conjecture). I've tried several different folds, and it still doesn't really open. I have to really reach in and twist it around, and even then sometimes it STILL doesn't open.
The Keeper is quite firm and opens very easily -- in fact, sometimes it pops open too soon. That's not a huge issue, as I can just slide it up into place. However, because it's so firm, it's VERY painful to remove. I have a hard time folding it down enough to remove it, and I basically end up having to pull it out fully opened, which is quite painful.
Both cups interfere with my urine stream. It's not a huge deal, but it is annoying and a little uncomfortable.
I have no idea whether my cervix is high, low, or normal -- how can you tell??
Lastly, two years ago I was diagnosed with endometriosis, which has been causing a lot of general pelvic pain. I've had a lot of anxiety lately concerning my pelvic and vaginal area, so using a cup has become emotionally challenging. I do want to continue using cups, because I hate both pads and tampons, but the less "involved" I have to be with cup insertion/removal, the better.
Can anyone suggest a cup that might be better for me -- firmer than the Lunette, but softer than the Keeper? With a softer rim, to help with the urination issue? One that pops open easily? And does anyone have any helpful tips for dealing with vagina anxiety?
Thanks so much! I love this community. :)
I've been having some cup trouble lately and am hoping you all could offer me some suggestions/advice.
I'm a 24 year-old who has never given birth. I've been using menstrual cups for several years. I've tried both the Lunette and the Keeper (small size on both).
The Lunette feels fairly comfortable once it's in, but I have a really hard time getting it to open. I think it's too soft. I'm very physically active, and my pelvic floor muscles are strong, and also perhaps tighter/narrower than average (though that's just conjecture). I've tried several different folds, and it still doesn't really open. I have to really reach in and twist it around, and even then sometimes it STILL doesn't open.
The Keeper is quite firm and opens very easily -- in fact, sometimes it pops open too soon. That's not a huge issue, as I can just slide it up into place. However, because it's so firm, it's VERY painful to remove. I have a hard time folding it down enough to remove it, and I basically end up having to pull it out fully opened, which is quite painful.
Both cups interfere with my urine stream. It's not a huge deal, but it is annoying and a little uncomfortable.
I have no idea whether my cervix is high, low, or normal -- how can you tell??
Lastly, two years ago I was diagnosed with endometriosis, which has been causing a lot of general pelvic pain. I've had a lot of anxiety lately concerning my pelvic and vaginal area, so using a cup has become emotionally challenging. I do want to continue using cups, because I hate both pads and tampons, but the less "involved" I have to be with cup insertion/removal, the better.
Can anyone suggest a cup that might be better for me -- firmer than the Lunette, but softer than the Keeper? With a softer rim, to help with the urination issue? One that pops open easily? And does anyone have any helpful tips for dealing with vagina anxiety?
Thanks so much! I love this community. :)