leakage during urination

[sikhi]

Hi, I am using a menstrual cup for the first time and have started with an Mcup - it is a fairly low-budget cup from Mexico (as that´s where I am right now). I chose the small size, which still has a diameter of 4.5 cm as I have a fairly light flow, although I am 47 years old and have used (small-size) tampons all my menstruating life (but have

Comments

[por_que_no]

Even though you haven't had kids, since you mentioned that you are 47, there could be some age-related weakening of the pelvic floor muscles...makes sense that if you are releasing those muscles so you can pee, you are also losing the seal around the cup. Actually, a wider cup may help a bit with this, and you might like one that is both wide and soft. The Aneer may be too much on the soft side though. You may like the bell shape of the large Fleur...it's soft-ish, has great capacity, and if the stem is irritating you can just cut it (sounds like your cervix may be kind of low?). The Si-Bell is another great one but you may not be able to get it shipped to you in time. I think someone based in the US was selling Fleurs on mc-sales so I might contact them first--US-Mexico shipping would be faster. Here's that post http://mc-sales.livejournal.com/256328.html... )

cups choices and role of pinholes

[sikhi]

Thanks so much. That makes sense. I guess softer so it might not hurt as it already seems not to seal with the diameter I currently have so not a too wide issue. I am still learning about my cervix and don´t really know yet if the cup is positioned properly relative to it! It seems to be about a middle finger length up, of an average-sized hand...something like that! But a regular size tampon hits it pretty easily. Kind of average maybe? The Mcup really is very painful, and constantly

[kathlyne]

Does the cup only leak during urination? I have that problem. I think it's because I bear down when I pee. If I just wipe well and leave it, I don't have leakage unless it's full. I haven't had the problem as much lately with my large fleur, not sure why. Maybe you can take note and see if you are bearing down, and if you are, just try to relax.

[sikhi]

Thanks for the helpful advice! It leaks more during urination and perhaps seems to leak more then afterwards, but it has also leaked without me peeing first. I have been told before that I have a strong pee force! Perhaps I am bearing down hard!

Anyway, seeing as I have now found out that the cup diameter is only 4 cm, and I am having considerable leakage problems, then I should try a wider cup. But also, since the M Cup hurts too much then I should also try a softer cup. So softer and wider?

Thank you, I am learning gradually, but it seems expensive, all these cups!

[kathlyne]

The large fleur might be a good bet (I personally think it is a decent price). Also, you can check mc_sales for cups. The cost might be high, but it will pay for itself quickly, especially if you use organic tampons.

[serpent_849]

i'm yet to hear from anyone who's used a cheap chinese cup for more than one year :( i'd rather get one cup from a respectable brand than two cheapies :/
the fleurcup is rather inexpensive. same about meluna soft (but it has a less than ideal capacity in most sizes - the XL is great but pretty long)
out of the cheap cups on amazon and ebay, i've heard that rainbow/monzcare is good. it's fda-approved.
since cups are so hard to get in Cuba, you can probably resell the ones that didn't fit you.

also, generally you don't really choose a brand and THEN size. the actual dimensions are very important, especially length.

[sjennifer]

Agreed. Never try menstrual cup manufactured from China. They are not regulated by gov health agency, so quality is in question. You don't want to insert an unknown materials into your vagina!!! Plus most of them are re-branded from a same manufacturer found in Alibaba, the extreme competition cause them lie to consumer to push up their sales, such as false claim they were made in USA, but actually from China or using lower graded silicone but claim is medical grade etc. very unethical. Just watch out. Another agreed, try get one inexpensive US made cup is much safer to two China made cups.

[serpent_849]

tbh i don't agree... (and i wonder if you're the person behind super jennie cup?) i was referring specifically to the op's situation, with limited access to cups

[sjennifer]

Please don't connect my name Jennifer to Super Jennie. I have no relationship with them. I just love menstral cup. My collection of cups from Diva, Lunette, Sckoon etc. Super Jennie is just one of my new collection which is soft and work well to me. I personal have horrible experience with China made cup before - I received the product which was difference than what they describe from the product info. When email them for refund with no answer, they don't stand for their products. Maybe I was in bad luck for a bad seller. You are right, I think they just get the cups from Alibaba and use their own name and resell to consumer. I don't think they aware what materials the manufacturer is using and/or what production process is happening there since no regulation to follow.

[eyaf_lem]

If your cervix is low(ish) try to get it inside the rim of the cup - if you can feel it outside the cup, your cup won't catch your flow. It sounds like you cup is sitting beside your cervix and that's why you are leaking and experiencing pain. A wider cup should help with this. Note that if the cervix is inside it will use some capacity so you won't be able to fill it fully just empty more often. Experiment with different folds to help your cup find the right position. Good luck.

[sikhi]

Thank you! I suddenly managed to get the cup higher so that it was sitting with the whole tab inside and also so that I couldn´t reach the top of the cup, the rim, etc. with my middle finger even. It suddenly seemed to suction to my cervix, but I am still not sure it is covering it properly. It seems to be leaking less, but still I let out blood when I pee. It is a little bit more comfortable, but still causing some pain. I will keep experimenting. I think my only option now is to try a larger size, although I am a small frame, slender and quite active, no kids, I am 47 and doubt I have particularly conditioned muscles inside! Everyone´s input has been so valuable!