Comments | menstrual_cups: Bad 1st Time Experience

poppyhumming in menstrual_cups

Bad 1st Time Experience - Recs for Long, Thin Cup?

Jan 27, 2016 17:35

Hello community! I specifically read through the sizing/size tag, as well as the FemmyCycle tag and didn't see my exact question asked yet, so I wanted to create an account and reach out for help ( Read more... )

buying decision, first time use, buying decisions, sizes/size issues, femmycycle

Comments 18

kuradi8 January 28 2016, 03:22:00 UTC

Compare the dimensions of the small Diva using the size charts at http://sizecharts.livejournal.com/ or others at the Community FAQ. If you get one, you'll probably want to enlarge the anti-suction holes around the rim. There are many knock-off/generic cups on eBay that have similar dimensions but longer stems. Most of them only have 2 tiny anti-suction holes instead of 4 so you'll add and enlarge if you get one of them instead.

Edited to add: And if you haven't already, skim/read http://kuradi8.livejournal.com/

poppyhumming January 28 2016, 04:24:07 UTC

Thank you for the advice! I have read that the DivaCups run the largest and have some of the most rigid material? I wish it was easier to test some of these items out! I will read up on the DivaCup small size. Thank you for the tip on the anti-suction holes. The FemmyCycle doesn't have these at all (supposedly to make it more hygienic), so that will be a good tip to keep in mind.

kuradi8 January 28 2016, 13:14:49 UTC

"Largest." Some cups are long, some are wide, some are wide and long. So it all depends on what you mean by "large." No, the Diva is not stiff at all. It rates a 4 out of 10 (10 being stiffest) on the squishiness scale that someone here made up several years ago. There should be a link to it at the site(s) I gave you. Holes have nothing to do with "hygienic." The anti-suction holes make it easier to pop open and to break the seal for removal.

poppyhumming January 28 2016, 17:17:38 UTC

To clarify, I'm looking for a cup that has a smaller circumference when folded. The FemmyCycle has a VERY thick doubled-up (due to the no-spill design) outer edge, so in any fold it is extremely large at the tip. Again, I haven't tried out any other cups, so I'm not sure if I'd experience the same problem with them. I'd like something that's less thick and smaller when folded properly for insertion.

Right, I also air-quoted hygienic because I believe it's simply a gimmick feature for FemmyCycle. The idea is that no holes = no gunk to clean out of holes.

Thank you for the charts. I haven't heard of all the cups mentioned and measured, but since you suggested it will look into the smaller Divacup in particular. Thanks again for your advice.

Thread 7

newconvert January 28 2016, 03:27:03 UTC

One thing to consider is where in your cycle you were: your cervix is higher at certain points so a cup that seems too short on a dry run might be exactly what you need on the heaviest days of your period. I've never tried the FemmyCycle but my experience has been that firmness can make a big difference -- a larger, softer cup might fold better and be more comfortable on insertion and removal than a firmer one that can't be folded as small... but it's a very personal preference and everyone is different! With enough practice I'm sure you will find the right fold to insert a cup and get it to open reliability; it's really not as difficult as it sounds. :)

poppyhumming January 28 2016, 04:27:42 UTC

It wasn't a dry run. The cup intimidated me, so I waited until the first day of my period. Can you recommend a more fold-y cup, one that's either long or that has a long tab. Honestly if the FemmyCycle were a little less rigid/large, I would consider figuring out a way to ADD a longer tab or string during each cycle, though I'm not positive how sanitary that would be.

kripaluyogini January 29 2016, 01:30:34 UTC

I have a high cervix and use a Diva Cup Size 1. I am 36, no kids. I went with a size one because I have strong pelvic muscles and tighter hips. The size 2 would probably be fine too ( ... )

poppyhumming January 29 2016, 03:13:26 UTC

Thank you for the tips, Krip ( ... )

kripaluyogini January 29 2016, 04:40:02 UTC

When I go to remove the cup, the stem is always inside, not in easy reach. That's just where my cup goes. That's why I have to bear down pretty much continuously to help move it into reach until I can finally grab it. It takes some work but once you get the hang of it it doesn't take long. The stem is always the first thing I grab, mine doesn't shift sideways if that's what you mean.

Gaia elisamba January 29 2016, 07:28:04 UTC

My favourite long is the Gaia. I also have a high cervix and the cup sits just inside the vaginal entrance, easy to reach for removal by pinching the base. I have the small Gaia but I think the company may not be making two sizes anymore; the only difference was 1 mm in both length and width anyway, and 1 ml in capacity, so some people wondered what the difference was supposed to be. One Italian menstrual cup site says the large is barely firmer, but I have not seen it to compare. The silicone is very flexible, so I use the full diamond fold and it folds up to tampon size. Full diamond means: fold one rim down on itself on the outside of the cup (not inward) to touch the base of the cup, making a slight diamond shape, then bring the right and left "points" of the diamond together.

Re: Gaia poppyhumming January 29 2016, 18:49:23 UTC

Thank you! The Gaia does sound perfect, and I like the sound of the diamond fold. The c-fold definitely wasn't my first choice, but the other folds were harder to keep in tact during insertion due to the FemmyCycle's thick material.

glioncourt January 29 2016, 18:11:10 UTC

The FemmyCycle's format intimidates me and I'm a 2 year cup user!

Besides the sizecharts that were already suggested to you, I'd also recommend you google "menstrual cup softness comparison" and also look at some comparison videos on youtube. I have found these particularly helpful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cny51r22rHQ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSqCs8HqLbI. You can search for more.

About opening the cup, I don't really think it's as difficult as it sounds, not if your cup is a good size for you. I've only had difficulty with Meluna Soft because it's extra soft and doesn't get a good seal with me.

Also experiment with different folding techniques... I like the punch down a lot better than the C fold.

I hope that helped!

poppyhumming January 29 2016, 18:51:00 UTC

Thank you so much! Very helpful!

As to the FemmyCycle . . . I didn't know! It looked very hygienic and sturdy, whereas other cups were frosted rainbow-colored and looked rinky dink. It looked the most . . . medical? If that makes sense?

glioncourt January 29 2016, 19:00:48 UTC

It does make sense. I'm not an expert, I felt like a newbie all of my first cup year... I still have some issues... I just bought my 3rd cup... looking for my Goldilocks, still.... I find the videos very helpful, you can find reviews of mostly any brand. I like having a reference to size and softness before deciding what to buy.

Another thing I forgot to mention, my cervix during my period seems to sit really high. Like you, I have to really reach in to get my shorter cup, but I don't think that's too much of an issue. You eventually get used to it. I have found that width and softness are my primary concern right now. If I focus on longer cups, I restrict myself to fewer brands. That's my personal opinion right now, I don't know if it's the same for everyone.