[ADULT] Menstrual Cups!

[Criseyde]

Zephy, have you tried the "Captain Morgan" pose? I find it easiest for inserting anything: stand with one foot on the side of the bathtub. http://dealbreaker.com/_old/2009/06/...n%20Morgan.jpg

Your cervix can change position at different times of the month. Sometimes it is higher and other times it's lower. So I would try to just explore up there a few times this month...

But hey, I didn't do any of this. I just bought my cup because it was the easiest one to get in North America that was made of silicone. (Back then, there were only a few kinds... DivaCup US (but actually Canada ), Keeper US -- made of rubber --, and Mooncup UK. Now there are lots!) My BFF got the Mooncup because she wanted a shorter one with a longer stem, but she had to have it shipped internationally.

[ZephyrusX]

Nope. I'll try it though. Thanks.

Originally Posted by Criseyde

Zephy, have you tried the "Captain Morgan" pose? I find it easiest for inserting anything: stand with one foot on the side of the bathtub. http://dealbreaker.com/_old/2009/06/...n%20Morgan.jpg

Yah, that is usually what I do. Just buy things and everything usually works out fine. Its just they cost a lot of money (at least for me). It would really be a bummer if I bought one and it was really uncomfortable. Oh well, I suppose that is a risk that I'll have to take. I think I'll just get the Diva Cup as I can actually buy it in Edmonton and just hope for the best.

Originally Posted by Criseyde

But hey, I didn't do any of this. I just bought my cup because it was the easiest one to get in North America that was made of silicone. (Back then, there were only a few kinds... DivaCup US (but actually Canada ), Keeper US -- made of rubber --, and Mooncup UK. Now there are lots!) My BFF got the Mooncup because she wanted a shorter one with a longer stem, but she had to have it shipped internationally.

[ZephyrusX]

Thanks elucidate, BW and momo for your help as well.

[Criseyde]

Originally Posted by ZephyrusX

Nope. I'll try it though. Thanks.




Yah, that is usually what I do. Just buy things and everything usually works out fine. Its just they cost a lot of money (at least for me). It would really be a bummer if I bought one and it was really uncomfortable. Oh well, I suppose that is a risk that I'll have to take. I think I'll just get the Diva Cup as I can actually buy it in Edmonton and just hope for the best.

Worse comes to worst, if the stem sticks out, you can always cut it off with no harm done.

[CoolBee]

The mooncup is supposed to sit quite low, not high up like a diaphragm, really only just inside.

[aelle]

Originally Posted by ZephyrusX

So, if I understand correctly, it is easier to get these things out if you buy a menstrual cup that corresponds to the position of your cervix? If you have a cervix that is way up there, a bigger and longer cup will be easier to get out? And vice versa?

I don't really think so. I think you need a cup volume that matches your flow, and a cup width that matches your muscle tone (larger as you get older / give birth).

The cup is supposed to sit in the lower part of your vagina, with the stem almost poking out, it's not supposed to be close to your cervix. It's unusual that it climbs up against the cervix. For me it only happens if I have lots of foreplay/non-penetrative sex while the cup is still in, which gets my vagina all worked up. But even then, it's not that hard to fish back out.

If you want to feel for your cervix, its consistency is the same as the tip of your nose. It's often slippery because it's covered with cervical fluid.
It's not a very sensitive organ, as in it doesn't feel being touched the way skin does. Does that make sense? It feels slightly unpleasant for the cervix to be touched, in a similar way as when other internal organs are being poked. So when you touch your cervix, you will feel it with your fingers, but won't necessarily feel with your cervix that it is being touched.

[Curious cat]

This thread sure has grown ... With multiple splits too i see.

I just wanted to add too that depending on the time of your cycle, your cervix can feel soft too like your lips, and other times harder like your nose as mentioned by aelle.

I've only just been exploring a greater deal lately and still learning myself. I felt a ridge last time i was went exploring, almost like a little dimple. Do you think what i felt could be the opening in the middle of my cervix?

[Criseyde]

Originally Posted by aelle

I don't really think so. I think you need a cup volume that matches your flow, and a cup width that matches your muscle tone (larger as you get older / give birth).

The cup is supposed to sit in the lower part of your vagina, with the stem almost poking out, it's not supposed to be close to your cervix. It's unusual that it climbs up against the cervix. For me it only happens if I have lots of foreplay/non-penetrative sex while the cup is still in, which gets my vagina all worked up. But even then, it's not that hard to fish back out.

This is a good point. I don't know why my vagina shloops mine up so high. It isn't typical, though.

[Kaie]

Damn, I can't believe I missed the menstrual bru-ha-ha!!! hahaha. My bf cried TMI if I talk about my moontime in physical detail. I laugh at him and tease him about it before he goes down into his 'man cave' Huah!

I wish I could use a cup, I have had to use multiple methods because of being so heavy after having kids. I think I am normalizing now, but still, the cups don't fit me. I do use cloth pads with tampons though.

I just *had* to contribute.

Ooo, now I want to go start a thread about breastfeeding, or something else that offends some men. haha.

[Kaie]

Originally Posted by Criseyde

This is a good point. I don't know why my vagina shloops mine up so high. It isn't typical, though.

Your cervix moved higher and lower depending on your fertility. I am thinking everyone's cervix is high during menstruation. When I was trying to conceive, I checked frequently and it is amazing how much it varies. Interesting.

[ZephyrusX]

Oh! Ok!

For some reason, I was under the impression that it was suppose to be near the cervix. That is reassuring to know. I feel less paranoid about the possibility of having a cup stuck up my vagina now.

If i do have the problem of having the cup going up high though, would buying a different brand make a difference? I"m assuming it would...

Originally Posted by aelle

The cup is supposed to sit in the lower part of your vagina, with the stem almost poking out, it's not supposed to be close to your cervix. It's unusual that it climbs up against the cervix. For me it only happens if I have lots of foreplay/non-penetrative sex while the cup is still in, which gets my vagina all worked up. But even then, it's not that hard to fish back out.

[momo3bur]

Originally Posted by ZephyrusX

Thanks momo!

You're welcome Zephy!

Another thing to remember is that the average vaginal canal is really only 3-4 inches long when not aroused (it lengthens when aroused to accomodate things you put in there...LOL). My fingers are JUST long enough to barely reach mine, and that's with some real effort. LOL. Of course, I'm sure it varies some from woman to woman, but it's very unlikely that your cup, even if it works it's way up to your cervix, will get so high you can't reach it.

Surely the worst that would happen is a trip to the gyno so she/he can remove it. But I doubt you'll have any problems!

Let me know how it goes...lol...I really think I'll get one of these once I need something again.

[aelle]

Originally Posted by ZephyrusX

If i do have the problem of having the cup going up high though, would buying a different brand make a difference? I"m assuming it would...

I have only ever tried the Diva Cup, small size. But the LiveJournal community that was shared at the beginning of the thread has brand comparisons - maybe they would help?
http://menstrual-cups.livejournal.co...%20comparisons
Menstrual Cups - Divacup, Mooncup, Instead, Lunette, Miacup

[Criseyde]

Originally Posted by Kaie

Your cervix moved higher and lower depending on your fertility. I am thinking everyone's cervix is high during menstruation. When I was trying to conceive, I checked frequently and it is amazing how much it varies. Interesting.

Oops.. I meant my cup, not my cervix. It seems like most people's cups sit pretty low, but mine likes to worm its way up.

Originally Posted by ZephyrusX

Oh! Ok!

For some reason, I was under the impression that it was suppose to be near the cervix. That is reassuring to know. I feel less paranoid about the possibility of having a cup stuck up my vagina now.

If i do have the problem of having the cup going up high though, would buying a different brand make a difference? I"m assuming it would...

I have no idea, because I've never had a different cup. I don't really see it as a "problem." It's just a weird thing. You'll never not be able to get it out, or anything -- that would take an impressively long vagina.

Have you ever had a pap smear? You know when the gyno swabs your cervix with those big fluffy Q-tips? It's not that far in there. Sorry if I made it seem like it was!

[ButterflyWoman]

Originally Posted by Kaie

Ooo, now I want to go start a thread about breastfeeding, or something else that offends some men. haha.

I thought maybe a very detailed and graphic discussion of childbirth. That's way more messy than menstruation, and it involves more fluids!

[aelle]

Originally Posted by ButterflyWoman

I thought maybe a very detailed and graphic discussion of childbirth. That's way more messy than menstruation, and it involves more fluids!

Joke aside, I would be genuinely interested in a non-airbrushed discussion of either topic.
If it weren't for the internet, I wouldn't know about mucus plugs or lochia, and would be in for some surprises.

[momo3bur]

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO........

Childbirth THREAD!!!!!! Well, then obviously a breastfeeding thread.

There should be an entire subforum for women's health!

[ZephyrusX]

I've been poking around the sites and I did see the comparison chart. I'll get around to looking at it sooner or later. Thanks for posting the links, btw. They were really helpful.

Originally Posted by aelle

I have only ever tried the Diva Cup, small size. But the LiveJournal community that was shared at the beginning of the thread has brand comparisons - maybe they would help?
http://menstrual-cups.livejournal.co...%20comparisons
Menstrual Cups - Divacup, Mooncup, Instead, Lunette, Miacup

[ZephyrusX]

Originally Posted by Criseyde

I have no idea, because I've never had a different cup. I don't really see it as a "problem." It's just a weird thing. You'll never not be able to get it out, or anything -- that would take an impressively long vagina.

In my imagination, I have images of a never ending tunnel. Ok, that is reassuring to know too. I am probably just over exaggerating how long the vagina is in my head.

I've been to the gyno once, but whatever he did to me hurt like hell and I can't say I was really paying attention to what he was doing. I haven't been for a pap smear.

[ssandra]

Originally Posted by aelle

Joke aside, I would be genuinely interested in a non-airbrushed discussion of either topic.
If it weren't for the internet, I wouldn't know about mucus plugs or lochia, and would be in for some surprises.

I will have to google those....

I like reading about childbirth... The real experience, not the toned down version. It helps me get ready on what to expect.

I once read that they could offer you an enema beforehand and I didn't understand why... Until an ex collegue of mine told me that pushing might get everything out... Not just the baby...

[ssandra]

Originally Posted by ZephyrusX

In my imagination, I have images of a never ending tunnel. Ok, that is reassuring to know too. I am probably just over exaggerating how long the vagina is in my head.

I've been to the gyno once, but whatever he did to me hurt like hell and I can't say I was really paying attention to what he was doing. I haven't been for a pap smear.

How old are you, and how old were you when you went? When I was younger it hurt way more, now it is just a nasty feeling.

Don't you go every 5 years for a check up? And after 35 every year? It is the best way to detect cancer early on... (if not the only way) and can save your life and childbearing possibilities...

[Curious cat]

It's recommended here in australia that women have a pap smear every two years. As early detection of pre-cancerous cells greatly increases survival with early treatment.

I suspect i have a curved vagina and sometimes insertion of the speculum can be a little painful if the doctor isn't gentle. Some just shove it right in there . The swabbing itself is pain free for me.

[Curious cat]

Originally Posted by ssandra

I once read that they could offer you an enema beforehand and I didn't understand why... Until an ex collegue of mine told me that pushing might get everything out... Not just the baby...

everyone is different of course, but in my experience, i had a bowel movement every couple of hours the night i went into labour. I think it's just my body's natural enema in expelling all the unnecessary waste and free up space for the delivery.

[CoolBee]

Must admit, when I was 14 years old at school in Germany we were shown an extremely graphic, no sanitization, no cutesy rummaging around under a cloth to bring a nice clean baby out, film on giving birth which made the place look like a slaughterhouse.

The entire year group swore off baby-making (though I notice nearly 40 years on that many of them are now mothers and grandmothers so obviously the effect wore off )

[meggarz]

I would like to hear others birth stories, someone should start a thread.

[Curious cat]

Time for another thread split lol

[ZephyrusX]

I'll be 27 next month and I think I was around 21 when I went. No, I never knew that it was recommended to get a regular pap smear every some odd years. I just assumed that I'm not very likely to get cancer until I'm at least in my mid thirties or so. I've been hearing quite the few people bring up pap smears lately though. I guess I really ought to look into it.

Originally Posted by ssandra

How old are you, and how old were you when you went? When I was younger it hurt way more, now it is just a nasty feeling.

Don't you go every 5 years for a check up? And after 35 every year? It is the best way to detect cancer early on... (if not the only way) and can save your life and childbearing possibilities...

[aelle]

It's interesting how widely different the recommendations are in different countries. In France they say one a year or every other year when you start being sexually active, then less often if you get 2 normal results in a row.

My understanding is that cervical cancer in young women is caused by some strains of HPV, so if you have not had sex you have no reason to go for checkups until 25 or so (depending on your country's recommendations). According to wikipedia, this includes sex with women, not just penis-in-vagina action.

Pap test - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[ButterflyWoman]

Childbirth thread: Childbirth Thread by popular request

No need to split. A new thread has been born.

[elucidate]

Originally Posted by ssandra

How old are you, and how old were you when you went? When I was younger it hurt way more, now it is just a nasty feeling.

Don't you go every 5 years for a check up? And after 35 every year? It is the best way to detect cancer early on... (if not the only way) and can save your life and childbearing possibilities...

I know for me, and I suspect, many other women...that when I have had pap smears in the past, they were performed with such a callous lack of care and empathy, by female nurses in my case, that they put me off having them done every two years, as is recommended. I think a bad or painful pap smear can put a woman off having one again, for a very long time.

Of course, it's not good that a person avoid having one for years, but it's understandable, when they have nothing but insensitive people treating them like they aren't even human.

Luckily, I found the best doctor in the world, and she has cured me of all my past trauma regarding pap smears.