Menstural Cups

[Autumn_leaves]

Hello. I’m 24F and never had sex. I want to start using menstrual cups but I feel pain at the entrance when I insert a finger into the vagina. It doesn’t hurt after. My question is why does it hurt for some people and not for others. My friend uses a menstrual cup and doesn’t have any issues. And can you please give me tips for the process to be easier. I’m scared of the pain. Is it normal?

Thanks.

[mikky]

Hey Autumn_leaves,

You say you feel some pain when you insert a finger- is that a stinging sensation? Is it specific to the entrance? Does it go away if you leave your finger inserted, or get worse?

Have you used any other period products that were internal, like tampons? If so, how did that feel?

There's a lot of reasons why insertion of things like tampons, fingers, toys, penises, etc. can be uncomfortable or painful for some bodies and not others. One of the main things is whether or not your muscles are relaxed. When we're trying something new, like a menstrual cup, we might feel more anxious and therefore have a harder time getting our muscles to be relaxed. There can also be discomfort with friction (helped by lubrication). For menstrual cups, there is such a wide variety of products available, many in smaller sizes or softer build to make the insertion more comfortable. There's a lot of great tips and visuals on this site: https://www.periodnirvana.com/menstrual-cup-pain/ . Different folds are super helpful, but best shown visually rather than described over text, IMO.

I think it is absolutely normal to be nervous about potential pain. I am someone who finds menstrual cups extraordinarily painful, but have learned that I am really an outlier in that regard (after trying 15+ different cups). If it doesn't work for you, that's okay! You don't have to force something that is painful.

[Autumn_leaves]

Yes, it stings and just at the entrance. Not when I go in further. I feel stinging sensation for a couple of seconds and it goes away. And it doesn’t hurt when I’m really turned on.

[Latha]

Hello Autumn_leaves!

The fact that it doesn't hurt when you are turned on is useful information. Being aroused can make it easier to relax your muscles and produce lubrication, both of which would make any kind of insertion easier. For the latter, you might consider using a little store-bought lube at the entrance of the vagina, and seeing if that helps with your finger and with a cup. For the former... try to observe your body and breathing, just to make sure you are at ease/not tensing in anticipation of insertion.

Does that sound doable? We'd be happy to answer any more questions.

[char]

Hi Autumn_leaves! As a menstrual cup user, I would like to add to what Mikky and Latha have shared with you. Aside from getting a water-based lube, considering softer cups, and ensuring your body is relaxed, it's important to keep in mind of your position when inserting the cup. Some people find it easier to insert their cup while sitting down, while others do it better while squatting. In my personal experience, this is something I had to discover through trial-and-error. Additionally, if you don't have water-based lube with you, you can run your cup through clean water ahead of inserting it. Some people may need to use lube every time they insert their cup, but there are people who can insert the cup without it over time, minus any pain.

I hope this was helpful! I highly recommend going through the Period Nirvana website (and social media) that Mikky shared; it's an excellent resource on menstrual cups! I'm also happy to answer your questions on menstrual cups (including my personal experience with it).