You just got a new cup, and the day you’ve been waiting for has come—your period! You put it in, but it hurts when you insert it. Is there anything you can do?
Is this how you feel? If yes, then you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to give you best menstrual cup hacks for inserting your cup so you can do it in style. Keep on reading.
My menstrual cup hurts when I insert it.
Tip #1: Wet is Good!
The first thing to keep in mind if you menstrual cup hurts when you’re inserting it is that it should be wet. A dry menstrual cup, particularly if you’re inserting your cup before your period “just in case” can be quite painful!
You should always wet your cup with water. This is the preferred option, and most people like to use warm water because a cold cup can sometimes not feel so nice. However, to get a good grip, it can be helpful if your fingers are dry.
The second option is to use a water-based lubricant. But, this can be expensive, cause some vaginal irritation and possibly damage your menstrual cup.
Tip #2: Menstrual Cup Hurts? Try a Different Fold
There are a million and one different menstrual cup folds. If it hurts when you’re inserting your cup, try a different one.
Tip #3: Do you Need a Smaller and/or Softer Menstrual Cup?
If your menstrual cup hurts when you’re inserting it, it may be because it’s too big and/or stiff.
We recommend trying a smaller menstrual cup, particularly if you’re never given birth vaginally. Many companies recommend using their larger size if you’re over the age of 25 or 30, but this can often be too big if you haven’t given birth.
Another problem is that the cup may be too stiff for you if you have a small vaginal opening. Try a softer menstrual cup like the Sckooncup and you may have better results.
Tip #4: Pain When Inserting a Menstrual Cup? Point it Down and Back
A common mistake that people make when inserting a menstrual cup is that they point it up towards the sky.
The correct way to do it is to point it back and down towards your tailbone. This will help your menstrual cup find the right position pretty naturally and will hopefully cause you less pain.
More details here: How to Insert your Menstrual Cup.
Or, learn about inserting a menstrual cup in the video below. There are lots of great tips to help you get started.
Tip #5: Do you Have a Low Cervix?
Some people have a very short vaginal canal/low cervix. Put your index finger into your vagina. Can you easily touch your cervix with it only inserted up to your first knuckle? This may be the case for you.
It will probably hurt if you try to insert a normal length menstrual cup. Instead, you’ll want to consider a low-cervix menstrual cup that is around 20 mm shorter than normal.
If you already have a menstrual cup, another option is to simply cut off the stem. It can work for most people that don’t want to spend more money on another cup!
Check out this comparison chart below for some of our top picks for short menstrual cups:
Low Cervix Menstrual Cups
| Best Overall | Easy to Find | Collapsible Menstrual Cup | Very High Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meluna Shorty | Femmycycle Low Cervix | Lily Cup Compact | Merula Cup |
 |  |  |  |
| 42-48 mm long | 43 mm long | 58 mm long | 50 ml capacity |
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Tip #6: Take some Time, and Try Again Later
The best advice if you’re having a hard time inserting, or removing a menstrual cup is to relax for a bit, and try again later. If you’re nervous and your muscles are tense, it can be pretty difficult to do either or these things.
Eat some breakfast, go for a walk, do some of your normal activities and then try to insert the menstrual cup again. You may have better results. Try to relax your jaw and shoulders, and the rest of your body should follow.
When you’re removing the cup, be sure to break the seal first before trying to pull it out. You can do this by squeezing in at the base with two fingers. Only use the stem to pull it down a little bit if you can’t reach the base of your period cup. If you can’t reach the stem, push with the muscles in your pelvis.
Tip #7: Check with your Doctor about Vaginismus
Vaginismus is a rare condition that causes the muscles in the vaginal canal to tense up when you attempt to insert anything. If you’ve found tampons painful to insert, or have a hard time with penetrative sex, you may have this condition.
Check with your doctor to be sure. There are some treatments for it including Kegel exercises, dealing with underlying stress or anxiety, or getting some counselling.
If you have Vaginismus, you’ll find it very painful to insert a menstrual cup, and it may be physically impossible.
As a general rule, if you’re unable to use tampons because of something like this condition, then a menstrual cup probably isn’t for you. It’s bigger, firmer and requires a bit more effort to put in than a tampon.
Learn more about Vaginal Tightness
Tip #8: Changes During your Menstrual Cycle
At various points of your cycle, it can easier, or more difficult to insert a menstrual cup. This is mainly due to the changing position of your cervix.
Also, at the end of your cycle, you may notice some irritation around the opening of the vagina. This is normal, particularly if you use a large cup.
Tip #9: The Learning Curve
One of the most important things to keep in mind is that there’s a learning curve that comes along with using these things for the first few times. It takes mostly people at least five cycles before they really feel confident with them.
So, don’t give up too soon unless it’s very painful. You may not be used to having something so big go into your vagina, particularly if you don’t have penetrative sex.
My Menstrual Cup Hurts When I Insert It: Have your Say!
Have you had this problem and overcome it? What did you do? Most people love menstrual cups and find them very comfortable, but you may not. Let us know about it.
Leave a comment below and share your wisdom with us.
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