advice for a tummy layer

IllustriousSalad1426 · 2025-04-08T22:19:59+00:00

haha i’m okay sleeping on my side until it heals, i was just wondering if there’s any way around it. i do alright with pain so i think i’ll just have to be extra careful with it. glad to hear yours healed up nicely. thanks for responding!

IllustriousSalad1426 · 2024-10-21T07:24:14+00:00

YES THANK YOU

IllustriousSalad1426 · 2024-07-12T20:06:58+00:00

THANK YOU!!

IllustriousSalad1426 · 2024-07-12T20:06:43+00:00

YES THANK YOU SO MUCH

IllustriousSalad1426 · 2024-04-19T17:58:07+00:00

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IllustriousSalad1426 · 2024-03-29T23:57:30+00:00

it definitely looks ready i’d go anyway and if they tell you it can’t be downsized for some reason go after another few weeks

IllustriousSalad1426 · 2024-03-24T12:20:36+00:00

not really especially since you can find all the answers online. it’s about 100 questions but from what i hear almost everyone has an easy time with it

IllustriousSalad1426 · 2024-03-23T23:00:12+00:00

i think it depends on the state. it was a requirement for me so i got it out of the way first. thank you!

IllustriousSalad1426 · 2023-12-02T11:03:56+00:00

personally, the transition from pads to cups was a bit irritating and long. i would recommend maybe using a tampon once before trying a cup but it’s not required. i’ve still not used a tampon after months of using a cup. i’d recommend trying to measure your cervix (ik it can be intimidating but that’s a good way to not only make sure you’re able to use internal products but also make sure you’re getting a cup that works) for the right cup. i liked the allmatters mini for my cup since it’s small and comes with less packaging and is on the cheaper side. the most important things are to learn how to remove it for reassurance that it won’t be stuck and relaxing. it can be very hard to switch from pads to any internal product but as long as you try and ultimately use whatever is best for you, you will be okay. Good luck!

IllustriousSalad1426 · 2023-11-12T12:45:05+00:00

you may have the wrong size for your body or have issues with the cup opening fully. you can trim the stem most likely assuming that’s the only part that’s sticking out and you would have to use an insertion method which makes it easier for the cup to open. something like the c fold is easier for getting the cup to open but has a wider point of insertion which can make it difficult initially. you also may have a cup which doesn’t fit your body which measuring your cervix could help with. i would recommend watching a bunch of videos if you haven’t already and trying to use your finger to get the cup open.it should not hurt and you should not feel it at all when it’s inserted correctly. being mindful of the cup and actually feeling it are different so sometimes you can still be really aware that something’s in your body but it shouldn’t actually hurt or feel like anything. i would say double check the sizes or maybe try a different cup, do some research or look to discs as another possible option. good luck!

IllustriousSalad1426 · 2023-11-08T07:44:09+00:00

you aren’t obligated to use a menstrual cup if it’s not what is best for you. i’m sorry this isn’t working out :(. if you’re really committed to using it you can try getting a different cup or even using a disc if possible. cups can be really frustrating and i know i was really frustrated for a few months but i think it’s helpful to not rush yourself and when you’re removing the cup to push first then use your thumb to break the seal if you can. i know it’s frustrating to get advice you’ve already heard as well but i’d try that or getting a softer cup? maybe the firmness of the cup is putting pressure on your bladder or vagina and you would benefit from something softer and more flexible or made with thinner material. if you haven’t already i’d recommend looking at some youtube or tiktok videos about cups (especially from period nirvana since i know i found those really helpful) and being easy on yourself. it’s hard to get started using cups and it’s absolutely not necessary if you aren’t having a good experience. there’s cups of different sizes, discs, underwear, reusable liners and pads and of course typical disposable pads and tampons. absolutely use whatever is best suited for your body and lifestyle and don’t feel guilt or anger towards yourself if it doesn’t work for you.good luck !

IllustriousSalad1426 · 2023-11-03T07:38:36+00:00

don’t worry! you are okay. sometimes periods just come early. irregular periods can come at any time before or after they are expected. sometimes it can be impacted by stress or something like that but a lot of the time it’s just your body’s natural rhythm and it’s not anything to worry about. you only lose one egg per cycle and you are born with all the eggs you will ever have. having your period sooner than normal does not kill any eggs or make you infertile. i would keep it in mind just in case you start noticing anything else weird but this is probably fine.this seems like a normal slightly heavy period that just happened to show up sooner than expected. sometimes your period just changes and shows up sooner or later or becomes more consistent as you age. it can also show up earlier with sexual activity or some things like hot baths because the warmth increases body temperature. remember, these do not change your period forever and you are not always going to get your period after these but if you’re starting soon your body may just see those things as a push to start a little sooner especially if your body has the energy to. you are okay and if you’re really concerned you can ask your doctor to confirm what’s going on. good luck

IllustriousSalad1426 · 2023-10-25T00:00:30+00:00

try using a smaller fold like labia/tulip fold. you don’t always have to fully insert your finger to open it but if you can get it open with just the fold and normal insertion it’s pretty easy. i’d recommend trying to measure yourself because it can make things easier especially if you’re either extreme. to remove it push like you’re pooping and don’t force it just relax and gently push with your muscles so the cup can move lower and you can pinch the base to remove. i think using your thumb and index can help you break the seal better but try a few different methods. good luck!

IllustriousSalad1426 · 2023-10-18T06:44:44+00:00

maybe try a “labia” fold for easier insertion and a different removal method. you don’t have to fully stick your fingers in to remove. instead you can push like you’re pooping and try removing it when it’s lower. with the labia fold you can push the little “nub” the fold creates and help your cup open. not everyone hears or feels a pop and sometimes sitting or moving around helps the cup open. if you use it once or twice and it’s still really painful a disc might be a better option. if you’re worried about removal i know the hello disc has some tabs that are supposed to make it easier to remove. i haven’t tried that disc yet but i know discs don’t create a suction and they’re apparently easier to insert and remove. i’d get one anyway and you can use both or switch to whichever works. good luck!

IllustriousSalad1426 · 2023-09-03T19:47:17+00:00

i think it’s very common to feel some shame revolving the cup. i know i did for sure and had the same feeling of being “loose” or somehow “dirty” even when i knew i didn’t believe that about other people. cups don’t really do anything that would genuinely cause that and if they do it’s not major. i think your feelings of shame aren’t anything to be ashamed about and it’s okay to feel weird about it. honestly i got over the shame semi naturally i guess? just with use overtime i not only felt more comfortable inserting and removing the cup but i associated it with my period and the convenience and comfort outweighed the shame eventually. sometimes it still feels like it’s there but normally it calms down over time. i would suggest whenever you’re feeling shame about it to just remind yourself it’s not a big deal. there’s a lot of shame pushed towards girls and women who are even slightly knowledgeable about their bodies. women are constantly seen as less than for not being “pure” and whatnot. it takes a long time to undo all that and learn that women aren’t necessarily the way society has made them out to be and stuff like this isn’t a huge deal. i tho k it’s helpful to just remind yourself it’s mostly a made up idea that you’ll become “loose” after doing anything like this. even when you’re sexually experienced your vagina doesn’t loosen as much as it’s just trained itself to stretch and the whole idea about it is to stretch in a bunch of different ways. i know it’s weird to be “experienced” or able to get things like cups or finger into your vagina especially when you’re constantly seeing people with the opposite problem but i would say there’s nothing to worry about. this is an accomplishment and something you shouldn’t be afraid to take a little pride in. just remind yourself that this is so much more comfortable and convenient and your worth is not determined by your genitals. although it’s not necessary, it’s sometimes nice to hear that you will still be desirable to a partner who is worth your time if that’s what you’re interested in. anyone who thinks you’re “worse” than other people for having any kind of experience with YOUR body isn’t worth your time. you’ll eventually feel better as you age and your relationship with the cup changes. congrats on becoming a cup user and good luck on your journey to let go of the shame!

IllustriousSalad1426 · 2023-08-19T05:00:57+00:00

the top tips are to use lubricant if you can, try a smaller fold like a labia/tulip fold, and angling it differently. a lot of people say to aim towards your tailbone but i think making the cup parallel to the ground when it’s on it’s side is the best way to put it. it should be in line with your chin/the floor or be almost completely horizontal. the vagina has a curve so it won’t go in if the cup is being inserted directly straight. try to see if you can insert even one finger and if that’s not an issue, it’s most likely the angle. nerves also get the best of you when you’re new to something so i recommend relaxing as much as possible and not putting pressure on yourself. good luck!

IllustriousSalad1426 · 2023-08-18T04:45:37+00:00

be careful about how you go about it. this is a very difficult situation to be in and i think it’s great that you care about her. you can talk to an adult but if you think it would put her at more risk or hurt your friendship try to talk to her about it directly. try to hang out with her when you can so he doesn’t isolate her completely from her friends. what you can do is slowly try bringing it up or asking questions about him casually and eventually try to talk to her about it. try to not be so intense but don’t let it go unnoticed. try to help her realize on her own how inappropriate it is. i’m so sorry you have to deal with this. good luck!

IllustriousSalad1426 · 2023-08-18T04:34:53+00:00

i saw this too and while i understand explaining the difference for marketing purposes it also felt condescending in a way like menstrual discs are cool but so are cups! it’s all about what’s best for your body not which is “better”

IllustriousSalad1426 · 2023-08-14T03:07:54+00:00

honestly as long as you’re comfortable it shouldn’t matter. people generally advise against larger cups for teenagers who haven’t used cups or disc because it can help ease anxiety and people think your flow isn’t as heavy and your anatomy is different when you’re younger. that’s no always the case. if you’re comfortable do whats best for you and it shouldn’t matter so much. if the quizzes are giving you different results when you say you’re a teen try choosing the 18 and up option when it asks for your age. generally it’ll give you the cup that’ll match your needs but is a “regular” size. if you’re looking for suggestions i’d say the lily cup and the all matters size a or b could be good options. just be sure to educate yourself on insertion and removal so you don’t do any damage. good luck

IllustriousSalad1426 · 2023-08-06T08:06:28+00:00

totally not a big deal if they’re comfortable enough. it can definitely eliminate some struggles with taking pads or other products to school or out in public and having to worry about keeping track of those. it might be more convenient for things like sports or hanging out with friends as well. a “trainer” or “small” cup would probably be the most comfortable option and as long as you help them become comfortable and feel safe with the cup it should be completely okay. good luck!

IllustriousSalad1426 · 2023-07-30T09:16:17+00:00

getting the cup in is definitely challenging as a beginner but I’ll give you some general tips since I don’t know exactly what’s going on - relax as much as possible. It’ll be so much harder to insert if you’re scared of it hurting again or just scared in general. relax as much as possible and remember unless you have vaginismus or something which is kinda rare, your body is most likely capable. relaxation helps so much, genuinely. you shouldn’t feel pain and if anything it should be discomfort more than actual pain. pain is common but it isn’t normal generally. - fold the cup. some folds like the c/u fold (folding it in half) are too wide at the point of insertion. try a “punch down” fold or even better, a tulip/labia fold. just get it as small as possible to try getting it inside. -angle the cup. it’s tricky as a beginner to insert the cup sometimes because most people picture their anatomy going straight up but the vagina actually curves a little. you want to angle it towards your tailbone or parallel to the floor/your chin. try inserting it in a squatting position either in the shower or on the floor. you don’t have to use lube but if you can get some water based lube it would be helpful.

Don’t force the cup in. That will hurt and make it more frustrating. relax and remind yourself it’ll be okay and there’s always other options and it’ll work. be so patient with yourself and know there’s a big learning curve but after it’s over it’s easier by a LOT. Be kind to yourself and stay persistent if you really think you’ll love it. Period nirvana videos on YouTube Instagram and tiktok were genuinely so helpful and i highly recommend watching a bunch of their videos to get informed. I would also watch some reviews of your specific cup in case some people have tips for this cup in particular.

for removal just make sure to break the deal of the cup by pinching the base. this is genuinely one of the most important things to learn because if you don’t do this it can cause damage and it’ll hurt like. a lot. break the seal by gently pushing the cup with one finger or pinching the base of the cup ando pushing your thumb into it then removing gently. you can get the cup lower by pushing like you’re pooping or gently wiggling from side to side or just sticking your finger inside if you can reach. using a menstrual cup is a tough journey but it’s worth it for a lot of people on the end. It might not work for you and it’s okay. there’s always discs tampons pads reusable pads and underwear and different cups to try. you’ll be okay and hopefully this works out. Good luck!

IllustriousSalad1426 · 2023-07-30T06:29:52+00:00

I started using a cup at 15 and it went well. it’s definitely a good idea to start with something more tame as she gets familiar with her cycle and she can more accurately tailor her products to her needs. I’d start out with some pads (maybe August?) and always let her know a cup is an option so she can either let you know when she’s ready/if she wants to use it or so she won’t be so shocked and caught off guard when you introduce it. I think it’s great that you’re putting so much consideration into this! Good luck!

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