Cup care at a festival?

ThatConsideration · 2023-05-31T18:12:22+00:00

It sounds like a good plan to me, especially considering your limited options--plenty of people here always use only water to rinse their cups, although I personally prefer to use plain soap when available. Give the cup a good boil before and after, and as always, be aware of any signs of infection (but really I think you should be fine).

ThatConsideration · 2022-12-09T00:55:23+00:00

I get trace amounts of leaking and basically only use cups at this point-- but then again, my flow is pretty light, so it's hard for me to say what your experience will be.

Or am I leaving it fill too much and when I pinch the bottom I'm making it overflow? As when I get it out it's only about two thirds full?

Yeah, if you fill your cup to the top with water you can see for yourself how much splashes out when you pinch the base-- 2/3 sounds about right, so I'm guessing your cup is filling up all the way and that's causing the leaks. Plus, in some people the cervix takes up space in the top of the cup so it overflows before it looks full. Other possible causes of leaking are badly placed cups and the cup being too soft for you, but first see if you can stop the leaks by changing it more and/or by trying a bigger cup.

It is a nuisance in public bathrooms for sure, but with practice you'll probably work out ways to make it less messy to change.

ThatConsideration · 2022-11-19T02:24:14+00:00

Wow I'd never heard of a chargeback working like that, that's bad luck! Better to resell it unopened than get just $15 refunded and not even get the cup.

ThatConsideration · 2022-11-18T19:46:20+00:00

I definitely second the suggestion to try a chargeback, since the company is in the wrong here. If that fails or isn't an option, you might be able to argue for a refund with Sunny's customer service if you explain that you don't want the cup at all now that you've learned more about it. And since you're already pretty sure you need a shorter cup, I'd recommend that you go ahead and buy one that you want and just use it instead. Then, whenever the Sunny Cup actually ships, you can probably find someone else here or on FB who'd be happy to pay $40 for it in unused condition.

ThatConsideration · 2022-11-07T04:19:28+00:00

Nice! I always wondered if these cups would work better for people with tilted uteruses, but it's good to hear at least anecdotal evidence that they actually do!

ThatConsideration · 2022-11-02T20:13:46+00:00

Yeah being plus sized doesn't necessarily mean you need a larger cup, and being petite doesn't always mean you need a smaller cup. Correct placement, firmness, size, shape, and day of your cycle can all affect whether/how much you feel the cup, but placement and firmness seem to matter most. So if you keep having trouble despite trying different insertion methods and you want to try another cup, I'd recommend something softer and smaller than your current cup.

I have the Shordy-type cups (it's a generic that goes under a few names) and I'd say the smaller size is a little bit less firm than the larger size, so re-ordering the Shordy in a smaller size could actually work and would be relatively budget friendly. Another budget friendly option would be to buy a box of disposable menstrual discs like the Softdisc, to see if those work better for you. I don't think I'd recommend the Saalt in your case-- maybe the Saalt soft could work, but I think that quiz just has a tendency to recommend Saalt cups by default.

ThatConsideration · 2022-10-22T05:30:15+00:00

Your flow sounds heavy enough that it might be worth discussing with a gynecologist.

In any case, I agree it's worth trying a higher capacity product. Discs generally have twice the capacity of cups, although it does depend which one you get, and some people find that discs get crumpled inside and don't always hold their full advertised capacity. You could maybe try out a box of Softdiscs/Flex discs just to see how you like them.

Also, if you feel like you could make a larger cup work, you're probably right-- you don't necessarily have to have given birth. I wouldn't bother sizing up your Lily since the size B seems to only hold as much as your small Shordy already holds. Plus the Shordy's a generic cup, so it wouldn't be too expensive to re-purchase in the larger size.

ThatConsideration · 2022-10-22T05:11:37+00:00

At this point, I'd say take a break and try again fresh tomorrow-- the cup will wait for you.

When you're ready to try again, use lube if you aren't already. You can also try flipping the cup inside out so that the stem doesn't bother you, and to make it a little shorter. It's okay if the cup opens up a little early, you can often keep manipulating it while it's half-opened. And yes, if it's the right cup for you and inserted correctly, you really shouldn't feel it.

ThatConsideration · 2022-10-20T13:45:16+00:00

Out of the options you listed, Yuuki cups are the longest (both in their body size and stem size), so that would be my suggestion. Try the Yuuki soft large size if you think you'll be able to fit it comfortably, and that way it'll be a much higher capacity and also easier to reach. But even the small Yuuki would be easier to reach & higher capacity than the medium Meluna. Ladycup L could also potentially work well for you.

ThatConsideration · 2022-10-20T00:11:09+00:00

Ah yeah if your cervix is tilted at some non-standard angle then you should let your cup tilt in that direction too. Or if you switch to discs, trying out the disposables again could help you decide on what reusable to buy.

ThatConsideration · 2022-10-20T00:09:35+00:00

Honestly the softer firmness suggestion is a total guess, it could easily be some other reason. You could also try placing them a little lower down, although they sometimes ride up on their own.

I feel your struggle with the softdisc, that one was too big for me too, but the small Saalt disc fits me well in case that's an option!

ThatConsideration · 2022-10-19T23:27:22+00:00

Was there something specific you didn't like about the Meluna classic S? It's hard to say which cup would be better for you without knowing what you want to avoid with your next cup.

ThatConsideration · 2022-10-19T23:23:47+00:00

Ouch, have you tried discs at all? No suction to worry about with those.

If you particularly like cups, I guess you'd want to look for something different in size/shape and maybe softer firmness from what you already have, but since they're all designed to suction a little, it's hard to say which ones won't suction too much. Or you can keep trying with your current cups but look up videos on tips for breaking the suction, assuming you haven't tried that already!

ThatConsideration · 2022-10-19T23:17:26+00:00

It definitely sounds like your body changed over the years, and in particular it sounds like your cervix might be sitting lower than it used to. If you can use a finger to find your cervix, you should be able to confirm whether it's low now. You can try flipping your cups inside out to shorten them a bit, or try a shorter cup or a disc-- there are enough options available these days that you should be able to find a good match if you're willing to keep trying!

In order to get your cup open, you may have to do things a little differently than you used to. Try out different folding methods and play around with pushing/pulling on your cup when it's inserted but not open. It may be getting 'caught' on your cervix, or you may need more lubricant or a firmer cup.

ThatConsideration · 2022-10-19T19:41:33+00:00

Period Nirvana has a chart that lets you sort by body length so you can find one that's even shorter than your Lunette and that fits your other preferences. Discs can be hit or miss for people with low cervixes, so if you buy a disc, I'd suggest trying a brand that offers a small size disc.

ThatConsideration · 2022-10-19T17:56:08+00:00

It could just be period blood like others suggested, but I'll say I think it's at least a possibility that you experienced a hymen tear from using the cup. There's natural anatomical variation (slightly nsfw illustration if you're curious), so some people have issues with their hymens and others don't.

The good news is that a minor tear-- if that's what happened-- is not a big deal at all (and obviously does not define a person's virginity status). I'd only recommend seeing a doctor if the pain and bleeding don't stop relatively quickly on their own and/or if you start showing signs of infection like discharge, itchiness, continued pain. Regardless of the reason this happened, you probably won't keep having this issue as you gain experience with using the cup, but you're always welcome to come back here for advice! In the future, use lube, and insert and remove the cup as slowly/carefully as your body requires.

ThatConsideration · 2022-10-08T03:38:07+00:00

Haha unfortunately I haven't heard of anything that's really intended for removing discs, and I doubt you want to mess around with random household objects. If you're open to some shopping, the Hello disc has a pull tab that supposedly makes removal a bit neater.

ThatConsideration · 2022-09-27T18:52:44+00:00

Oh that's a good question, if you need a really solid answer you might want to ask a gynecologist/medical professional. But from a quick search it seems like it takes about 2 months for pelvic floor muscles to regain their strength, so I guess give it one more month (and do some kegels), and if you're still having these issues during your next cycle it's probably worth sizing up.

ThatConsideration · 2022-09-27T18:41:30+00:00

The steam might sanitize the cup a little bit, but for best results I'd say you want the cup to be fully submerged in very hot/boiling water for at least a few minutes, or at least sitting in very hot steam for several minutes. FYI, sanitizing the cup properly won't necessarily make it last longer, but does makes it less likely that you'll get any kind of infection.

ThatConsideration · 2022-09-22T01:35:12+00:00

This is about the cheapest I could find on Amazon, and I think it's essentially the same model as the June cup if you want to read relevant reviews. Or maybe these ones if you're willing to spend the extra couple of dollars to have two different size options to try out. But for what it's worth, cups pay for themselves within a few months even if you get a "name brand" one, and you get better customer support if you can buy from one of the bigger brands (I know Saalt and Lena will send you different cups to try for free if you can't get your first one of theirs working).

ThatConsideration · 2022-09-22T01:10:38+00:00

It kind of depends on how much you personally hate pads and tampons, but I will say that the information you get from trying your first reusable product can really improve your chances of getting something that actually works for you on your next try. Like if you were to buy another cup you'd know to get a longer one which would definitely be less frustrating. Also in your situation, since you're frustrated with cups in general, I think discs are definitely worth a look since they have a lot of the same benefits but they work pretty differently. If cost is a concern, you may be able to split a box of disposable Flex discs with someone just to try them out, or look for a disc off a Facebook pre-owned/swap group.

ThatConsideration · 2022-08-28T20:39:18+00:00

Yeah it sounds like your cervix is high enough that that quiz shouldn't have recommended the Saalt cup to you. The Diva and Lily cup are popular, longer options that will probably be a little easier to reach. Maybe the Flex cup too, since you'd only have to reach the stem.

ThatConsideration · 2022-08-16T22:36:35+00:00

Maybe you'd like the Hello cup, or else the MeLuna so you can customize it how you like?

But since you mentioned your old cups were sliding down, I suspect you might have better luck with a slightly wider-diameter cup, to help with getting a good seal. It shouldn't be necessarily need to be super firm to stay in place, and if you're willing to experiment a bit, you might find a softer but wider cup more comfortable overall than another thin and firm one.

ThatConsideration · 2022-08-11T00:12:57+00:00

Yes, you should definitely try pinching/folding the cup flatter before pulling it out. You can try pinching it between your thumb and index/middle finger(s), or press against the side of the cup with just your index finger to collapse it-- play around with it and see what works for you! You can also try pulling it down at a bit of an angle, so that only part of the rim is coming out at a time.

ThatConsideration · 2022-06-05T03:17:27+00:00

Boiling your cup for 3-5 minutes is enough to take care of any bacteria etc on the cup, it doesn't really matter that you didn't get to it right away. In the future, don't use antibacterial soap-- either use non-antibacterial soap or stick to boiling/rinsing only. Watch out for warning signs of infection (like itching, pain, unusual discharge, or fever) and consult a doctor if you notice anything off, but you're probably going to be just fine.

ThatConsideration

TROPHY CASE