If you couldn't figure out how to stick a wad of cotton up your vag, I'm wondering if a cup might be a bit too difficult to start off with?

I have more of a problem with tampons than I did learning to use cups.

I understand how to put a cup in there better, I think. just fold it, then find the cervix to let it grab on there. but the few times i've tried tampons, i've failed every time by sticking it in the wrong angle. putting it in and not quite knowing how to take the applicator off, and just ruining them.

I could never figure out the wad of cotton either, but I've been using cups successfully for nearly two years. I am also 100% sure that I've seen multiple other posters (active people with lots of information and enthusiasm for cups) tell a similar story. Tampons and cups really are not particularly similar. Not being able to use the one doesn't mean you can't use the other.

OP: I'm afraid I don't have any advice on your particular situation, but I'm sure others in the community do! :)

Tampons don't work for plenty of people. I spent ages angling them wrong and poking myself in the vaginal wall.

having experience with tampons is not a requirement for using cups. besides, the OP has a low cervix, which makes it even more difficult.

i hate the assumption that if you've never used tampons you are stupid or afraid of putting things into your vagina.

You can try inserting your finger as far as it'll go until you touch your cervix; it's round and firm, sometimes described as feeling like "the end of your nose". Then use your finger to measure the distance in to that point.

It's generally most useful to measure this when you're actually having your period, because many people find their cervix moves down a bit then, so that's the position (depth) that's relevant for fitting a menstrual cup.

For what it's worth, I have a low cervix and have found that the MINI MeLuna works very well for me, since it's one of the shorter cups.

Edited at 2012-04-27 07:25 am (UTC)

I'm on my period right now, So I'll try and check it out while i'm in the shower perhaps. Thanks for the tips :)

if you can see it, i don't think it's your cervix.
how old are you? is there a possibility that you might have prolapse?

if it's your cervix there should be a hole in it. i knew there's a hole in the hymen so when i found my cervix at the age of 14 i thought it was my hymen XDDDDDD

I'm not certain on what it is. but i'm pretty sure it is my cervix. I have went to a gyno once and forgot to ask about it, and the doctor didn't say anything about anything being unusual. I'm 21... not entirely sure what a prolapse is but it sounds horrifying o__o

If your cervix were down low enough to see it from the outside, the gyno would have been quite concerned.

It's really rare to have even a partial prolapse at 21, but not impossible - mine prolapsed (not all the way; it was maybe 1/2" up from my introitus) at 23. AND my GYN didn't catch it (it's conventional wisdom that a woman my age with 0 pregnancies could never have a prolapse, so she didn't believe me when I told her that's what was going on, even after examining me. I ended up having surgery for it, so it was definitely prolapsed). So if you feel it, and it feels firm like your cervix, it COULD be your cervix.

In my experience, with a prolapse, the cup acts like a pessary and helps hold things up. Before surgery, I had to take my cup out to pee - but I also had to take tampons out, and pulling out a dry tampon was way more painful.

Short answer: Yes, a cup can work even if your cervix is low. Go for small and soft. I like the MINI Meluna, as well.

Or wide and soft. Wider cups will fit around your cervix more easily than narrower ones, so they do not require as much room lengthwise.

My cervix is fairly low (less than one inch in) and my cup of choice is a large Fleurcup with the stem and grip rings removed.

Edited at 2012-05-01 07:54 am (UTC)

Even though you don't like using tampons, if you are comfortable inserting other things into your vagina (for function or pleasure) then you shouldn't have an issue with cups. If not, get familiar with your southern anatomy and then use the various Size Charts at the Community FAQ or at http://sizecharts.livejournal.com/ to figure out what cups you think would fit and suit you best.

As for being able to see your cervix, I doubt it. If you are willing to look at some VERY FRANK photos of vaginae, then http://www.the-clitoris.com/ has a wealth of good information. But be WARNED that it's absolutely NOT censored so be careful who else can see over your shoulder.