For insertion, definitely try sitting on the toilet or lying on your back, it makes everything so much more relaxed. Different folds and also facing the fold towards the back may help.

Before you get yourself a different cup, try to make this one work, and see from there how you'll like your next cup (longer/shorter, softer/firmer, different shape, stem, capacity, etc.). there are more than just two brands out there to make your next choice... see the charts :
http://sizecharts.livejournal.com/

thanks! I came home earlier today from work for 'alone' time so will try again tomorrow... I really want to get it mastered (or at least in!) before my next period...

I was able to insert tampons standing up with one foot on the toilet, but it doesn't work as well with my cup. I find that sitting on the toilet is the easiest insertion method for me. Other people find that it's easiest to insert while lying down.

I used to have a Moon Cup (US), which is similar to the UK one, and I found that the triangle fold was the best with that cup. It's like the 7 fold, but you fold it down more.

If you look at the stiffness chart (http://menstrualcupinfo.wordpress.com/cup-stiffness-comparison-chart/), you'll see that the Meluna classic is only slightly softer than the MCUK (6/10 vs 7.5/10), but the Meluna soft is much softer (1.5/10). I don't know if a softer cup would make insertion easier. I actually found that my Moon Cup (US), which is rather stiff, was easier to learn to insert than my softer small Lunette (what I use now) because it was less yielding to pressure.

Definitely try the lubricant and the different folds/positions. From your comment above, I think you're doing a dry run (insertion between periods)? A lot of people find cups easier to insert on their period, so keep that in mind while you're practicing. :)

hm, it's the older mooncups that were stiff. the newer ones are considered soft (though it may of course be stiffer than you expected, especially due to the shape of the rim). here's a stiffness chart: http://menstrualcupinfo.wordpress.com/cup-stiffness-comparison-chart/ but i agree, first try to make this cup work. the biggest issue with stiff cup is actually not insertion but feeling them throughout your day or during certain movements.

as for unexpected popping, it's important how exactly you keep it folded. http://lockerz.com/s/71359161 this is what works for me. i then sort of press it against my vulva and slide it in.

here's a post about popping open, btw: http://menstrual-cups.livejournal.com/2618390.html#cutid1 might be useful...

ps i don't mind your post looking like this on my fpage http://prntscr.com/9tb41 but others might.

the stiffness chart hasn't been updated but many say it's more like a 3 out of 10 now... a russian site says it's softer than a meluna soft.

on the other hand you might have one from an old batch...

ABSOLUTELY no offence meant, but your post reminded me on this one: http://menstrual-cups.livejournal.com/2398396.html
meaning that the shape might be the problem. for insertion, try a fold that will "hide" the rim into the cup! punch-down sounds good and there might be some other good options.
please don't be discouraged!

OMG this is like THE WORST cup experience I've ever read...
Did she make it work eventually ?

no idea. i don't think she gave it another try...

Don't buy another cup yet! Get through the dreaded learning curve with this one and then if you still want another cup, use what you know about this one to choose one that's shorter/longer, wider/narrower, stiffer/softer, shaped differently, etc.

Use the various size charts (found at the Community FAQ) and side by side photos to compare cups to the one that you have to others that you might be interested in.

If you sit on the toilet, drop your panties to your ankles so you can flop your knees wide. Sometimes turning the cup so the folded part faces the other way (down vs up, etc) makes all the difference in the world when it comes to successful insertion and seal.

Hang in there! It won't take long to figure out a way that works for you. :o)

Thanks everyone, And Serpent - I think I have changed my post? I didn't realise it looked like that!

I am trying a 'dry run'... So hopefully will be easier when my period comes.
I hope perserverance is the key, I really want this to work for me... I agree with the post Serpent posted - not succeeding doesn't do well for my self esteem as a woman... I definitely thought "why am I different..."

Ah well... I will keep going...!
Thanks everyone

just choose the default font :)

the main thing about that post are the responses, have a look at them! there's nothing wrong with you and most of us had some difficulties initially :) you only reminded me on her because mooncup is similar to the femmecup, both are considered soft but have this slightly awkward shaped rim. (quite many actually prefer it like that!)