After lurking around the community for a few months, I decided to join and created a LJ account only for you (cool, huh? Hope I'm getting this right...). I wanted to try menstrual cups for a few years now after a friend from uni told me about MeLuna (because I'm living in Germany and it sounded like a good, cheap choice at that time), and later again (I had forgotten about it for a while) on twitter. I was excited and wanted to finally do it! But I couldn't decide which brand to buy, even after comparing and reading and researching...
But then a wonderful friend gifted me a MCUK (B) - which is why I'm here to chat a bit.
First thoughts: OH DAMN THIS THING IST HUGE! How is this ever going to fit inside my 23y/o virgin vagina? Second thought: But it's so squishy! I can do that!
Which is why I decided to give the cup a dry run (Yes I know, I've read that it's not a good idea because the vagina is different outside menstruation... I did anyway). So the first time was a bit scary, I guess. I boiled the cup, then used water as lubricant and folded the cup in the punchdown fold. It would go in but not pop open, so I removed my cup (now a bit sticky with my normal discharge..which was funny to see). After a few minutes I tried the C-fold, and it worked. Well, it went inside, I had difficulties popping it open, traced around the rim, heard the air be sucked inside the cup and then it would sit tight inside me. After wearing the cup for a few minutes I noticed that it travelled upwards. At first it was quite low, stem poking out a bit, but then it went upwards towards my cervix. I tried not to panic although I really though my vagina ate the cup...
Getting the cup out was tricky, and it HURT. I suppose because I wasn't able to release the seal properly, because I felt like my vagina was being pulled inside out... my fingers are short and my cervix is quite high so I couldn't reach the rim - the thick, firm rim. Somehow, after lying down on my bed, I got the cup out and I felt very very sore, like bruised from the inside.
The next day, because I am brave and a bit stupid when it comes to things like that, I decided to try again (dry run again). Inserting with C-fold and popping open, no problem. Removing, painful again. I had to lie, squat, sit in the bathtub which was cold and uncomfortable. Although I giggled when it literally POPPED out of me, shooting discharge around. Sore, but somehow it makes orgasm a few hours afterwards different.
Anyway, today I'm on a not-dry-run, but on the day before my period really kicks in. I get a lot of yellowish brown fluid with a bit of blood, and tomorrow will be an ocean of blood. So I inserted the cup, effortlessly, wore it for a few hours, didn't feel anything (I guess the travelling up bit is normal and I don't have to worry? I read all the charts and diagrams by the manufacturers are wrong?) and removing was a bit easier, but still uncomfortable and making me sore because I have to put so many fingers up myself alongside the cup. But peeing and pooping with the cup inside me worked fine, also masturbating. So... I'm looking forward to my real period.
What can I do better, anyway? I have difficulties releasing the seal and I am scared that it will hurt more on my period because I am very sensitive then.
I have thought about enlarging the air holes if I notice that I still have problems during period use. BUT HOW DO I ENLARGEN THE TINY HOLES? I don't want to buy extra tools. Can I use a needle or something like that?
Thank you for reading and hopefully, advice!
I will write again during/after my first cycle with the MCUK.
UPDATE: so my period finally started today! Later than I expected because of the first droplets of blood a few days ago, but maybe my vagina was a bit confused. I could open my cup without problems, it opens with a satisfying slow hiss (after being inserted with an extremely awkward rubbery squeak) and did not leak yet. First time removing after 3 hours (to be safe) resulted in a one quarter full cup and bloody fingers. I think that some blood was left beneath the cup after reinserting because my newly washed fingers came away a bit bloody while checking the seal. I think I need more practice.
So far I am happy! But let's see how I survive the night.