I'm on my first cycle using a menstrual cup.
I'm pleased to say that after reading hundreds of advice and problem solving posts here, my experience so far has been very simple and I'm so glad I've found this way of managing my cycle!
The biggest thing that has really blown me away is how clean and secure it is to use an MC. I honestly thought it'd be difficult to avoid a total mess of blood ending up absolutely everywhere! I have heavy periods which I'd previously use tampons to manage, but I hated using them. I never thought that cups would be way less messy than tampons, and wish I was more curious to try cups earlier!
So I thought I'd write this post of encouragement - the great advice here is extremely helpful with fabulous anatomy lessons, but i did find it somewhat daunting and I didn't think I'd be able to get it right. I guess all the reading I did paid off as I haven't experienced any issues and have some good ideas about how to deal with any if I did.
I'm using a Juju, purchased a model 1 first and then a model 2 a few days later. I'm 39 with kids (caesar) and the model 1 is the most comfortable so far, but I have a seemingly lower than average little button cervix. I'm trying the 2 today which I think feels a little less comfortable for me, hard to tell whether it's just cramps though, but happy to deal for the extra capacity. It still feels way more comfortable than tampons - even though I can't really feel an inserted tampon - but there is that blocked sensation and the vaginal dryness which didn't feel healthy.
My only practice point is MC removal - it requires patience - finding postures that work to grab the thing and bearing down eventually works. I can see why it might help to enlarge the holes if it keeps proving to be a challenge. But all up, I'm saving time with a cup even if it takes me a minute, as I used to have to change tampons so often.
It's a good thing to feel so connected to my body and managing my cycle in a way that feels healthier and more responsible.
Thanks everyone!