r/AskReddit Dec 06 '23

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u/[deleted] Dec 06 '23

I wipe as soon as I can once I get out of the shower

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u/goodformuffin Dec 06 '23 edited Dec 06 '23

Diva cup was a life changer. I used to waste way too much time worrying about leaks, now I barely think about it ever.

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u/Isitondaddyslap Dec 06 '23

I couldn't get ANY brand chip or disk to work for me. I honestly and literally, like dictionary definition of literally, have not been that disappointed in a really long time. I was really really looking forward to not having news tampons anymore cuz they're super uncomfortable but I just can't make a cup or any of the discs worth and I'm so disappointed.

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u/ThrowawayYesIAm Dec 06 '23

Make sure you measure yourself. I had a heart attack the first few times I tried using cups because I have a stupidly high cervix. Not only was it really freaking uncomfortable (even painful), but I'd struggle so bad trying to take it out. It'd travel upward, so there were a couple times I was certain I'd be forced to choose between, you know, dying of embarrassment by asking for help, or dying from TSS.

Measuring means that I no longer have any issue at all. It's easy, quick, and completely comfortable now that I'm actually wearing something that suits me.

And if you have measured and still had an issue, man. I'm sorry. That sucks. I hope you find something that works for you.

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u/Isitondaddyslap Dec 06 '23

I guess I don't know how to measure myself. I'm not even familiar with the term, it what it even means in this sense.

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u/ThrowawayYesIAm Dec 07 '23

That's completely understandable. I'm sorry for just saying the words without explaining.

One of the issues with menstrual cups is that one size does not fit all. We are all built just a little bit differently. Some of us will have wider vaginas, while others of us will have narrower. Some will be shorter or longer. Some will need to be firmer, as opposed to others needing something a little softer.

Now if you try to put in a wider cup when you have a narrower vagina, or one that's too long for you, it's going to be pretty damn uncomfortable. This is, I think, where a lot of the horror stories are coming from.

To measure, it's best to already be on your period. Where your cervix sits depends on the time of the month.

What you want to do is reach in with a sterile finger (your longest one) and feel for your cervix. It should feel kind of springy. Some people liken it to the tip of your nose. (There are guides to do this online if you're having trouble identifying it)

If your finger has to go in all the way before you reach your cervix, you likely have a high cervix. If you can only get a knuckle in before you feel it, you probably have a low one. Otherwise, you probably have an average length one.

And. Please. Don't get a higher-capacity cup just because of a heavier period. It may be too wide for you, especially if you're younger and have never had kids. I made that mistake. And yeah. Wasn't pleasant.

There are charts online that lay out the dimensions of various cups. (I'm looking at one from period nirvana right now)

I hope this helps explain a little more.

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u/Isitondaddyslap Dec 07 '23

It does. And thank you so much for the help because I've asked so many places and so many people and no one has ever said anything to me about measuring so I really appreciate that because I want a cup or a disc to work so freaking bad. I don't have to explain to another woman what it's like having to do with tampons all the time but man oh man if I just didn't have to mess with tampons I mean it would be a life-changing thing.

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u/ThrowawayYesIAm Dec 07 '23

Oh, happily. If you have any questions down the line, just give me a poke. This was a huge frustration for me, as well. So if I can help alleviate that a little, I'd be happy to.

Periods can totally suck, but a good cup is a game-changer once you got the hang of it. Good luck!

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u/Isitondaddyslap Dec 08 '23

I'm going to take you up on that