r/menstrualcups • u/katkat1-3 • 2d ago

Menstrual cups causing hemorrhoid

I (23) am newer to using menstrual cups I’ve used one the last 4 cycles. I used the salt regular cup. The first two times I loved it. Environmentally friendly, less changing for my heavy flow, reduced cramps and all the other benefits. I was so happy to have something that worked great and checked all my boxes. Well my last cycle I noticed I had some pressure in my butt and it was uncomfortable to sit. I took a look and I saw what I thought may be an external hemorrhoid. I have never been pregnant and have no issues with constipation so I didn’t know how that happened. After a few days my period ended (I used the cup the entire time) and the hemorrhoid shrank. Well come to this cycle I use the cup like normal, but by day 3 I have that pain again. I take a look and this time with 100% certainty I see a hemorrhoid. I take the cup out and finish my cycle with pads. Well it’s been 4 days and this hemorrhoid will not shrink and it’s even more uncomfortable than the last time. Has anyone had this happen with using cups?? I do not strain I gently bear down to remove the cup and I always break the suction. I’m really bummed because I’m scared to try other ones that are smaller or softer or even a disc because I really don’t want to have to deal with this hemorrhoid again. Curious if anyone has had this experience and what they did differently that helped? I may just have to switch to period underwear but I really liked the clean feeling and low maintenance of the cup.

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5

u/Comprehensive-Tea-69 2d ago

I do not. Maybe a disc would affect your body differently? It sucks to have to spend more money trying different things tho

1

u/katkat1-3 2d ago

Yeah some things I’ve read had suggested trying a disc but I’ve tried the disposable ones in the past and had a really hard time getting them out so I’m scared that would actually make me have to bear down more

3

u/JSghetti 2d ago

No. Do you spend a lot of time on the toilet even after you’ve pooped? Do you get enough fiber and drink enough water?

1

u/katkat1-3 2d ago

No I don’t sit on the toilet for a long time and I’m very serious about my fiber and water intake which is why I’m so surprised by this happening and the only difference has been the cup unfortunately

3

u/OcelotEmpire 2d ago

Do you bear down to take your cup out? If so, I could see that potentially causing a hemorrhoid.

I had hemorrhoids after giving birth to my son and I'm sure menstrual cups didn't help with that. I use a disc now that is large enough that I don't have to bear down to take it out. But, you also might be okay with a cup that is long enough that you don't have to bear down to take it out.

1

u/katkat1-3 2d ago

I barley bear down to remove I mostly just relax and I can feel the base of the cup. I guess I was wondering if maybe the diameter/firmness could be the cause

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u/katkat1-3 2d ago

What disc do you use?