The best menstrual cup for your body should be completely comfortable. You shouldn’t experience any pain or even discomfort while wearing a menstrual cup or disc. If you’re experiencing menstrual cup pain, watch this video to better understand the potential causes of discomfort. And, better yet, we also have the solutions that can help you wear your cup all day with comfort. Check it out:
Menstrual Cup Pain During Insertion
If it hurts when you insert your menstrual cup the most likely culprit is a lack of proper lubrication coupled with the cup’s folded size. Adding a cup safe water-based lubricant to the rim of your cup can make insertion easier. It can also eliminate the pain you may experience when inserting the cup. If lubricant alone doesn’t help try experimenting with other menstrual cup folds. The “Punchdown Fold” method can be more comfortable for insertion, because the tip is narrow and the cup slowly tapers. If the cup needs to be even smaller you can try the “Labia Fold” (works best with softer firmness cups).
If you find insertion painful, because it feels like something is blocking the cup, you may have a low cervix and your cup is coming into contact with it. Do not force a cup into your body if something is blocking it and you’re in pain. Take the menstrual cup quiz to find the brands that are best suited for a low cervix instead of trying to force a cup to fit.
If it feels like your vagina is extremely tight and trying to insert your menstrual cup or even a tampon can’t be done, this could be a sign of vaginismus. Vaginismus is a muscle response, either physical or emotional in nature, when the vaginal muscles tightly contract during penetration. It’s treatable, so if you suspect this might be your issue see your care provider for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Menstrual Cup Pain During Wear
One of the biggest reasons to switch to a menstrual cup is that it’s more comfortable to wear than tampons. If that isn’t your experience so far, then you must be wondering what all the hype is about! Well, your cup shouldn’t cause any pain or discomfort during wear.
The most common cause of menstrual cup pain during wear is that the cup is too firm. This means that the cup is exerting an outward force that is felt by other organs and parts of your body. Not everyone’s anatomy disagrees with firm cups but lots of users find a softer menstrual cup works better for them. If you are finding that your cramps get worse (not better, as is often reported by cup users) or that you feel the urge to urinate, that’s a sign that you need a softer cup or a menstrual disc.
If you have painful periods due to a health condition it’s still possible to use a menstrual cup or disc. In fact, many people with endometriosis, PCOS, and fibroids find these products the best option since they also tend to have heavy periods. Softer firmness cups or discs might be an overall more comfortable experience for you.
Menstrual Cup Suction Pain
Extremely sharp and painful cramps are a sign that the cup is touching or even suctioning to your cervix. This is not a fun or comfortable experience. Many times the cup will walk itself up and find the cervix during wear, even if you try to position the cup lower when you insert it.
To fix this issue you either need a wider diameter cup that won’t suction to the cervix or a shorter cup. You can also switch to reusable menstrual discs since these are suction-free.
How to Remove a Menstrual Cup Without Pain
Even though most menstrual cups have a long stem at their base this is not what you should use to remove your cup. Simply tugging the stem to remove your menstrual cup may cause pain or discomfort because the cup has created a “suction” inside your vaginal canal. Removing without breaking the suction is a common mistake, but easy to fix. Simply make sure you always pinch the base enough to bring the rim away from your vaginal wall, thus breaking the seal to remove.
Another potential cause for painful removals is the size of the cup. We fold the cup to insert it, but it’s not folded when we remove it. For some users, this can be painful, especially for cups that are a wider diameter or firm. A firm cup applies outward pressure and if you pull it straight down that could hurt on the way out.
Instead, try angling the cup while removing it at the widest part, the rim, while it exits your body. This reduces the overall size.
A messier option but even more effective way to remove your cup without pain is to fold it in half while removing it. Be sure to have your body positioned over your toilet or do this in the shower.
What Menstrual Cup is Right for Me?
Even with some of these suggestions, it’s possible only a new menstrual cup or disc will address the cause of your pain, because your current product just isn’t right for you.
Our popular menstrual cup quiz has been designed to help you troubleshoot your issues to find a better product, and hopefully, help you find period nirvana. Try it today and see what 9 years of menstrual cup experience and expertise can build! The Period Nirvana menstrual cup quiz is unbiased, has 27 total outcomes, and includes results not sold or carried by Period.Shop for a diverse and accurate experience for every user.
Hi Kim,
Thanks for your article. I am a first time cup user. Each time I insert my cup, I don’t hear the pop sound and I still get stained. When I remove the cup, the cup comes out exactly the same way I folded the cup while trying to insert. What do I do to resolve this?
You can try moving your finger against your vaginal wall while the cup is inserted. Essentially circling the cup with your fingertip. This could give the cup some room to pop-open. You can also try ‘pumping’ the cup from the base while it’s inserted to help encourage it to unfold. You can try different folds, which may work better for you. And lastly, you may need a firmer cup that while ‘pop’ more easily.
Hello…i am a first time user of menstrual cup. I was not on my period when i tried to insert the cup. When i was inserting it i felt a really strange foreign pain, as if my body is totally trying to make me leave the idea of wearing it…i stopped trying then a day after i again tried but this time i couldn’t even insert my finger in there…my inner was painful…what should I do???
I don’t want to speculate to what might be a medical issue but your body and mind may be working in conjunction. It could be some swelling. When not on your period using water-based lubricant is helpful to make insertino go easier, if it was harder without lubrication that may have added to the swelling you have going on.
Hi Kim, So first time attempting to use a cup today and I think I’ve scared myself off it completely. I’m 42, and have had a child via c section, and have an IDU. I got the
Lunette Reusable Menstrual Cup (model 2). I think I put it in correctly (any further and I wouldn’t have been able to reach it to remove it) I felt uncomfortable; like it was pushing against me too hard. After less than 5 minutes I felt dizzy and sick and close to fainting. After some difficulty and deep breathing, I managed to remove it. I was really excited to try this product, but now I’m petrified of trying again. What do you think happened, what did I do wrong? Would a disc be better? Advice greatly appreciated – fellow pumpkin fan 🙂
Hey! If I had to guess based on your description this sounds like a vasovagal response (dizziness, faint) I’m not a medical professional so I won’t advise what you should do but please look into this and see if that sounds right and then maybe talk with your care provider about best ways to try a cup safely if you decide to keep going!
Hi Kim,
I am a first-time cup user and my cup keeps going far up and removing it is becoming harder every time. I can barely reach the tip, let alone the base of the cup.. It hurts to remove the cup from so far in.
Please advice.
Have you taken my quiz on this site? It should help you determine if you have a high cervix… which is likely the reason you need a longer cup that you can more easily reach. I have a number of options on my store, and more coming soon! https://period.shop/collections/best-for-a-high-cervix
Be sure you break the seal when removing. You may also look for cups that have ‘suction holes’ that help break the seal (not all have these).
Hello
Im am also a first time cup user. I have been for 2 or 3 months . However i dont experience suction pain during my period, but after it. Its a bearable pain and have never felt it before when i was using tampons. What can it be and how can i stop feeling it ? It comes a little vit strong roght after my period. But softens and almost disappears completely.
I’m trying out the Ziggycup for the first time this month and I have never before had cramps as bad as I have had this cycle. Normally it’s a day of being in pain and then I’m done. This time I have been down for two-izh days with the worst cramps I have ever had in my life. Could the Ziggycup be causing this? Can touching the cervix cause cramping?
Sorry I am replying too late to this. I would recommend trying a few other products for other cycles to compare and see if it’s just coincidence or a real pattern for you. The vaginal fornix doesn’t have many nerve endings, so the product sitting there shouldn’t directly cause any pains.
I’m new user to cup when I used it first I fainted and the second time I’m having fever so what would be the reason
So sorry to hear of your issues. It could be related to a vasovagal response, but that’s just a guess. If you think the sensory issues within your vaginal canal is causing an issue, you could try a menstrual disc which sits in a completely different area of the body.
hello, im a first time menstrual cup user and also have a low cervix, i used to over fill my pad if i dont change it withing 6 hours (i use a thick type) but after switching to the cup for 24 hours im unable to fill half of the cup even i clear it every 7 hours, the whole cervix is inside the cup when i wear it, maybe that blocks the hole and make it harder to flow? i got so overthinking that i had to switch back to using pad 🙁 please tell me if it is wrong or not to not having any gaps between the cup and the cervix, thanks.
A cervix should sit above or nestled inside the cup, so it shouldn’t block anything. It’s also very unlikely that there is a physical blockage. It could be that visually the pad appears to have more blood than it does due to absorption materials. I would see if your period ends at the normal time (duration) to be a better judge.
I didn’t break the suction well and started pulling the mensural cup and now there‘s a little pain. And i’m worried if it’ll damage my cervix! A little help here
Breaking the suction is key to removing a cup without pain. Some cups have suction holes which help break suction, and if you can’t reach in fully to use a finger to break the suction the only cup on the market that could help is the Flex cup. We now sell this cup on our store HERE in two sizes. Menstrual Discs are suction-free, if you’re open to trying a different type of period care. You can learn more about discs HERE.
Good day Kim!
So I had a question, I had a miscarriage 8/24/2021. I have used menstrual cups for about 2 almost 3 years now. Ever since my miscarriage 9 months ago It has been so painful to use one. And I mean PAINFUL. Half time I feel like my uterus is going to fall out (I know it wont though) but that’s how painful it is. I’m not sure if I should bring this up to my Dr. or maybe try a different cup. Honestly having the same issue with super tampons as well. I can only wear regular ones now.
I can’t give you medical advice, but if you have unresolved pain a consult is probably advisable. Another approach is finding/working with a pelvic floor therapist. If you’re having the same issue with tampons it is unlikely that suction is the cause for your issue. Discs sit higher than cups, in an area called the vaginal fornix. There are very few nerve endings in this area, and it should be harder for your body to provide any sensory feedback. It’s not a solution per se, just an alternative approach to your period care.
Hy mam i use menstrual cup last 3 mounths my cup lost in vagina stem is to high and cup is hurt to my cervix i think. i feel pain insert and off cup very painfull. I dnt know my cervix is high or not.
You very likely have a high cervix if a cup with a step went too high up. You can measure your cervix with my guide HERE. I would suggest taking the quiz on the main page to help guide you to a good product. Regardless of your situation, you should not be in pain using a re-usable menstrual product.
Hi Kim,
I used saalt soft cup regular, i kept feeling discomfort. Feeling the urge to per and a little irritating poking while sitting or lying. I am a first time user, shall i switch to a smaller size. Will that help.
It could be the size but it’s more likely caused by the firmness of the Saalt Cup Regular. They make a softer version if everything else works for you in the same size, the Saalt Soft https://period.shop/products/saalt-soft but if you’re extrememly sensitive even their softest may apply pressure. It’s a hard thing to know until you try.
Hi Kim,
Thanks for your work I really appreciate your videos. I have a question my cup is giving me very intense cramps while I wearing. Usually happens after with the time, like 4 hours ish and more intense over the days. I was wondering if could be too long? Thanks
No matter what I do ! Break the suction while pinching the base , or put a finger between the cup and the vaginal wall or fold it while it’s still inside , I just can’t remove it without pain.
I guess it keeps forming the suction again and again while I am bringing it all the way down.
Kindly help me out with this because my experience with insertion and using the cup has been great and I really want to continue using it , but the removal makes my blissful experience a nightmare !
Hello, I’m really keen to move to cups. I’m on my third one and with my limited budget I really want to get it right.
I now believe I have a low cervix and so have got a Lumma SB cup as I have vaginally birthed two children.
It’s currently not hugely comfortable as I can feel the solid stem poking me when I walk. I’ve tried to move it further up but it moves back down. I’m wondering if the cup is too narrow or if I have it in wrong.
I don’t have problems getting them in or out, I think my flow is medium.
Thank you so much,
Some movement as you move is totally normal, but if the pain you’re experiencing is due to the stem I would suggest looking at stemless low-cervix options. There aren’t many on the market, but Hello Cup Low Cervix is an option for you. You can also try trimming the stem of your current cup. Take a look at thecupfinder.com and search for stemless.
Hi Kim,
Ive been wearing a cup for about a year its bene pretty hit or miss but I continue to push through. I have a retroverted uterus and I was curious could this be a factor or concern in regards to discomfort and leaks when wearing a cup? I’ve taken the quiz but don’t recall that being a question.
It’s a bit hard to codify into a quiz, but I do have a whole video on this topic! Check it out HERE.
Hello,
I have tried the saalt teen cup and I have no pain during insertion. Although I get cramping pains (suctioning probably) sometimes when I use it. And when I remove it, it hurts like crazy, I mean I almost cried one. I think it might be stretching my opening which is making it hurt (I am 13). Do you have any ideas on what I can do?
Your vagina is quite stretchy, and shouldn’t be an issue unless you have vaginismus (medical condition). I really think you should focus on breaking the seal of the cup before attempting to remove it. This requires getting a finger along the side of the cup and indenting it to break the suction. Then you can remove. You never want to pull on the stem, unless you need to gently wiggle side to side with the stem to bring it lower (to break the seal). Best of luck, and consider our facebook community if you want more help.
I hope you respond to me!!!
I’ve been using menstural cups for around 3 years and I still haven’t found the perfect fit. All the cups seem to be too long for me.
Recently I found one that fits and doesn’t stick out, but I’ve realized that it suctions to my cervix rather than my vaginal canal. I don’t get terrible cramps from it, but I get a lot of cervical tenderness.
I’m not sure how to find a Cup that has a wide opening but a short base. The only ones that work are the ones that are made for teens.
I’ve tried menstural discs (I’ve only tried the disposable ones) but they seem to pop out right out.
I don’t want to spend so much money on menstural products so I am using o.b digital tampons. I really hate relying on disposable products tho. I really want to find a solution that isn’t reusable pads or menstrual underwear.
Please help!
I am not sure what you consider short, or what you have tried. But my suggestion is to play around with thecupfinder.com where you can filter both for length and diameter to find something that might work for your body. Best of luck on your journey towards nirvana!
Hey,I’m a new cup user.Currently using Safe cup-M,I’m 27.Insertion, Removing is little bit painful but it’s ok.But the main problem is I’m continuously feeling dull ache like period crump here in tip of my pubic area.Feels like something is pushing up.Should I try this cup for being adapted or change it?Plz suggest 😭
If there is too much pressure you could try a softer cup. Thecupchart.com and also the PN quiz on periodnirvana.com could help find the best cup for you.