I had vaginismus so could never insert anything, including having a Pap smear. I finally got to place where intercourse was “possible” and actually got pregnant but because of complications had an emergency c-section and was never even checked on dilation progress! I finally got pelvic floor therapy and was able to overcome that but tampons were incredibly hard for me to use, for all the reasons you mentioned. A friend started using a cup and I thought she was crazy and I’d never be able to use one given my issues. But I eventually figured it was worth try, mostly because we had gotten a house with a pool and swimming was impossible with a tampon because it would get pushed out because of my tight pelvic floor. It took me awhile and had to get very comfortable with my body, but I will never go back!! I tell all my friends about them because they are life changing! So comfortable and easy, never comes out, and I completely forget I even have my period. Your videos have been so incredibly helpful so thank you!!
thank you for your comment! I don't know for sure, but I suspect I might have vaginismus myself. knowing 1) it's possible to overcome this and 2) cups aren't as bad as tampons is quite encouraging to here!
Why did I switch from tampons to cups? Short answer: Because tampons didn't do their damn job. Longer answer: I have very heavy flows that soak even the most "super" tampons within seconds. Prior to my switch, I always had to wear pads on my heavier days since tampons couldn't cut it. At night, I would put a towel underneath me just so I wouldn't stain my bed sheets. In contrast, my Merula cup can hold my flows for a good 12 hours and never leak. I also have a residual slobber issue so I always do a few swipes with my finger and a wet washcloth before and after inserting my cup.
I get a weird visceral reaction pulling tampons out. I get nauseous and break out in cold sweats. I used to NEED tampons because I lifeguarded, taught swimming lessons and swam/coaches synchronized swimming (basically lived at the pool). I also have PCOS and I'm really heavy...so those were fun times. I wish I had known about cups sooner!
I tried using tampons for *years* and it was just always sooo drying and painful. I'm using a cup for the first time this week and it's so much more comfortable, I love it!
I’m allergic to tampons and pads. I just always thought tampons/pads made everyone feel itching, burning, pain, rashes, tenderness, etc. luckily I started using menstrual cups at age 23 and then finally figured out that I was allergic to tampons/pads at age 27 lol it’s kind of embarrassing that I didn’t realize it sooner, I thought it was normal and everyone dealt with it. 🤦🏼♀️
I used to be okay with pads over tampons but idk if they changed the type of material in pads or added something but recently pads have given me rashes and irritation despite how often I change or shower or brand of pads. It’s gotten to the point that I want to call out from work even though my cramps aren’t too bad. I’m currently doing as much research as I can to buy myself a cup.
This is literally exactly what I’ve been looking for the answer to!, I cannot use tampons I have tried numerous times AS WELL AS MINI TAMPONS!!!! I just cannot do it, it just hurts and doesn’t go in all the way. I’ve searched so many times trying to see what the problem is, but now I know that other people experience this and I need to try a menstural cup.
Hi. Sorry if its weird to reply to this a full 2 years after you posted it.. But I've gotta ask, did you try it? And if so, what are you honest opinions? I've really been struggling because I feel like im missing out on activities like swimming by not being able to wear tampons but I've tried so many times. They just can't go fully in. I feel so ashamed and I just really want something that'll work :(
@@brh.1892 Hey! not weird at all, I still haven't tried a menstrual cup after 2 years!!! wow! I think I was just scared of trying something new which is stupid, but I still struggle with tampons I think its because I'm so aware so I keep thinking about it and then psych myself out. I usually just end up using pads, but I am trying tampons again slowly, slowly, I think the more you practice the more you get use to it? I don't really know (lol) but never feel ashamed about not being able to use a tampon, everyone is different and takes time to adjust to things. I hope this helps even though I'm sure it didn't really answer your question. I wish you all the luck!! xx
I went straight from pads to discs, and they are so much less daunting than tampons. I’ve tried inserting tampons SO MANY times, but it literally took two tries to get my disc correctly placed.
What if tampons make your cramps worse? Not because it's rubbing the cervix. For some reason, inserting something sets off terrible cramps. I'm surprised more people haven't mentioned this. It is distinct from the problems mentioned above. Dryness isn't an issue, stiffness isn't an issue. Has anyone with this problem tried a cup vs. a tampon? I'd imagine a cup wouldn't be much better since the pain is caused by contact in a tender area.
my body did the same thing. When I first inserted a tampon and a cup, I got horrible cramps and got nauseous until I took them out. The nausea would stay for a few hours afterward too. Idk why that happens, but I tried again the next day and I was more or less fine and have been since then. It may be your body getting shocked by something entering that area suddenly
Love this video! I hated the dryness associated with tampons and the pain when I got the tampon in the wrong position. You don't get that with cups; you get total comfort. I love cups, and I love cloth pads!
Ima pad girl but when I would wear tampons to swim, I would get pregressively nauseous and have stomach cramps, ie higher in my than lower like with my usual period cramps, with a tampon in from the first hour. 🤷🏽♀️ Tampons literally make me sick.
I had a similar experience. Turns out that the tampons were actually touching my cervix and making me nauseous. I have a sensitive cervix so that's why cups are so nice since they sit lower than tampons. Maybe trying a cup might alleviate that pain?
@@melaniequai1504 I feel like they help a little bit over time. I get swollen and tender still but cramping overall is better. It's not yet proven but I swear for me that cup acts like a stress ball for when I get cramps. They've gone down like 70%. That's my personal experience
I actually spoke with a fellow Smashing Pumpkins fan yesterday and he said he suggests them to friends with periods regularly which was a super nice thing to hear! In context I don't see why men can't be vagangelists too!
why didn't I found you before I struggled a lot while usng a tampon took me months to get courage to use a tampon and viola! today I used a menstrual cup successfully for the first time
I started out with cardboard applicators as well when I used tampons for the first time in 2001.The brand was tampax regulars I cannot stand cardboard applicators because they usually separate and sometimes it's hard to put in I switched to tampax pearl tampons when they came out in 2002 you're all familiar with tampax pearl plastic applicators right??? Those are my go to tampons. Then a few months ago I started wearing kotex security super tampons for the sake of the lower price ,now just this last month October I tried a menstrual disc and let me tell you soft discs are better than tampons of one thing the disc are very comfortable more comfortable than a tampon and through out the 19+years of using tampons I learned that they cause TSS toxic shock syndrome which that could be deadly and tampons leak alot and they also carry odor with the menstrual disc even a menstrual cup it does not carry TSS,are odorless does not cause irritation nor does it hurt.I was in my 20s when I started using tampons now I'm in my 40s and started using a menstrual disc an item that is different out there that's safe.
Agree with so much of this. I'm 36 and started my periods at 10. I can count on 1 hand how many tampons I've successfully inserted and kept in for a decent amount of time. Inevitably what would happen is I'd put one in it wouldn't sit right so I'd suffer it for as long as I could then have to pull it out DRY! Agony so that would be it for tampons for that period. Sanitary towels dry me out whilst giving me a rash / mild thrush. I was amazed when I used a cup and didn't experience any discomfort, dryness or rashes. I was fortunate to get on with the very first cup I tried which is the fair squared natural latex cup. X
I had all the "typical " tampon dislikes...a little bit of dryness, it hurt pulling out a dry tampon, insertion with a cardboard or plastic applicator hurt sometimes but let's be real, we are told these are normal things and we just need to deal with it. I wasn't an unhappy tampon user. After my first kid, my flow was heavier. I found tampons would not handle my flow like before and I found I leaked a lot. Supers didn't work for more than a few hours when previously I could wear one for 6 hours and be fine. Overnight? Forget it! I constantly leaked and pads were worse. I can wear a cup on my heavy days for 6 to 8 hours and 12 on light days. It's awesome.
I tried a menstrual cup for the first time yesterday, it was way more painful to insert than a tampon and I had a really awful negative reaction within a few seconds, which wasn't the case when I used a tampon, I really thought cups would work and while I have found a bit online about people fainting it was way worse than that and I was wondering if anyone knew anything about that happening to other people?
Thank you for this video. This is something I was worried about. I just ordered my first cup and will be trying it next month. I am thirty five years old and I have never been able to successfully use a tampon. I either pinch myself with the applicator or just feel like I'm sitting on the tampon. Or both. I'm on the heavier side(weight wise) and hate waking up with my flow coming out my backside and not into my pad, no matter how I'm laying in bed. (I'm assuming I'm not the only one to experience this.) Anyway, I'm excited about learning to use a cup! Thank you again for being so informative!
Can I ask how it went? I'm so relieved reading this comment section and seeing there are people who share my experiences with tampons.. To be honest I've been feeling this weird sense of shame about it, I don't know why. I really wanna try the cup and was just wondering how you got on with it if you ended up trying?
@@brh.1892 Yes, I do use one and I love it! I have done two periods without it and it feels like a mistake. It's so much less messy, using the cup. My cup only leaked once and it was because it was full, first thing in the morning. TMI but it was more of a squirt when I rolled over and I immediately knew it was time to get up and empty. The only actual trouble I've had with it is getting it to open after I inserted it. And I found that only happens when I'm rushing to get it in and done. I'm glad you commented on this because I was just thinking, this morning, about how stupid it was that I wasn't using the cup this month.
@@brh.1892 Also, I tried the Saalt regular and ended up getting the Saalt Soft regular and it's much better for me. I'm gonna go boil mine now and use it for the remainder of this period.
Never heard of cups until 5 years ago bought my first cup in 2016. Was on swim team up until I was 18 so solely used tampons. Have used maybe since I was 13 so almost 20 years been using tampons. Not just regular ones ultra bc heavy periods plus pcos fun. So looking for alternatives really want to love cups and use solely. I'm ready to ditch tampons, headaches, dryness, cramps.
I couldn’t use a tampon for a long time then in high school I finally got the courage to break my hymen and use one and it was very easy and didn’t hurt then I found cups and they changed my life I highly recommend cups
@@victoriawagner5930 I just pushed the tampon in until it was all the way in i couldn’t use tampons because of my hymen being in tact and on one cycle I just went for it and broke it with the tampon and it worked
Another reason is, for us very heavy bleeders it leaks! I couldn’t even go on an hour with a jumbo tampon on when it was leaking through! Probably 40 minutes in! With a regular 30 ml cup it lasts me 2 hours before it’s completely full. So I’m waiting for the Merula cup for my next cycle and hoping it’s not too firm.
Does a tampon sit in the same place a cup does? Can a finger or tampon go past the cervix? So far I have not been able to get my cup in, it hurts I think I’m doing the wrong angle because I can get a tampon in just fine.
Yes. They both go in the vagina. The opening of the cup sits around the cervix. For a tampon it doesn't matter the specific placement of the tampon just as long as it is in the vagina.
I hate tampons with a burning passion. I mean, I can use them fine, but I hate the way they feel inside me. My family never believes that I can feel them- my mom says you’re not supposed to feel them at all- but I CAN and I hate it. All rigid and uncomfortable when I sit. Yesterday my first cup came in the mail and my practice insertion went well- never been so excited to start my period before!!!
Tampons for me wouldn't ever absorb any of my blood, then I would start to leak and so I would think it was full and then I'd pull out a dry tampon. caused me so much pain and id have vaginal tears almost every period, I switched to pads, then to a cup. Cups gave me a freedom I thought I could never experience.
One more thing (not sure if you mentioned it): tampons absorb all the healthy bacteria and strip the vagina off of it, whether the cup doesnt, since it isn't an absorbing material. So vaginal dryness isnt something youre likely to experience when using them
I just bought lily cup and i cant get it to unfold I twisted it pull it upward and down ward , all the tricks. I need to say that I suffered in the past from vaginismus but not anymore, however when I try to insert my finger my vaginal muscles are squeezing so hard on it, could that be a problem? Being too tight maybe.
Have you done pelvic floor therapy? It's not just for post-birth incontinence issues but can also help if you've suffered from vaginismus or have done too many kegels and overtightened the muscles. Lily Cup isn't the widest cup but there are narrower options to consider if it is a diameter issue- putacupinit.com/metricchart
Aren’t vaginal muscles suppose to stretch, I’ve already bought lily cup a and lily cup Compact a , i don’t think I’ll buy another one right now. And what is pelvic floor therapy do I need to see a doctor?
haifa aziz I had a similar problem, I also used to have vaginismus so I figured I would need a soft sensitive cup, which was great for easing me in but have found that I actually need a really firm cup to stand up against my tight muscles. The Yuuki and Meluna Sport worked good with opening fully and no leaks but just a little too firm to get it out easily. But the Lena cup has been successful which I think is just a step down from the Yuuki, in terms of firmness. Put a cup in it has a chart with the level of firmness which was really helpful to me. I also had pelvic floor therapy, referred by my ob/gyn, even though I thought I was mostly over those issues. I realized I wasn’t and was the best thing for me. I’d definitely talk to your doctor about it!
i swear tampons hate me i will legit bleed all over my underwear and pull out a dry tampon with a little bit of blood at the bottom. I have used at least 3 boxes if them and with those 3 boxes none have worked right i also feel like i feel it whenever i stand up or right after i put it in and think OMG its actually in correctly then go to sit down and i feel it 🙃
I have insane hormones along with suspected endometriosis both of which cause very painful, heavy periods. One of the reasons I started using a cup was I had to change my tampon so often I was raw and in even more pain by the end of my period. The cup still makes me a little sore every now and then, but I love it so much. I’ve also noticed that I almost never get yeast infections anymore which is probably the number one perk for me.
So if we have vaginismus and pelvic floor dysfunction despite pelvic floor physical therapy, what’s the verdict? Literally need something to bite on at the gyn and sex is a no go.
We have heard from people who are able to use a cup with vaginismus. If you’re not in our Facebook group I would consider joining it and getting tips from others with a similar experience vag.life/cupcult
I tried to use a tampon once and it didn’t really absorb any of the flow anyways and also it scared me because it went to too far and I had to dig it out of a small hole up in the vagina which I’m guessing was my cervix that was semi open(not sure if they do that) to let the flow out.
I wish u talked about cramps. Everyone in my family gets worse cramps from tampons. I don’t get cramps very often so idrk if the cup affects them. I want to get my sister to convert to a cup but she doesn’t use tampons bc of her cramps and Idk if cups are gonna cause that same problem for her.
I have used tampons for 10 years but after delivering two babies vaginally, I find tampons don't stay in. I have accidentally pushed them out while peeing. It's less of a problem if I wear super ones, but then I end up dry when I hit day 3+ of my cycle. I ordered my first cup and I can't wait to try it out. I hope I will be a new member of the cup club soon!
I couldn't use tampons. I had a few bad experiences with them. Last summer I decided I was sick of missing out on summer activities so I bought a cup. I am so happy I did. I haven't looked back. It was definitely a learning curve. It took almost a year to figure out how to get a completely leak free period. I am so glad I didnt give up on it. I will never go back to pads
so much cringe :o I originally bought tampons in my late teens (im 34 now) and i just HATED them. I managed to get one in and it somehow felt like it wasnt there (i think it was because i had a heavy flow at the time and it instantly got dampened?) but i tried a dozen times after and couldn't find that sweet spot again. The same problem, they are stiff, and they just seemed to like bang up against the walls of my vagina. yuck. such a horrid feeling. :(
Thanks for this video! I've always been very aware of the sensation of tampons -- not painful, but not enjoyable. This really answered a lot of my concerns; definitely going to push me over the edge to give it a try now!
That was my case. My mom used tampons my entire life and I never could. I thought I was doing something wrong and I even asked a friend to try to put it in me (that’s how frustrated I was). Hahahahaha My vagina would expelled it all the time, five seconds after getting in. And it hunted every single time that it was in. And I got the cup in in my second try without any pain!
I've literally considered asking a friend to help.. I feel so validated rn reading these comments 😂 this makes me feel a lot better about trying the cup now.
@@brh.1892 I got the cup in and working on my first attempt. I was so scary because of my tampon experiences. But the cup was so natural! I hope it works well for you.
Great vid! I really want to hear about the cultural stigma of inserting things you mentioned. I grew up in a culture of that but never understood where that stigma come from. I only heard of myths of horror story. Now a days im a cup user but i wish i didnt have to overcome fear of inserting
There are many belief systems either stemming from the society itself or based on a religion that value "purity" in some way and falsely believe inserting a tampon would taint that purity or are so obsessed with the idea that a young woman may derive pleasure from inserting a tampon that they are not allowed to use them. It's more than I could put into a comment but it's likely one of those two reasons and neither are based on any form of fact. Tampons definitely don't "take your virginity" and no one gets pleasure from inserting a tiny plastic tube in their vaginas...
Tampons just hurt. I want to use reusable products but the idea of digging around for the cup to come out is not a fun one. I am trying the reusable pads instead, but if theres a cup with a string like a tampon or a easy removal and insertion I'd be all about that!
Look for enna cycle cups. They do one with an applicator, and have a kind of 'string', or longer stem which helps know where the cup is or what angle it's at
Hi guys! Sometimes I have leaking issues due to the air holes in the cup getting clogged up with clots of blood. I'm using the organicup. Is there any way to combat this?
If the cup is full when this happens I would empty it more on those days. Otherwise just be sure to get the holes free when you wash between uses. I like to press my cup between my hands and roll it under the water sort of. Another method is to fill the cup with water and place your hand on top of the opening. Turn it all upside down and squeeze to force water through the holes.
I have urinary hesitancy. I can wear tampons most of the time but sometimes have to remove to urinate if they are a larger absorbancy size. I think because it puts pressure in a way that prevents my anatomy from being able to urinate. I think my vaginal canal is smaller too. Even gynos use smaller tools. Cups look at least double the diameter of tampons. Have they worked for anyone with issues like this in terms of insertion, the cup being able to open inside, and not putting pressure in places that prevent urination? You probably can't answer these questions but do you have any ideas on what cup I might try first to see if it is possible for me?
We actually have a video about urinating with a menstrual cup in (ua-cam.com/video/pzAFLZrtW4k/v-deo.html) and I will add that the new Tampax Cup was designed around the idea of not applying bladder pressure so maybe give that review a watch (ua-cam.com/video/SujGq0N9qfs/v-deo.html) That being said in the cup world it's more about the firmness (usually) than diameter when it comes to pressure. The tampons are rigid and not flexible but the silicone varies in softness. A smaller cup is still a good idea coupled with one of the softer side. We have firmness scores and diameter measurements all on our sortable chart which might also help you pick a cup from one that ticks those boxes (putacupinit.com/chart) HTH! -K
purr bugaloo the Lena sensitive is quite small and specifically for women with more sensitive bladders. I’ve used it and it’s very soft and easy to insert. I’d say it’s worth looking into!
The thought of pulling out a dry tampon= cringe 😭
Yep
I had vaginismus so could never insert anything, including having a Pap smear. I finally got to place where intercourse was “possible” and actually got pregnant but because of complications had an emergency c-section and was never even checked on dilation progress! I finally got pelvic floor therapy and was able to overcome that but tampons were incredibly hard for me to use, for all the reasons you mentioned. A friend started using a cup and I thought she was crazy and I’d never be able to use one given my issues. But I eventually figured it was worth try, mostly because we had gotten a house with a pool and swimming was impossible with a tampon because it would get pushed out because of my tight pelvic floor. It took me awhile and had to get very comfortable with my body, but I will never go back!! I tell all my friends about them because they are life changing! So comfortable and easy, never comes out, and I completely forget I even have my period. Your videos have been so incredibly helpful so thank you!!
thank you for your comment! I don't know for sure, but I suspect I might have vaginismus myself.
knowing 1) it's possible to overcome this and 2) cups aren't as bad as tampons is quite encouraging to here!
Why did I switch from tampons to cups?
Short answer: Because tampons didn't do their damn job.
Longer answer: I have very heavy flows that soak even the most "super" tampons within seconds. Prior to my switch, I always had to wear pads on my heavier days since tampons couldn't cut it. At night, I would put a towel underneath me just so I wouldn't stain my bed sheets. In contrast, my Merula cup can hold my flows for a good 12 hours and never leak. I also have a residual slobber issue so I always do a few swipes with my finger and a wet washcloth before and after inserting my cup.
I get a weird visceral reaction pulling tampons out. I get nauseous and break out in cold sweats. I used to NEED tampons because I lifeguarded, taught swimming lessons and swam/coaches synchronized swimming (basically lived at the pool). I also have PCOS and I'm really heavy...so those were fun times. I wish I had known about cups sooner!
oh god, yes! I thought I was the only one. It felt like someone was ripping the inside of my vagina as it came out 🤢
I tried using tampons for *years* and it was just always sooo drying and painful. I'm using a cup for the first time this week and it's so much more comfortable, I love it!
I’m allergic to tampons and pads. I just always thought tampons/pads made everyone feel itching, burning, pain, rashes, tenderness, etc. luckily I started using menstrual cups at age 23 and then finally figured out that I was allergic to tampons/pads at age 27 lol it’s kind of embarrassing that I didn’t realize it sooner, I thought it was normal and everyone dealt with it. 🤦🏼♀️
Wow I never even thought that I could be allergic... I also just assumed everyone had the same annoyance with pads and tampons. Mind blown LOL
I used to be okay with pads over tampons but idk if they changed the type of material in pads or added something but recently pads have given me rashes and irritation despite how often I change or shower or brand of pads. It’s gotten to the point that I want to call out from work even though my cramps aren’t too bad. I’m currently doing as much research as I can to buy myself a cup.
This is literally exactly what I’ve been looking for the answer to!, I cannot use tampons I have tried numerous times AS WELL AS MINI TAMPONS!!!! I just cannot do it, it just hurts and doesn’t go in all the way. I’ve searched so many times trying to see what the problem is, but now I know that other people experience this and I need to try a menstural cup.
Hi. Sorry if its weird to reply to this a full 2 years after you posted it.. But I've gotta ask, did you try it? And if so, what are you honest opinions? I've really been struggling because I feel like im missing out on activities like swimming by not being able to wear tampons but I've tried so many times. They just can't go fully in. I feel so ashamed and I just really want something that'll work :(
@@brh.1892 Hey! not weird at all, I still haven't tried a menstrual cup after 2 years!!! wow! I think I was just scared of trying something new which is stupid, but I still struggle with tampons I think its because I'm so aware so I keep thinking about it and then psych myself out. I usually just end up using pads, but I am trying tampons again slowly, slowly, I think the more you practice the more you get use to it? I don't really know (lol) but never feel ashamed about not being able to use a tampon, everyone is different and takes time to adjust to things. I hope this helps even though I'm sure it didn't really answer your question. I wish you all the luck!! xx
I went straight from pads to discs, and they are so much less daunting than tampons. I’ve tried inserting tampons SO MANY times, but it literally took two tries to get my disc correctly placed.
liking just for the sweater
Where can I find that sweater!!!!!!!!
What if tampons make your cramps worse? Not because it's rubbing the cervix. For some reason, inserting something sets off terrible cramps. I'm surprised more people haven't mentioned this. It is distinct from the problems mentioned above. Dryness isn't an issue, stiffness isn't an issue. Has anyone with this problem tried a cup vs. a tampon? I'd imagine a cup wouldn't be much better since the pain is caused by contact in a tender area.
my body did the same thing. When I first inserted a tampon and a cup, I got horrible cramps and got nauseous until I took them out. The nausea would stay for a few hours afterward too. Idk why that happens, but I tried again the next day and I was more or less fine and have been since then. It may be your body getting shocked by something entering that area suddenly
Love this video! I hated the dryness associated with tampons and the pain when I got the tampon in the wrong position. You don't get that with cups; you get total comfort. I love cups, and I love cloth pads!
Tell us about the cheap menstrual cups and their effects on body.
Ima pad girl but when I would wear tampons to swim, I would get pregressively nauseous and have stomach cramps, ie higher in my than lower like with my usual period cramps, with a tampon in from the first hour. 🤷🏽♀️ Tampons literally make me sick.
Do cups affect ur cramps at all?
I had a similar experience. Turns out that the tampons were actually touching my cervix and making me nauseous. I have a sensitive cervix so that's why cups are so nice since they sit lower than tampons. Maybe trying a cup might alleviate that pain?
@@melaniequai1504 I feel like they help a little bit over time. I get swollen and tender still but cramping overall is better. It's not yet proven but I swear for me that cup acts like a stress ball for when I get cramps. They've gone down like 70%. That's my personal experience
Cups are amazing because they don’t have chemicals and are made out of medial grade silicone
Great vid! I wish it was socially acceptable for men to promote menstrual cups; they are so much better for the environment.
I actually spoke with a fellow Smashing Pumpkins fan yesterday and he said he suggests them to friends with periods regularly which was a super nice thing to hear! In context I don't see why men can't be vagangelists too!
why didn't I found you before
I struggled a lot while usng a tampon
took me months to get courage to use a tampon
and viola! today I used a menstrual cup successfully for the first time
My first tampon ever was a cardboard applicator, I was always scared of tampons after that
eww yeah I would be too! Those cheap ones were like weaponized tubes for the vagina.
Same 😭 I used a plastic applicator after and yes application was different but same pain inside
I started out with cardboard applicators as well when I used tampons for the first time in 2001.The brand was tampax regulars I cannot stand cardboard applicators because they usually separate and sometimes it's hard to put in I switched to tampax pearl tampons when they came out in 2002 you're all familiar with tampax pearl plastic applicators right??? Those are my go to tampons. Then a few months ago I started wearing kotex security super tampons for the sake of the lower price ,now just this last month October I tried a menstrual disc and let me tell you soft discs are better than tampons of one thing the disc are very comfortable more comfortable than a tampon and through out the 19+years of using tampons I learned that they cause TSS toxic shock syndrome which that could be deadly and tampons leak alot and they also carry odor with the menstrual disc even a menstrual cup it does not carry TSS,are odorless does not cause irritation nor does it hurt.I was in my 20s when I started using tampons now I'm in my 40s and started using a menstrual disc an item that is different out there that's safe.
Agree with so much of this. I'm 36 and started my periods at 10. I can count on 1 hand how many tampons I've successfully inserted and kept in for a decent amount of time. Inevitably what would happen is I'd put one in it wouldn't sit right so I'd suffer it for as long as I could then have to pull it out DRY! Agony so that would be it for tampons for that period. Sanitary towels dry me out whilst giving me a rash / mild thrush. I was amazed when I used a cup and didn't experience any discomfort, dryness or rashes. I was fortunate to get on with the very first cup I tried which is the fair squared natural latex cup. X
But has anyone else ever been pinched but plastic tampon applicator... I haven’t used one in years and that’s part of the reason why
I had all the "typical " tampon dislikes...a little bit of dryness, it hurt pulling out a dry tampon, insertion with a cardboard or plastic applicator hurt sometimes but let's be real, we are told these are normal things and we just need to deal with it. I wasn't an unhappy tampon user. After my first kid, my flow was heavier. I found tampons would not handle my flow like before and I found I leaked a lot. Supers didn't work for more than a few hours when previously I could wear one for 6 hours and be fine. Overnight? Forget it! I constantly leaked and pads were worse. I can wear a cup on my heavy days for 6 to 8 hours and 12 on light days. It's awesome.
I tried a menstrual cup for the first time yesterday, it was way more painful to insert than a tampon and I had a really awful negative reaction within a few seconds, which wasn't the case when I used a tampon, I really thought cups would work and while I have found a bit online about people fainting it was way worse than that and I was wondering if anyone knew anything about that happening to other people?
Thank you for this video. This is something I was worried about. I just ordered my first cup and will be trying it next month. I am thirty five years old and I have never been able to successfully use a tampon. I either pinch myself with the applicator or just feel like I'm sitting on the tampon. Or both. I'm on the heavier side(weight wise) and hate waking up with my flow coming out my backside and not into my pad, no matter how I'm laying in bed. (I'm assuming I'm not the only one to experience this.) Anyway, I'm excited about learning to use a cup! Thank you again for being so informative!
Can I ask how it went? I'm so relieved reading this comment section and seeing there are people who share my experiences with tampons.. To be honest I've been feeling this weird sense of shame about it, I don't know why. I really wanna try the cup and was just wondering how you got on with it if you ended up trying?
@@brh.1892 Yes, I do use one and I love it! I have done two periods without it and it feels like a mistake. It's so much less messy, using the cup. My cup only leaked once and it was because it was full, first thing in the morning. TMI but it was more of a squirt when I rolled over and I immediately knew it was time to get up and empty. The only actual trouble I've had with it is getting it to open after I inserted it. And I found that only happens when I'm rushing to get it in and done. I'm glad you commented on this because I was just thinking, this morning, about how stupid it was that I wasn't using the cup this month.
@@brh.1892 Also, I tried the Saalt regular and ended up getting the Saalt Soft regular and it's much better for me. I'm gonna go boil mine now and use it for the remainder of this period.
Never heard of cups until 5 years ago bought my first cup in 2016. Was on swim team up until I was 18 so solely used tampons. Have used maybe since I was 13 so almost 20 years been using tampons. Not just regular ones ultra bc heavy periods plus pcos fun. So looking for alternatives really want to love cups and use solely. I'm ready to ditch tampons, headaches, dryness, cramps.
I couldn’t use a tampon for a long time then in high school I finally got the courage to break my hymen and use one and it was very easy and didn’t hurt then I found cups and they changed my life I highly recommend cups
how did you break your hymen? asking for a friend🙈
@@victoriawagner5930 I just pushed the tampon in until it was all the way in i couldn’t use tampons because of my hymen being in tact and on one cycle I just went for it and broke it with the tampon and it worked
Another reason is, for us very heavy bleeders it leaks! I couldn’t even go on an hour with a jumbo tampon on when it was leaking through! Probably 40 minutes in! With a regular 30 ml cup it lasts me 2 hours before it’s completely full. So I’m waiting for the Merula cup for my next cycle and hoping it’s not too firm.
Does a tampon sit in the same place a cup does? Can a finger or tampon go past the cervix? So far I have not been able to get my cup in, it hurts I think I’m doing the wrong angle because I can get a tampon in just fine.
Yes. They both go in the vagina. The opening of the cup sits around the cervix. For a tampon it doesn't matter the specific placement of the tampon just as long as it is in the vagina.
I hate tampons with a burning passion. I mean, I can use them fine, but I hate the way they feel inside me. My family never believes that I can feel them- my mom says you’re not supposed to feel them at all- but I CAN and I hate it. All rigid and uncomfortable when I sit. Yesterday my first cup came in the mail and my practice insertion went well- never been so excited to start my period before!!!
I never used a tampon, I never even tried, but today it's my first day using a cup and well, I had a hard time inserting it but I'm loving it. :)
Tampons for me wouldn't ever absorb any of my blood, then I would start to leak and so I would think it was full and then I'd pull out a dry tampon. caused me so much pain and id have vaginal tears almost every period, I switched to pads, then to a cup. Cups gave me a freedom I thought I could never experience.
One more thing (not sure if you mentioned it): tampons absorb all the healthy bacteria and strip the vagina off of it, whether the cup doesnt, since it isn't an absorbing material. So vaginal dryness isnt something youre likely to experience when using them
I had tried using tampons once and got a UTI from it, and it hurt taking it out because it was to dry.
I went through this whole video and just noticed her sweater has a uterus 😂
I just bought lily cup and i cant get it to unfold I twisted it pull it upward and down ward , all the tricks. I need to say that I suffered in the past from vaginismus but not anymore, however when I try to insert my finger my vaginal muscles are squeezing so hard on it, could that be a problem? Being too tight maybe.
Have you done pelvic floor therapy? It's not just for post-birth incontinence issues but can also help if you've suffered from vaginismus or have done too many kegels and overtightened the muscles. Lily Cup isn't the widest cup but there are narrower options to consider if it is a diameter issue- putacupinit.com/metricchart
Aren’t vaginal muscles suppose to stretch, I’ve already bought lily cup a and lily cup Compact a , i don’t think I’ll buy another one right now. And what is pelvic floor therapy do I need to see a doctor?
haifa aziz I had a similar problem, I also used to have vaginismus so I figured I would need a soft sensitive cup, which was great for easing me in but have found that I actually need a really firm cup to stand up against my tight muscles. The Yuuki and Meluna Sport worked good with opening fully and no leaks but just a little too firm to get it out easily. But the Lena cup has been successful which I think is just a step down from the Yuuki, in terms of firmness. Put a cup in it has a chart with the level of firmness which was really helpful to me. I also had pelvic floor therapy, referred by my ob/gyn, even though I thought I was mostly over those issues. I realized I wasn’t and was the best thing for me. I’d definitely talk to your doctor about it!
Alanna Apperson great advice thanks 🙏🏼
i swear tampons hate me i will legit bleed all over my underwear and pull out a dry tampon with a little bit of blood at
the bottom. I have used at least 3 boxes if them and with those 3 boxes none have worked right i also feel like i feel it whenever i stand up or right after i put it in and think OMG its actually in correctly then go to sit down and i feel it 🙃
I have insane hormones along with suspected endometriosis both of which cause very painful, heavy periods. One of the reasons I started using a cup was I had to change my tampon so often I was raw and in even more pain by the end of my period. The cup still makes me a little sore every now and then, but I love it so much. I’ve also noticed that I almost never get yeast infections anymore which is probably the number one perk for me.
So if we have vaginismus and pelvic floor dysfunction despite pelvic floor physical therapy, what’s the verdict? Literally need something to bite on at the gyn and sex is a no go.
We have heard from people who are able to use a cup with vaginismus. If you’re not in our Facebook group I would consider joining it and getting tips from others with a similar experience vag.life/cupcult
Thank you!
I tried to use a tampon once and it didn’t really absorb any of the flow anyways and also it scared me because it went to too far and I had to dig it out of a small hole up in the vagina which I’m guessing was my cervix that was semi open(not sure if they do that) to let the flow out.
I wish u talked about cramps. Everyone in my family gets worse cramps from tampons. I don’t get cramps very often so idrk if the cup affects them. I want to get my sister to convert to a cup but she doesn’t use tampons bc of her cramps and Idk if cups are gonna cause that same problem for her.
my mom has a wall i her vigaina so she can't use a tampon so can she use a cup ????
I have used tampons for 10 years but after delivering two babies vaginally, I find tampons don't stay in. I have accidentally pushed them out while peeing. It's less of a problem if I wear super ones, but then I end up dry when I hit day 3+ of my cycle. I ordered my first cup and I can't wait to try it out. I hope I will be a new member of the cup club soon!
I couldn't use tampons. I had a few bad experiences with them. Last summer I decided I was sick of missing out on summer activities so I bought a cup. I am so happy I did. I haven't looked back. It was definitely a learning curve. It took almost a year to figure out how to get a completely leak free period. I am so glad I didnt give up on it. I will never go back to pads
so much cringe :o I originally bought tampons in my late teens (im 34 now) and i just HATED them. I managed to get one in and it somehow felt like it wasnt there (i think it was because i had a heavy flow at the time and it instantly got dampened?) but i tried a dozen times after and couldn't find that sweet spot again. The same problem, they are stiff, and they just seemed to like bang up against the walls of my vagina. yuck. such a horrid feeling. :(
Has anyone tried cup with vaginal scaring due to the
Ripping during childbirth.
I’m slowly switching from tampons to cups but I’ve always held my tampons like a shot lmaoo. Idk y it’s just easy
I thought it was just me! Thank you!
Thanks for this video! I've always been very aware of the sensation of tampons -- not painful, but not enjoyable. This really answered a lot of my concerns; definitely going to push me over the edge to give it a try now!
Where did you get your sweater??? I really want one!!
Rachel Antonoff
How many cups does a person need? Just one is enough for the entire period?
Just one cup is needed typically. Some people do find that they prefer one size/length of cup for the beginning of their cycle and another later on.
That was my case. My mom used tampons my entire life and I never could. I thought I was doing something wrong and I even asked a friend to try to put it in me (that’s how frustrated I was). Hahahahaha
My vagina would expelled it all the time, five seconds after getting in. And it hunted every single time that it was in.
And I got the cup in in my second try without any pain!
I've literally considered asking a friend to help.. I feel so validated rn reading these comments 😂 this makes me feel a lot better about trying the cup now.
@@brh.1892 I got the cup in and working on my first attempt. I was so scary because of my tampon experiences. But the cup was so natural! I hope it works well for you.
Great vid! I really want to hear about the cultural stigma of inserting things you mentioned. I grew up in a culture of that but never understood where that stigma come from. I only heard of myths of horror story. Now a days im a cup user but i wish i didnt have to overcome fear of inserting
There are many belief systems either stemming from the society itself or based on a religion that value "purity" in some way and falsely believe inserting a tampon would taint that purity or are so obsessed with the idea that a young woman may derive pleasure from inserting a tampon that they are not allowed to use them. It's more than I could put into a comment but it's likely one of those two reasons and neither are based on any form of fact. Tampons definitely don't "take your virginity" and no one gets pleasure from inserting a tiny plastic tube in their vaginas...
Tampons just hurt. I want to use reusable products but the idea of digging around for the cup to come out is not a fun one. I am trying the reusable pads instead, but if theres a cup with a string like a tampon or a easy removal and insertion I'd be all about that!
Look for enna cycle cups. They do one with an applicator, and have a kind of 'string', or longer stem which helps know where the cup is or what angle it's at
There is also a menstrual disk that has a string. She does have recent review of it.
1:50 I didn’t even know cuz I don’t know how to use a tampon...
I love your sweater!
Also cups for the win! Hehe
Hi guys! Sometimes I have leaking issues due to the air holes in the cup getting clogged up with clots of blood. I'm using the organicup. Is there any way to combat this?
If the cup is full when this happens I would empty it more on those days. Otherwise just be sure to get the holes free when you wash between uses. I like to press my cup between my hands and roll it under the water sort of. Another method is to fill the cup with water and place your hand on top of the opening. Turn it all upside down and squeeze to force water through the holes.
@@PutACupInIt Thanks so much guys! I'll definitely give this a try ❤️❤️❤️
Is the model 2 diva cup hard to use or do you have to boil it longer then 5 mintues to make it softer in order to use it .
Boiling is just for sterilization, not to make it softer.
Be careful, you might be ruining your cup!
I hate tampons with a passion, but looking into cups! Can you do a video about how to pick the firmness level? Or direct me to a blog post? Or both?
putacupinit.com/firmness-video We have a video and blog post :)
I feel vindicated by this video
I have urinary hesitancy. I can wear tampons most of the time but sometimes have to remove to urinate if they are a larger absorbancy size. I think because it puts pressure in a way that prevents my anatomy from being able to urinate. I think my vaginal canal is smaller too. Even gynos use smaller tools. Cups look at least double the diameter of tampons. Have they worked for anyone with issues like this in terms of insertion, the cup being able to open inside, and not putting pressure in places that prevent urination? You probably can't answer these questions but do you have any ideas on what cup I might try first to see if it is possible for me?
We actually have a video about urinating with a menstrual cup in (ua-cam.com/video/pzAFLZrtW4k/v-deo.html) and I will add that the new Tampax Cup was designed around the idea of not applying bladder pressure so maybe give that review a watch (ua-cam.com/video/SujGq0N9qfs/v-deo.html) That being said in the cup world it's more about the firmness (usually) than diameter when it comes to pressure. The tampons are rigid and not flexible but the silicone varies in softness. A smaller cup is still a good idea coupled with one of the softer side. We have firmness scores and diameter measurements all on our sortable chart which might also help you pick a cup from one that ticks those boxes (putacupinit.com/chart) HTH! -K
purr bugaloo the Lena sensitive is quite small and specifically for women with more sensitive bladders. I’ve used it and it’s very soft and easy to insert. I’d say it’s worth looking into!
@@alannaapperson1973 thanks!
@@PutACupInIt thanks so much!!
Try a small Ruby Cup its likely the right size.