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Scared to use a menstrual cup? We asked 10 women about their first time

There are a lot of women who haven't tried menstrual cups yet. That’s why we got 10 women to share their first experience to ease your concerns!
menstrual cup
Using a menstrual cup is not an impossible task. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Aayushi Gupta Updated: 12 Jan 2022, 16:58 pm IST
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A menstrual cup is not every woman’s first choice as a period product, but many women are turning to it for its many benefits. Trying out a menstrual cup for the first time is not so easy, especially because most women dread the thought of inserting it into the vagina. But if you’re also thinking of switching to a menstrual cup from sanitary pads and tampons, we bet there are a lot of questions running in your mind. 

So, to understand the menstrual cup better, we got 10 Indian women to share their first experience with this menstrual hygiene product.

Here’s what they told HealthShots:

1. Kanika Vij, 25, Mumbai

It was my first time, so I was quite clueless. I thought it was going to be difficult, uncomfortable, and painful, but it was nothing like that. In fact, I could insert it pretty smoothly. I was apprehensive about the removal part. It turned out to be a little intimidating, and I freaked out. I didn’t do it the right way, so I was struggling quite a bit. Nevertheless, I calmed myself down, and eventually it came out. The trick in such situations is to let your body loose and remain calm. Both insertion and removal can get difficult if your body is stiff.

menstrual cup
Menstrual cups are safe. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

2. Sahiba Bansal, 21, Noida

It took me a couple of minutes to get it in. When the menstrual cup started to fit inside, it just went up without notice and I got scared. Like many others, I thought what if it gets lost inside? Although I knew the process, it was still scary. But once it went inside, it was not at all uncomfortable. There was no leakage and I am happy to have come across this product.

3. Muskan Chauhan, 24, New Delhi

The menstrual cup did not seem to meet my expectations. I found it extremely uncomfortable to deal with the insertion and removal processes.

Also, read: Don’t fall prey to these menstrual cup myths if you’re planning to make the switch

4. Nishtha Shrivastava, 32, Pune

It was so soft when I first touched it. When I tried to put it in, it wasn’t going in and hurting quite a bit. After struggling for a while, I realised I had bought the wrong size. It was a little big for me, so I took a smaller one and it was then a perfect size for me. 

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It was a little uncomfortable to put in at first, but after it went in, it was very comfortable. Removing it was the easiest part for me. I’m going to use it every month! 

5. Shweta Gupta, 28, Dehradun

It was painful to insert it at first. I think it took me half an hour to figure out how to get it in. It felt like something was there inside my body. When I was walking, it made me feel uncomfortable, but when I was relaxing, it felt like I wasn’t wearing anything. But after getting used to it, the discomfort disappeared and the best part is I don’t have to deal with rashes that come with pads. It doesn’t feel like I’m on my period anymore, either.

menstrual cup
Do not panic if your menstrual cup or tampon gets stuck inside the vagina. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

6. Shreya Gupta, 23, Kolkata

I was terrified at the thought of inserting a menstrual cup into my vagina, but when I tried it, it popped in very easily. Maybe because I used to masturbate, it was easier to insert. Although I encountered problems with the removal part, I no longer have problems with it.

Also, read: Inserting a menstrual cup is not an impossible task! Try these 2 simple techniques

7. Anupriya Bhandari, 27, Meerut

I would only use sanitary pads before trying the menstrual cup, so I properly read the instructions and advice regarding inserting and removing the menstrual cup. Practically, it was far more daunting, despite folding the cup. It still seemed rather big for me. I tried squatting in my shower for a good 20 minutes, and did everything to relax my muscles, but to no avail. I gave up and wore a pad. Yeah, I was utterly disappointed.

8. Geetika Chaddha, 26, Indore

It took me a few minutes to get it in. I was scared but when I was inserting it into my vagina, it went in easily and I couldn’t feel anything. It was not uncomfortable at all. But after that, I was scared to think if it got lost somewhere or what if it didn’t come out?  I was aware of the removal process, so I tried it and guess what? It was pretty easy to get it out. Please try a menstrual cup, I say! 

menstrual cup
Menstrual cups can help you manage your periods easily and take care of the environment. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

9. Shikha Swaraj, 21, Bengaluru

Unlike other girls, I wasn’t afraid to insert a menstrual cup into my vagina. I tried and I succeeded the very first time. Everyone should use a menstrual cup because it is good for you and the environment.

10. Pooja Sinha, 24, New Delhi

For the first insert, I rinsed the cup with warm water, folded the cup as recommended (the C-fold), crouched in the bath and it went in easily. I wasn’t sure whether the cup had opened to create the seal, so I tried running my finger along with the cup, but honestly did not know what I was feeling. I tried rotating the cup, but it was difficult and a little uncomfortable – the cup hardly moved! Finally, I used my vaginal muscles and did some clenching exercises until I felt comfortable (I honestly just hoped for the best). My sleep wasn’t disturbed and there were no spills overnight. It’s worth noting that I’m not a heavy bleeder on the first day. The next day, I removed the cup by pushing the cup down. 

Everyone has their own experience regarding menstrual cups. Maybe it’s time for you to try and tell!

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About the Author

Aayushi Gupta is a health writer with a special interest in trends related to diet, fitness, beauty and intimate health. With around 2 years of experience in the wellness industry, she is connected to leading experts and doctors to provide our readers with factually correct information. ...Read More

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