Are menstrual cups uncomfortable? Here are some situations where you might feel uncomfortable and what to do about it!

Some people may be interested in menstrual cups, but feel uneasy when they see the words "menstrual cups are gross."

If it's hard to imagine, you may have doubts about various things and think, "Maybe I shouldn't use it."

It's true that some people find menstrual cups uncomfortable, but taking the right precautions will likely improve the discomfort.

In this article, we will introduce five situations in which you may feel uncomfortable using a menstrual cup, how to deal with them, and what to do if the discomfort persists even after taking these measures.

Knowing the situations in which you are likely to feel uncomfortable may help you feel less hesitant to actually use a menstrual cup.

If you are hesitant to use a menstrual cup, this is the article for you.

Should I stop using menstrual cups because they're gross?

People who have never used a menstrual cup tend to think it is uncomfortable to wear.
However, that's not the reason to say, "You should avoid menstrual cups."

There are three main reasons why people recommend giving up on menstrual cups:

• Because I don't know how to use it
• It takes time to get used to

• If you don't follow the recommended usage time, you risk contracting an infection.

Menstrual cups have only recently gone on sale in Japan, and their usage rate is low, so even if you've heard of them, there are probably many people who don't really know how to use them or who find them mysterious.

Unlike napkins that are simply attached to shorts, these are inserted into the vagina, so it is true that you need to know how to fold the cup, insert it, and remove it properly.

Also, if you use a menstrual cup for longer than the recommended time or do not treat it properly, there is a very rare risk of developing TSS (toxic shock syndrome), just like with tampons.

Some people may think that they should stop using menstrual cups because of the risk of contracting an infection.

As you can see, "feeling uncomfortable" about using a menstrual cup and "reason to stop using it" are two different things.

Please see the article below for reasons why you should avoid it.

Also worth reading: 6 characteristics of people who should stop using menstrual cups! Safe usage explained

5 Situations Where Menstrual Cups Can Feel Uncomfortable

Here are some situations where you might find a menstrual cup uncomfortable:

• When disinfecting

• When menstrual blood gets on your hands

• When you cannot insert or remove

• When you feel a strange sensation inside your vagina

• When you are worried that reflux may occur while you are sleeping

Before you use a menstrual cup, it's important to understand how it actually works.

When disinfecting

Menstrual cups should be sterilized by boiling at the beginning and end of each period.
When boiling utensils to disinfect them, you may feel uncomfortable using the same cooking utensils you normally use, thinking, "Am I disinfecting something I normally put food in?"

Even if you don't feel uncomfortable, some people may worry that the people they live with will feel uncomfortable.

When menstrual blood gets on your hands

Some people may be reluctant to get menstrual blood on their hands when removing the menstrual cup.

Because menstrual blood collects inside the cup that is attached to the vagina, women tend to worry that blood might spill out of the cup and get their hands dirty when they remove it.

You may feel particularly uncomfortable having menstrual blood on your hands if you are out and about and cannot wash your hands immediately.

When insertion or removal is difficult

If you have trouble inserting or removing your menstrual cup, you may feel frustrated and upset .

Menstrual cups can be difficult to use, especially if you're using them for the first time or are unfamiliar with them.

If your muscles become tense due to anxiety or nervousness, it may make insertion and removal more difficult and increase discomfort.

When you feel a strange sensation inside your vagina

Some people experience discomfort while inserting a menstrual cup and feel "nauseous."

Most discomfort caused by a menstrual cup is due to it not being inserted properly.
Therefore, reinserting it in the correct position may reduce discomfort.

When you are worried that reflux may occur while you are sleeping

Many people perceive the anxiety of menstrual blood refluxing while sleeping as "discomfort."

In particular, women with heavy menstrual flow or who turn over frequently in bed will be very concerned about reflux.
However, menstrual blood discharged into the menstrual cup rarely flows back into the uterus.

To ease your anxiety, gaining accurate knowledge about menstrual cups and the anatomy of the body will help you feel more at ease.

Also worth reading: Questions about menstrual cups from obstetrician-gynecologist Kanako Inaba

What to do if your menstrual cup is uncomfortable

Here are some tips on what to do if your menstrual cup makes you feel uncomfortable.

If you know the situations in which you are likely to feel uncomfortable and how to deal with them, you will be able to respond immediately when you need to use it.

Use a container specifically designed for menstrual cups when sterilizing them

When sterilizing your menstrual cup, using a container made specifically for menstrual cups can help reduce discomfort.

By sterilizing your menstrual cup in a container specifically designed for it, you can avoid contaminating the cooking utensils you normally use and avoid having to buy new ones.

You can purchase a sterilizing cup from the manufacturer where you purchased your menstrual cup or from an online store.

Murmo also offers a "clean pot " specifically designed to clean menstrual cups.
If you prepare one when you buy a menstrual cup, you will feel less uncomfortable when disinfecting it.

Go to Clean Pot introduction page

Also read: How to Clean Your Menstrual Cup: Other Cleaning Methods Aside from Boiling

If menstrual blood gets on your hands, use toilet paper to catch the cup.

If you are worried that blood may spill onto your hands when removing your menstrual cup, you can use toilet paper to catch the cup.

However, it takes practice to get it right.

At first, we recommend that you accept that it's unavoidable that your hands will get dirty, and prepare some wet wipes so that you can quickly wipe your hands in the toilet stall.

Also read: Worried about getting your hands dirty? How to change your menstrual cup on the go

If you are having trouble inserting or removing it, practice in a relaxed state.

If you're having trouble using the menstrual cup smoothly, practice in a relaxed state.

If your body is tense, your vagina will tense up and you will not be able to insert it properly, and if you tense up when removing it, your vagina will tighten and it will not be possible to do it smoothly.

Putting it on and taking it off may seem difficult at first, but after practicing a few times you will get the hang of it and be able to do it smoothly.

Take a deep breath and relax your body as you practice.

Also worth reading: How to Use a Menstrual Cup: How to Insert It
Also worth reading: How to Use a Menstrual Cup: How to Remove It

If you experience discomfort while inserting your menstrual cup, adjust its position.

If you experience discomfort while inserting your menstrual cup, it may not be in the correct position.

As long as the menstrual cup is properly inserted, it should feel comfortable to use.

Although this varies from person to person, try to be conscious of inserting the needle deeper than where you feel discomfort.

The vaginal walls at the back of the vagina are flexible and stretchy, so you can insert the cup deep inside without worrying about it slipping or feeling uncomfortable.

When you are not used to it, you may end up inserting it only up to the entrance of the vagina, worrying, "What if I can't take it out?" or "I'm afraid to insert it all the way in."

It is a good idea to practice inserting it into the correct position so that you can use it comfortably.

Also read: How to Use a Menstrual Cup: How Far Should You Insert It?
Also worth reading: Questions about menstrual cups from obstetrician-gynecologist Kanako Inaba

Understand the fact that reflux rarely occurs while you sleep

If you feel like you have reflux while sleeping and it makes you feel uncomfortable, it's important to know that reflux isn't actually happening.

Once menstrual blood has left the uterus, it does not easily flow back into the uterus, so it is safe to continue using it while you sleep.

Just knowing that there's no reflux will give you peace of mind, and you'll be able to use your menstrual cup comfortably day and night.

Also worth reading: Will using a menstrual cup while sleeping cause reflux? 4 tips to prevent leaks while sleeping!

What to consider if you still feel nauseous after taking measures

If you continue to feel nauseous after trying these measures, it may be that a menstrual cup isn't right for you.

The following are some characteristics of people who are not suitable for using a menstrual cup:

• People who find disinfection troublesome

• People who don't like seeing menstrual blood

Disinfecting and checking your menstrual blood are unavoidable when using a menstrual cup.

If there is only one item that fits the characteristics of people who are not compatible with the product, you may get used to it as you use it.

However, if all of the characteristics apply to you or you just can't overcome them, you may not be satisfied with your purchase.

Also read: Pros and Cons of Menstrual Cups

Introducing the actual experience of people who have used menstrual cups

Those who have used menstrual cups have experienced the following benefits:

• I feel less stuffiness

• I no longer care about the smell

• I was able to spend time without worrying about leaks.

• I was able to sleep comfortably

Even when you're at work or out and about, you don't have to worry about odors or leaks and have to change your diaper frequently, so you can live your life according to your needs even during your period .

At first, you may feel discouraged because you can't use a menstrual cup properly, but once you get used to it, you may find that your period problems will be alleviated.

Don't give up, just try practicing a few times.

Additionally, if you purchase a Murmo menstrual cup, you can take advantage of the "First Time Support (free)" service via chat on your LINE account. Please consider using it.

Also worth reading: [Latest survey data from 2024] What is the usage rate and awareness rate of menstrual cups, and what is the real deal about menstrual cups?

summary

Whether or not you find menstrual cups uncomfortable and in what situations it bothers you varies from person to person.

If you experience any discomfort or annoyance while using the product, you may be able to improve the situation by trying the solutions introduced here.

Also, menstrual cups must be disinfected after use, but some people may find the discomfort caused by disinfecting them difficult to continue using.

At Murmo, we offer a "Clean Pot" specifically for menstrual cups, allowing you to easily disinfect them without using any kitchen utensils at home. Furthermore, if you purchase a Murmo menstrual cup and a Clean Pot at the same time, you will receive a discount. (This offer may end without notice.)

To ensure that even beginners can use it with confidence, there is a support system in place via LINE, so you can feel at ease even if it is your first time using a menstrual cup.

If you've read this article and are thinking, "I'd like to try a menstrual cup," why not consider the beginner-friendly murmo?