I’ve recently bought a menstrual cup and tried it out for the first time this month. I really loved it (at first) but I'm having two big issues.
The one thing is that I put it in and it doesn’t pop open at all (and it leaks). The first times I noticed that it wasn’t sitting right because it hurt. But after the first tries I learned how to insert it so I wouldn't feel it anymore and even then the cup wouldn’t pop open. Maybe it’s the wrong folding technique for me? I ‘ve been using the C-fold method. The others seem difficult
Then the other problem is that the cup makes me burn. The burning stops a few hours after removing it and starts again around an hour or so after insertion. It was so bad that I had to stop using the cup. It's odd because I thought the material (silicone) was supposed to be nonreactive. I have never had any reactions to tampons or condoms so this is very unusual for me. Also I boiled the cup and washed it with soap before I used it.
Did anyone have similar problems or any tips? Thanks

[ocdwifeofsociopath]

I have absolutely no idea what a menstrual cup is haha but I wonder if the burning is soap residue?

[healingme4me]

I have not used this before, but have heard of it advertised. Here's info from the States side, about discomfort, from their website. I didn't notice it noted on the European site...

If at any time during your use of The DivaCup you experience any discomfort, discontinue use and contact your physician.
Medical Questions | DivaCup.com

Thanks. I'm pretty sure it wasn't from the soap residue. I might just be very sensitive to the material.
Thanks for the link. I also think the best thing is to discontinue using it. That was not a good investment of my money

[JeanKrueger]

It's on our own choice.Unlike tampons and pads, the cup collects menstrual fluid rather than absorbing it. ..... Cleaning a menstrual cup in a public toilet can pose problems ....There are different kinds of menstrual cups that are available in the market right now. There are the soft, flexible and disposable kinds.Then there are menstrual cup at cupissima.com that are shaped like bells. These are reusable and are intended to last up to a decade.

[joanna1981]

hi,
The small, flexible cup is made of silicone or latex rubber. Instead of absorbing your flow, like a tampon or pad, it catches and collects it.
Just before your period begins, tightly fold the menstrual cup and insert it like a tampon without an applicator. Used correctly, you shouldn’t feel it. It’s similar to putting a diaphragm or birth control ring in place.

Pros
It’s eco- and wallet-friendly: A reusable cup that costs $30 to $40 can last up to 10 years. That means less waste in landfills and less money over time. These benefits don’t apply to disposable brands though.
You can leave it in for 12 hours : Tampons need to be changed every 4 to 8 hours, depending on your flow. But cups can stay in longer, so they’re good for overnight protection. And once you get the hang of inserting it, there’s no need to wear a backup pad or liner.