My First Time …With A Menstrual Cup

You think you know your body until you have to figure out the size of your cervix.

All first times are awkward, but the first time trying a menstrual cup is a rollercoaster that takes a few twists and turns through sheer panic to end up at pride and joy in just a matter of minutes (or a few months).

While the environmental aspect of reusable menstrual cups always attracted me, the idea of getting *that* up close and personal with my vagina and paying for something I might only once kept me from taking the plunge.

I’m not sure what the final straw was that made me try one–maybe I ran out of tampons, or maybe it was my best friend’s incessant praising of the thing–but despite the initial struggle, I’ve never looked back on my decision to use a menstrual cup.

My first purchase was not a success, but it did help me figure out what I needed: a firm cup (since yoga had strengthened my pelvic floor). After a lot of research, I settled for the MeLuna Sport and purchased it in both Small and Medium–for normal and super-heavy-IUD-induced flow days, respectively.

Cutest gif by Marcy Gooberman

Considering buying one? Here’s a rundown of the things you might think (or scream) while alone and struggling, hopefully in the privacy of your own bathroom:

1. I can’t believe I’m actually looking forward to my period.

2. Time to take this baby for a test run. Hope I chose the right size.

3. That has to be too big. Or too small. It’s definitely too something.

4. Ok… let’s try the “C” fold.

5. Annnnnd nope. That’s not gonna happen. The punch-down it is!

6. Breathe in and out. You can do this.

7. NO, I CANNOT DO THIS.

8. Maybe I should take a break. I’m so gonna be late for work.

9. When in doubt… Google it?

10. “Do it while showering.” Got it.

11. This better work.

12. Ok, it’s in. Or is it?

13. No, YouTuber, I will not insert my whole hand in my vagina to make sure it opened.

14. I don’t like this at all.

15. I HATE this.

16. No idea whether it’s where it should be, but it’s gonna stay there because there’s no way I can take it out.

17. *Looks in mirror* You are a strong, independent person who can totally do this.

18. Pelvic floor muscles, I’m trusting you on this one.

19. I can feel it! It’s there! I have the strongest pelvic floor muscles ever!

20. It came out too easily. I really don’t think it ever opened up.

21. Google, my old friend.

22. Further in!? There is no further in.

23. You are graceful. You are strong. You know your body. You can do this.

24. I heard a “pop”!

25. Yup, that’s some suction right there. I am the queen of menstrual cups!

26. It’s like I’m not even on my period. This is probably the best thing ever.

27. Why didn’t I try this before?

28. Better wear a pad just in case.

29. Not sure if leaking or leftover staining.

30. It’s been six hours. Is it full? It might be full.

31. Can it leak if it’s full? I did not research this enough.

32. Ok. Pelvic floor muscles, you can do this!

33. Break suction carefully. Break suction carefully. Break suction care… and now there’s blood everywhere.

34. I’m starring in a Tarantino movie.

35. I’m never taking this out in a public bathroom unless I feel like having the police called on me.

36. How am I alive after bleeding this much?

37. I did it once, I can do it again.

38. Ugh, no, I can’t. I’ll just hope for the best.

And while this probably did nothing to help your choice… trust me, you will feel like a badass once you get the hang of it. And you absolutely will.

tabú tip: Interested in some #MenstruationInnovation? The Keela Cup is a menstrual cup with a pull string to make all of the above a little bit simpler. Product design ftw!

Header image illustrated by Marcy Gooberman

Must be looooooove on the braaaaain 🧠. Or was that s£x? 👀🤭 Our brains are our largest s£x organs and sometimes they get a little sad, hyperactive, anxious, or overwhelmed. You won’t always be in the mood for s£x and that’s okay! Keep communication with your partner open and ongoing, check in with yourself and your mental health, and lean on the support of a trusted therapist or doctor if you need some extra guidance. 🫶🏽 Anything you would add?

I mean 😏

It is not wrong nor should it feel shameful to ✨seek pleasure.✨ I think those of us who grew up more religious were taught that you should always be in service of others and giving of yourself rather than concerned with our own needs or passions. While it is wonderful to be generous with giving (and can in fact be a source of pleasure), it should be equally encouraged to pursue your own pleasure — it whatever form it may take! It may feel self-indulgent, but why is that a bad thing? Pleasure boosts our mental health. It helps us cope with a difficult world, with anxiety, depression, and stress. It makes us feel good! It gives us something to look forward to. Pleasure helps us connect with others and with ourselves. Pleasure (as long as it is not at the expense of someone else’s safety or well-being) should be a priority, for our joy and for our health. It really is so important! Where do you find pleasure? I personally love a good massage… 💆🏽‍♀️

It’s time for a talk, friend. Let’s be clear, you nor your partner ever has to do *anything* you’re not comfortable with. That said, if it’s something you enjoy and that’s pleasurable to you, it’s okay to ask your partner for it! They can say no, but if they invalidate your pleasure, much less expect you to do something they won’t do?? The ball is then in your court to decide if this is the partner for you. You deserve someone who cares about and prioritizes your pleasure. Who is thrilled to be acquainted with your body, all of it! S-x can be vulnerable to talk about, but when you do…it’s so much better. 👅 included. Ask your partner what their hesitations are and have a *conversation.* Maybe they’re nervous, intimidated, or struggling with shame. Maybe they’re down to try other things you would enjoy and build up to it. The point is, it shouldn’t just be automatically dismissed. You can decide what’s right for you and what makes you feel aroused, validated, and appreciated. Whatever you do, don’t internalize their rejection. Your body is beautiful, desirable, and definitely worthy of pleasure. 😋🥰

A UK study published in the International Urogynecology Journal found that only 46% of participants correctly identified that a female has 3 holes in the external genitalia. 😬 Not great. We’re taught so desperately little about our bodies and so discouraged from exploring them that we don’t even know what we’ve got going on down there! Understanding your own anatomy (and getting educated on your partner’s anatomy) can boost pleasure 1000x!! So take a mirror, use your hands, and get comfy exploring! 🪞🕵🏽‍♀️ And if you really want to get informed (and inspired 😉), head to our website for our basics on pleasure and anatomy. What do you think? Could YOU correctly label a diagram of what lies beneath?

Modern sex essentials

Related reading

Check out the pod

Plant-based, Science-backed Supplements

use code TABU for 20% off

---

This article may contain affiliate links. Meaning? If you click one and make a purchase, we earn a commission.  This helps us keep creating fire content so you can stay informed and empowered. 🔥 Thank you!