But I never want to freak anyone out too much. I guess if you clicked on the link and knew it was about the moon cup, that should have forewarned you enough

So the pain specifics:

Surprisingly, I have not had any of this "suction pain" I read about...even when I push and pull it down to the entrance for removal.

For removal, I already use my muscles to push it out partly and can reach inside fine. My pain occurs when the rim/fatter part at the top is at the cusp of coming out of the narrowest part of the opening. It hurts and stings a lot in the front. I read somewhere that you have to "pull it down, not out" but I am not sure what that means, exactly. I also read that you have to wiggle it....but I don't know what that means exactly, either.

I also attempted to fold it back up the same way I inserted it (i.e. punch down fold) but could not keep it close enough to the entrance to use only one hand (I was holding it by the stem with one hand and using the other to retrieve it) and then things get complicated with space. I was also unable to get my finger around the rim enough to push it in. Is there a fold that is easier to do for extraction?

Mine does not easily release the suction so squeezing the base is futile. I usually have to get a hold of a good part of the cup (i.e. top-middle or the rim) to release it.

I also read that it becomes more pliable over time. Has anyone found this true of the moon cup (or diva cup)?