Women, menstrual cups -?

Contributor: CaptainBunnyKilla CaptainBunnyKilla
Quote:
Originally posted by Spiking Glue
Sorry about my silence, I've been having a bit of a hard crack at life. I'm sure you understand.

I looove my Ladycup, toygirl2. My Divacup may never see use again. For the first time, I'm able to remove my cup without spilling, and ... more
Spiking Glue, I've decided to go ahead and get a Ladycup (in blue!), so we can be criticized for owning more than one cup together!

Hope everything's going OK!
01/15/2009
Contributor: CaptainBunnyKilla CaptainBunnyKilla
Quote:
Originally posted by LikeSunshineDust
I got my Divacup for Christmas and have used it for the past 3 days, and I love it! Day 1, it leaked a little but it wasn't blood, it was residual stuff that was probably on my vaginal walls. Day 2, I did a little, um "chimney sweep" in ... more
Yay!
01/15/2009
Contributor: Red Red
I love love love my Diva Cup too. This sounds wierd, but I feel like I'm more in touch with my period than I ever have been before. I will never ever go back to tampons!
02/07/2009
Contributor: DreamyLove DreamyLove
I used to be really interested and intrigued by Diva cups until I asked my gyno and she said that menstrual cups were originally invented for helping women with heavy periods stay "in control" of their flow, and she recommends them to women in her practice with heavy flows. She didn't recommend one to me.

I use cloth pads and I love them. Oh so much more comfortable than plasticized dioxin covered pads and tampons you see in the grocery/drugstores.
02/07/2009
Contributor: CaptainBunnyKilla CaptainBunnyKilla
Quote:
Originally posted by DreamyLove
I used to be really interested and intrigued by Diva cups until I asked my gyno and she said that menstrual cups were originally invented for helping women with heavy periods stay "in control" of their flow, and she recommends them to women ... more
That's funny, I've never heard of a gyno recommending *against* a menstrual cup. Regardless of what they were invented for, they work wonderfully even for women who don't have a particularly heavy flow! And they're so safe.
02/07/2009
Contributor: Jewelweed Jewelweed
I have a Divacup, but I find it difficult to seal. I never had too much luck with it working properly. I'm looking into buying a Ladycup when I have more cash on hand.
02/08/2009
Contributor: CaptainBunnyKilla CaptainBunnyKilla
Quote:
Originally posted by Jewelweed
I have a Divacup, but I find it difficult to seal. I never had too much luck with it working properly. I'm looking into buying a Ladycup when I have more cash on hand.
The Ladycup is supposed to be easier to insert (it's smaller and softer, I think), so I'm definitely going to try it out.
02/08/2009
Contributor: Luscious Lily Luscious Lily
Quote:
Originally posted by CaptainBunnyKilla
That's funny, I've never heard of a gyno recommending *against* a menstrual cup. Regardless of what they were invented for, they work wonderfully even for women who don't have a particularly heavy flow! And they're so safe.
Well, now you have. My gyno told me my flow was simply too heavy. It wasn't as fast as Sleeping Dreamer's, but was heavy enough and long enough (heavy bleeding for 7+ days, then moderate for another 2-3) that I am to this day anemic, after 2 years of almost no periods and high daily doses of iron. I'm envious of those of you for whom the cups are obviously such a perfect alternative. And kudos for those of you who took the plunge and made the switch! Spiking Glue's great at sales, the makers of LadyCup should hire her!
02/09/2009
Contributor: Mae Baby Mae Baby
I have seen others like these (I think) except the ones I saw were a little different, but I'm sure they are sort of the same. I'm def. going to look into them. Thanks for this
02/09/2009
Contributor: Femme Mystique Femme Mystique
I have used Insteads (disposable cups) before, which I found to be a little unreliable, but I've never used the reusable sort.
02/11/2009
Contributor: LikeSunshineDust LikeSunshineDust
Quote:
Originally posted by Femme Mystique
I have used Insteads (disposable cups) before, which I found to be a little unreliable, but I've never used the reusable sort.
I used the Insteads for about 6 months just because I was so sick of pads and tampons but I wasn't sure about investing in a reusable cup. You're right about them not being completely reliable, I almost always wore back up just in case. I got my Diva for Christmas though, and I love it. It's been very reliable so far.
02/12/2009
Contributor: CaptainBunnyKilla CaptainBunnyKilla
Quote:
Originally posted by LikeSunshineDust
I used the Insteads for about 6 months just because I was so sick of pads and tampons but I wasn't sure about investing in a reusable cup. You're right about them not being completely reliable, I almost always wore back up just in case. I got ... more
Has anyone tried the Insteads during sex?
02/12/2009
Contributor: Snappy Snappy
I found Instead cups to be unreliable. They dislodged just from walking around and leaked.
02/12/2009
Contributor: LikeSunshineDust LikeSunshineDust
Quote:
Originally posted by CaptainBunnyKilla
Has anyone tried the Insteads during sex?
I thought about it but never did.
02/12/2009
Contributor: Backseat Boohoo Backseat Boohoo
Quote:
Originally posted by CaptainBunnyKilla
That's funny, I've never heard of a gyno recommending *against* a menstrual cup. Regardless of what they were invented for, they work wonderfully even for women who don't have a particularly heavy flow! And they're so safe.
See, I have such a short, generally light period now that I'm on Loestrin 24 Fe (it lasts for 2-3 days with only the first day being anything to fuss over) that my gyno told me it really wouldn't be a good idea. I just don't have enough blood to "catch."

I could never wedge a cup through my hymen comfortable anyway; I have enough trouble having to buy thin plastic applicator tampons for completely comfort as it is. T_T
02/12/2009
Contributor: LikeSunshineDust LikeSunshineDust
*bump*

I just have to sing the praises of my Diva Cup. I don't even notice that it's in. Yayy!!
02/17/2009
Contributor: Dragon Dragon
Can someone write up a summary of this post? What people like/don't like, etc. It's been bouncing in my mind for awhile, but it's gotten so long, (and life so stressful) that it may not ever get completely processed for me.

I had never heard of menstrual cups before this thread.
02/17/2009
Contributor: Tragemony Tragemony
I use a mooncup. I was sick of using those "super" tampons and occasionally doubling up with a pad. I hated it. I was so uncomfortable and self conscious. When I got my mooncup, after my first period using it, I was calmer. You can leave it in for 12 hours and not have to worry about a leak if it's a light day, or that dry irritation, or the horrors of TSS (which a friend of mine had). Sometimes it really is like you don't have a period at all. Really heavy days for my, I have to change it every four hours, but really, I just find it more convenient to use the cup, and I'm not wasting my money on a disposable product.
03/11/2009
Contributor: L. Jade L. Jade
I just wrote an article on this topic for a national magazine; don't know if it will get picked up or not. I've been using a combination of cloth pads, cups, and sea sponge tampons for eight years now and I will never, ever go back. A few notes:

I've had both the Keeper and the Diva Cup and I like the Diva better b/c it's silicone and can be sterilized. However, the mfr. of the Keeper now makes a silicone version called the Moon Cup. The Diva is a little squatter and less tapered; the Keeper is a bit longer and narrower at the bottom. Both fit me fine until after my second pregnancy (9 lb baby, vaginal delivery, changed a few things!), and now neither of them fit right.

I switched to sea sponge tampons and they're awesome. And CHEAP! $12 for two sponges that will last 6 - 8 cycles EACH. They work even if you have a tipped uterus and they hold about the same amount of liquid as a tampon. I use cloth pantiliners for backup. I have also heard (though haven't tried) that you can saturate a sponge in tea tree oil and put it in to treat a yeast infection.

link

Also, cloth pads are awesome. I <3 Lunapads (link) and used them after both pregnancies but if you're crafty and frugal you can make your own out of recycled t-shirts, flannel, fleece... link
03/12/2009
Contributor: LikeSunshineDust LikeSunshineDust
I'm pretty distraught at the moment. I'm on spring break and my period started today. It's not a surprise or anything, but silly me - I forgot to pack my DivaCup! So I'm using a tampon, and my vagina is totally pissed at me for it
03/16/2009
Contributor: Dragon Dragon
Where in the world did you ladies hear of these? And where do you find them?
03/16/2009
Contributor: LikeSunshineDust LikeSunshineDust
Quote:
Originally posted by Dragon
Where in the world did you ladies hear of these? And where do you find them?
I first heard of Insteads (the disposable ones) in an article about traveling tips. After that, I did some other research about menstrual cups and found out a lot about Diva cups and the like. You can find them all over the internet. I got mine at Amazon.com.
03/17/2009
Contributor: Dark Muse Dark Muse
I have the Diva cup and I love it! I've only had it leak once, and it was totally my fault. I just sort of...left it in...for much longer than you should without emptying, since I had totally forgotten about it. It was a day I had two dance performances back to back, and I fell asleep with it in, without emptying after all that movement. In the morning it had leaked a little in my underwear. I love it because I'll forget I even have it in. As long as you empty it regularly there is no problem, even if your flow is pretty heavy. I love it, and I don't intend on returning to traditional pads or tampons anytime soon.
04/14/2009
Contributor: Lithaewyn Lithaewyn
Since I first stumbled upon the Diva cup a couple years ago, I am now fully convinced that I need one. I trust you guys so much more than a random person online.

I'm just so tired of creating so much trash over periods! Not to mention that it's plain unpleasant/annoying... But if a menstrual cup will make periods less irritating, then I've got to try one!
04/27/2009
Contributor: TinyTease TinyTease
I use Instead brand, disposable cups. I'm actually looking into buying a reusable one. I also think they are much more comfortable and just soo much better!
04/30/2009
Contributor: Rockin' Rockin'
I'm interested in getting one of these cups, but I'm a little concerned about my Nuvaring with it. Anyone have any testimonies about cups + Nuvarings? I don't know what type I'd like but I'm leaning toward DivaCup because I think I could get it in an actual store (and see it before I buy it, etc.).
05/17/2009
Contributor: Rockin' Rockin'
Quote:
Originally posted by Rockin'
I'm interested in getting one of these cups, but I'm a little concerned about my Nuvaring with it. Anyone have any testimonies about cups + Nuvarings? I don't know what type I'd like but I'm leaning toward DivaCup because I ... more
Oh, I guess I should say I know it's supposed to work that the cup is in when the ring is out, but knowing my body and artificial hormones, I'm predicting some overlap in ring/bleeding days.
05/17/2009
Contributor: Dark Muse Dark Muse
Quote:
Originally posted by Rockin'
Oh, I guess I should say I know it's supposed to work that the cup is in when the ring is out, but knowing my body and artificial hormones, I'm predicting some overlap in ring/bleeding days.
I don't use the nuvaring, but the Diva Cup isn't that big. There should be room for both. I don't think it would be too much of a problem, since you don't take the nuvaring out for sexual intercourse either. I don't think they would interfere.

And you totally can get the Diva cup in stores. I saw it at the health food/eco friendly area of my supermarket before.
05/19/2009
Contributor: Rockin' Rockin'
Quote:
Originally posted by Dark Muse
I don't use the nuvaring, but the Diva Cup isn't that big. There should be room for both. I don't think it would be too much of a problem, since you don't take the nuvaring out for sexual intercourse either. I don't think they ... more
Yeah, it's in stock at a nearby store I think. Good to know it's not huge. Thanks for your help! ^_^
05/19/2009
Contributor: Sammi Sammi
I'm trying the disposable ones for the first time today. Walmart actually had them, although they were tricky to find. I'm hoping they work well!
05/20/2009