Women, menstrual cups -?

Contributor: Fierce Like Tiger Fierce Like Tiger
Both my friend and my mother have tried cups, I have not. But I know that both of them had major leakage issues. I am too paranoid to try them, and at the present time, cannot bend enough to get them in :-( back surgery. argh.
I would go ahead and try them most likely if it wasn't for the spinal fusion. I would love to save some money, and I have read that they are really comfortable.
07/25/2009
Contributor: removedacnt removedacnt
I have a few questions.

Are these similar to diaphrams that are used for birth control?

Can they be used during intercourse? And will that keep the blood back while having sex?

Are these sold in stores like Walgreens or only online?

Thanks!
08/03/2009
Contributor: Rockin' Rockin'
Quote:
Originally posted by removedacnt
I have a few questions.

Are these similar to diaphrams that are used for birth control?

Can they be used during intercourse? And will that keep the blood back while having sex?

Are these sold in stores like Walgreens or only ... more
I've never used a diaphragm, but the menstrual cups are not for contraception. They should not be used during intercourse (they sit very low in the vagina and it would be nigh impossible to have sex with one in anyway). I haven't seem them sold in Walgreens, but I got mine in a health food store. Some of the sites have store locators where you can find a store near you to buy their product. For the questions you asked, it seems like you might like those sponge things that can be used during sex.
08/03/2009
Contributor: removedacnt removedacnt
Quote:
Originally posted by Rockin'
I've never used a diaphragm, but the menstrual cups are not for contraception. They should not be used during intercourse (they sit very low in the vagina and it would be nigh impossible to have sex with one in anyway). I haven't seem them ... more
Oh actually what I was looking for was something as a barrier to my menstrual flow during sex. Which it sound like this isn't it. The reason I mentioned a diaphram is that years ago I had one and found that it really helps keep blood flow under control during sex.

I don't need anything for birth control. That's no longer an isssue. What is an issue is that I'm in menopause and my periods are crazy unpredictable. Lately I've been having weeks of mild to spotting, which is really screwing up my sex life. So, like I said, I'm looking for something I can use to keep the flow back during sex.
08/03/2009
Contributor: spicywife spicywife
I've tried the Diva cup, perhaps I did something wrong but it hurt really bad when I tried to put it in / take it out. I didn't try again. I use cloth pads.
08/04/2009
Contributor: Rockin' Rockin'
Quote:
Originally posted by removedacnt
Oh actually what I was looking for was something as a barrier to my menstrual flow during sex. Which it sound like this isn't it. The reason I mentioned a diaphram is that years ago I had one and found that it really helps keep blood flow under ... more
Ah, I see. The Instead softcups sound like what you're looking for. If they haven't been mentioned on this thread, they're mentioned somewhere else on the forum (I remember some people talking about them but not sure where). Good luck
08/04/2009
Contributor: RosesThorns RosesThorns
I would love to make the switch to either a cup or sea sponge with cloth backup... But A. I cant afford it atm...and B. Im afraid of grossing out the BF lol... although hes pretty cool about the period thing ^_^ Makes me happy that he is actually will to have sex during my menses, I have known guys in the past that it just totally squiks them out, I digress...

For those who use cloth pads... How many do you keep, how do you launder them, and who long before you usually buy new ones?


Rose
01/23/2010
Contributor: Nerdy Nymphette Nerdy Nymphette
Quote:
Originally posted by Bulma
I honesty only need a pantyliner during my (super short) periods because of my IUD, but when I get it taken out (probably not for three years) I will definitely consider using the cup.

When I first learned of it, my reaction was a resounding ... more
Just a heads up to the ladies with IUDs:

The NP I met with who did my IUD insert advised me against using menstrual cups and InSteads, saying that the suction they rely on is one of the few things shes seen inadvertently yank out an IUD. Youch!
05/03/2010
Contributor: Holly (Woman Tribune) Holly (Woman Tribune)
I have never tried the Diva Cup, the Moon Cup, the Keeper or any other variation of this, but I have tried the Instead Softcup, which is disposable so if you're looking into cups for environmental reasons, these aren't the cups for you, but they can be used two to three times instead of one time if you are really careful when cleaning. However, maybe it's just my shape or something, but I have found the Instead Softcup to never find its place in me and keep it. I have leaked when using it and never found it to be entirely comfortable and even though the word "soft" is in the name of them, I found them to be a little hard. I do want to try the Diva Cup, though, because it looks smaller than Instead and it also looks softer, which looks promising to me.

Even though this is a different conversation all together, I use reusable cotton/fleece menstrual pads which suit my needs very well. I bleed very heavily for a good 5 days and found that postpartum pads, which reusable menstrual pad companies also make, fit my needs especially for bedtime, so if you're not big into tampons or cups, you should try them. I use Lunapads and Gladrags, both amazing, woman-owned companies.
05/03/2010
Contributor: LikeSunshineDust LikeSunshineDust
Quote:
Originally posted by Nerdy Nymphette
Just a heads up to the ladies with IUDs:

The NP I met with who did my IUD insert advised me against using menstrual cups and InSteads, saying that the suction they rely on is one of the few things shes seen inadvertently yank out an IUD. Youch!
Ah, the suction. Now it makes sense. I could never figure out why cups were contraindicated with IUDs.
05/03/2010
Contributor: softcoeur softcoeur
I found out about them nearly 10 years ago, and have since been telling anyone who menstruates how wonderful they are. It's fantastic not having to go through disposable tampons and pads every month, and no leaking like I used to have with tampons!

PROs -- when you know your period is about to start, you can just go ahead and put it in and forget about it. When your period is ending and your flow is light, no more horrible painful removable of a dry tampon, and leaving bits of cotton inside you.

I find mine extremely comfortable -- I can never feel it. Being able to insert and remove comfortably takes just a little getting used to, but if you do it while you're in the shower, everything being wet makes it easier, and you can just empty and clean the cup at the same time.

No Cons that I can think of!

At first I couldn't find them in the US so I use a Mooncup from the UK. Since then, it seems that Mooncups can be bought here that are made here, not in the UK. You can find Mooncups and Divacups on Amazon and I think in Whole Foods stores too.

Word of warning: when boiling to sterilize between uses -- set a timer and DO pay attention to it ... I've boiled two dry!
05/03/2010
Contributor: PassionQT PassionQT
Quote:
Originally posted by Spiking Glue
Right, so, I'm still full of uncomfortable puritanical urges when it comes to my bodily functions, but at the same time -- I feel very very strongly about women's menstrual cups.

I fucking LOVE them.

I've used mine for about ... more
I've tried the INSTEAD cup. There is just a brief learning curve for taking it out. You really have to bear down. It appears to be effective, but I don't choose to wear it on my heavy days because its just to heavy. Most drugstores sell them, I want to say for about $8 for a box of 14.

It is more comfortable than a tampon. The latter seems to intensify my cramps.
05/20/2010
Contributor: joja joja
I've just started using the small Lunette Selene. Absolutely loving it.

I have a pretty low cervix, so most other cups were too deep for me. The smaller Lunette is one of the softest menstrual cups around, so taking it out is no problem, and despite its softness I find it pops open quite easily upon insertion.

I've always been lazy about tampons, often wearing them until they leak. I got my Lunette to avoid toxic shock syndrome and be able to wear it longer than a tampon - not to mention saving money, cotton, string, packaging, and applicators!
05/24/2010
Contributor: Kim! Kim!
I've been using a Diva Cup for a little over 3 years now. Once I didn't have it with me when my period started and I had to use a tampon. It was horrible and I will never forget it again. I can't stand them after using a cup.

I swear it speed up my period by around a dayish too, which is nothing to complain about.
06/08/2010
Contributor: Jill Ingoff Jill Ingoff
I use a mooncup and I love it! Although sometimes I think it makes my cramps worse and there's a learning curve in regards to how to use it! but it's so much better than pads or tampons.. my favorite thing about it is if I didn't have the cramps that came with having my period, I wouldn't even know I was on my period.. AND I really love that it doesn't absorb my own natural fluids so everything feels pretty normal down there and not irritated like with pads or tampons. I just love it.
06/09/2010
Contributor: gigglinggargoyles gigglinggargoyles
I bought a Divacup a few years ago and it was seriously painful. I wasn't particularly tight, but I could feel the suction pulling on my cervix and I had problems putting it in. I'm pretty scared to ever attempt one again but I want to use them because pads and tampons just suck. T.T
06/17/2010
Contributor: sumie sumie
Quote:
Originally posted by CaptainBunnyKilla
Has anyone tried the Insteads during sex?
I have. My partner could feel it when he used his fingers but for actual intercourse he could not feel it at all. I think he loves them more than I do, lol. I use the Insteads for intercourse during my period and the Diva cup for the rest of my period.
09/09/2010
Contributor: Jenn (aka kissmykitty) Jenn (aka kissmykitty)
I recently won a starter pack of Luna Pads (link), so I guess the next step is to replace my regular tampons with a Diva Cup. My biggest concern is dumping/cleaning it out in public, if need be -- how does that work out for those of you who use it?
09/09/2010
Contributor: softcoeur softcoeur
Quote:
Originally posted by Jenn (aka kissmykitty)
I recently won a starter pack of Luna Pads (link), so I guess the next step is to replace my regular tampons with a Diva Cup. My biggest concern is dumping/cleaning it out in public, if need be -- how does that work out for those of you who use it? ... more
I've had no issues cleaning mine out when I'm out in public restrooms. I remove it sitting on the toilet and empty it, wipe it clean with toilet paper, and re-insert. I've read that some people bring a bottle of water with them into the cubicle to help with cleanup, but I've never found it necessary.
09/09/2010
Contributor: Alicia Alicia
Quote:
Originally posted by Jenn (aka kissmykitty)
I recently won a starter pack of Luna Pads (link), so I guess the next step is to replace my regular tampons with a Diva Cup. My biggest concern is dumping/cleaning it out in public, if need be -- how does that work out for those of you who use it? ... more
I've also never found it to be an issue. The silicone of the cup allows it to wipe off really easily and I just stuff toilet paper in there, squeeze the cup around it so that it all sticks to the TP and then pull it out and it's clean. It's actually more discreet than tampons since you don't hear crinkle crinkle crinkle and then the squeak of the tampon can and all that.

I love cloth pads too, they're so much more comfortable than disposable pads. I don't have any Luna Pads though and they look awesome..maybe I'll have to order a few!
09/09/2010
Contributor: joja joja
I agree about using them in public. I actually find it faster and less messy than tampons, even when I leave my Lunette in too long and it overflows (which has been getting rarer and rarer as I get used to how often it needs to be changed on which days).
09/10/2010
Contributor: SleepyPanda SleepyPanda
Okay, this is so interesting. How did I not know that these existed? This kinda sounds perfect for me too, because I have the same complaints: tampons are drying, changing pad constantly, complain frequently about the price of products.
I think I'm gonna have to try this, thanks for posting about it!
09/12/2010
Contributor: LikeSunshineDust LikeSunshineDust
My period is starting tomorrow and I have a slight irritation on my labia on one side... Not really looking forward to Diva Cup-age :-/
09/12/2010
Contributor: CleverKitty CleverKitty
I have the keeper. I don't use it very often any more since I'm on continuous birth control but I'll get the occasional heavy break through day. I've had to cut the stem down a lot but I find it very comfortable. Since I don't bleed that heavily I can leave it in 8+ hours.

When the time comes to replace it I think I'll definitely try one of the silicone cups because they seem easier to clean.
09/22/2010
Contributor: indiglo indiglo
Just giving this a bump for some of the newer members.
04/09/2011
Contributor: Cedarlooman Cedarlooman
I am a man, but had heard of these before, and I have no idea where. I do know that a friend of mine uses them and when she told me about it, I think her jaw hit the desk she was so surprised. It seems like I was one of the first men she had talked to that already knew what it was, and evidently several of the women don't know either. Why is this such a big secret ladies? We had sex ed class in high school and there was a lady that came in and talked about TSS from tampons, but the alternative suggested was just to always use maxis; she didn't even mention cups.
04/09/2011
Contributor: softcoeur softcoeur
I don't know why menstrual cups don't have the exposure that tampons do, but maybe that's changing, since even in the last few years I've seen a couple of new brands. I was really surprised when I switched to a new gynecologist for a checkup, and SHE had never heard of them. How is that possible??
04/10/2011
Contributor: ac0313 ac0313
I heard about these from a female friend. She suggested I tell my wife and teen daughter about them, which I did...well I told the wife. She wanted nothing to do with them...her comment was something like "ew, i don't want to touch it when it is full" *shrugs shoulders*

As a man, I see the benefits, as described by my friend and believe every woman should look into these!
04/10/2011
Contributor: sexygoddess sexygoddess
I've been meaning to get one.
04/10/2011