Menstrual cups

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I had a mooncup when i was in my early twenties and found it good but i actually lost it - i think it got thrown out when i moved.

Anyway i never replaced it and now that i'm 32 i want to get another. I know if i was to go with the mooncup brand i would need to get the A size now.

Are there any other brands people would recommend? im open to another brand - mooncup just ruled the market when i bought mine a long time ago.

Thanks.

Also just a note - if anyone feels disgusted by menstrual cups etc. dont bother posting about it here - i find them really useful and lots of others do too.

clappyhappy

Don't know about other brands, but reading recommendations here I bought a moon cup over 2 years ago. Best thing ever, got mine in boots about €30 I think.

chuckles30

I bought my mooncup after reading a post on here - could be 8/9 years ago now and I have never looked back. First one still as good as ever, so while at the time I thought €30 was a lot to hand over, it is so worth it. I made the mistake of going on holidays without it at one stage & I actually bought another one - stuck with the mooncup brand - and this is now permanently in my overnight toiletries bag. I could not go back to towels/tampons - just wish I'd know about this years earlier.

To answer your question OP, it's mooncup all the way for me, but then I haven't tried/needed to try alternative brands

sillymoo

I had a mooncup years ago prior to IUD insertion and it was brilliant - took a little getting used to in terms of trying to fit it but worked very well. I found sterilising it a bit of a chore but that wouldn't put me off getting one again. I haven't used any other brands so cannot help you there in sorry!

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Thanks Ladies. I was between the Lunette and the Mooncup, i went with the mooncup but had to go to the A size - im over the hill now!

Looking forward to using it again, its revolutionary for women and i HATE that they are not widely promoted and hidden on the bottom shelf in chemists.

LegacyUser

I use a Meluna cup which I have found more reliable (less likely to leak!) than the mooncup.

Cheaper too and there's more options for colour, style etc. (Mine has a ring pull which I prefer to a stem)

Never could understand how more people don't use menstrual cups. I could never go back to STs or tampons now.

Tipperary Fairy

I have to say I always found the idea odd, but every so often I seem to get a sort of itching from panty liners, so I'm giving serious thought to this. I have very light (but very long) periods, and so tampons will do but they're not ideal.

Thing is though, are these made from latex or something? I can't use latex condoms so couldn't use it if it was.

Also are there any disadvantages you've found to using these?

The Raptor

I tried these once, got it stuck and couldn't get it out. I think i may have put it in too far like you would a tampon. No matter how hard I tried, i just could not get it out. Had to go to the doctor for some help. Kinda scared to try again.

LegacyUser

Tipperary Fairy wrote: »

I have to say I always found the idea odd, but every so often I seem to get a sort of itching from panty liners, so I'm giving serious thought to this. I have very light (but very long) periods, and so tampons will do but they're not ideal.

Thing is though, are these made from latex or something? I can't use latex condoms so couldn't use it if it was.

Also are there any disadvantages you've found to using these?

They're made of medical grade silicon rather than latex, so hopefully you can use them!

A big advantage is that you can leave them in quite a bit longer than tampons and there's much less risk of toxic shock syndrome.

Disadvantages would be that they can be a bit of a pain to remove/clean depending on where you are. I've heard people say that you can bring a bottle of water into a toilet cubicle to rinse it with if you don't have access to a private bathroom/sink while on the go.

On a similar note, they're not for the very squeamish. They can be a bit messy and putting then in you need to fiddle a bit to make sure it's opened fully (which I don't always do when in a rush and that can lead to leaks which, while infrequent for me, do occasionally happen).

On the topic of panty liners, I had a similar problem in the past which was due to me using scented liners. Once I got unscented it was okay again.

Neyite

Tipperary, I think they might be made of silicone?
I've found that with cups, you don't feel dried out the way a tampon would.

The disadvantages are really in the usage of them - you'll get up close and personal with your period so if you are squeamish or a bit funny about touching any of that stuff, a cup will likely gross you out. The other disadvantage is maybe when emptying them. The bathrooms I use though have the sink within reach of the loo.

Raptor, that must have been a fright for you! did you have the stalk still on it or did you trim it?

The Raptor

I cut some of the stalk off, could feel it but couldn't get it out. Couldn't reach the top to break the seal.

Lesson learned, don't put it in so far. Or do some people not get the hang of it and can't use them at all.

Neyite

I think if you squat as much as you can and bear down it shortens the vaginal canal a good bit so you can reach it. Most women can touch their cervix that way if they want. So since the cup only goes in maybe 3/4 way, you might be able to get it that way. But I don't blame you for being hesitant again after a trip to the doctor like that.

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The Raptor wrote: »

I tried these once, got it stuck and couldn't get it out. I think i may have put it in too far like you would a tampon. No matter how hard I tried, i just could not get it out. Had to go to the doctor for some help. Kinda scared to try again.

Yeah they dont go as far as a tampon - just right inside, the end of the stem should be *almost* outside (i trim my stem).

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Tipperary Fairy wrote: »

I have to say I always found the idea odd, but every so often I seem to get a sort of itching from panty liners, so I'm giving serious thought to this. I have very light (but very long) periods, and so tampons will do but they're not ideal.

Thing is though, are these made from latex or something? I can't use latex condoms so couldn't use it if it was.

Also are there any disadvantages you've found to using these?

Mooncup is medical grade silicone.

The advantages for me are i can leave it in for a long time and not worry about TSS, less waste/effect on the environment, excellent fro travelling, i can see how heavy or light my period is, cheaper in the long run.

The disadvantages i have found - sometimes leaks at night/if i havent inserted it correctly, can be a bit tricky in a public bathroom but i often just emptied it and reinserted it without washing it off and obviously its not going to be practical if you are weird about blood. But the advantages win for me and i know im treating my body better by using it.

fro9etb8j5qsl2

I started using mine last month and although I'm still getting the hang of it, I'm already wondering why I didn't try it sooner Inexplicably developed an allergy to most tampons/sanitary towels/toilet paper after having my last baby (something to do with the bleach they use) so the mooncup was my only option.

seefin

I bought the indeed softcup as had started cerazette and was bleeding continuously. Before the softcup arrived from Amazon,bleeding had stopped so never came out of big. If anyone in Cork city area wants for free let me know

Kash

Brantley Cuddly Smoothness wrote: »

Inexplicably developed an allergy to most tampons/sanitary towels/toilet paper after having my last baby (something to do with the bleach they use) so the mooncup was my only option.

I had this happen after my first baby! Not toilet paper, but the towels/tampons I had been using for years, whatever changed in them. I also found the scent really off-putting. Switched to the mooncup then (almost 4 years ago) and haven't looked back.

For the person who said sterilizing was a bit of a pain, I use a microwave steriliser originally intended for dummies/soothers. It's the business!

Tipperary Fairy

Hmm the amount of cleaning seemingly involved in this is off putting. Still not sure it's for me.

eviltwin

Tipperary Fairy wrote: »

Hmm the amount of cleaning seemingly involved in this is off putting. Still not sure it's for me.

Tbh I think it's less messy than a lot of people think. I usually only need to empty mine at home, they hold quite a bit. I just dump the contents in the loo and wipe it with paper. It's a lot less messy than towels in my experience. I have mine about four years now and its one of the best investments I've ever made.

Tipperary Fairy

Yeah my flow is very light, but the website says about cleaning it properly and then having to sterilise it too? I'd have nowhere to do that, wouldn't even know how tbh, but couldn't imagine I'd be comfortable using a shared kitchen to do that. Definitely out for the time I'm travelling anyway!

eviltwin

Tipperary Fairy wrote: »

Yeah my flow is very light, but the website says about cleaning it properly and then having to sterilise it too? I'd have nowhere to do that, wouldn't even know how tbh, but couldn't imagine I'd be comfortable using a shared kitchen to do that. Definitely out for the time I'm travelling anyway!

I've never actually done that with mine I just give it a good clean when I'm finished with it and put it away.

Kash

I don't think the amount of cleaning is a lot - I empty it morning and night, so I'm at home, where it takes 30 seconds to empty, rinse and replace. Then I sterilise at the end of my cycle, an extra 30 seconds - but i wouldn't stress over it if I had to skip that step every once in a while - it's silicon, once it's washed and dried, it will be fine as far as I'm concerned!

As for an actual mess, I have never had a leak in my 4 years of using it - that wasn't my experience with tampons or towels, so I wouldn't give it up now

Neyite

Tipperary Fairy wrote: »

Hmm the amount of cleaning seemingly involved in this is off putting. Still not sure it's for me.

There really isn't though. Empty once (or twice a day with heavy flow), rinse under a tap (or with a bottle of water in a cubicle and reinsert.

Get a small tupperware tub from the likes of Dunnes or a poundshop and a bottle of milton, then at the end of your period give it a soapy wash then into steep in milton solution with the lid on overnight. Rinse and bag up until next month.

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eviltwin wrote: »

I've never actually done that with mine I just give it a good clean when I'm finished with it and put it away.

Same.

lazygal

My only regret with the Mooncup is that I didn't buy one years ago. I love it and the cleaning doesn't bother me at all, after having two children in cloth nappies I've been through a lot worse that a teaspoon or two of blood.

Kash

lazygal wrote: »

after having two children in cloth nappies I've been through a lot worse that a teaspoon or two of blood.

The cuter the fluffy bum, the greater the potential for horror-poops

chuckles30

People seem to be making a big deal out of the cleaning - I can honestly say I've never had an issue.
On light days, I empty morning and evening & just give it a wipe with toilet paper and straight back in. On heavy days, I might empty twice during the day at work. Just empty it down the loo and wipe and pop it back in. I never use water to clean it during use.
When my period is done, I give it a good wash in hot soapy water, throw it in a mesh bag (I use one off laundry tablets) and hang it on the clothesline outside for a day or two. It eliminates any smells as I did notice that a couple of times. Then I just pop it in a small saucepan of boiling water & simmer for about 10 minutes - I did buy a cheap small saucepan specifically for this task. Throw it in the back ready for next month. Never had an issue.

Tipperary Fairy

I'm not making a big deal out of it I just said that as I'm in shared accommodation I can't imagine sterilising it in a pot in the kitchen.
The cleaning advice I read on the website for it made it sound like quite a bit, considering what I currently do, but it seems the ladies here don't really stick to that anyway.

IvyTheTerrible

I had the Diva Cup and the cleaning advice they gave was that you only had to clean it well at the end of your period. Empty it and put it back in during the day. Rinse it once a day, and then clean it with soapy water/sterilise it when your period is finished. That's one of the things that attracted me to it, that I wouldn't need a place to dispose of anything, and I could just throw the contents down the toilet. If you have a normal flow, you might only have to empty every eight hours. If you camp or do a lot of travelling, it's a lot handier and more discrete than tampons.

PennyWren

Do many of you use a mooncup?? I've been thinking about it on and off for months but can't bring myself to actually try it. My sister did but she didn't like it, found it very awkward and that out me off a bit more. None of my friends use them so I would love to hear anyones thoughts or opinions. I've always used tampons and I think what concerns me most would be comfort.
But I'd love to have a good alternative not least because tampons are potentially dangerous but the volume of waste from a lifetime of periods is terrible! TIA

IvyTheTerrible

MOD Hi PennyWren, I moved your post to the mooncup thread, you'll find some interesting information there. Plenty of us use them!

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PennyWren wrote: »

Do many of you use a mooncup?? I've been thinking about it on and off for months but can't bring myself to actually try it. My sister did but she didn't like it, found it very awkward and that out me off a bit more. None of my friends use them so I would love to hear anyones thoughts or opinions. I've always used tampons and I think what concerns me most would be comfort.
But I'd love to have a good alternative not least because tampons are potentially dangerous but the volume of waste from a lifetime of periods is terrible! TIA

Read back through this thread - lots of people use them and really like them.

I use the moon cup . It's so practical, saves money, is better for the environment but above all its better for my health.

DM addict

I do use a moon cup, bought it several years ago and no looking back.

In terms of comfort, I don't find it awkward/uncomfortable to insert/remove, although there is a knack at first. I can't feel it when it's in, don't have issues with leakage etc.

I've a loathing for pads - just don't like the feel of it - and this is perfect for me. Means I'm genuinely not thinking about it, except for the day or so with cramps :-/

Scarinae

PennyWren wrote: »

I've always used tampons and I think what concerns me most would be comfort.

I've been using a Mooncup since around 2008 and I've found it to be much more comfortable. There have been a few times since that I've had to use tampons or pads, whether because my period had arrived earlier than I was expecting and I didn't have the cup with me or because I'd moved flat and misplaced it - I have found that I'm much more aware of having a tampon in, whereas with the cup I don't feel it once it's in place. It seems tricky to use when you first try it but once you get the hang of it it's no bother.

sullivlo

Gross/odd question, does one have to have their period in order to use a mooncup? I'm curious, but think I'd prefer to get used to it when not under pressure. So is it like tampons in that it can only be used when on period, or can it be used for practice at other times?

IvyTheTerrible

sullivlo wrote: »

Gross/odd question, does one have to have their period in order to use a mooncup? I'm curious, but think I'd prefer to get used to it when not under pressure. So is it like tampons in that it can only be used when on period, or can it be used for practice at other times?

AFAIK there is little or no risk of TSS because of the material the cup is made from. (So for example, it's ok to put in the cup in anticipation of your period). So practising is grand!

Kash

Yeah, as Ivy said - there is no risk of TSS so you could certainly practice. My only worry would be that you would forget about it!!

lazygal

sullivlo wrote: »

Gross/odd question, does one have to have their period in order to use a mooncup? I'm curious, but think I'd prefer to get used to it when not under pressure. So is it like tampons in that it can only be used when on period, or can it be used for practice at other times?

I put mine in a day before I'm due and it is fine. I've a period tracker app which is very accurate so I know when to pop it in.

Tipperary Fairy

Wanted to get one, but can't seem to find any around. Anybody else know where in Sydney I could get one?

Toots

sullivlo wrote: »

Gross/odd question, does one have to have their period in order to use a mooncup? I'm curious, but think I'd prefer to get used to it when not under pressure. So is it like tampons in that it can only be used when on period, or can it be used for practice at other times?

It's OK to use it when it's not time of the month. I did that a fair bit when I first got mine so that I'd get confident with removing and re-inserting it before I wore it out and about during my actual period.

I ended up having to trim the stem completely cos it irritated me, so there was a bit of a technique to work out getting it out. A good (slightly TMI) tip if you're finding it hard to get it out is, go number 2 and sometimes that can help shift things a bit

Sapphire

Tipperary Fairy wrote: »

Wanted to get one, but can't seem to find any around. Anybody else know where in Sydney I could get one?

Could you order it online? That's what I did.

IvyTheTerrible

Tipperary Fairy wrote: »

Wanted to get one, but can't seem to find any around. Anybody else know where in Sydney I could get one?

I found this site which could be useful to you: http://www.itcouldbebetter.com.au/buy-products/

Tipperary Fairy

Thanks, but I was hoping to look in shops as I'd like to judge the sizing first. Might have to just consider online options

IvyTheTerrible

Tipperary Fairy wrote: »

Thanks, but I was hoping to look in shops as I'd like to judge the sizing first. Might have to just consider online options

They give lists of shops too!

Tipperary Fairy

Thanks, will check it out properly later

lazygal

Boots sell them, in the sanitary products section. Maybe only the larger ones though.

Tipperary Fairy

lazygal wrote: »

Boots sell them, in the sanitary products section. Maybe only the larger ones though.

There's no boots in Australia

Scarinae

sullivlo wrote: »

Gross/odd question, does one have to have their period in order to use a mooncup? I'm curious, but think I'd prefer to get used to it when not under pressure. So is it like tampons in that it can only be used when on period, or can it be used for practice at other times?

I've put mine in before my period has even started, if I know it's due in the next day or two. If you do decide to try this it might be worth wetting it with water first to make it a bit easier to insert, it can feel a bit strange the first time you try it!

fro9etb8j5qsl2

I always make sure mine is wet when inserting as it goes in a lot easier. I trimmed the whole stem of mine too. I mistakenly thought in the beginning that you are supposed to pull it out by the stem but i discovered that it's much easier to remove by pulling the bottom of the cup.

Another good tip for removing is to squeeze it gently before pulling out. This breaks the air seal so that you don't get that huge suction-y feeling as it comes out.

sullivlo

Brantley Cuddly Smoothness wrote: »

I always make sure mine is wet when inserting as it goes in a lot easier. I trimmed the whole stem of mine too. I mistakenly thought in the beginning that you are supposed to pull it out by the stem but i discovered that it's much easier to remove by pulling the bottom of the cup.

Another good tip for removing is to squeeze it gently before pulling out. This breaks the air seal so that you don't get that huge suction-y feeling as it comes out.

Hmmm. Speaking of squeezing. Has anyone any experience in using one whilst cycling? I do long-ish distance cycling so could be gone from the house for hours and hours. This would be handy.

However. I was cycling home from work and thinking about a mooncup (my mind wanders when cycling :pac: ) and would be concerned that the pressure on my pelvic area from the hard saddle / movement / standing up on the bike and sitting down on the wrong part of the saddle by mistake... Would this be enough to dislodge the seal? Because I wouldn't like that.

Scarinae

I've worn mine while cycling and it was fine, probably not over such long distances as you would be doing though - when I was doing fieldwork for my undergraduate thesis I spent six weeks cycling as I don't drive and it was the only way for me to get around the area. I don't feel the cup when it's in, I think the only part that might potentially be uncomfortable would be the stem but I trimmed mine so it didn't affect me. I don't think it would break the seal.

I've also been scuba diving with the cup in and no problems there either, despite the pressure changes when descending.