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Menstural cups?

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124

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    #92
    Das Kitty
    Moderators, Arts Moderators Posts: 17,231 Mod ✭✭✭✭Das Kitty


    I don't put mine in a saucepan, I just pour boiling water over it. A dash of milton would sort it too. The makers don't mention it as they want to be eco friendly.


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    #93
    taram
    Registered Users Posts: 1,226 ✭✭✭taram


    green dolphin wrote: »
    i used a mooncup for a while but gave up after a few months when it came time to boil/sterilize it. they recommend you do this in a pan of water on the hob, but i live in a shared house and i don't exactly want to be boiling my mooncup in the same saucepan people cook their pasta in. how does everyone else get around this?
    If you want it to be super clean you can stick it in a mug with water with a splash of milton overnight or baby bottle sterlising tablets (like 3 euro a packet in boots for tons), then rinse it for a minute. I use hot water and anti-bacterial soap at the start of my period, and then the milton method above at the end when I'm putting it away.


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    #94
    green dolphin
    Closed Accounts Posts: 26 ✭green dolphin


    Das Kitty wrote: »
    I don't put mine in a saucepan, I just pour boiling water over it. A dash of milton would sort it too. The makers don't mention it as they want to be eco friendly.
    taram wrote: »
    If you want it to be super clean you can stick it in a mug with water with a splash of milton overnight or baby bottle sterlising tablets (like 3 euro a packet in boots for tons), then rinse it for a minute. I use hot water and anti-bacterial soap at the start of my period, and then the milton method above at the end when I'm putting it away.

    thanks guys. i just would have wondered about milton and not wanting any residue inside me, but i suppose if its good enough for washing babies bottles in it should be good enough for my lady garden.


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    #95
    bnagrrl
    Registered Users Posts: 996 ✭✭✭bnagrrl


    I just got a Mooncup and am going to use it for the first time at the end of this month.
    I've read the booklet and checked online but can't see if you can use baby wipes to clean it or not? Washing it in a sink in a public toilet is not really practical for me.


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    #96
    Nevyn
    Closed Accounts Posts: 43,045 ✭✭✭✭Nevyn


    I'd becareful about the type of wipes tbh as the residue from them will stay on the cup and may irritate you internally. If you are going to go down the route I'd sugget trying hypo-allergenic non alcohol cotton baby wipes.


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    #97
    bnagrrl
    Registered Users Posts: 996 ✭✭✭bnagrrl


    Thaedydal wrote: »
    I'd becareful about the type of wipes tbh as the residue from them will stay on the cup and may irritate you internally. If you are going to go down the route I'd sugget trying hypo-allergenic non alcohol cotton baby wipes.

    Thanks, I'll keep an eye out for them.


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    #98
    Nevyn
    Closed Accounts Posts: 43,045 ✭✭✭✭Nevyn


    I know boots carry them cos I had to use them for my youngest.


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    #99
    winking weber
    Closed Accounts Posts: 117 ✭✭winking weber


    As mentioned already, you shouldnt need to empty it in a public toilet at all. I cant remember a single occasion when I did. If I had to I'd just look for a loo with a sink in it.

    I think people can get too hung up on the sterilising too. Your vagina is not a sterile area. What goes in there certainly doesnt need to be sterile. Use your common sense and keep the thing clean obviously, but I dont think I'd bother with milton or any of that stuff. Boiling water is perfectly sufficient.


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    #100
    taram
    Registered Users Posts: 1,226 ✭✭✭taram


    winking weber wrote: »
    As mentioned already, you shouldnt need to empty it in a public toilet at all. I cant remember a single occasion when I did. If I had to I'd just look for a loo with a sink in it.

    I think people can get too hung up on the sterilising too. Your vagina is not a sterile area. What goes in there certainly doesnt need to be sterile. Use your common sense and keep the thing clean obviously, but I dont think I'd bother with milton or any of that stuff. Boiling water is perfectly sufficient.
    Agree with both points, I find it easy enough to just quickly tip 98% of it into the loo itself when out anyway, only need to do it when out I assume because I have a very heavy flow.

    And tampons aren't sterile either remember, neither are penises, or most toys :)


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    #101
    baglady
    Closed Accounts Posts: 255 ✭✭baglady


    wow - such an interesting thread - never even gave a thought to using these until I read all this. I think I would defo give it a go. 30 quid sounds like a lot, but I've been reading online that they last years! sounds like it's the most hassle free option! and recession friendly ;)


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    #102
    green dolphin
    Closed Accounts Posts: 26 ✭green dolphin


    taram wrote: »
    And tampons aren't sterile either remember, neither are penises, or most toys :)

    that is a very good point i hadn't considered!


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    #103
    VexedRed
    Closed Accounts Posts: 23 ✭VexedRed


    Had heard about menstrual cups years and years ago, came across this thread and now am finally getting around to getting one after reading your pro-cup stories!
    I can't say I am comfortable with the idea of the initial figuring it out stage but hoping all goes well. I really hate tampons-they never seem to sit quite right with me and pads are just messy and annoying so I'm hoping I have finally found my answer. I know it's sad but am kinda looking forward to it :eek: cos I can't stands these damn tampons no more!

    Should be getting mine tomorrow-if Boots have 'em. Will let you know how I get on!:)


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    #104
    Assets Model
    Registered Users Posts: 308 ✭✭Assets Model


    Go for it vexed I got mine a few months ago and am so happy with it.


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    #105
    anucksunamun
    Registered Users Posts: 273 ✭✭anucksunamun


    hey ladies, found this article very interesting re sex while wearing menstrual cups, and other suggestions to keep it 'clean' (when is sex ever clean;)) thought I'd share:


    you have two options when it comes to cups and penetrative sex – 1. Softcups, 2. Diaphragms.

    Softcups are the same sort of idea as menstrual cups however they are disposable and diaphragm-shaped, sitting up close to the cervix it means that you can have penetrative sex while wearing one to protect against blood getting messy. I’d not advise it though; softcups aren’t anywhere as good as menstrual cups so they can leak, and from personal experience I can tell you that during penetrative sex they can’t be felt by you but they can be felt by the man – some guys may be fine with it, others may be freaked out (my ex was!) http://www.softcup.com

    Diaphragms, basically these can be used just like menstrual cups or softcups as long as your flow isn’t too heavy – they don’t leak that much, but they don’t hold nearly as much flow as menstrual cups or softcups. These are much better for penetrative sex during menstruation as less likely to leak, reusable so still environmentally friendly (although despite being disposable softcups still beat tampons hands-down when it comes to the environment) and cheap, and more importantly as they are made to be worn during penetrative sex they can be worn without being felt by either of you.

    You always have the options of using nothing at all, using an old towel or period blanket, sex in the bath or shower, or you can use sponge http://www.jadeandpearl.com , cloth or soft tampons http://www.gynotex.com – although of course tampons increase your risk of vaginal infections, these tampon types aren’t as high-risk as commercial tampons but it is still worth remembering if you’re prone to vaginal infections.

    Menstrual cups can be worn for sex during your period, only not so great for penis to vaginal penetrative sex because of course they get in the way and reduce the effectiveness of the menstrual cup in doing it's job. For things like oral etc. menstrual cups are fine as they don't leak and have nothing showing on the outside - although I'd recommend silicone brands such as Divacup, Mooncup, and Ladycup as rubber cups such as the Keeper leave you with a rubber taste and smell.


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    #106
    ztoical
    Registered Users Posts: 4,788 ✭✭✭ztoical


    anucksunamun wrote: »
    Diaphragms, basically these can be used just like menstrual cups or softcups as long as your flow isn’t too heavy – they don’t leak that much, but they don’t hold nearly as much flow as menstrual cups or softcups. These are much better for penetrative sex during menstruation as less likely to leak, reusable so still environmentally friendly (although despite being disposable softcups still beat tampons hands-down when it comes to the environment) and cheap, and more importantly as they are made to be worn during penetrative sex they can be worn without being felt by either of you.

    the article doesn't make it very clear the diaphragm is a method of contraception not made for collecting period blood [though it does do that] Diaphragms use to be a very common method of contraception but with the arrival of the pill became less common, just in case some of the younger ladies have never heard of them. It should also be pointed out you need to be fitted for a diaphragm by a doctor to make sure it fits correctly thus working correctly as contraception.


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    #107
    Quality
    Registered Users Posts: 6,900 ✭✭✭Quality


    Got my first mooncup recently and I think they are brilliant!!

    Thanks girls, I would never have ever heard about them only for this thread.

    I find it very comfortable to wear and it is great that I dont have any of the litter associated with applicator tampons.


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    #108
    bnagrrl
    Registered Users Posts: 996 ✭✭✭bnagrrl


    How long can you leave it in for?


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    #109
    Quality
    Registered Users Posts: 6,900 ✭✭✭Quality


    4 - 8 hours its suitable during exercise and overnight!!


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    #110
    bnagrrl
    Registered Users Posts: 996 ✭✭✭bnagrrl


    Quality wrote: »
    4 - 8 hours its suitable during exercise and overnight!!

    Took me so long to get it in right I'd like to leave it in as long as possible before going at it again! :P


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    #111
    VexedRed
    Closed Accounts Posts: 23 ✭VexedRed


    Got my mooncup yesterday-it's huge! Even when you fold it it's still about twice the width of a tampon... first time promises to be an interesting experience!:D


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    #112
    iguana
    Moderators, Entertainment Moderators Posts: 12,915 Mod ✭✭✭✭iguana


    bnagrrl wrote: »
    How long can you leave it in for?

    It's safe to leave in for 12 hours, but in day 1 and 2 the odds are you'll have to change it more often.

    When it comes to needing to change it in a public toilet where the sinks aren't in the cubicle I've developed a trick. I take it out, empty it, flush the toilet and give it a quick rinse it the flow of water as it comes out. It sounds a bit odd, but it's clean water and is a quick fix if you're stuck.


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    #113
    dosed
    Closed Accounts Posts: 77 ✭✭dosed


    Got my mooncup yesterday-it's huge! Even when you fold it it's still about twice the width of a tampon... first time promises to be an interesting experience!

    how are you folding it? personally I find the fold in the instructions way too big.

    this video has a million different folds, but you might see one that is easier than just folding it in half. the one one i use is called the 'punch-down' i believe.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-PX3BWwjPY&feature=channel_page


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    #114
    VexedRed
    Closed Accounts Posts: 23 ✭VexedRed


    dosed wrote: »
    how are you folding it? personally I find the fold in the instructions way too big.

    this video has a million different folds, but you might see one that is easier than just folding it in half. the one one i use is called the 'punch-down' i believe.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-PX3BWwjPY&feature=channel_page

    Hey-thanks for the link! I must say, I never would have thought of consulting YouTube!

    I was just using the folding instructions in the leaflet. There are a few ones on the tutorial video that I will prob try now-they look a bit more manageable. Some even look quite arty-the origami one looks like a rose! :D


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    #115
    Jenroche
    Registered Users Posts: 280 ✭✭Jenroche


    Sounds way too fiddly for my liking but good luck to anyone who's using mooncups.

    Jen ;->


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    #116
    Ms. Crabapple
    Registered Users Posts: 43 ✭Ms. Crabapple


    Hi all,
    I've read through all the posts here and followed the links and would love to try the mooncup. I was just looking up the sizes. I'm 28 (nearly 29) and have no children so should I still get the B size (for women under 30 who haven't given birth) or just get the A size ( which are for those who are over 30 and/or have given birth vaginally)? :confused: I searched the FAQ on the mooncup website but no joy. Does anyone know where I could get an answer to this? It's just that I don't want to buy a small size I'll only use for a year and then have to bin. :o


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    #117
    Morgase
    Registered Users Posts: 737 ✭✭✭Morgase


    Ms. Crabapple wrote: »
    Hi all,
    I've read through all the posts here and followed the links and would love to try the mooncup. I was just looking up the sizes. I'm 28 (nearly 29) and have no children so should I still get the B size (for women under 30 who haven't given birth) or just get the A size ( which are for those who are over 30 and/or have given birth vaginally)? :confused: I searched the FAQ on the mooncup website but no joy. Does anyone know where I could get an answer to this? It's just that I don't want to buy a small size I'll only use for a year and then have to bin. :o

    I'd say you'd be fine with the smaller one, especially if you haven't used it before and need to get used to using it.


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    #118
    phic
    Registered Users Posts: 342 ✭✭phic


    Ms. Crabapple wrote: »
    Hi all,
    I've read through all the posts here and followed the links and would love to try the mooncup. I was just looking up the sizes. I'm 28 (nearly 29) and have no children so should I still get the B size (for women under 30 who haven't given birth) or just get the A size ( which are for those who are over 30 and/or have given birth vaginally)? :confused: I searched the FAQ on the mooncup website but no joy. Does anyone know where I could get an answer to this? It's just that I don't want to buy a small size I'll only use for a year and then have to bin. :o

    What worries me about this is what exactly is going to happen to my vagina the day I turn 30?!
    Mooncup looks pretty good though, read an article about these years ago, but the writer wasn't very impressed by them so I didn't consider it.
    I may now though! €30 seems a bit pricey though!


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    #119
    Knee-Vee
    Closed Accounts Posts: 155 ✭✭Knee-Vee


    Ended up getting one about seven months ago, and I honestly wouldn't be without it now - I even pop it in my bag if I'm going places in the week before I'm due, just in case. It does leak a little if you put it in too far, but once it's in and you have the stalk trimmed to a length that doesn't drive you nuts you forget it's even there. Brilliant! It's not as big as I thought it would be - the open end is about as big around as a walnut in its shell, and it's about the length of the teats on bigger baby bottles.


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    #120
    dosed
    Closed Accounts Posts: 77 ✭✭dosed


    Ms. Crabapple wrote: »
    Hi all,
    I've read through all the posts here and followed the links and would love to try the mooncup. I was just looking up the sizes. I'm 28 (nearly 29) and have no children so should I still get the B size (for women under 30 who haven't given birth) or just get the A size ( which are for those who are over 30 and/or have given birth vaginally)? :confused: I searched the FAQ on the mooncup website but no joy. Does anyone know where I could get an answer to this? It's just that I don't want to buy a small size I'll only use for a year and then have to bin. :o

    I guess if you do kegals and stuff you'll be fine with the smaller size for a while?! i don't know, the sizes are only guidelines afterall. Some of the brands are only one size, i guess somewhere in the middle of a & b, maybe try one of those?


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    #121
    xoxyx
    Registered Users Posts: 1,811 ✭✭✭xoxyx


    Ok - at first, reading the initial posts, I had a definite "eww" reaction, but, reading on, I do see how the cups can be useful - especially for swimming.
    However, whilst I'm all into helping the environment and economising, I do think this is one area where a woman is allowed to be a bit selfish and I would never change what I use just because it would be a bit more green or save me a few euros.
    I think the best thing is whatever makes you comfortable but, by the sounds of it, these cups could be the next big thing once there is more awareness of them - as I, for one, have never heard about them before.


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