Softcup

[printcards]

I've been using a menstrual cup for about 1 1/2 and I love it! I HIGHLY suggest checking out this menstrual cup website: http://menstrual-cups.livejournal.com/

There are so many brands and it's important to find one that is comfortable for your body. I have the MeLuna in both medium and large. I thought a medium would be ok for me, but then on my heavy days it filled up SOOOO quickly. Apparently I have a heavier flow than most. Take into account how much you think you bleed each day. The large is sort of hard for me to insert because the medium fits the size of my vagina better, but I couldn't be running to the bathroom every hour to empty it.

Another thing I love about the cup is that you can put it in around the time you think you're going to get your period and leave it in. You don't even notice you're wearing it and then it guarantees you won't be in for a surprise and some ruined underwear.

When I need to empty it in public, I just don't rinse it. I empty it in the toilet and put it back in right away. Emptying it sounds a lot more messy and gross than it actually is. It takes a bit of practice to get it in easily, but once you have it down it won't be any trouble.

Let us know if you try one out and how you like it!

[anne]

Reusable pads can indeed be uncomfortable on heavy days. I find myself checking a lot if it's spilled over. But surprisingly, and this may be TMI so WARNING... when I used disposable pads before, there would be that unpleasant period smell. That doesn't happen with my reusable pads. I don't know, maybe something with the cotton inside disposable pads doesn't mix well with period blood?! Whatever it is, I just know that because it doesn't have an unpleasant smell, it's good stuff.

[anacinforheadaches]

these sound great for being green and all that but....I really don't picture the insertion/removal process as not being difficult and messy. I know I would try and take it out and just spill blood everywhere. I can't imagine being at the movies, hobbling out of the stall using toilet toilet paper to stop the bleeding till I re-insert my blood thimble. I would feel so awkward hello ladies...don't mind me while I empty my period blood in the sink next to you, yep you are watching me wash something that was just in my vagina. And what if you tripped and dropped your bloody cup on someone....no, I think I will not use this.

[printcards]

I can't imagine being at the movies, hobbling out of the stall using toilet toilet paper to stop the bleeding till I re-insert my blood thimble. I would feel so awkward hello ladies...don't mind me while I empty my period blood in the sink next to you

Haha, you don't have to do that!!! You empty the blood into the toilet while you're sitting on it. Since your fingers are on the outside of the cup and you dump it out as soon is it's out of your vagina, you don't get bloody at all. When I'm in public, I don't wash it out- just stick it right back in. You can wash it later when you're in your own bathroom. I probably only wash mine twice a day and it's totally fine.

Aside from being environmentally friendly, it's also better for your health. The bleaching agents used in tampons and pads contain known carcinogens. The FDA says that they're only a problem if there's prolonged exposure, but I think that a week ever month is pretty prolonged!

[Lauriane]

I had absolutely no idea this eco/body friendly alternative existed! I read your posts and browsed the net to get some more info, and I find myself really considering trying it out. Thanks for talking about it
I have a question though, do you sometimes use it at night? If so, is it comfortable?

[printcards]

I always use it at night! It is sooooo much more comfortable than pads- you don't even notice it's in! And you don't have to worry about infection issues like with leaving in a tampon. I do use a panty-liner along with it in case of leaks, but I usually don't have any.

[superlatifs]

I didn't know there was such a thing as reusable pads! I'm going to look into those. I was really interested in the Diva Cup, but I have an IUD and I was told you shouldn't use any of the cup products when you have one.

This is totally new to me so thanks for pointing it out! I'm on the pill right now but my doctor has recommended me to stop them because apparently women who get aura migraines (unfortunately including me) are recommended to not use the pill because apparently it puts them at higher risk for stroke, so I'm going on the IUD soon. I'm going on the Mirena though, and I've heard that it basically stops your period, so I guess I wouldn't have to worry about pads/tampons/cups etc., I've always wanted to try the Diva Cup though, a friend of mine has one and she is ALWAYS raving about it!

[Lauriane]

That's awesome then, I think I'll try it

[Sarahdg]

The Diva Cup seems pricier at Whole Foods than online.

Here are some reusable pads:
http://www.gladrags.com

I didn't even know reusable pads existed either! I checked out the website and they look pretty good. Might think about investing in some of those!

[anacinforheadaches]

I gave in and tried divacup despite my reservations. Its actually clean and more comfortable than a tampon. YAY for less horrible periods!