Women only please - alternatives to tampons...

Ladidah · 03-21-2006, 09:50 AM

Does anyone use a menstrual cup?
What brand?
Is in comfortable?
Is it messy?
How often do you need to empty it (and is your flow heavy or light)?

Thanks!

Grif · 03-21-2006, 09:54 AM

A WHAT???

Why... in the name of all that is holy... would anyone want to use such a thing????????

How would one walk?... or sit?... or wear jeans? I just can not fathom such an invention??

Ok.. um.. the alternative to tampons are called... P - A - D - S.....

summer32 · 03-21-2006, 09:55 AM

I've never heard of that either but it sounds YUKKKKK

CurveControl · 03-21-2006, 09:57 AM

used it years ago, Pretty easy, once you get the hang of it. but kinda messy to empty unless you are at home. (Not the thing to use if you will be in a public restroom!)
I have a heavier flow now, but It really wouldn't matter. I just got sick of the PIA of changing it when I went from a Private office setting (Private bathrooms) to a hospital work setting (not so much privacy). I loved it right after my last 2 kids- I was at home and NO cervical dialation (heck, my cervix dosn't even know I HAD kids) so I was allowed to use it right after.
I got my moneys worth, but just didn't replace it when It wore out as I had a DD using Tampons by then and it was easier to just use what was already in the house.

CarolinaRocker · 03-21-2006, 09:57 AM

Grif I LOVE that smiley!!!!!!!!

I agree.....its sounds nasty.......and it wears out? Im oddly intriqued

outtaluckduck · 03-21-2006, 09:58 AM

I bought one abut 2 years ago. It was messy and difficult to use (and leaked) my flow is rather slow and I did not tried again. So it could have been a user's issue.
You can get a free trial from magazine advertisement.

CurveControl · 03-21-2006, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grif

A WHAT???

Why... in the name of all that is holy... would anyone want to use such a thing????????

How would one walk?... or sit?... or wear jeans? I just can not fathom such an invention??

Ok.. um.. the alternative to tampons are called... P - A - D - S.....

A little like a Diaphram But fits Tighter around you cervix to catch and hold Mens blood. Easy, and not a big TSS risk as tampons. And not as EEEWWWW as pads.

CarolinaRocker · 03-21-2006, 10:02 AM

No WAY!

chrissygal · 03-21-2006, 10:02 AM

I use the Diva cup and have used one for several years. I love it for many reasons. Last time I posted in one of these threads on this topic I got a lot of incredulous flack so I will pm you the details.

CurveControl · 03-21-2006, 10:03 AM

One brand out there

Quote:

How does The DivaCup™ work?
The DivaCup™ is very sanitary, comfortable, reliable and convenient. It holds one full ounce (30 ml). Since the entire cycle is an average of 3-4 ounces (90-120 ml), most women find that the cup is not even half full after 12 hours.

The vagina is continually self-cleansing, washing away dead cells and bacteria. Tampons absorb the natural fluids that we need to keep the vagina clean and moist. The DivaCup™ is non-absorbent and simply collects the menstrual flow, leaving the natural moisture level in the vagina undisturbed.

Depending on your flow empty the cup 2-3 times per 24 hour day, wash and reinsert. It can be worn up to 12 hours, even overnight. The DivaCup™ is ideal for all activities including swimming, camping, backpacking, and travelling. It is suitable for all menstruating women of all ages.

What is the Diva Cup Made of?
The DivaCup™ is an approved by the FDA (USA) and Health Canada. It is made of soft medical grade silicone, which is latex-free, 100% hypoallergenic and odorless. For over 50 years, silicone has been safely and extensively used in products for the health care industry.

CurveControl · 03-21-2006, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grif

A WHAT???

Why... in the name of all that is holy... would anyone want to use such a thing????????

How would one walk?... or sit?... or wear jeans? I just can not fathom such an invention??

Ok.. um.. the alternative to tampons are called... P - A - D - S.....

A little like a Diaphram But fits Tighter around you cervix to catch and hold Mens blood. Easy, and not a big TSS risk as tampons. And not as EEEWWWW as pads.

greenbean · 03-21-2006, 10:07 AM

The moon cup. I will never ever go back to tampons. There are a few different cups available and there is a site that shows 3 of the cups side by side and this one was the one I chose from those descriptions and pictures. I will try and find the site for you.

I actually switched from store boughts tampons and pads for a medical reason. When I had my dd 3 yrs ago I had post pardum bleeding for 11 weeks

and I developed an allergy to whatever the mainstream companies use for processing/creating thier product. Since then I have occassionally tried the store bought stuff out of convience and that lasts about an hour before the allergy returns with full force. Trust me when I say this is not an allergy I wish on anyone!

*Comfortable: yep cannot tell it is there. There is a tiny

*Messy: Not in my opinion. I never have to throw out a used item which involved wrapping the item up and discarding it under other trash.

*How often do I empty it: At first I was paranoid and would check it every few hours because heavy flow hardly describes TOM for me. I am actually good to leave the cup in place for about 10-12 hours before I empty it and even then it isn't a necessity (the cup isn't running over).

Tylar_Connar · 03-21-2006, 10:12 AM

I have never in my life heard of this. Interesting!

SmileyAmy · 03-21-2006, 10:12 AM

I've never used them for TOM - I've used them for other reasons - but there are Instead Cups and I'd wear them for 12 hours and you couldn't even feel them. I don't know about messes, but if you are going to be away from home, you could use a pantyliner.

They were really easy to insert and remove.

Grif · 03-21-2006, 10:13 AM

Ok.. I know Im going to regret asking this.. but.. um..

How does one go about REMOVING that.. ah.. device without getting the contents everywhere?...

And um.. how does one go about putting it in? I would think it can not go in small end first because then you would have to actually twist it around.. and putting in in wide end first looks mighty hard... is it flexible?.. and if it is.. see my first question about getting it out...

ok.. and since we are all women here... (men get OUT NOW if you dont want to be seriously grossed out by my next comment)...

Um... a few clots and that little cup is gonna overflow... I just dont get it.

RunForYourLife · 03-21-2006, 10:14 AM

Oh good heavens. This makes my hysterectomy just that much more of a blessing.

Kathryn

CurveControl · 03-21-2006, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grif

Ok.. I know Im going to regret asking this.. but.. um..

How does one go about REMOVING that.. ah.. device without getting the contents everywhere?...

And um.. how does one go about putting it in? I would think it can not go in small end first because then you would have to actually twist it around.. and putting in in wide end first looks mighty hard... is it flexible?.. and if it is.. see my first question about getting it out...

ok.. and since we are all women here... (men get OUT NOW if you dont want to be seriously grossed out by my next comment)...

Um... a few clots and that little cup is gonna overflow... I just dont get it.

Fold in half (The sides are not rigid
slike in and feel to be sure the ring is around the cervix- like a diaphram but smaller) Tug on the little hangey down bottom piece to be sure it's in place. Viola-Inserted.

Pull out by the little thing on the end and squeeze shut.

Mine was MANY years ago, not disposable and I washed it with hot soapy water and reinserted.

Ladidah · 03-21-2006, 10:17 AM

Thanks! I am going to be on a mega road trip with a bunch of classmates again soon (I asked about this here a few years ago, didn't have time to buy/try a cup before my trip, and forgot about it) and it's going to be that TOM. 16+ hours in a van with bathroom stops few and far between.

I have a heavy flow the first few days of my cycle and no matter what brand tampon/pad combo I try - it always seems to leak!

Then I feel gross until I take a shower and get a clean change of clothes - and on a road trip like this neither is going to happen.

SmileyAmy · 03-21-2006, 10:18 AM

Cynthia ~ They are ususally flexible...you kinda compress them, instert like a tampon and they sort of pop into place. Your pubic bone keeps it in place. I don't know about it making a mess when you take it out as I didn't use it for TOM. But regarding overflow...I don't think that that would happen. I've read that you really don't loose as much blood during TOM as you think. Only about 2 tbsp a day.

buttsister123 · 03-21-2006, 10:18 AM

I use the Instead brand on my heavy days - otherwise I would be changing
my tampon every 2-3 hours. They are easy to insert but are messy changing out. I can usually wear them 5-7 hours before changing. But worth it in my opinion for my heavy days! Very comfortable, don't notice them being there.....

Bug · 03-21-2006, 10:23 AM

OMG - I learned something new today. Interesting... very interesting. But, then again, I have problems even inserting a tampon and can not even use them.

CarolinaRocker · 03-21-2006, 10:27 AM

well I'll be darned......

igirl · 03-21-2006, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmileyAmy

I've never used them for TOM - I've used them for other reasons - but there are Instead Cups and I'd wear them for 12 hours and you couldn't even feel them. I don't know about messes, but if you are going to be away from home, you could use a pantyliner.

They were really easy to insert and remove.

I've used this one - not alot but works well if you want to have relations while on TOM

and not have to deal with the mess of it all.

I can only use it certain times while on TOM-- I have a tilted cervix and it can be a little uncomfortable for me to use. Usually though, once it's in I can't feel it at all, and it doesn't give me any problems.

xavier_grad · 03-21-2006, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buttsister123

I use the Instead brand on my heavy days - otherwise I would be changing
my tampon every 2-3 hours. They are easy to insert but are messy changing out. I can usually wear them 5-7 hours before changing. But worth it in my opinion for my heavy days! Very comfortable, don't notice them being there.....

Ummmm....how messy? I honestly cannot imagine.

jedswife · 03-21-2006, 10:47 AM

heck! i didnt even know such a thing existed.

Sleepy · 03-21-2006, 10:48 AM

CurveControl · 03-21-2006, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xavier_grad

Ummmm....how messy? I honestly cannot imagine.

not too bad. Especially, I would think, the disposables.

LINC · 03-21-2006, 10:50 AM

There was a thread on these a while back. Sorry...not for me.

Lou

03-21-2006, 09:50 AM	#1
Ladidah Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Missing Bo and Pepper :( Posts: 5,731 Gallery: Ladidah	Women only please - alternatives to tampons... Does anyone use a menstrual cup? What brand? Is in comfortable? Is it messy? How often do you need to empty it (and is your flow heavy or light)? Thanks!

03-21-2006, 09:54 AM	#2
Grif Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Up State New York Posts: 8,363 Gallery: Grif Stats: 260/220/170 WOE: move more/eat less Start Date: 01/01/08 (this time around)	A WHAT??? Why... in the name of all that is holy... would anyone want to use such a thing???????? How would one walk?... or sit?... or wear jeans? I just can not fathom such an invention?? Ok.. um.. the alternative to tampons are called... P - A - D - S..... Last edited by Grif : 03-21-2006 at 09:55 AM.

03-21-2006, 09:57 AM	#4
CurveControl Formerlychubchick Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Ohio Posts: 40,621 Blog Entries: 8 Gallery: CurveControl Stats: 200/ 195.5 /135 WOE: moderate carb, 30-60 grams Start Date: 3/25/08 sigh	used it years ago, Pretty easy, once you get the hang of it. but kinda messy to empty unless you are at home. (Not the thing to use if you will be in a public restroom!) I have a heavier flow now, but It really wouldn't matter. I just got sick of the PIA of changing it when I went from a Private office setting (Private bathrooms) to a hospital work setting (not so much privacy). I loved it right after my last 2 kids- I was at home and NO cervical dialation (heck, my cervix dosn't even know I HAD kids) so I was allowed to use it right after. I got my moneys worth, but just didn't replace it when It wore out as I had a DD using Tampons by then and it was easier to just use what was already in the house. __________________ *Molly* http://www.myspace.com/molly67 I'm too Blessed to be Stressed ~♥~ ~♥~ ~♥~ ~♥~ BiPos Take heart~ We have Special Brains, and Cool Thought processes, and Like any Superior Performace Creation we need special handling and additives to run at top performance. I have never ever met anyone as creative, and fun as a (properly medicated)BiPo.

03-21-2006, 09:57 AM	#5
CarolinaRocker Sugar High Hooligan Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Crazy Town Posts: 39,407 Gallery: CarolinaRocker Stats: - 24! WOE: LowCarb 7-21-08	Grif I LOVE that smiley!!!!!!!! I agree.....its sounds nasty.......and it wears out? Im oddly intriqued Last edited by CarolinaRocker : 03-21-2006 at 09:58 AM.

03-21-2006, 10:02 AM	#9
chrissygal Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 3,817 Gallery: chrissygal Start Date: 03/15/05	I use the Diva cup and have used one for several years. I love it for many reasons. Last time I posted in one of these threads on this topic I got a lot of incredulous flack so I will pm you the details. Last edited by chrissygal : 03-21-2006 at 10:07 AM.

03-21-2006, 09:55 AM	#3
summer32 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Sussex, England Posts: 370 Gallery: summer32 Stats: Heaviest 210.Re Started Atkins at 180/160/140 WOE: Atkins Start Date: Re started: March 1 2007	I've never heard of that either but it sounds YUKKKKK

03-21-2006, 09:58 AM	#6
outtaluckduck Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Orlando, Florida Posts: 182 Gallery: outtaluckduck Stats: 219/186/140 size 24/14-16/4-6 WOE: EFGT Start Date: 10/31/2007	I bought one abut 2 years ago. It was messy and difficult to use (and leaked) my flow is rather slow and I did not tried again. So it could have been a user's issue. You can get a free trial from magazine advertisement.

03-21-2006, 10:07 AM	#12
greenbean MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Tejas Posts: 2,178 Gallery: greenbean Stats: LBS to Lose 81/-18/63 WOE: Atkins! Start Date: 01.01.2008 WOL	The moon cup. I will never ever go back to tampons. There are a few different cups available and there is a site that shows 3 of the cups side by side and this one was the one I chose from those descriptions and pictures. I will try and find the site for you. I actually switched from store boughts tampons and pads for a medical reason. When I had my dd 3 yrs ago I had post pardum bleeding for 11 weeks and I developed an allergy to whatever the mainstream companies use for processing/creating thier product. Since then I have occassionally tried the store bought stuff out of convience and that lasts about an hour before the allergy returns with full force. Trust me when I say this is not an allergy I wish on anyone! Comfortable: yep cannot tell it is there. There is a tiny Messy: Not in my opinion. I never have to throw out a used item which involved wrapping the item up and discarding it under other trash. *How often do I empty it: At first I was paranoid and would check it every few hours because heavy flow hardly describes TOM for me. I am actually good to leave the cup in place for about 10-12 hours before I empty it and even then it isn't a necessity (the cup isn't running over). __________________ "Nothing wrong with boobies, boobies feed the world."

03-21-2006, 10:12 AM	#13
Tylar_Connar Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 12,435 Gallery: Tylar_Connar Stats: 198177150 WOE: 27 lbs to go for now Start Date: 10/14/06-165, 11/23/07 180	I have never in my life heard of this. Interesting!

03-21-2006, 10:12 AM	#14
SmileyAmy Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Attleboro, Massachusetts Posts: 6,569 Gallery: SmileyAmy Stats: looking at the scale from a safe distance	I've never used them for TOM - I've used them for other reasons - but there are Instead Cups and I'd wear them for 12 hours and you couldn't even feel them. I don't know about messes, but if you are going to be away from home, you could use a pantyliner. They were really easy to insert and remove.

03-21-2006, 10:13 AM	#15
Grif Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Up State New York Posts: 8,363 Gallery: Grif Stats: 260/220/170 WOE: move more/eat less Start Date: 01/01/08 (this time around)	Ok.. I know Im going to regret asking this.. but.. um.. How does one go about REMOVING that.. ah.. device without getting the contents everywhere?... And um.. how does one go about putting it in? I would think it can not go in small end first because then you would have to actually twist it around.. and putting in in wide end first looks mighty hard... is it flexible?.. and if it is.. see my first question about getting it out... ok.. and since we are all women here... (men get OUT NOW if you dont want to be seriously grossed out by my next comment)... Um... a few clots and that little cup is gonna overflow... I just dont get it. __________________ Cynthia Once I become Omnipotent Ruler of World.. things will be very very different. Do not meddle in the affairs of Dragons...for you are crunchy and good with ketchup. I asked what you thought, I did'nt ask what you thought about what I thought.

03-21-2006, 10:14 AM	#16
RunForYourLife MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Trinity, FL Posts: 2,553 Gallery: RunForYourLife Stats: 195.6/152/145 5'7.5" 35YO WOE: Atkins Start Date: Original start:2002 Re-inducted at 157 on 01/02/07	Oh good heavens. This makes my hysterectomy just that much more of a blessing. Kathryn

03-21-2006, 10:17 AM	#18
Ladidah Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Missing Bo and Pepper :( Posts: 5,731 Gallery: Ladidah	Thanks! I am going to be on a mega road trip with a bunch of classmates again soon (I asked about this here a few years ago, didn't have time to buy/try a cup before my trip, and forgot about it) and it's going to be that TOM. 16+ hours in a van with bathroom stops few and far between. I have a heavy flow the first few days of my cycle and no matter what brand tampon/pad combo I try - it always seems to leak! Then I feel gross until I take a shower and get a clean change of clothes - and on a road trip like this neither is going to happen.

03-21-2006, 10:18 AM	#19
SmileyAmy Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Attleboro, Massachusetts Posts: 6,569 Gallery: SmileyAmy Stats: looking at the scale from a safe distance	Cynthia ~ They are ususally flexible...you kinda compress them, instert like a tampon and they sort of pop into place. Your pubic bone keeps it in place. I don't know about it making a mess when you take it out as I didn't use it for TOM. But regarding overflow...I don't think that that would happen. I've read that you really don't loose as much blood during TOM as you think. Only about 2 tbsp a day.

03-21-2006, 10:18 AM	#20
buttsister123 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Colorado Posts: 238 Gallery: buttsister123	I use the Instead brand on my heavy days - otherwise I would be changing my tampon every 2-3 hours. They are easy to insert but are messy changing out. I can usually wear them 5-7 hours before changing. But worth it in my opinion for my heavy days! Very comfortable, don't notice them being there..... Last edited by buttsister123 : 03-21-2006 at 10:21 AM.

03-21-2006, 10:23 AM	#21
Bug Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: South Posts: 6,758 Gallery: Bug Stats: so far -90 pounds! WOE: Low Carb/Healthy!	OMG - I learned something new today. Interesting... very interesting. But, then again, I have problems even inserting a tampon and can not even use them.

03-21-2006, 10:27 AM	#22
CarolinaRocker Sugar High Hooligan Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Crazy Town Posts: 39,407 Gallery: CarolinaRocker Stats: - 24! WOE: LowCarb 7-21-08	well I'll be darned......

03-21-2006, 10:47 AM	#25
jedswife MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 2,898 Gallery: jedswife Stats: 220/160/140 WOE: Body By Atkins	heck! i didnt even know such a thing existed.

03-21-2006, 10:48 AM	#26
Sleepy Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 6,973 Gallery: Sleepy Start Date: The beginning of the end 1/1/2008

03-21-2006, 10:50 AM	#28
LINC Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,866 Gallery: LINC	There was a thread on these a while back. Sorry...not for me. Lou