For the Ladies only

[Shandi76]

Thanks for resurrecting this, redeyedtreefr0g. I had wanted to add a post to it a week or so ago but was put off by the warning.

I finally got a Moon Cup (I'm UK based) and have used it for one cycle so far. I thought it was pretty neat, on the whole :-) I have previous experience of using a diaphragm and it was easier to insert than that. I had a bit of a problem with leakage on the second morning, but luckily I had chosen to use a pad for backup, and after I refitted it at lunchtime it was fine from that point. I did have to empty it three times a day on my two heaviest days, and use a pad as backup overnight a couple of times as it fills and leaks as soon as you get up, but it's way better than having to get up at 3am to change a tampon.

I had fewer cramps than with tampons, but it's not a miracle product that stops you feeling like you are menstruating. I did still feel a bit rubbish on my heaviest day.

On the fourth morning I had a panic as I couldn't get it out! I had to give up and go into work. Luckily I had time to pop home at lunchtime and sorted it then. I think the comment about not having enough air in it makes a lot of sense: is there a way to fold it up without squeezing out almost all the air? The bearing down, squeezing the base and rocking it from side to side does the trick.

I have to say I would not like to empty it in a public restroom, or use it when visiting relatives (my closest relatives don't have a lock on their bathroom doors - in case someone has a heart attack in the bathroom or something(!) which makes me tense up!). It does take a noticeable length of time, and is a bit messy which is fine for my bathroom but not in someone else's house.

[Zaga]

I had fewer cramps than with tampons, but it's not a miracle product that stops you feeling like you are menstruating. I did still feel a bit rubbish on my heaviest day.
I don't have any improvement in cramps with the cup, sadly.
On the fourth morning I had a panic as I couldn't get it out! I had to give up and go into work. Luckily I had time to pop home at lunchtime and sorted it then. I think the comment about not having enough air in it makes a lot of sense: is there a way to fold it up without squeezing out almost all the air? The bearing down, squeezing the base and rocking it from side to side does the trick.I let it open up when only about halfway in, then put it the rest of the way in.  That way there's excess air instead of not enough.  The excess escapes easily enough.

[LadyM]

Or, an IUD.  I think I've had 3 periods in 6 years.

Yeah, seconded. I have the Mirena, and it's awesome. My periods have pretty much disappeared. Sometimes just a small amount of spotting -- and I can just use a pantyliner in those instances. Though, I hear the copper ones cause extra bleeding, so I'd beware of those.

Plus, no babies! :D

Tripled on the Mirena IUD.  No periods, no babies, and it's good for 5 years. 

I had already tried the copper IUD between kids, and I had a lot of heavy, painful cycles with it, so much so I had it removed (I thought it had wandered I was in such discomfort between cycles), and I went back to the pill before stopping and becoming pregnant with my 2nd.  After him, at the recommendation of my doc, I went with the Mirena, and have been using it happily since 2009.  Cycles went away, there's occasional spotting that lasts only a few hours, but otherwise it's a blissful land of no babies and no bleeding. 

ALSO, no real side-effects like you would get from the pill.  As my doc explained to me, there are less hormones because they can be localized to the uterus, and not system-wide like an oral pill.  So other than the lack of a period, I haven't notched any of the pesky symptoms that come along with a pill.

Insurance covered it and I won't need another until 2014.

One last word:  I've been told that IUDs are best if you've already had at least one kid.  I've had a couple of child-free friends get an IUD and they described the insertion experience as excruciating.  Mine couldn't have been more different....barely felt it.  I guess when you've pushed two kids out (the first 7lbs 12oz and the 2nd was 9lbs 4oz!), a little IUD is like a breeze....literally.

[kkbmustang]

+4 on the IUD. I'm on my second Mirena, post-kids. I'm a lifer.

[maryofdoom]

I can't add anything to the IUD discussion (the husband got a vasectomy instead, which was highly Mustachian, as there was just a $50 co-pay and that was it), but I can say that I love my DivaCup more than anyone should love a menstrual product. I actually get sad when I forget it at home and have to use the free tampons at work. (Like today.)

I urge all female-bodied Mustachians to try some type of cup.

[smalllife]

One last word:  I've been told that IUDs are best if you've already had at least one kid.  I've had a couple of child-free friends get an IUD and they described the insertion experience as excruciating.  Mine couldn't have been more different....barely felt it.  I guess when you've pushed two kids out (the first 7lbs 12oz and the 2nd was 9lbs 4oz!), a little IUD is like a breeze....literally.

Child free here and I was just fine.  Intensely uncomfortable for a minute but compared to pushing out a kid - sign me up!!!  I'm hoping to have my tubes tied once I save up and can confirm with insurance that it is covered (currently in a grandfathered plan, but as they fully paid for the Paraguard insertion I have high hopes). 

I also use a menstrual cup and love it.  I have cloth pads that act as pantyliners but I'm not quite as in love with them (but love not throwing away the plastic!).   The cup has paid for itself in less than a year of periods and will continue to do so for years to come.

[CarolynM]

I love my cloth pads!

Saves so much money and is better for the environment.

I found them difficult to use when I was a college student without my own laundry. Now that I have a washer/dryer, I just put the used pad directly into the washing machine and run it whenever.

I LOVE not spending money on pads every month.

(I have an issue that doesn't let me use anything insert-able, so pads are always what I've used)

[frugalcalan]

Another vote for the DivaCup or an IUD.  I bought a DivaCup and loved it... but less than six months later I got a Mirena IUD!  So I didn't really get my full use out of it, and I've still got at least half a bottle of "diva wash" left.  Pity it's not something you can sell used :p

With my Mirena I get a tiny bit of monthly spotting.  I've got a Costco pack of pantyliners that should last me a few years, at least.  Can't speak highly enough of the IUD.  A bit expensive, but way cheaper than babies!  And there's no expense of, "Did I take my pill?  Guess I'll be paranoid and take Plan B"

[nolajo]

Another vote for the DivaCup or an IUD.  I bought a DivaCup and loved it... but less than six months later I got a Mirena IUD!  So I didn't really get my full use out of it, and I've still got at least half a bottle of "diva wash" left.  Pity it's not something you can sell used :p

With my Mirena I get a tiny bit of monthly spotting.  I've got a Costco pack of pantyliners that should last me a few years, at least.  Can't speak highly enough of the IUD.  A bit expensive, but way cheaper than babies!  And there's no expense of, "Did I take my pill?  Guess I'll be paranoid and take Plan B"

Oh man, I could've written this word for word. I only got the IUD about a month ago, so my cycle is a little wonky (and I might be one of the unlucky ones who never loses it altogether). But the other advantage of the cup is that since it's made of silicone, I can keep it in safely even if I'm not sure there's going to be much flow. So many reasons to be happy with it, even if I'm probably going to get less use.

Also on the pain of insertion when child-free, yeah, it was not fun. It was probably five minutes of bad-cramp-like sensations and I've had more cramping than normal since. But it can't be worse than childbirth and I spent less on it than I've spent in the last couple of years on panicky Plan-B purchases.

[Woolie]

Another IUD fan here.

My uterus is tipped in a weird way so the cup doesn't work for me. I even had to get into a mildly weird position for the OB/GYN to even insert the IUD. With that, I also have tiny hands and because of the way my uterus is tipped, I can't even feel for the strings myself and have to have the assistance of a partner. So, ladies that have problems with the cup, it might just be the way your body is made.

I do like the cloth pads when I do need to use them, though right now I am lucky enough with the IUD not to have a period.

[cats]

Anyway, I'm assuming all ladies are sized differently and maybe the size 2 (older than 30, had child) is not right for me?  I'm going to contact the company and see if they'll send me a size 1 to try (since I obviously can't return it).

Just happened to see this, so I don't know if you're still having problems, but I seem to recall on the blog that you wound up going with a c-section for mini-MM?  If that's the case, the size 2 very well may be too big, the "have had kid" part really means "have given birth vaginally". 

Anyway, I've been a happy user of the keeper since I was 23.  Unfortunately I have to go shopping for a new one ASAP as my roommate's dog managed to get a hold of it and thought it would make a fantastic chew toy (fortunately it was getting near the end of its lifespan anyway...)

[Miss Stachio]

I started using the Keeper 12 years ago (when it was still made out of rubber) in conjunction with cloth pads.  It fell apart after 8 years and I switched to the Moon Cup which is made out of medical grade silicone.  There was definitely a learning curve for inserting and removing.  The first few times, it inserted very easily but was difficult to remove.  Pushing down so that the tab is easily accessible and pulling while using a finger to break the seal turned out the be the easiest way to remove it.  Also, turning it a few times made the seal stronger.  It felt so much better than using tampons or disposible paper pads which are bleached with chlorine.  Ugh, I felt like my insides were being sandpapered every time I used a tampon.  Bleh.

So far the Moon cup has been great.  The material is much smoother than the rubber Keeper and I haven't had problems with leaking, even when I keep it in over night.  Apparently my uterus is tipped (tippy?) but I haven't had problems due to this. I estimate that I save about $300-400 a year using the cup which can mean a lot during university!

[caligulala]

If you have a tilted uterus, stretch your calves and hamstrings. Chronically tight lower leg muscles can tip your pelvis, making the tilt in your uterus more extreme which can increase cramps, etc.

To stretch your calves, roll up a towel tightly, step on it with one foot and step forward with the other. You want to keep yourself as upright as possible during the stretch, so check to make sure you aren't leaning forward.

When stretching your hamstrings, bend forward from the hips and keep your back straight. Bending from the midback or shoulders doesn't help stretch the hamstring. Don't worry if you are hardly bent over, it gets better quickly.

My cramps and associated issues decreased by, oh, 98% once my leg muscles weren't super short and tight.

[jwystup]

First day of diva cup for me!

I was convinced once we moved to the 1st floor at work and I learned that there is a single no-stall bathroom available (usually don't use that one though, since it's in the exec hallway, but it's there and I *can* use it if I have to). I kept forgetting since I'd only think of it during "that time", last month I finally ordered it.

I'm very glad I had read this thread before messing with this new contraption. I probably would have super freaked out had I not known that super suction was a thing. Seems I just have to shove a finger up there and break the seal and it's all good. I'm having issues with the end poking me though, I think it isn't quite in there far enough. After rereading this, I'm going to go try the "oragami" fold now. If that doesn't help I'm probably going to chop off the tip all the way (I did 1/2 so far).

I've been home all day but I went to the store and sneezed while I was driving - I definitely felt it poke out and go back in! It sat weird after that. I wonder if this is because it isn't in far enough. I tried to redo it a couple times, it seems like it opens too low and I can't push it up any farther. It isn't too far off from where it should probably be, it's just a little uncomfortable where the stem is.

I got a "starter set" that came with 2 cloth pantyliners and those are nice too. I know I would be wearing a pad right now just in case if I didn't have them, but these are better.

Oh and I've finally found a benefit to our smallest-half-bath-ever: I can easily reach the sink while sitting on the toilet, so I can take it out, rinse it, and put it back in without waddling to the sink with my pants around my ankles :)

So... still uncomfortable, but still willing to stick this out to see how it goes...

[Zaga]

I'd definitely consider cutting the stem all the way off, that's what I needed to do.  It's so comfortable like that that I can't feel it at all.  Once it's open and pushed in behind my pubic bone there are no worries until it's full.  Oh, and you might not realize this at first, but it's almost horizontal when in correctly.  It's easy to assume it should be vertical since it's shaped like a cup, but that's just not how it sits.

[jwystup]

I'd definitely consider cutting the stem all the way off, that's what I needed to do.  It's so comfortable like that that I can't feel it at all.  Once it's open and pushed in behind my pubic bone there are no worries until it's full.  Oh, and you might not realize this at first, but it's almost horizontal when in correctly.  It's easy to assume it should be vertical since it's shaped like a cup, but that's just not how it sits.

Thanks! I was hesitant to cut it off all the way, especially because last night it scootched up a bit more and was a little deeper when I tried to get it out this morning. But since I really haven't had any issues getting it out (as long as I can get up there and release the suction), so I did it about an hour ago. It's definitely better. I think I do still need to get used to it a bit, I've found that I like the 2nd way of folding it better ("punch down") - I think I can get it in farther before it pops open that way.

Biking to work today wasn't great, it was poking the whole way. I'm really hoping it's better tomorrow!

[Kenoryn]

Mrs. MM & others, I hear you about the difficulty removing and suction issues with the DivaCup. I had trouble getting it in too, and couldn't get it to unfold all the way once it was in, so it leaked, and I found it was uncomfortable while it was in. I think it was just too big and I was frustrated that it only came in two sizes. The stupid thing is so tall I had trouble reaching in far enough to get to the rim to break the suction. Same panicky, crying experiences others have described. ;P I tried the Keeper too because it seemed like the material was more flexible, but had the same issues. From what I'm reading here it seems like there other other brands that make smaller ones though? I'll have to look into these. Meanwhile, I use reusable cloth pads and am a big fan.

[Zaga]

jwystup, I think you'll like the bike ride a ton more now that you cut the stem off!  Being poked is just no fun.

Kenoryn, I have the Lunette small and have not once had trouble with suction.  I also recently bought a Ladycup small so I would have a spare and that one occasionally gives me suction trouble.  Also, the texture of it is very smooth, which means I can have trouble getting a good grip on it.  Sometimes I have to use my fingernails to dig into it to get a grip for removal.  But once I figured out how to prevent the suction it's a perfectly fine backup cup!  Also, I agree, the reusable pads are great!

[KC]

@kenoryn

Have you tried boiling the diva cup before using it? It will make it less rigid and easier to fold.

[Christiana]

Cloth pads are also an option for those that don't like a reusable cup. I made my own from cotton t-shirts and flannel clothing items. I wash cloth diapers so it's no extra effort or energy to have reusable products. ;)

Me too!  Also, I find that I have less cramping with reusables--maybe because there are fewer chemicals in them.

[N]

My diva cup bit the dust a couple months ago (developed a crack) and i ended up replacing it with a lunette. It seems shorter and I like it better. I trimmed the tail, but not completely and I still dont feel it. My diva cup, I had to trim the tail completely and it still felt low sometimes. Not sure if this is fortunate or not, but my cycles have turned very wonky in the last 18months and are very irregular. some months I skip it altogether. the joys of peri menopause.

[Moonwaves]

Just adding my tuppence worth, since perhaps there are other women who've joined since this discussion was started and haven't seen it yet. I actually wrote a blog post on this a year or so ago (here, in case anyone wants to read the whole thing), so I'm just going to paste some of that text here. Short version: love, love, love my mooncup and am soooo glad I did persevere until I got the hang of it.

"That day convinced me, however, that I should consider at least trying the mooncup, as it would be ideal for a day when you don't want to be carrying supplies with you.  So I bought one.  And then did nothing but take it out of the packaging for a look and think to myself, "Must try that sometime".  Eventually I did try it once or twice but really didn't click with it at all.  I waited until I got my period at a weekend, and luckily it was a weekend when my housemate was away, too, so no-one to notice if I was spending longer than usual in the bathroom or wonder what the hell this silicon thing was boiling away on the cooker.  I didn't heed the advice I'd heard over and over again to cut as much as possible off the stem and, well, ouch!  I eventually did get it down to something I feel comfortable with, probably a little bit over half a centimetre.  But I also really struggled to just contort my body in such a way as to be able to get the bloody thing (pun intended) in or out.  Once the contortions had finished, I really did like it, but it just all seemed like too much hard work somehow and since I loved my washables so much I just left it in the cupboard.

A while after moving to Germany I decided I really should give it a proper go again.  Same thing, I used it once and then felt like it was too much like hard work and gave up.  But at the beginning of last year I really, finally, actually made a proper effort.  I re-read through the thread I've mentioned above, I read through all the FAQs on the mooncup website and anything else I found that I thought might help and I gave it a proper go, telling myself that I was going to use it every month for at least six months, even if I only used it for one day each month, and that if after that I still didn't like it, I'd just leave it be.  It took about three months for me to get it figured out and by the end of six, I couldn't imagine ever being without it. 

I had blamed a lot of it on being overweight and therefore not as agile as I felt I needed to be but really, it turns out that I just needed to find the way that really worked for me.  For what it's worth, for me that means a slight squat and then going up on tiptoe.  I discovered this completely by accident but this position seems to tilt my pelvis at just exactly the right angle to allow me to really easily insert the mooncup.  The body is a funny old thing.  Before I figured that out I had had some success with making sure that my back was against a wall (otherwise I sort of kept pushing myself backwards and could never get a grip on the ruddy thing).  Lots of people say that using the mooncup really made them feel more in touch with their bodies and I must say, I have to agree. "

[Rika Non]

Well I am about to try out a Diva for the first time.  After reading this posting then reading about it on-line the one thing that stood out to me was it can be worn  -- swimming --  so I have to try this.

That said, does anyone have experience with cups for swimming?  I'm not an avid swimmer but when I do it tends to be open ocean on the pacific coast.  I am obviously not scared of open ocean swimming but I will admit I always get a little spooked near that time of the month.  Also since 40 is on the near horizon I am getting to where my cycle isn't always when it should be. 

[Moonwaves]

I've worn mine swimming (in a pool) with no issues.

[Moonwaves]

Just in case anyone's interested and hadn't yet noticed, there's another thread on this topic: http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/reader-recommendations/menstrual-cups/

[Zaga]

I have worn mine swimming plenty of times, it is *far* superior to other methods for swimming!  Pads don't do anything really, tampons absorb whatever water you're swimming in (yuck!), but the cup forms a barrier between your fluids and the fluid you're swimming in.

[RetiredAt63]

Another vote for the Mirena here.  I had adenomyosis, which meant super heavy bleeding (and cramping like I had never felt before) - my ob/gyn was suggesting a hysterectomy, I was literally anemic from the bleeding.  The Mirena stopped everything, and as posted earlier, was less exposure to hormones than the pill would have been.  I went from super heavy bleeding to nothing to menopause with no problems.

[TeresaB]

Yeah, when I went swimming in a tampon I'd have to change the thing like every freaking hour (but I've never had much luck with tampons). But my diva cup works perfectly.

I love my diva cup, but I find that it is messy to remove and it does need a pad for backup. I might be putting it in wrong. But it still saves me tons.

[Rika Non]

I'll be testing mine out in an area with great white sightings next month (Catalina Island).
;)  Hopefully I don't disspear.

I just had to share that one since it is shark week.

[Mrs. Frugalwoods]

Another Mirena IUD devotee here (well, until we started trying to get pregnant a few months ago). I had it in for 5 years with nary a problem. I was cramp, period, mood swing, and pain free for those 5 years. It was sheer bliss. And, my co-pay was only $25. I'll definitely be getting another one after this baby decides come along. Cannot recommend it highly enough. Have discovered these past few months all that I've been "missing"....

[MBot]

Well I am about to try out a Diva for the first time.  After reading this posting then reading about it on-line the one thing that stood out to me was it can be worn  -- swimming --  so I have to try this.

That said, does anyone have experience with cups for swimming?  I'm not an avid swimmer but when I do it tends to be open ocean on the pacific coast.  I am obviously not scared of open ocean swimming but I will admit I always get a little spooked near that time of the month.  Also since 40 is on the near horizon I am getting to where my cycle isn't always when it should be.

It works great while swimming, but I would recommend: empty it immediately after. Even with a tight seal it can retain water after swimming and overfill it.  After swimming in a pool, I have had pool water go up and stay in the cup, then mostly-water with a bit of blood slowly leak out again over the next hour on my garments.