Hey everybody,
So I haven't seen a poll on here in a while and I think they're kind of fun. Plus, I'm curious about your answers to these questions.


Poll #1843543 Menstrual Cup Poll
Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 49

What fold do you use for insertion?

What cup do you use? (If more than one, which is your favorite)

Where does your cup sit?

How old were you when you first started using a menstrual cup?

When you started using a cup did you still have an intact hymen?

So I just inserted the Diva Cup for the first time.

Anyhow, I read the directions over and over again. Felt like I had the idea and process down. Execution is always harder.

Before I go further, let me clarify that I do Keigel exercises A LOT. It is the only exercise I do faithfully. (Long story.)

Apparently, my coochie muscles rock.  Mad Skillz.   

My vagina pretty much sucked the cup UP, UP, UP....and OUT OF REACH.

I can touch the stim if I insert one finger. I have no idea if it opened correctly because I wasn't able to turn it the way the directions recommend.

I cannot feel the cup when I perform a Keigel so I think it may be in there correctly...but the directions say that if it is hard to reach and remove, chances are you didn't insert correctly.

I haven't had leaking yet so that is a good sign....

33 years old.  3 kids via c-section.

Hello all,

I know there have been many posts about first time cup users... Let me just say I love the idea of the cup already but I'm experiencing difficulties with insertion. I am going to persevere and try squatting - initially I have tried standing with one foot on the toilet as this is how I insert tampons. This didn't work, it went in a little but then popped open which hurt and was uncomfortable. I am also going to get some water based lubricant.

I have also tried the 'C' position which was too wide, the 7 which was easier but still not successfull. When I try again I think I will try the pushdown (?) or origami..

I was wondering though whether a Meluna would be better? I went for the Mooncup on the spur of the moment when I went to buy tampons and have found it quite stiff. I have read that the Meluna is softer and hopefully therefore easier to insert?

FYI I am 29, no children, sexually active.

thanks in advance for any advice. Lx

Last week, many list members replied that they dilute the hydrogen peroxide they use to clean their cups simply because it is so (as one reply put it) "insanely expensive."  WOW!  Really???  Just how "insanely expensive" is it?

Here in the US, the peroxide that we can get from the first aid aisle of nearly every store is 3% in strength and usually costs between one and two US-dollars for a quart (about a liter) bottle.  Readily available and quite inexpensive!

How much does it cost on your side of the world?

Greetings community! Since it's been a problem several times over the past few days, I'd like to ask everyone to give the community rules a once-over. I'd especially like to call your attention to our request that you not use gendered language. The reasoning behind this is in this post from scien. For reference, this includes (but is not limited to) terms like women, ladies, chicks, guys, girls, and so on (though you're welcome to use these terms in relation to yourself). Thanks!

Since I bought my small Lunette, I've only used it at home and my periods has started in the morning so inserting my cup at the right time was no problem. Now, I realise this will seem pretty stupid to ask because I could use a pantyliner and some women don't mind dry runs but I wonder when do you start putting you cup on? Right when your periods begin or before?

I'm asking this especially to people who, while still being fairly regular, do not always menstruate when expected and may end up wearing the cup during three days before it actually starts. I wonder if it has any impact on health or risks of infections.

:D I almost died as i saw this pic! TEH menstrual cup!
I let the picture speak... :
( Read more... )

Just showing everyone some interesting things I found on eBay.  First I found the old “Green Donna” cup, once again disguised as “moon cup” in the pink box.  Shaped pretty much exactly like Lunette, here:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ladies-Menstrual-Moon-Cup-Sizes-1-2-available-SALE-SALE-SALE-/110885745291?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19d14e328b

Then I saw one titled “New Women’s Menstrual Cup”, and upon closer examination, I noticed it too looked exactly like Lunette, only a vibrant pink color.  There is also one in a lighter pink in another listing:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Womens-Menstrual-Cup-Size-L-large-Free-Shipping-Purple-Arge-Bag-/180888906012?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a1dd1a91c

But the REALLY interesting one is this one—the Green Donna (disguised as moon cup) packaging, but the cup itself is a replica of the newer “NaturalMamma” cup!  Which is strange, because  I remember the NaturalMamma cup I got as a sample had “green donna” on the pouch tag…  Of course the owner told me there was no connection, but now I’m wondering did someone copy her cup design??  I mean the way they did Lunette?:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Soft-Silicone-Menstrual-Period-Cup-1st-Class-Post-/140753657272?pt=UK_HealthBeauty_Other_RL&var=&hash=item20c5925db8

Just as a reminder, here is the REAL NaturalMamma cup:
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NaturalMamma-Menstrual-Cup-Design-Made-in-Italy-one-size-menstrual-cup-/190650710410?pt=UK_Health_HealthCare_RL&hash=item2c63aaf98a

What do you all think?  Getting pretty interesting, hm? lol

Okay so here's the deal.  I have PCOS and know nothing about my womanly parts save for the copious amounts I know about my ovaries.  I have no idea why and am super embarrassed I don't know more about my body, but I'm getting better and you all are doing a fantastic job of teaching me a plethora of things I had no idea about.   Like that my cervix moves, how cool and weird is that. I am set on trying out this cup lifestyle because tampons are really irritable and leak on me unless I'm using O.B. for some reason and they are crazy expensive!  And I feel like a spoiled brat for throwing all this bleached cotton in my body and wherever it ultimately ends up, like I'm not being grateful to the planet and my body or something.  I tried finding my cervix this morning to figure out cup size...and I'm not really sure what I found.  Basically I'm convinced there is a monster living in my vagina, but maybe one of you more knowledgeable folks can confirm if I found my cervix?

Everything was going fine and dandy while I was looking for this elusive body part when I ran into the end of "to infinity and beyond".  At that beyond point I began to bleed everywhere like I just lost a limb or something.  It started out as a little drop on my finger and then WHOOSH the flood was a comin'.  It is approximately an hour later and I'm not bleeding anymore and havent been for quite a while..I have NO IDEA if that is normal or not! I don't think it was any left over hymen but I could be wrong.  I've had pap smears and all kids of poking and prodding appointments over the past 7 years thanks to my PCOS so I feel like it should just not be there. It did feel kinda weird and had an interesting texture.  It wasn't my grumpy g-spot that feels like a carpet of walnuts or anything like that.  Maybe it was my cervix and it was being particularly sensitive and I made it cry tears of blood...hopefully someone can shed light on this topic.

If it WAS my cervix, apparently it is sitting back around 4 inches...which is pretty far for my tiny little stubs of fingers...but I have no idea if normal fingers consider this high or normal or low.  I am also currently ovulating so idk if that affects cervix position or is helpful information or not.

Because I'm ovulating it hurt pretty bad doing this little dance up in there...but I'm particularly sensitive everywhere during this time of the month.  Is there anyone with PCOS out there who use cups that can speak of its pain level during a period?  I'm not a wimp, I'm just also not all WOO YEAH PAIN BRING IT!

Ive seen people mentioning sneezing and losing suction and various levels of squishiness helping it not leak during sneezes.  Is there an ideal squishy factor I should be looking for?  I have pretty bad spring and summer allergies, think multitudes of tornadoes exiting my body per day.

I've never been penetrated by anything other than a million medical tools which always cause a crapload of pain but I can wiggle a few fingers around pretty freely without pain so I'm guessing a small size cup isn't required right?  I don't really know how to figure out these things.

I had my eye on a LadyCup but I'm not really sure if this will fit the bill or not?  If anyone has any suggestions please let me know!

Thanks to everyone who is so amazing here and reading that ridiculous amount of information and randomness.  :)

P.S.  I did take an in depth look at the sizing charts, faq, and all of that monkey business...but it still just isn't clicking in my little brain! :|

So, I came here a while back wondering what this whole cup business was about, analyzing brands, tra la la. I ordered a small Lunette Selene a couple weeks ago after Paypal failed to allow me to purchase a Fleurcup, and I honestly couldn't be happier.

My cervix is somewhat low, and my flow isn't super heavy, so this cup is a dream in my eyes. It is the perfect balance of softness and firmness for me. All I had to do to ease comfort was cut off half the stem, but that was no problem. It's only the first day of my first cycle with it, and I can't even feel it when it's in. I have been using the C fold, which has yet to give me issues. I am genuinely surprised that I found something so perfect on the first try! I originally was drawn to the idea of cups because I hated looking at all the waste I would accumulate after a week of bleeding into disposables, and tampons dried me out/only worked half the time due to me fudging up their position. I bought a few cloth pads, but I always ended up somehow bleeding off to the side where the fabric wasn't as thick. As you can imagine, I have made quite a mess in my adventures. I went through peroxide like there was no tomorrow. Not anymore, though!

I guess my point is that I am ecstatic about this wonderful little silicone contraption, and thanks to this community, I figured out what was right for me personally. Keep on being awesome. Your helpfulness is unbelievable!  :)

I'm 16 and a sophomore in high school. I have a Divacup and love it, so I wanted to share how great of a product this is and to spread the word that there's more than just tampons and pads. I looked in the flyers section here and found these really awesome, youthful flyers that might spark some teenagers interest:

http://menstrual-cups.livejournal.com/2433854.html#cutid1

So a few weeks ago I printed some out and taped about 10 of them on the inside of some of the bathroom stalls ( So when your sitting on the toilet you can read it because it's taped on the door.) Every once and a while I would tape a few up. Then yesterday I put 6 up on different floors. So far I hadn't heard anyone talking about them. Then today I was in class and I heard two of my friends talking.
Girl #1: Did you see those flyers for those things in the bathroom.
Girl #2: Yeah ... menstrual cups?
Girl #1: Yeah, I just threw it away.
Girl #2: Good, that doesn't belong here.

At first it bummed me out. It doesn't belong here? It's sad that people can't talk about menstruation without feeling that there's something inappropriate about it. I just had to remind myself that I was grossed out at first too and I never did any research because I wasn't interested. Then a little later I started researching because I got curious, and that's the point of posting these flyers. I want other menstruating person's to at least know what menstrual cups are and that they DO have options.

I just wanted to share.:)

Hi! I am a 16 year old virgin, and I just figured I have a septate hymen (separated in two "holes"). I just bought a LadyCup, size small, and I haven't tried it yet. I'm really scared it will be very painful if I insert the LadyCup, and even more scared I won't get it out! 

I can't get two fingers inside my hymen (can get one in) but my friend, who also have a septate hymen, can get two fingers inside. She says that before she couldn't either fit two fingers into one of the holes, but she did a little stretching, and now she can almost fit three fingers inside. 
Is the septate hymen going to be a problem for any of us? I can use a tampon, but sometimes it's a little hard to get out, because of the hymen "string" in the middle, Is that going to be a problem when using a LadyCup? Is it possible to break this hymen, just like other types of hymens, without surgery or sex? (or at least expand one of the holes?)

I really hope someone can help me, both me and my friend are getting a little nervous about this :P

Hello, I've just discovered this community and I already find it amazing. It's great to see a place where women can talk about their menstruations without feeling ashamed.

I've just started to use menstrual cups after years of researches on the subject (I needed to leave my parents' home for good to buy one since my mother is against menstrual cups though she doesn't understand a thing about them). I have a small Lunette and it's great, I had absolutely no leakage, no problem, it's thick enough and firm/soft enough for me. However, I am currently at home unemployed (and a student who barely has any classes to attend) so it's quite easy to empty it when I feel the need to.

Next year will be a bit different though, I'll have to work a lot more and will probably have fewer access to a bathroom and I'm afraid I might get leakage on my heavy flow days. I have a relatively light flow, but better safe than sorry.

I was wondering which cup I should get and thought about a big Divacup because it's apparently about as soft as the small Lunette (however, I really like the blue Lunette). I've been looking at Meluna as well but it seems that I should get a Meluna L if I ever wanted one.

I'm 22, a virgin so naturally, I had no children. The small Luna fits well, I feel no pain inserting it or removing it from vagina (though sometimes it's a bit trickier, but I've noticed that what I think may be my hymen has been torn and seems to be thicker somedays, plus I don't really care about the pain).

The Lunette is about 4cm wide, which is relatively small. The big Lunette and the Diva are only 5 or 6mm bigger, while it does make a difference, I don't think it'll be so bad that I can't use it... I've read many virgins, even younger than I, who were wearing bigger cups than the small Lunette.

When I use the small Lunette, it doesn't move or anything but I think I could fit something bigger without feeling any discomfort since I can put my fingers around the edges of the cup when I remove it.

What I can't tell is where my cervix might be. I can't seem to touch it with my middle finger (about 3inches long I guess) and even with tampons I never hit it so I assume I don't have a small vagina at least so small cups may not be a good idea and long cups could probably work.

Any advice?

Thanks.

Ok i've successfully gotten in the Diva Cup (size 1 since i'm 19 and never had children) once (yesterday) but there was some leakage (i used a backup pad). I didn't leave it in for very long (like an hour) but removal was ok. I noticed the cup quite a bit, which makes me think it was positioned wrong. It wasn't painful but I could feel it when I moved and I was aware it was there.

It's currently the 3rd day of my period and I tried inserting it twice again today, and the first time, I managed to slide it in but it wouldn't pop open so I put it back and used a pad. The second time (like 2 minutes ago) I tried again after my shower and the first thing I noticed is my lady parts are very sore from trying to get it earlier in around the back wall of the opening of my vagina. I also noticed a bit of pain on the inside this time when I once again got it to where I did this morning. I think I managed to get it popped open this time, but I refolded it back up inside me once it popped and took it out immediately because it was very painful when it opened. I am very concerned about that. I don't know if there's any extra bleeding or anything since it's already bleeding period blood down there.

I am not a virgin so I don't think the hymen should still be there at this point. But it's been about a year since I had sex though, so could it maybe have grown back or something?.

I've tried a few different folds but right now the punch down method is the only one I can actually get into my vagina. The C/U fold is too big and the other ones end up popping open before I can get it to where it needs to be. The punch down just doesn't like popping open though

In terms of internal pain, I don't think I have a low cervix. I can't seem to tell where it is when I feel with my fingers. All I know is I feel a little pain when my finger gets about 2 inches in. I've never seemed to have this problem with tampons before.

I'm wondering if I'll ever get the hang of this thing. I really want to use it cause I'm sick and tired of wearing pads to bed in case I sleep over 8 hours with a tampon. 

Should I try it again maybe tomorrow? Or wait until my next period? Stop using it all together for a while?? Try a different brand cup??

I'm kind of scared because of the pain.

(I've never used live journal so I hope I'm posting this correctly). 

I heard about these things a few years ago and was intrigued but I never really felt like I needed one. The past few months for me have been miserable though. I have to change my ultra+ tampon every few hours it seems, I'm constantly paranoid, ruining clothes, sheets, etc. Cramps have been just awful. I've been really busy lately too so it's just been a pain. I hate changing tampons/pads in public restrooms and I hate having to stop what I'm doing and go to the restroom every couple hours to make sure I'm not leaking.
It's just been really awful..
I got fed up today and hopped online to see where I could buy a diva cup. I ended up finding out there's actually quite a few brands/ options. 
I also read quite a few horror stories that have me really scared to try one now. 
I am terrified I won't be able to remove it! I read about some people having to go to the ER and get it out! I would be mortified! 
I am 20 years old, been using tampons for the past 5 years. 
(This next part is very uncomfortable for me to write, as I am really shy about this stuff..)
I am able to feel my cervix (I think..), so I don't think I have a high cervix. Maybe just average. I would say it's about 6-7cm in. 
I am NOT able to fit more than one finger in there though.. (I hate talking about this stuff...)
So I'm not sure I will be able to remove it.. ? 
I'm also scared that it will migrate up too high and I won't be able to get it out. Will my cervix prevent this from happening? Or can it go past the cervix? 
I also heard that these help prevent cramps.. is that true? I don't understand how they would help.. 

Ugh. I need advice as to what to do. Please help me. 
If it wasn't for that fear of it getting stuck, I would've bought one today... :/

Has anybody noticed a reoccurring residue on their cups? I have a Diva, and when I'm not using it I notice that it gets this film on it that feels greasy. I wash it, boil it, and soak it in peroxide, and it seems squeaky clean, but soon afterward it feels gross again. I'm not worried enough to stop using it, and it's never caused me any problems, I'm just curious. I hope it's not degrading or something. I doubt it's bacteria, I haven't had any infections and I live in Phoenix, Arizona, not an environment that encourages bacteria growth. Or maybe I'm just imagining things?

I hzave had my cups for roughly 2 years, some a little over a year. Staining never really bothered me but my lunette Diana wasn't looking as pretty green as when I first received so I soaked it in a 50/50 hp and water solution and it came out looking brand new. Now since I have done that I just feel like de-staining the rest.

In my research beforehand though I noticed some of you say you soak it in the peroxide. Is this straight 3% peroxide or a dilution with water? Also I came across a post of some sort saying peroxide wasn't good to use on silicone. Is this true? Has anyone experienced ill effects with using peroxide or a peroxide solution to remove stains? Tia!

Okay, so I just got my new Lunette size 2 and I can't help being very excited about it!
I've had a small diva for two years now, and I wanted to try something new, mostly because I had to use it inside out, so I was searching for something bigger (wider) but shorter :) And though it doesn't seem to hold much more liquid than the Diva, it actually has the same length as my Diva inside out (not counting the stem, probably going to cut it all anyway hah), and it is noticeably wider, which makes me incredibly happy!
I can't believe that I'm actually going to say this, but I am anxious to get my period now! :) Want to try it out as soon as possible, and I really hope that I'll like it!

So I just emptied out my diva cup for the first time in this cycle and I'm so upset.

( cut for grossness, possible OCD triggers )
I'm asking you all this:
1. How did it get that far in? I was laying down on my bed today reading, but wouldn't that happen if I were sleeping too?
2. How can I prevent this from happening again? I want to keep using the diva cup, but not if it results in this every time.

My cervix is very high up, and I only managed to locate it a few weeks ago while squatting in the shower and practically sticking my whole hand in there. I have one of the longest menstrual cups, I don't understand how this happened.

Posted via m.livejournal.com.

Hello everyone!
I finally got my cup in the mail today, a green Medium Meluna. So far I like it! The only thing I'm worried about is that it's hard to tell if it has popped open or not. 
Anyway, I have sort of an awkward question. I realize cups are mainly for use on your period, but could they also be used to catch the 'excess' within your vagina after having sex without a condom? Usually I would use a pad for whatever comes down in the hours after, but I figured a cup could work better. Is it okay to use a cup for an extended period while not menstruating? 
Thanks for all your help :)

Hi peoples! I have not been on livejournal since it was still cool. This is bonkers. I love it!

So, I bought a DivaCup 1 without much research at all. I had read about the different brands years ago, but didn't really think I needed one until recently when I learned I'd be going to a remote area abroad where tampons can't be used. My gamble seems to be paying off, though, because it's working fine!

Today was my first day using it. I inserted it in the shower, and I didn't have too much trouble getting it in. I thought it was in and open, but then I shifted my weight and it popped open and wiggled up a bit. Weirdest. Sensation. Ever. I yelped. I could feel it in there this morning and afternoon. I wouldn't say it hurt, but I definitely felt it near my cervix. I assume this is because there was too much suction, because now I can't feel it.

It's not a huge issue, but removal was difficult. I have a high cervix - I have never in my life been able to touch it. I am wary of hormonal anything, so I often use sponges as a contraceptive. I can't tell you how much time I spend trying to get those things out. I have short fingers, so it takes ages. My method is that I squat and bear down... that usually inches it close enough to eventually grab it. That's also what worked for my cup. It was hard, though! I could barely touch the tip of the stem while I was standing with one leg on the tub, but it was much easier to pinch the bottom once I squatted down. I had a teeny bit of leakage, but I think the cup was too full - it was in for 7 hours and the first day is a little heavy for me. So, I don't think I did anything wrong. Is it just going to wander northward a lot?

That subject line sounds completely bizarre but hear me out!

As we all know, menstrual cups don't get anywhere near as much publicity as they deserve.  Don't know about your country, but here in Australia you can't buy cups in the supermarkets or chemists and there is zero advertising.  It seems like no one even knows that they exist.  So how do we make menstrual cups go viral?  - Toilet paper!

Every time you visit a public toilet, bring along a pen and after you've taken the toilet paper you need, write a very quick one-liner about menstrual cups on the next square of toilet paper for the next user.  A few examples:

"Menstrual cups!...
- look them up
- never using a tampon again
- no more stinky, soggy mess
- Kotex/Stayfree/Libra must hate me
- you'll thank me later
- visit menstrual-cups.livejournal.com
- spread the word" etc.

It's quick, simple, it doesn't make you a vandal, it reaches beyond your immediate circle of friends/family and it's anonymous which is great if you're not comfortable ranting about periods in person.  And because toilet paper is probably one of the weirdest forms of communication, it's not likely a reader will forget how they found out and if they become a happy cup user too, there's a chance they'll be tempted to spread the word in the same way, hopefully making it viral.

Personally, all I needed was to stumble across the term "menstrual cups" and it was enough to pique my interest and do a bit of research and ultimately become a happy cup user.  Of the people I've mentioned them to, curiosity seems to be the most common reaction so I think that simply getting the term "menstrual cups" out there in peoples' awareness can be quite powerful.

So go forth and start scribbling!

Hello all,
Since not knowing a thing about menstrual cups a few days ago, I've learned a lot while reading from this site and others for literally hours and hours. However, now I'm overwhelmed a bit at all the different qualities/user experiences! At the beginning of my search, I purchased a small Diva Cup, but just sent an email on amazon asking for my order to be cancelled because I'm not sure it'll be the best kind.
I am 20 years old, occasionally use tampons (regulars, maybe 2 or 3 times/cycle), not sexually active, and (I think?) I found my cervix to be around 4.5-5ish cm while menstruating. I was concerned about the Diva being too long, which seems to be a common experience. If my order can be cancelled (or if I suck it up and shell out the cash for another cup), I was thinking about the smaller Lunette?
In short, which would be a good, middle-of-the-road choice that's most likely to work best given the rough guidelines and my inexperience?
Thank you so much,
Sincerely,
Very overwhelmed and indecisive

So I'm helping a friend of mine find a good cup for her. Because of medical conditions, she needs to have one that's longer (for good capacity due to a very heavy flow) but that's not very wide, because otherwise it will cause her extreme pain to take out. She also needs a softer and squishier one. Does anyone have any brand and size suggestions? Any help would be good!

She has endometrosis which means a lot of scarring at the vaginal opening, so that's why it needs to be squishy and not wide.

I was greeted by my lovely monthly gift a few days ago, and as I do each month, I find my self thinking a lot about the wonders of my diva cup, and how I even managed to live with out it. I really feel as if the world should start the switch to more eco friendly menstrual products.

Today I was also thinking about why it is that menstrual cups aren't more popular. Why is it that in the drug store, there is a whole wall devoted to pads and tampons, and then one half of a shelf for all other menstrual products with severely lacking options if a shelf at all. Obviously its because there is a higher demand for pads and tampons, due to the fact that a good portion of the population have probably never heard of menstrual cups, and as it is not an overly common thing, some of those introduced are immediately disgusted. So, I was thinking, how is it possible to get the knowledge of menstrual cups out there so that every one knows and that in maybe 60, 70 years everyone will know of menstrual cups just as everyone knows about pads today. I realized the answer is children.

In health class at the age of 10 or 11, when the nurse comes to talk to the class, girls learn about pads and tampons. They watch "educational" videos created my the big brands such as playtex and always. There is no suggestion that other forms of period protection exist. They tell our kids (at least in BC Canada) about all the kinds of birth control (cervical cap, iuds, condoms, depo, pill, etc) but only 2 kinds of period protection. 

Sure, I think that most, if not all of the girls would still use pads and tampons at the start, but if the knowledge is there, more might be interested in trying a cup when they are more comfortable with their bodies. Also, if introduced at a younger age, it wouldn't seem quite as disturbing right off the get go.

While this is just random thoughts, I really feel as if menstrual cups should be talked about at school in health class.