Talk to me about Menstrual Cups?

[auntiemaimee]

Thoughts? Tips? Experiences? I did some research and decided to order one. Should be here this week.

[creepyeyeball]

I haven't had regular periods in so long I haven't had the need for the cups, but if I ever menstruate regularly again, I would totally use them. Not sure if you're looking into them for environmental reasons, but if you're ever interested in cloth pads, I can help you there. I've used them for my postpartum bleeding and the six periods I've had since 2007.

[expatmama]

I had a keeper for 5 years before kids and a Diva cup since. I preferred the Keeper for fit and comfort, but it was harder to clean as you couldn't boil it.

There is a learning curve so don't give up immediately. I can leave it in all day without overflow and really like it. If you have any questions let me know

[auntiemaimee]

I am equal parts excited about it and nervous that it will be difficult to figure out. I watched some videos, so I have an idea of strategy and problem solving ideas. I am excited about less trash and not having to change a tampon in a public bathroom. It really bothers me that tampons and pads don't come in sterile packaging.

[dc2london]

I love my Diva. I didn't find the learning curve to be that steep, and it sounds like you have done your research so I think you will be fine

[beenandgone]

Aug 22, 2016 14:30:58 GMT -5 creepyeyeball said:

I haven't had regular periods in so long I haven't had the need for the cups, but if I ever menstruate regularly again, I would totally use them. Not sure if you're looking into them for environmental reasons, but if you're ever interested in cloth pads, I can help you there. I've used them for my postpartum bleeding and the six periods I've had since 2007.

6 period since 2007?

I has the jealousy right now.

I've had more than that just in 2016, and I just had a freaking baby last October!!!!

[creepyeyeball]

Aug 22, 2016 19:03:10 GMT -5 beenandgone said:

Aug 22, 2016 14:30:58 GMT -5 creepyeyeball said:

I haven't had regular periods in so long I haven't had the need for the cups, but if I ever menstruate regularly again, I would totally use them. Not sure if you're looking into them for environmental reasons, but if you're ever interested in cloth pads, I can help you there. I've used them for my postpartum bleeding and the six periods I've had since 2007.

6 period since 2007?

I has the jealousy right now.

I've had more than that just in 2016, and I just had a freaking baby last October!!!!

Got pregnant with DS1 in December 2006. Had one period before I got pregnant with DS2, 1 before DD1, 1 before DD2, 1 before the baby I miscarried, and then two before DS3 (had to have a vein surgery in there and abstain several months). So I guess that's six periods in almost a decade. But I bled for forty straight days following my miscarriage and have had some postpartum bleeding in that time too

Breastfeeding works really well at keeping away my periods. I didn't get it back until DD2 was 21 months old. Hoping for a repeat this time!!

[beenandgone]

Aug 22, 2016 19:12:30 GMT -5 creepyeyeball said:

Aug 22, 2016 19:03:10 GMT -5 beenandgone said:

6 period since 2007?

I has the jealousy right now.

I've had more than that just in 2016, and I just had a freaking baby last October!!!!

Got pregnant with DS1 in December 2006. Had one period before I got pregnant with DS2, 1 before DD1, 1 before DD2, 1 before the baby I miscarried, and then two before DS3 (had to have a vein surgery in there and abstain several months). So I guess that's six periods in almost a decade. But I bled for forty straight days following my miscarriage and have had some postpartum bleeding in that time too

Breastfeeding works really well at keeping away my periods. I didn't get it back until DD2 was 21 months old. Hoping for a repeat this time!!

I'm still jealous.

But I'm really sorry you had so much pp bleeding after the miscarriage.

With each of my last 3 babies, I got my period back by 8 weeks post partum at the latest. Exclusive breastfeeding and all. Sigh. My body has decided I'm 35 and must have all the babies all at once right away.

[creepyeyeball]

Aug 22, 2016 19:20:52 GMT -5 beenandgone said:

Aug 22, 2016 19:12:30 GMT -5 creepyeyeball said:

Got pregnant with DS1 in December 2006. Had one period before I got pregnant with DS2, 1 before DD1, 1 before DD2, 1 before the baby I miscarried, and then two before DS3 (had to have a vein surgery in there and abstain several months). So I guess that's six periods in almost a decade. But I bled for forty straight days following my miscarriage and have had some postpartum bleeding in that time too

Breastfeeding works really well at keeping away my periods. I didn't get it back until DD2 was 21 months old. Hoping for a repeat this time!!

I'm still jealous.

But I'm really sorry you had so much pp bleeding after the miscarriage.

With each of my last 3 babies, I got my period back by 8 weeks post partum at the latest. Exclusive breastfeeding and all. Sigh. My body has decided I'm 35 and must have all the babies all at once right away.

My body is the opposite. It's like, I'm 35 and getting too old to do this every other year. With each kid I get my period later. My body is trying to slow things down.

[beenandgone]

Aug 22, 2016 14:24:33 GMT -5 auntiemaimee said:

Thoughts? Tips? Experiences? I did some research and decided to order one. Should be here this week.

I might recommend checking out the disposable cups first. I think they are called Softcups. Target carried them for a while. I say this because they are weird and you may not enjoy them. The Luna cup fits differently than Softcups (at least so I've been told, more comfortable supposedly), but at least you will have a better idea how you might like it?

I *hated* the diva cup with a passion. I bought both sizes and neither one fit right, and I leaked CONSTANTLY. I ended up ruining a brand new pair of jeans, too, because I wasn't expecting the leakage as I never leak with plain old tampons. Sorry, tmi. I haven't tried Luna, but I'm not sure I'll shell out the money for another one.

[auntiemaimee]

The one I ordered is called the Super Jennie. Good reviews, made in the USA. It is supposed to be on the more flexible side but still easy to pop open.

[crimsonandclover]

I have a Diva Cup and have mixed feelings. I find it difficult and uncomfortable to put in, and I sometimes have very minor leaks so I still wear a liner with it. However, I like it way better than tampons (hating peeing on the strings and it hurts to take them out and put in a new one every time I have to pee) and better than pads. Actually putting it in is pretty uncomfortable for me, though, so I usually only do it on my heavy flow days and otherwise make do with a pad.
I've had a bit of a hard time taking it out once or twice, but not impossible and I never panicked and thought I wouldn't get it out. Possible TMI - I find it a lot easier if I bear down like I'm going to poop. That puts the grip part in easy reach and makes it way easier to break the seal and pull out.

[lbonga1]

I tried the disposable soft cups before I had even heard reusable menstrual cups were a thing. I Personally didn't like them. I would leak badly with them, and they don't have a handle, so I would get my hand really messy when trying to pull it out. Sorry tmi.
I have the Luna now, and I like it so far. It was a bit of trial and error trying to get it to sit right at first, but now I can go all day without emptying it. I found it helps to bear down while inserting so that when you let go, your body pulls it in and creates a tighter seal.

[Meghanfelldown]

I used the diva for a year about ten years ago. I found that the little post/stem bit was way too long so I cut it down. I could still feel it poking out of me, though (tmi - I think my V is really short inside). I also found that there was a lot of suction and my V was really sore after a couple of days. However I used it while traveling and it was awesome to not have to worry about changing a tampon every few hours.

I'm actually thinking about giving it another try. My PP lady bits don't fit tampons as well as they used to...

[seadragon2013]

I've had a pretty good experience with the diva cup. I think the larger size is a bit big for me, since I also get a bit sore if I don't take occasional breaks (I take it out overnight after things lighten up).

I can go 12 hours without changing it. I find it really comfortable for running and swimming. The only times I've gotten leaks have been when my legs have been inverted, so maybe don't use it while doing yoga?

[Stormtroopooper]

So there is a silver lining to not having a uterus. I do not miss having a period!

[auntiemaimee]

My cup arrived in the mail today and my cycle started today as well. Boiled it and got it in pretty easily on the second try. It is comfortable, I don't really feel it at all. I am hoping the day goes well. I have back up in my purse, but so far so good.

Thanks for all your advice and experiences.

[auntiemaimee]

Update: I love this thing! No leaks even through exercise and stretching. Easy and I can't feel it.

Thanks again for all of the responses.