Is a cup the right thing for me?

Hi,
I'm considering buying a mooncup or lunette and am wondering if someone here who has used one might be able to give me some advice.

I hate using pads as I find them so messy.

I have always used cotton tampons. But since giving birth to my second child I find that they don't stay in place as well as they used to and tend to get a little uncomfortable. This is really strange as during intercourse I don't feel any difference in the width of my vagina and neither does DH (unless he just doesn't want to tel me...) I do feel that my Pelvic floor muscles are a little weaker than they used to be but not to the point that i have any problems with continence, even when really needing to go and having to sneeze. I am doing PF exercises to improve the tone of those muscles.

I have a fairly heavy period especially in the early days (have to change super tampons hourly when it is heaviest).

I would like a more environmentally sustainable solution (if I understand correctly, disposable pads are the worst option because of all the plastics and absorbant gels used, tampons are the next best, then cloth pads, but cups are the best. Correct me if I'm wrong)

So I guess I'm wondering whether a cup would be a more comfortable solution for me. If a tampon doesn't stay put, will a cup stay where it is meant to be and

Thanks for any input you can give.

Cups are generally wider than tampons, so should stay put. It's the pelvic floor muscles that keep them put, so you're continually working those muscles, which will improve any sneezing/laughing issues you don't currently have.

I use one and tbh it's about the width of 3-4 unused normal tampons. It's huge! But the muscle workout can, apparently, reduce period pain.

Thanks for yourr reply.
What do you mean about constantly exercising my PFM while using the cup. Surely I don't have to actively hold it in??? :D

:) It's unconcious - your muscles hold it in automatically. And therefore get a workout for free if you need one! TBH you don't really notice it at all - well, OK, after a 3-week period I started to notice it, but it wasn't a problem. But the average person won't notice it at all!

Thanks again. I will try one! And then I'll report back.

Unfortunately it's really hard to tell with a cup until you try it (which is a shame because it's not like you can return them or onsell them if they don't work LOL).

I seem to have the opposite problem to most people, in that I have a very low sitting cervix, which I think must put pressure on the cup. Even with the 'handle' trimmed as short as it can go, I can feel the base of the cup and it causes discomfort and eventually irritation. Unfortunately I don't think there are any shorter cups than the one I have, so I'm back to cloth pads, with cotton tampons on the first (heavy) day.

Not sure that what I've said is any help at all - except to say that most people who use cups think they are wonderful - I seem to be a bit of an odd one in that respect.

Thanks for sharing your experience, Suse. I have no idea whether my cervix is low or not. I guess I'll just have to try it.
Which cup do you have? And what about you, Ryn? Any recommendations?

I have a mooncup - and I got rid of the stem too. Just couldn't get it to work.

BTW, I get discomfort/irritation if I've worn mine for too long: I thought it was a mild intolerance to the plastic if I wear it every day? Maybe not. But I rarely need to wear it for more than a week so I'm not bothered by it.

I bought 'the keeper' ... im guessing its similar to other cups ???

not sure on the others, but the keep works by suction... and once its in, I dont even know its there.

I didnt cut the end off and It doesnt bother me at all. Its absolutely fantastic but it does take a few months to get used to putting it in and out.

I have a Lunette. Best thing I ever bought. I dont usually have heavy periods, and tampons would always get dry and painful to remove. The Lunette (basically I think if a cup is going to work, it will, theres not much difference) is held in by suction and your pelvic floor, and it is very comfortable. The cervix kind of sits inside it, so the cup goes into the gap between the vaginal wall and the cervix. I don't feel it when I have it in. I have also cut the stem off, because with the stem on it rubbed my scar. Most of them are made from silicone which is important for those allergic to latex (the keeper is a latex base) and they last years. So even though the upfront cost is pretty high, it pays for itself in a year.

I have a Lunette also, and have a heavy af, tho not quite as heavy as your describing. I will never go back to pads (hated them anyway) or tampons. Oh, and the $$ saved! wow! I have 2 cloth pads I used with it just in case on those heavy days.

I only just recently discovered menstrual cups but am an absolut fan of them.
Did you eventually get a cup??? And how do you like it?
I have got a Lunette and a MeLuna (a German cup which is made from TPE and threfore free of PVC, silicone, latex, proteins and therefore antiallergen). And I love them both!!! I can't imagine going back to tampons ! And they are sooo conveniant! And I just love not having to carry a bag full of tampons and pads with me when going someplace!
Anyway.. i also just discovered a US website by two young women.. and they make the most fantastic cloth pads! Check them out, it's "Party in my pants". I have tried several typs of cloth pads and they are by far the best.

Medusa, could you tell us a little more about the MeLuna? I am very sensitive to most things 'down there', and the fact that I have been a bit worried about irritation caused by menstrual cups is the reason I have put off buying one, so the MeLuna sounds like a good option for me. Can it be bought online/shipped to aus?

I am so sick of wasting money of pads and tampons...not only are they a rip, but the irritate me so much downstairs :(

I recently bought a keeper.

Haven't used it yet =) but very excited to see what it's like!!

I'll keep an eye on this thread, I've been thinking of buying a cup myself - as well as the usual use, I've heard they're handy for keeping everything in after DTD ;)

oh really Tenibear!!!

Maybe I should try that, before i use it for what it was made for =P

Just had a look at their website and yes, they do ship internationally!
And you should also find some information on the material.
I used to suffer from irritation.. especially when using pads. But havn't had any problems with either the Lunette (which is made from silicon) nor the MeLuna..
It's deffinitely worth a try and the MeLuna is quite cheap too..

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Medusa, could you tell us a little more about the MeLuna? I am very sensitive to most things 'down there', and the fact that I have been a bit worried about irritation caused by menstrual cups is the reason I have put off buying one, so the MeLuna sounds like a good option for me. Can it be bought online/shipped to aus?

I am so sick of wasting money of pads and tampons...not only are they a rip, but the irritate me so much downstairs :(

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Yes, I did buy a cup. I was thinking of getting the MeLuna as well, as i was just recently in Germany and it sounded like a good cup, but I ended up getting the British Mooncup. It actually arrived the first day of my last period and I am proud to say that i did not end up using a tampon or pad during that period at all. I did however use up the panty liners i still had lying around from the end of my lochia.

Do I like it? I really really want to like it. So, I'm probably a little biased here.

I did not find it disgusting to use, although a little messier than I expected. But I'm expecting this to reduce with more practice.

I did have some leaking/movement/placement issues. But again, I am really hoping that will change with more practice. I remember being at Bunnings on day 3 of my period and I had to go to their toilet 4 times as I felt the cup moving down quite a lot and was afraid it would fall out ;)

One day it felt like perfect placement, yet I had a huge leak after only 2 hours and the cup wasn't overly full. Other days it worked perfectly.

i did find that I checked it way more than needed, but that was because I am a newbie.

I find it a little confusing to determine whether placement is good (height) but I'm sure in a few months time this will become a no-brainer.

So I guess to answer the question: I don't dislike it. I loooove the idea, but the jury is still out on whether I will like actually using it. I will give it a few more cycles.

Just had a look on their website and yes, they do ship internationally. I am in Switzerland right now so I got them to send it to me here..
If you have problems with silicon or latex this could deffinitely be a solution for you. I think the material is the same as they make baby teats out of..
You should also be able to find more information on their website (see meluna.eu).
Also since they are not as expensive I think it would deffinitely be worth a try!! I used to get irritations mainly when using pads.. but have had no problem so far with any of my cups (Lunette and MeLuna).

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Medusa, could you tell us a little more about the MeLuna? I am very sensitive to most things 'down there', and the fact that I have been a bit worried about irritation caused by menstrual cups is the reason I have put off buying one, so the MeLuna sounds like a good option for me. Can it be bought online/shipped to aus?

I am so sick of wasting money of pads and tampons...not only are they a rip, but the irritate me so much downstairs :(

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As far as I am aware, most baby bottle teats are made from sillicone and I thought that this was pretty non-irritating and non-allergenic. Isn't it used in medical equipment for exactly that reason? Correct me if I'm wrong.

subscribing to this as ive been thinking about getting a cup too

yes, you are right.. silicon is pretty non-irritanting.. but if someone does have a problem with it I still think it might be worth while checking this out..
Anyway, here is what MeLunas on their website conserning the material:

"..Because TPE is more practical and better to process than silicone. These properties help us to keep MeLuna moderate in pricing and easy to create even more variants of the product. Also TPE feels smooth, dry and not sticky - meaning it is an all different surface feel (haptics). Many products originally made from latex or silicones are now made of TPE. It is just not easy to recognise.
The MeLuna material is, among other things, also used for the teats on baby bottles. Regarding the high regulatory requirement for baby products in Germany, you can be assured you are purchasing top quality..."

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As far as I am aware, most baby bottle teats are made from sillicone and I thought that this was pretty non-irritating and non-allergenic. Isn't it used in medical equipment for exactly that reason? Correct me if I'm wrong.

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and here is what it says concerning allergies..:

"I have a latex allergy. Can I use MeLuna?

Yes, you can. MeLuna is not made from latex, but from TPE. This material is used also for the production of baby bottle teats.

Is it possible to have an allergic reaction against MeLuna?

No. The raw material of MeLuna, TPE, does not contain any proteins, PVC, latex or silicone. Thus, there cannot be a allergic reaction."

And it comes in pretty colours, too!;) I might have to get myself one after all. Is this going to be an expensive obsession like cloth nappies?

....pretty colours?
...am i then only one who is a little... curious?
=P

Yes, it comes in clear and 6 colours. Red, Orange, Blue, Black, Green & Purple.
Apprently they also make special editions like metallic silver.

Medusa.x: Can you tell me which MeLuna you have and whether you prefer this or the Lunette?

if your talking to me =)
i have a keeper, havent used it yet though. =)

The first cup I got was the Lunette Selana (L). It works really well for me. I had no problems inserting or removing it right from the start. (I do wet it a bit before inserting it) but it opens up easily and the only problem I've had is that I dropped it into the toilet once when emptying it and boiled it to bits once when I sterilized it.. (upss.. just got distracted and completely forgot about that water on the stove.. )

So then I reordered a Lunette but also got a MeLuna. I have a large orange one with the little ball at the bottom. I find it easy to use and I quite like that little ball to remove it. It gives me something to grab.. (But you shouldn't be to squeamish and you have to press the bottom of the cup together to stop the suction before removing it but that you have to do with any cup). Also, I cannot feel it.. In fact it makes me almost forget that I have my periods which sometimes feels a bit strange ;-) The only slightly negative thing about the MeLuna is that I find it does not unfold as easily as the Lunette. So probably for anyone who has problems with an other cup the Lunette might be the better choice..

Any yes.. it is addictive :) In fact I have just ordered a LadyCup for myself (a Czech product which also comes in pretty colours and with even prettier little bags) and a small MeLuna for my teenage daughter who said she would try it.. I am curious how she will go with it.. but unfortunately I know she will not be too keen on discussing this with her mum ;)

I haven’t tried any small cups yet. As I figured that my pelvic floor might not be that great and also I do get rather heavy periods.. But I might one day make myself a little present and just get a small one to try.. Because even with a fairly heavy flow I can go for quite a while without changing, whereas with tampons I had to use the biggest ones with pads and change them every hour or so..

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Yes, it comes in clear and 6 colours. Red, Orange, Blue, Black, Green & Purple.
Apprently they also make special editions like metallic silver.

Medusa.x: Can you tell me which MeLuna you have and whether you prefer this or the Lunette?

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Sunshine_sieben:
Do you understand German? If so check out this web site.. (afriska.ch). She did a whole website on menstural cups, tried out quite a few and compares them etc.. I found it really helpful

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Yes, I did buy a cup. I was thinking of getting the MeLuna as well, as i was just recently in Germany and it sounded like a good cup, but I ended up getting the British Mooncup. It actually arrived the first day of my last period and I am proud to say that i did not end up using a tampon or pad during that period at all. I did however use up the panty liners i still had lying around from the end of my lochia.

Do I like it? I really really want to like it. So, I'm probably a little biased here.

I did not find it disgusting to use, although a little messier than I expected. But I'm expecting this to reduce with more practice.

I did have some leaking/movement/placement issues. But again, I am really hoping that will change with more practice. I remember being at Bunnings on day 3 of my period and I had to go to their toilet 4 times as I felt the cup moving down quite a lot and was afraid it would fall out ;)

One day it felt like perfect placement, yet I had a huge leak after only 2 hours and the cup wasn't overly full. Other days it worked perfectly.

i did find that I checked it way more than needed, but that was because I am a newbie.

I find it a little confusing to determine whether placement is good (height) but I'm sure in a few months time this will become a no-brainer.

So I guess to answer the question: I don't dislike it. I loooove the idea, but the jury is still out on whether I will like actually using it. I will give it a few more cycles.

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Definitely give it a few good cycles to get used to- I had similar experiences with placement and sealing to begin with - I have a mooncup - though I have not had babies so that makes a bit of difference. Did you get the largest one for women who've had children?
I find you need to try and run your finger round the edge when inserting to ensure it is completely unfolded and give a little pull to make the seal.

Yes, I did get the larger size. I don''t seem to have problems with it unfolding. I can feel it pop and it makes a sucking sound, too. It is the placement that is starting to frustrate me. if I place it relatively low, i can feel it and it is uncomfortable. But it works well this way. If i place it further up, it feels much better (ie. I can''t feel it at all), but I seem to get lots of leakage. I cannot tell the difference of whether or not placement is good, only in hindsight.
Is it possible that my cervix just sits too low?
At the moment I have to wear panty liners with it all the time annd that wasn''t really the point, was it?

You know how there are 2 ways of folding it? You cna either fold it into quarters or push one side in and down? With the first method I can''t seem to get it far enough inside (it works well, but is uncomfortable), but with the second method i can get it into a comfortable position (but then I get leakeage).

Arrrrgh, i wish someone could show me how. But that is just a bit too weird, isn't it?

There is a site with heaps of different folds. Explore yourself and find your cervix and always ensure your cervix is in the cup. If mine isn't quite right then I get leaks but I have gotten used to running my finger around it and checking that I can't feel my cervix.

=)
I only got my period this morning...but means i get to try out my cup. =) it is going to take a while to get use to it...and trust it (as at the moment i'm checking it all the time, when i obviously don't need to)

but I can already tell that i'm going to get addicted...and I already know i'm never turning back!!!!!!

On the instructions on mine though it actually says its meant to sit a little lower (lower than tampons for example), it says its not meant to be right up near your cervix,...but mine seems to be creeping up that way anyway...and it is comfortable further up... no leakage yet..but i keep playing with it - so havent left it in that long =P

Using mine for the first time today! So far, it's soooo comfortable! Haven't changed it yet (about to though) But so far, so very good! I ended up going with MeLuna as I'm very sensitive. I got a cute purple one with a ball end and I got a free red one with a loop end! WAs so happy as I wasn't expecting it :dance:

I have a lunette (size 2) and I really like it but I am having alot of trouble with removing it. I am fine with inserting, positioning and no leaks but the removal is painful! Do you think that maybe it could be that I need a smaller size? Any experiences/advice please?

DAintree, are you careful to squish and release the suction before removing? That's the only thing I can think of.

You got coloured ones PZ?

I have gotten my Mooncup to work brilliantly now. It has taken me quite a bit of time and a bit of research. But fortunately I didn't give up easily.
I have a pretty low cervix early in my period and it is also quite heavy on day 2&3. Wearing the Moocup in a comfortable position meant that it was sort of sitting on my cervix and leaking a lot. If I tried to wear it low enough I got no loeaks but it was very uncomfortable because the bottom of the cup was sticking out (and that was with the stem completely cut off.

I found a forum specifically for menstrual cups and got lots of help there. My doctor said I don't have prolapse or anything, so that isn't an issue. Someone suggested weaering the cup inside out. That would never have occured to me. But it makes it just that little bit shorter and with a "squarer" bottom so that I cannot feel it at all when wearing it and I have no leaks at all.

I'm so stoked that it is working now and thought I'd share it here in case someone else can benefit from that tip.

That's great sunshine - I never would have thought of that

Marcellus, yep, MeLuna have like 6 colours. I just re-checked and it's actually purple and pink, nor red. So far I'm really loving having a cup, I can't feel it at all! Tampons would always irritate and they'd sit uncomfortably.

im getting more comfortable with my cup...still wont wear it at night cause i dont trust it, cause im still trying to find that right spot for it to sit. but im getting there =) once i work it out i can see me ordering fancy colours =)