Cloth Pad & Menstrual Cup Discussion Thread

[Neenee Jellybeanie]

If one has problems with tampons, should she still try a menstrual cup? I use tampons sometimes but they don't seem to fit properly, they never go in the full length of my finger no matter what, they slip down and such, and always leak! I have no idea what I'm doing wrong but after 10 odd years of having a period, I still can't work it out!

[Nicole Tracy]

Using a menstrual cup is a totally different experience to using a tampon. Firstly, the cup is very easy to insert (as all of you lovely ladies have stated in this forum), and it collects/catches your menstrual flow as opposed to absorbing it as tampons do. Because tampons are highly absorbent, they draw in ALL the secretions present, causing irritation and higher likelihood of infections. The cups are made from medical-grade silicon, and are hypoallergenic, and don't interfere with the natural secretions of the vagina. They also sit lower in the body than tampons, and you cannot feel their presence at all. If you have issues with tampons, I would highly recommend trying a cup.

As you are most probably aware, tampons are made from cotton (and some synthetic fibres) and cotton is one of the most heavily 'pesticided' crops that humans grow. You readily absorb any pesticides through the mucous membranes of the vagina, so this is another factor to consider. Organic cotton tampons are available in health stores, and these are indeed better than your standard mass produced luxury-taxed-plugs-in-a-pretty-box... (sorry ) but are far surpassed by menstrual cups.

I know that buying a cup is a bit of an investment initially, but you will save big bucks long term, not to mention the reduction of your impact on this planet, and the benefit to your own health.

Sorry for the rant!

xxx

[DaintreeDream]

Thankyou for your rant Nicole! The information you provided was great.

I currently have my first visit from AF since giving birth to DD. I seem to have pain and discomfort using tampons which I have never had before. I am really interested in trying a cup, as I also want to rid as many toxins from mine and my families lives as possible. How many pads/liners should I be getting to use along with a cup? I would hope to use the cup full time but would like liners whilst using the cup and maybe pads as a back up? I have never used pads so I have no idea what is a 'normal' quantity?

I have seen wild child and swaddlebees pads mentioned which both have a velour top, what do 'you' (everyone) think is the best for absorbancy and comfort?

Any advise or assistance would be great?

Thankyou! Deanne.

[BekZ]

Nicole - thanks for the information, very helpful. I am still not sure if the cup with go in though. I seem to have a bit of a bulge at the opening of my vaginal and I have lift it up so that I can insert a tampond...sorry way too much information.

Matilda - Great questions

[Nicole Tracy]

Hello Lovelies,

Firstly, no such thing as too much information. That's what BB is for - no need to apologise!

Secondly, as far as pads go, it is great to have a few in supply as a back-up for the cup as you are mastering how to use it. Some people have a tiny bit of leakage the first few times they use a cup. Once you have a bit of practice, they are superb.

If you are using cloth pads full-time, I'd say you would need at least five, depending on your flow, the type of pads, and how skilled you are in the soaking/washing department. I've got six or seven cloth pads of various shapes and sizes - four of them are radpads that I've had for many moons, and the others are organic cotton and bamboo. I love all of them, but the org cotton flanelette and bamboo are really absorbent and suit me the best - I haven't tried any velour-topped ones, so I can't comment on them.

BekZ - it may be worth emailing the mooncup or divacup sites to ask for more info, and see whether the cups would be suitable for you. The beauty of the cups is that you only need one, and they last almost forever!

xxx

PS - I have also made my own pads from offcuts of organic cotton jersey and flanelette, which are great too (a bit wonky though... I'm not the best seamstress!)

[maz]

only 5 - 6 pads...oh im shamefull then..I have about 15

MM - I have the same problem with tampoons ect since i had my kids so I prefer to use pads. Its a horrible - nails down the blackboard feeling that I cant handle either.

I have a few assorted ones...my last purchase was from Bohemian Rainbow which Ive decided on going back and getting a few more off when the $$$ comes in December. I also have some Obsidian which are great. Ive made my own and really need to pull some time from good knows were to make some more. I ve mad esome that our hour glass shaped and have minkee on top

[Astrid]

only 5 - 6 pads...oh im shamefull then..I have about 15

Same here