Menstruation health and well-being

[Definitelyme]

Mod edit: Requested thread, comments moved here.

I started using a cup about 8 years ago, before it was really a thing and I daren't tell anyone back then!
But I do think the fact lots of influencers are "jumping on the bandwagon" is a good thing... I've started feeling like I can tell friends etc since it's a bit more popular and they have looked into it. We all have periods, its not taboo to talk about what we use

I’m actually jealous of you for using it for so long I wish I had made the change many moons ago. As so many have said, it really has changed periods for me, and I’m annoyed I’ve been too squeamish and silly to change before this year!

 

[Wingingmotherhood]

I started using a cup about 8 years ago, before it was really a thing and I daren't tell anyone back then!
But I do think the fact lots of influencers are "jumping on the bandwagon" is a good thing... I've started feeling like I can tell friends etc since it's a bit more popular and they have looked into it. We all have periods, its not taboo to talk about what we use

I know it’s not taboo, I use one myself but there really isn’t anything Kezza won’t share. It’s interesting how she goes on about low waste and sustainability but has never attempted cloth nappies.

I don't know if this is out of line of me to say - it does feel it as bit and I am only supposing- but Kerry seems to barely mention Aria these days. Perhaps her new teacher has laid down the law and said no oversharing/details.

I was tidying when I watched the chatty update but it seemed like she said how Sienna and Roma were doing but the only thing about Aria was they weren't sharing about her health any more. Nothing about how she has got on with starting school etc.

Not sure if that is possible, would Aria's teacher have the authority to say no sharing? It would more likely be the headteacher, who would also include Sienna in that, and Roma too if her nursery is the school nursery.

Maybe Aria has asked not to be featured? If so, good on her!

 

[reader87123]

I’m actually jealous of you for using it for so long I wish I had made the change many moons ago. As so many have said, it really has changed periods for me, and I’m annoyed I’ve been too squeamish and silly to change before this year!

OT, but in what way has it changed them for you? I'm thinking about trying one, and I don't really know why I haven't yet. In my head, it's a faff and tampons are just easier.

 

[Definitelyme]

OT, but in what way has it changed them for you? I'm thinking about trying one, and I don't really know why I haven't yet. In my head, it's a faff and tampons are just easier.

TMI warning!

My periods are extremely heavy, and I would have to change tampons every hour or two on the first two days (about every 4hrs days after that), as well as wear a pad because I leaked so much. That obviously was annoying, and I was constantly aware of it and wondering was I leaking, feeling very aware of the whole thing. I’m a teacher so I can’t always just go to the bathroom when I need to ASAP, so I was constantly just worried about leaks, feeling self conscious and uncomfortable.

The cup seems to hold an insane amount, the first few days of my period I can change it every 4/5 hours and apart from one very small leak, I haven’t had any. It really has made me much more comfortable during my period, I don’t worry at all any more. I do pair it with period pants the first three days, but honestly they’ve never been needed.

I got over the yuk factor pretty quickly, once I had used it a few times I had it figured out and it’s not overly messy at all which was what was putting me off. I also find I can’t feel it at all, which is amazing as I often could with tampons.

 

[Justreading]

I’m actually jealous of you for using it for so long I wish I had made the change many moons ago. As so many have said, it really has changed periods for me, and I’m annoyed I’ve been too squeamish and silly to change before this year!

8 years and still going strong. At least I can vouch that they are worth the money and last. I've got experience on these instamums

I know it’s not taboo, I use one myself but there really isn’t anything Kezza won’t share. It’s interesting how she goes on about low waste and sustainability but has never attempted cloth nappies.


Maybe Aria has asked not to be featured? If so, good on her!

I agree with you there, as someone else said she did try cheeky wipes but that was short lived! I much as I hate what I'm about to say... cups are very on trend at the moment in the influencer world! But cloth nappies have never taken off. She is always two steps behind the others!

 

[FullMoon]

Completely agree with the cup. Although I will say it take a bit of trial and error. I got a cup and had to cut the longer bit but it was still uncomfortable. Was going to give up then I read somewhere to turn it inside out as it makes it smaller. After that it’s been amazing.

Gone from several changes a day to a couple a day. So freeing and saved me a fortune.

 

[reader87123]

TMI warning!

My periods are extremely heavy, and I would have to change tampons every hour or two on the first two days (about every 4hrs days after that), as well as wear a pad because I leaked so much. That obviously was annoying, and I was constantly aware of it and wondering was I leaking, feeling very aware of the whole thing. I’m a teacher so I can’t always just go to the bathroom when I need to ASAP, so I was constantly just worried about leaks, feeling self conscious and uncomfortable.

The cup seems to hold an insane amount, the first few days of my period I can change it every 4/5 hours and apart from one very small leak, I haven’t had any. It really has made me much more comfortable during my period, I don’t worry at all any more. I do pair it with period pants the first three days, but honestly they’ve never been needed.

I got over the yuk factor pretty quickly, once I had used it a few times I had it figured out and it’s not overly messy at all which was what was putting me off. I also find I can’t feel it at all, which is amazing as I often could with tampons.

Sounds like a winner. I need to order one. I do have period pants but I just wear them as a 'back up' for the heavier days, they're a life saver.

 

[Definitelyme]

Sounds like a winner. I need to order one. I do have period pants but I just wear them as a 'back up' for the heavier days, they're a life saver.

I know a few people say it’s trial and error or find one that suits your body but I just got a random one and it works well!

 

[Slip slip knit]

I accidentally saw a video of a girl taking hers out on tumblr and it put me right off! This must have been about 8 years ago as well and I’m still shocked

 

[Justreading]

I accidentally saw a video of a girl taking hers out on tumblr and it put me right off! This must have been about 8 years ago as well and I’m still shocked

Why would anyone video this let alone post it?

 

[Definitelyme]

I accidentally saw a video of a girl taking hers out on tumblr and it put me right off! This must have been about 8 years ago as well and I’m still shocked

Bloody hell (no pun intended ) that’s horrendous.

 

[Slip slip knit]

Why would anyone video this let alone post it?

I tell you what tumblr was a strange strange place. I went for the shabby chic and cosy decor and got that. I stick to Pinterest now

 

[Pagger]

I'm curious what do you do with a cup in public toilets? How can you rinse it and do you not ene yo with dirty hands then having to open the toilet door

 

[37BBL]

Not a fan of the brows tbh. But if they make her feel nice then good for her.

Back to the off topic matter of the cup....I'm really tempted to try one. TMI, ever since having our second baby who is now 5, I've had insanely heavy periods. I can go through super plus tampons every hour in the first 3 days. I predominantly work at home now but if I am in the office it can be embarrassing as I know when they are starting to leak. I'm being naive but I can't see the cup holding loads - do they?! And is there some sort of a knack to doing it right and making sure it stays up there?!

 

[Definitelyme]

Not a fan of the brows tbh. But if they make her feel nice then good for her.

Back to the off topic matter of the cup....I'm really tempted to try one. TMI, ever since having our second baby who is now 5, I've had insanely heavy periods. I can go through super plus tampons every hour in the first 3 days. I predominantly work at home now but if I am in the office it can be embarrassing as I know when they are starting to leak. I'm being naive but I can't see the cup holding loads - do they?! And is there some sort of a knack to doing it right and making sure it stays up there?!

They do hold loads! More than a tampon for sure. I would have to change a tampon every hour or two during the first few days, but can get away with around 4-5hrs with the cup. (Sometimes 3hrs on day 1) My periods have always been very heavy, and I wish I’d started using the cup years ago as it’s just better at its job! My reasons for wanting a better sanitary protection are the same as yours - constant worry of leaking. I wear them with period pants but have never actually needed them as back up.

I was chatting ages ago with my friend about one and she was saying how even after half a day her cup wouldn’t even be half full, how she doubts she would fill it totally over a whole period. My is totally full after just a couple of hours on the first days!

I’m going to go and look up how much a tampon holds and compare it to a cup .

There we go - a super tampon at max capacity holds approx 12ml fluid. A size A mooncup holds 29.3ml fluid, so about 2.5 times the amount.

 

[37BBL]

They do hold loads! More than a tampon for sure. I would have to change a tampon every hour or two during the first few days, but can get away with around 4-5hrs with the cup. (Sometimes 3hrs on day 1) My periods have always been very heavy, and I wish I’d started using the cup years ago as it’s just better at its job! My reasons for wanting a better sanitary protection are the same as yours - constant worry of leaking. I wear them with period pants but have never actually needed them as back up.

I was chatting ages ago with my friend about one and she was saying how even after half a day her cup wouldn’t even be half full, how she doubts she would fill it totally over a whole period. My is totally full after just a couple of hours on the first days!

I’m going to go and look up how much a tampon holds and compare it to a cup .

There we go - a super tampon at max capacity holds approx 12ml fluid. A size A mooncup holds 29.3ml fluid, so about 2.5 times the amount.

I'm going to bite the bullet and get one to try!

Any tips on what brand to try or any advice on the first time ladies?

 

[Definitelyme]

I'm going to bite the bullet and get one to try!

Any tips on what brand to try or any advice on the first time ladies?

I think there are some quizzes you can do online to find a cup which may suit you. I bought this one just because it looked alright, and I’ve not had any problems. First few times it can be tricky to get a good seal. In the morning I put it in in the shower so that if I don’t get a good seal I can take it out again as needed until I get it in properly, but it isn’t too messy! Practice makes perfect, and trying a few ways to fold it to insert is a good idea.

massive apologies to anyone who isn’t interested in menstrual cups

OrganiCup Menstrual Cup

Wave goodbye to leaky tampons and sweaty plastic pads with an OrganiCup menstrual cup. Made from medical grade silicone and with no bumps or seams, the OrganiCup is comfortable to insert, wear and remove.

www.babipur.co.uk

 

[Justreading]

I'm going to bite the bullet and get one to try!

Any tips on what brand to try or any advice on the first time ladies?

I bought the Mooncup as back then I think that was the only brand! 8 years later it's still going strong. I think I read some are cheaper but apparently need replacing more often, but mine isn't showing any signs of needing replacing.
There are lots of different types out there now though.

 

[Macmama]

I'm going to bite the bullet and get one to try!

Any tips on what brand to try or any advice on the first time ladies?

I've had my MeLuna for about 8 years and swear by it. Also got cloth pads from a fairly local maker that I love (hate disposable ones!) and that saw me through postpartum bleeding. I couldn't go back to tampons and throwaway pads now.

 

[littlepup]

I got one years ago but couldn’t get on with it, I found it really uncomfortable to insert and could feel it once inside, didn’t seem to want to ‘pop’ open into place either.
How high should it go and any tips for putting it in that allow it to open more freely?
I have the smaller of the two options the brand offered. Can’t remember the brand but it’s very pliable.