It all started with an innocent trip for tampons. I noticed a box of disposable menstrual cups while I was looking, and I kind of dug the idea.

I tried them out and really liked them. But, I didn't like the fact that they're one use and plastic. So, I did a bit more research, and I discovered the Mooncup and the Diva cup, which are like the Instead cups, but they're reuseable. So, I bought one and am waiting another month to try it out.

I just had never heard of them before, and I wanted to know if anyone else had any experience with them? They're not supposed to be messy, and the Instead cups weren't once I figured out what I was doing. I'm just kind of excited to have found a choice in all this that will be loads better for the environment than most of the other alternatives. And I'm kind of wondering what I've gotten myself into, lol.

I have tried Instead and I liked them alot, but haven't tried the reusable kind, sorry.

My mom swears by the Instead cups, I only used them while TTC to keep the little swimmers in place. I think they are too messy to deal with, so I keep to tampons...is there a trick to not getting all yucky when taking them out?

That's cool that they have reuseable ones...do you have to sterilize it each time you use it, or are there more than one?

Amber

The moon cup is a better design for me. I didn't care for the diva cup. I also am making reusable cotton panty liners and maxi pads. The disposable pads have something in them that makes me itch, plus these are better for the environment. I'm glad you found these products and have decided to use them.

I do think instead cups are messy. I used them for TTC, (and I think they worked). I also use it occasionally during period. I've also had them leak a lot more. I do, however, LOVE my DivaCup (http://www.divacup.com/). For me, it's a lot more secure and it never leaks... a lot easier to remove, too! I *literally* have forgotten I'm on my period while wearing it. All the cups, though, do have a certain "icky" factor. But, there isn't a risk of TSS like with tampons (because it is holding the moisture, not "sucking" it out). My aunt almost died from TSS, so I don't do tampons, and I get UTI's from disposable pads. (sorry if TMI!)
You just sterilize it after each period and keep in in it's case in between. The first day of each month, I rinse it in HOT water just for extra safety before use.

I also use cloth (reusable) pads/liners. I made them myself, and they work great!

The only caveats I have for either of the cups is:
1. If you don't feel comfortable sticking anything in yourself, (with your fingers), this isn't for you.
2. You don't have to empty them very often, but when you do, it helps have access to a bathroom where the stool and the sink are close together and private (so you and rinse with hot water).

I love how much $$$ I save each month! I also like that I can track how heavy my flow was.

I use the "keeper" Same deal as the diva www.thekeeper.com I LOVE IT. I have been using my (same one) since I was in high school. it takes a bit to get used to and empting but it isn't THAT messy. I also like being able to see how heavy or light my flow is. I only empty mine once a day. I love not having the cost or garbage. plus it is so much healthier for you. I noticed that I have less cramps with the keeper then I did with tampons or pads. anyways I could go on and on about how I love it. there used to be a thread on the diva cup before, and I know there were at least at that time quite a few of us using the diva or similar.

I have one. It takes getting used to, and honestly I don't use it all the time.

I've never tried them...its just seems like a big mess waiting to happen. Plus I don't like tampons, so I'm sure I wouldn't like those either.

I have actually never heard of such!

Sorry I haven't been keeping up with things around here. Sick kids; I know everyone understands that...

Anyway, I finally got to use my Diva cup, and WOW! I want to hug whoever invented the thing. :D So much less mess than with the Instead cups (which IMO aren't too messy after you figure out how to insert and remove them), and I went half the day without even thinking of AF. Gotta love that!

I don't get icked out if I get a little bit of blood on me, though. Heck, I've given birth and changed cloth diapers, lol. You can't throw anything at me I haven't already seen! :lol: I have found that taking a wet washcloth into the bathroom with me (and I've always got one in my diaper bag when I go out) will clean my hand up enough to drown it in Germ-X. But I actually haven't gotten anything on my hands with the Diva cup. The Insteads couldn't have been designed by a woman, though. Not with the mess they can make!