Feminine Hygiene Moneysaving Alternatives

Fortunecooky

I have just seen the sizes of the mooncup and the rubber thingy on the WEN page- they both look HUGE !! Are they really comfortable ? Do they come with instructions ? I have a huge bag of free samples of pads that I have been trying to use up for couple of years- after they finish, I may order the mooncup. In the meanwhile, can someone enlighten me on the size aspect ? Mind you I have had two children naturally but that that was labour for a few hours but can you imagine that mooncup thing inside you for days ?!!!

Thanks for any enlightenment,

Confused of Kensington

loose*moose

I used the Keeper for about a year I think and it was fantastic. Saved lots of money, felt environmentally superior and found it very comfortable and easy to use.

It is quite big (you get a larger one if you have had a vaginal delivery!) but you fold it in half before you put it up. I had to cut off most of the stick bit at the end as I could feel that, but it was still easy to get out. You can't be too squeamish if you want to use it. I have had two children and I have to say that I could probably have had it a bit bigger - when full it sometimes felt like it was falling out!!

However I did find that I started to get very itchy and seemed to have thrush like symptoms much more often than before, so wrote to the makers of the Keeper to find out if I could have a latex allergy and be reacting to the rubber of the keeper. They wrote back to say that they had never heard of that before but I did have to stop using it in the end. I can't wear normal rubber gloves so I'm sure that is what it was.

The mooncup sounds very interesting if it is made of silicone!

However I now have a merina coil and don't get periods at all......

Lillibet_2

I'd estimate the mooncup is about 3.5cm diameter, you fold it up to insert it & it pops open once in position : no it doesn't hurt & yes it does take practise! You really can't feel it when it's inside you, I'm not sure if it fits into a natural hollow or if you stretch to accomodate it but the only bit you might feel is the stem which you can shorten.


HTH

purplepatch

Given that we have got into talking about size, just thought I'd ask before I order.

The mooncup website says that you should go for the larger size if you have given birth naturally or by c section. The wen website says that there is a larger size for women who have had a natural birth ie, not caesarean.

I've had a c section and was going to order the larger size in line with the mooncup advice, but do feel it a bit odd as not sure why I would be larger. Guessing it's something to do with pelvic floor??

Can anyone who has had a section and used mooncup offer any advice? I'm also over 30 which mooncup say is another reason to use the larger one.

Don't suppose it's something you can exchange for a smaller size when it doesn't fit

Thanks.

Lillibet_2

purplepatch wrote:

Given that we have got into talking about size, just thought I'd ask before I order.

The mooncup website says that you should go for the larger size if you have given birth naturally or by c section. The wen website says that there is a larger size for women who have had a natural birth ie, not caesarean.

I've had a c section and was going to order the larger size in line with the mooncup advice, but do feel it a bit odd as not sure why I would be larger. Guessing it's something to do with pelvic floor??

Can anyone who has had a section and used mooncup offer any advice? I'm also over 30 which mooncup say is another reason to use the larger one.

Don't suppose it's something you can exchange for a smaller size when it doesn't fit

Thanks.

Try emailing them & ask, there is a contacts address on their site. Thats what I did when Iwas having trouble getting used to it & not only was the reply helpful (well, the advice worked!) but they offered to extend the 3 month trial & return offer by another month as they wanted me to be sure I was happy with it;) .

lellie

My friend wrote an excellent uni article on the mooncup - I'll have to ask her if she has a copy I can copy and paste for you..

purplepatch

Lillibet wrote:

Try emailing them & ask, there is a contacts address on their site. Thats what I did when Iwas having trouble getting used to it & not only was the reply helpful (well, the advice worked!) but they offered to extend the 3 month trial & return offer by another month as they wanted me to be sure I was happy with it;) .

Cheers Lillibet, I will do that. Already have asked a couple of questions and they were very helpful. However, on this point I expect they will just say to use the larger size as they specify to do this on the website. Was just wondering if perhaps any mse mooncup users might be able to share their experiences of using it after a c section.

That's brilliant that they extended the 3 month trial period for you. Very reassuring.

pearly_2

Well, I'm amazed - I've never heard of such a thing before! It sounds a bit scary, but I think I'm going to give it a whirl, as the benefits in terms of health, the environment and my purse would be so worthwhile.

What a shame that menstruation is generally considered to be a bit of a 'taboo' subject to discuss, otherwise this wouldn't be such a well kept secret... :rolleyes:

aphrodite_2

Just another message in support of the Mooncup. I've had mine for 2 months and I love it! Never had any problems with putting it in and it has never leaked, even though I have been running and done other sports while wearing it. I'm totally converted! :j

tara

Now I am suddenly very interested.:j Can I get reconfirmation of this? I get cramp
and pain all the time during menstruation and I am willing to try anything natural to avoid this (i.e. stop taking neurofen). It doesn't look easy to fit in though.