Menstrual Money Saving

I tried using a Mooncup but the thing seemed altogether too large for me -it wouldn't go in. I tried folding it and I ended up scratching myself (not want to get too graphic). In the end I made some cloth pads (and party liners) and I'm pretty happy with them.
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jennyhunt83 wrote: »

I'd like to give this a try, is there much difference between different brands that make these? Would anyone recommend one over another?

The brands are more about different sizes - they all call them "small" or "large" but this varies between brands. They have different diameters and lengths, which then does lead to different capacities. If you have a heavy flow you might be tempted to get a larger cup but it might not fit you more.

I think the most important thing is to figure out where your cervix is. This might seem a bit icky, but the whole subject can seem like that! Your cervix will feel like a lumpy bit at the top of your vagina - some people can't touch theirs as it's quite high up, and others reach it easily. Both are normal, it's just different. I have a low cervix so needed a shorter cup and found that the MoonCup was too long for me. I loved the old style MeLuna, but they have changed it since and the new one isn't as good. I now use a Lady Cup.

Cups also differ in firmness. A stiffer cup is supposed to be better if you have strong muscles but I have no idea how you'd test that. A firm cup is also better for doing sports.

I got mine today, one problem I'm having, and apologies if this is tmi but once it's in I can't seem to rotate it, I just can't get my thumb and finger around the base without scratching myself, Even though I keep my nails quite short. I'm guessing it was sat right today as I had no leakage but I'm wondering if you veteran users have any tips

I use a femmecup and I love it, definitely the best buy ever.


I was unsure about the sizes of the mooncup as to which one would be best for me so that was my reason for opting for the femmecup.


I have no problems with the stem or anything like that, I haven't needed to cut it and I don't feel it at all.


I do seem to have heavy periods but I wondered what amount people lose per cycle? I lose about 75mls on day 1, 40mls on day 2 and another 40mls on day 3 before it slows down to 5-10mls per day following that.


The only thing I have noticed is that at night or when I'm in the lying position on my first 3 heavy days that I leak quite bad. I have to wear extra protection (home made pads) and i literally dash to the toilet as soon as I stand up otherwise a lot comes out. I've also noticed some leakage when I am sitting. When I empty it after leakage, the cup can be anything between 1/4 full (if I've been lying down for a short time) to full.


Is this usual with all cups? I've read that different positions can sometimes cause the muscles to squash the cup etc and result in leakage but I wondered if anyone had any advice as to if they have had a similar problem with heavy flow and changed cups and noticed a difference?


Overall though I'd still definitely recommend cups and I wouldn't go back.

Hi Kitty777,


I can't speak for the mooncup but I use a femmecup and I don't feel it at all when it's in the right place. I didn't need to cut my stem either, as some have suggested to do, but as others have said it depends on where the cervix sits and everyone is different.


Having been a previous tampon user, I never felt tampons either when they were in.


Can I suggest to try to push the tampon higher than you are doing, as you shouldn't feel them once in place. From experience the only times I felt them inside were if they weren't pushed high enough.


Also remember to use the right tampon size according to flow as if you use one that is too large for your flow it can dry you out down there and that may prevent you from being able to push it up higher (if you understand what I mean).


Obviously I would definitely recommend menstrual cups even though they can take a bit of getting used to in the beginning, but I love mine and wouldn't go back.