Menstrual Cups
Abstract: Menstrual cups — soft, flexible cups inserted to catch menses flows — were first patented in this country in the 1930's, but never became popular. They are still hardly the rage, but use of them is growing, especially at women's colleges and through alternative health Web sites.

El’s summary: Ewwwww! is my first reaction, surely. Has anyone ever used these?

I've never even heard of such a thing. And you're right. My first thought is...ewwwww.

Doesn't sound like a good idea AT ALL!

ewwwwwwwwww...here too!

I use them and they are wonderful.

They allow you to have sex during your period even when wearing them.

They are easy to insert and removed... AND I DON'T have a string hang around getting soiled and possibly giving me a UTI.

They can be left in longer than a tampon.

The tampon always left me feeling very dry and irritated... AND I got yeast infections from wearing tampons. I don't using the product "Instead".

I was very hesitant to wear them, but I very much like them and use them most of the time.

This site listed above has an option of getting free samples so you don't have to fork out a cent to try them out.

It takes some time to get used to them, but if you can insert a tampon, you can insert these.. just a little farther.

They can't get lost... there is no where TO get lost.. it fits over the cervix like a donut ring and that is all. You just hook your finger beneath the edge and pull it out and it remains upright the same way you put it in .. no hardship at all.

[This message was edited by Sherasi on 02-04-03 at 12:22 PM.]

wow Sherasi, the way you put it sounds good! Tampons CAN give you a UTI and that's awful. I've never heard of these, but now I want to try!

Edited to remove link posted as signature.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Karrow,

It is worth trying. It CAN be a bit tricky to get used to using, but like anything worthwhile, it is worth taking the time to practice the use of it.

Insteads are wonderful to use. I always was sore after a tampon was in place due to endo and the instead cup caught the many clots i shed. A tampon on the otherhand has the darn string that pulls the liquid out or in and becomes more of a headache.

I used Instead for a while. I don't remember why I stopped, but I think I just found that tampons were equally as convenient. Also, disposing of them was kind of gross - so is disposing of tampons, but I remember disposing Instead to be a kind of messy project.

quote:

This site listed above has an option of getting free samples so you don't have to fork out a cent to try them out.

This sounds interesting..I have never heard of it before.

Sherasi, do you have a link to this? I went on the website but could not find the free sample option. Thanks

The starter kit is free here if you pay $2.99 shipping.

quote:

Originally posted by kissingurami:
Sherasi, do you have a link to this? I went on the website but could not find the free sample option. Thanks

Sorry I didn't see this question before but it looks like MTT has stood up to the plate for me.

BTW, removal IS a bit messy until you get the hang of it, but frankly none of the processes is very clean and sanitary.

I also got yeast infections from using tampns but NEVER did with Instead.

ok, I was wondering without being graphic and totally gross, do you have a huge gush when you remove it because it is just is a cup right that holds it. And is it good for a heavy flow. After I had my kids my period has changed and the first few days is really heavy and I was wondering if this is ok. And how about swimming? Sorry but I gotta know I have been curious for awhile....

You can swim and do most anything including sexual intercourse while wearing it.

Removing it is not difficult, just a bit messy which is why you should be in the bathroom anyway.

Check my profile and email me if you want more specific details.