I have just had an idea!

Well, I don't know how great it is, but hopefully you ladies can tell me.

I totally want in on cup activism. Really. I hang out on all sorts of women's health boards, and the most common thing I see besides "amipregnant" is "tampons are driving me insane."

America, Europe, and Australia all have activism groups, but here in NZ, I haven't heard of anyone informing about cups. I'd like to do something about that.

Now, we have some very talented ladies who have tackled, in particular, the environmental aspects of why cups are awesome.

But I'd like to tackle the health benefits, and this is where my idea comes in.

So, I smoke. Quite a lot. So sue me. And of course, cigarettes have the "Smoking --> bad shit" warning on them.

I was idly looking at my pouch as I was rolling a cigarette, and I thought to myself, "Heh, ya know, it's kinda funny that tampons have the same sort of warning on them."

And then it struck me. It's one thing to have a warning like that on cigarettes - the fact that smoking is bad for you is well-publicized, and you can choose whether you put the cig in your mouth or not.

However, as far as most women know, tampons are the only option if you want to do anything even moderately active, or involving water. Because of a lack of awareness, they are virtually forced to use tampons.

The CDC has stopped tracking the rates and risk factors of TSS, despite the fact that the death rate has been rising. Cases from my home state, Minnesota, tripled from 2000 to 2003. Rates in California doubled in one year (2002).

And yes, the CDC isn't paying attention. This could be because of some shady business, but who knows. The fact is tampon companies KNOW that no one is paying attention, and they may be paying even less attention to the safety of their products, which may be producing higher death tolls.

Tampons are required to carry a warning about TSS, that tampons cause it, and that it's deadly. Just like cigarettes.

People know they have a choice about smoking. But due to massive efforts on the part of tampon companies, most women don't know they have a choice about tampons. They are being forced by ignorance to continue to use a dangerous product (obviously, TSS being only one of the side effects tampons can, and does have).

So, I had an idea. Basically, point out this concept in a brocher about cups, with a picture of a cigarette warning label besides a tampon warning label (Does anyone know if they're printed ON the box? I haven't owned tampons in ages...) with something like "Is this something you want in your body?"

It's rather in-your-face, but I think it's a valid point, and I think that when something which is safer and better than its predecessor comes out, people are entitled to know about it and make the choice, rather than being kept in the dark.

Thoughts?

Love,
Cassie

EDIT: Some have pointed out that, if I wanted to pursue this, it would probably be best to do so without mentioning cups as it may cast suspicion on my motivation.

I think perhaps this is a wise idea. So, this is quickly losing context as far as menstrual cups go. Shall I take it down?

I'm so very excited about my cup and getting through my first cycle! I want to tell everyone they should be using a cup, it's blowing my mind how awesome it is!
( Conversation starter! )

I don't know whether to be amused or frustrated. One of my current time wasting pursuits is taking surveys at MySurvey.com, and a survey about menstrual products came up. The only options it gave me for which menstrual products I use are pads and tampons, and now it's asking me more and more detailed questions about pads! I ended up answering based upon my past pad usage (I only switched to cups last January), and sent them the following email.

I just took a survey related to menstrual products, and I was unable to answer the questions accurately and truthfully. One of the questions asked whether I used pads or tampons more, and I do not use either: I use a menstrual cup and reusable cloth pantyliners. The questions then continued to ask me in more detail about my pad usage, and again none of the options were relevant to my own usage. Other women also use natural sponges as another option.

Survey questions asking which products people use should allow an "other" answer. And surveys about menstrual products should include all options that women actually use.

I just wanted to thank everyone in this community for all the information and opinions available! I haven't used my LJ account in 4 years and had to reset my forgotten password so I could get on here and share how happy I am!
I was looking into cups after getting so sick of cloth pad laundry and this is by far the best and most informative source with so many of you wonderful women. After browsing around for hours and hours, I finally decided on a larger size Lunette (Selene, because it's pretty blue!) and I was able to find a link to a site that sent them to the US.
I'm not even done with my first cycle using the cup, but I am so hooked. With all the insight available on here, I was able to get things worked out within hours. Got it in perfect the first time, not so perfect the second time, and after about 5 minutes of trial and error the third time, figured out how to fold and the angle to insert to get it in there just right!
It's so great! I was a little nervous because I was out and about and active all day the first day, but other than that one tweak (which I was at home for, much easier to deal with) things went awesome.
Thank you every one!

Hello, Ladies!

So, i found this video on youtube where a so called doctor informs women about the connection between menstrual cups and endometriosis. I almost bursted out laughing because tampons cause Toxic Shock Syndrome for a fact and they are still being sold worldwide. This is a deadly diasease while endometriosis isn't. But suggesting that a woman's period can travel backwards because of the cup is just silly. Looks like the big industry is feeling threatned...

I can't post the video, dunno why, so here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuATeOXsjv8

I was over on About.com reading an article entitled "Embarrassing Running Problems". Number ten in the list was "Menstrual Concerns". The author, a fellow female, recommended tampons over pads for runners. I decided to send her a nice note telling her I agree that tampons are better than pads, but that I find menstrual cups even better. I told her a little bit about cups and their benefits, listed several of the activities I've done without worry thanks to my cup, and thanked her for her time. She sent me a nice note back and suggested I comment on her article to help out other female readers. Here's what I wrote:

I have something to add for item number 10, Menstrual Concerns. Christine says, “Tampons are recommended over pads for comfort and to avoid chafing. Just make sure you carry an extra one on your long runs during that time of the month.”

I agree that tampons are more convenient than pads, but would recommend menstrual cups over both. I have used a menstrual cup for almost two years now and I can’t believe I went as long as I did without it. I have gone scuba diving, competed in wrestling tournaments, attended yoga classes, boxed, cycled, and led a generally active lifestyle without having to worry about leaks.

A menstrual cup can be safely worn for up to 12 hours at a time and far exceeds the capacity of an “ultra” absorbency tampon (30 ml vs. 15-18 ml of fluid). Furthermore, menstrual cups have not been associated with toxic shock syndrome (TSS), are known to reduce menstrual cramps for some women, and cost less over time because a cup can be used for several years before being replaced. Personally, I use a DivaCup and love it, but there are several other brands available on the market. Some brands, like DivaCup, are made of medical grade silicone. Others, such as The Keeper, are made of natural gum rubber.

In the LiveJournal menstrual_cups community, there is a very informative post about what cups are, the different brands, sizes, and so on. Check it out and browse around while you’re there. The community has a lot of information for those considering cups, those already using them, and those who just want to learn more. http://community.livejournal.com/menstrual_cups/1285963.html.

More than anything, I really liked her positive response. She didn't say "ick" or "gross". She seemed genuinely appreciative that someone had told her about cups. Even if they're not for her, perhaps she will pass the word along to other women so they can have the option, too.

We love this forum and regularly direct our first-time-users to it. What a fantastic resource!

 If so, please contact us directly at info@mylunette.com   

Thank you so much in advance!! :p

 What was your first experience hearing about menstrual cups and what was your initial reaction? 

What made you decide to try them instead of scorn them?

I had a friend in high school who told me about the keeper and how she wanted to get one. I was shocked but a little interested. I thought it sounded like a neat hippy thing and would be so good for the environment, but there was also a part of me that thought it was a bit gross.
I found the Instead cups and fell in love with them, even though I found they leaked easily (especially if I laughed) so I always wore pads with them anyway. I kept thinking, what's the point of wearing an instead if I'm wearing a pad anyway!? (I've never been able to wear tampons.)
A few years ago my mom got a free DivaCup (she's a manager at a grocery store and it was a free sample from a health seminar she was attending). I was surprised she was so interested in using it since my mom has ALWAYS been a tampon kinda gal. 
I think she used it a couple of times but hasn't used it recently, which is too bad. 
When I was shopping at my local health food store, I noticed they sell divacups and had been eye-balling it for a while. Finally I decided to get one. 
I got to use it for one cycle before I became pregnant, but there's a small part of me that can't wait until I start having regular periods again so I can use it again.
I did notice that it causes a little cramping/bloating that I would otherwise not have, but in the long run I think it's well worth it. I'm also encouraging my mother to use it again because it really is an amazing device! 
I also just ordered cloth pads, which I am super excited about. I really think that women the world over should get themselves set up with a cup because it just makes so much more sense!

What has your experience been with the cup? What were your pitfalls/successes with it and why would you recommend it to your friends/families/strangers?

i was watching current (tv station) this morning and saw a segment on menstrual cups. you can watch it on their website here

http://current.com/items/90895010_tats-got-issues-period-cups.htm

i was really excited to see menstrual cups featured on tv!

vote and leave a comment for menstrual cups to appear on "The Drs"!

http://www.thedoctorstv.com/produce/idea_comment/1475

popular topics will be featured on the show. The topic only needs 30ish comments to appear on the "most commented" page (bottom of the page, but 1st page nonetheless). it shouldn't be that hard to get the topic noticed and getting one step closer to informing the general public!

p.s.:you need to register on the site to comment/vote, but it doesn't take long.

Yep, did all the fix-ups people suggested, put in the extra benefits, and now its finished.

Pamphlet can be found here.

Also, just finished my second cycle on the ladycup, and am still delighted. I spent the whole time worrying about leaks and overflowing - but it was a waste of time. The cup is awesome.

I almost feel like having my period is too easy now. I keep waiting for problems, and there isn't any. I even did my first public toilet change, and it was a breeze. I was a little concerned about wiping the outside with toilet paper when I didn't wash the cup after, because of the leftover fibres. So I wiped only the inside, and just chugged it back in. Would there be any problems with not wiping the outside? I know some folks don't wipe at all, but I get that drip on the edge, so I want to.

Been stalking this site for a few months now, and thought I might finally contribute.

I have a lot to say, mostly happy stuff about my journey of cup use, but also about the pamphlet I made for Australian women about cups. Its a long one, though. :) ( Read more... )

Hi, everyone!

This week, I have mentioned menstrual cups to two fellow classmates. I offered to bring a cup to show them, and they're both pretty eager to see a cup in person. Now, for those who remember me, I have been trying for about three years or so to use a cup, but I have an EXTREME learning curve. This means that my cups, although I've tried to insert them, have never officially been used. However, I nearly had success this last cycle, and I have a small Lunette on the way, so maybe next time I'll have true insertion success and finally be able to share ecstatic news with you all. :)

Anyway, even though I haven't used the cups I have (a trial large LilacCup and a small Mooncup UK), they have been cleaned. Before I would attempt to use them again, I would of course clean them after someone else touches them. The stems are still fully intact.

I'd really just like ideas on what cup (or cups) you consider to be a good, basic example for someone who has never seen one. Do you think it matters? Would any cup have initially persuaded you to try them? Would a certain cup scare you away from them? Would stiffness/flexibility have made a difference? For example, because I experience pain, a LadyCup would probably appeal to me more because it's so soft, whereas a rather stiff cup may have made me hesitant. Then again, the LadyCup doesn't seem to be "the norm" for cup stiffness.

I know we all have different experiences. I would probably have been scared off by a large cup since I'm not used to insertion. I figure any cup would have made me research them thoroughly myself, but I sort of wish I'd had the opportunity to see a cup in person before making a buying decision. Right now I think I'll bring both my small Mooncup UK and the trial large LadyCup, just to show them the differences, but your input is appreciated. :)

I am potentially hosting a workshop about alternative menstrual products for credit in college (that's Evergreen for you!).

What I would love to know is for those of you that have collected a lot of the different cups from companies for free (or reduced cost) for demonstration purposes only, how did you go about doing that and how long did it take you?

I would really love for my classmates (and me!) to touch and feel the different types available to really get an idea about them!

Thank you so much! And definitely, as the project progresses, you bet I'll be posting more to pick your brains!

Here's a video by a stand-up comedian, who shows herself trying a DivaCup for the first time. Her approach is not graphic at all, but very direct and refreshing. I'm certainly not going to post every YouTube vid on menstrual cups to this community, but I could not resist posting this one.

Clicky clicky

I was at the dr offce today and picked up the sept 14 issue of First for women magazine, and there was a 2-page article on diva cups and insteads! All very very positive, and very informative. If you have any friends that need more mainstream info on the cup id pick up a copy for them!

Hi Ladies,

My school is running a kickoff week for the 350 campaign (if you don't know what this is, please head over to www.350.org and find out more details!) Essentially, this means doing a bunch of fun workshops, bringing in guest lecturers and musical acts to get everyone excited for environmental activism and change! I know that most women at my college are not aware of alternative menstrual products, so I suggested that we have a workshop, where I'll talk about cloth pads, sea sponges and menstrual cups. I'm really excited to run it, but was wondering if there were any pieces of info you would have wanted to know when you were making your decision to switch to cups? Any down sides you can think of? Your favorite things? Tips? Anything at all to spread the word!

Thank you all so much! After all, you helped me convert :) I figured I would share the cup love!

Hello Everyone,
I'm fed up. Not with menstrual cups, they're wonderful. I'm fed up with their non-availability in the US.

While I'm glad that our FDA is apparently being careful about new products, I must wonder if Tampax has to get approved every time they re-design their tampons or use a new plastic in their applicators. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to which cups are available to ship to the US. The MeLuna just hit the market last month, and it's available, but the Fleurcup isn't, the Yukki  (Edit: Green Donna) isn't, and don't get me started on the Mooncup UK debacle. I guess I'm just sick and tired of the government saying what I'm allowed to put in my vagina and when.  Drugs are rushed through the FDA approval process, and pesticides don't require long-term tests, but medical grade silicone in a cup shape is a hang up?  Cotton from goodness knows where is just fine, and unknown plastic in pads that cause rashes is apparently ok, so what's the deal? I'm tempted to march down to my co-op and by the large Diva just because I can!

So, who else is fed-up with the un-availability of menstrual cups? It's not just about them not being available in stores; I'm disgusted that they're not allowed to ship some of them internationally. I'd write to my congress woman, but she's such a dink about major issues that I have no hope on a smaller issue such as this one.

Thanks for listening to my rant!

Edit: I apologize for my mistake, I meant to type Green Donna, not Yukki, and I have fixed it above. Thank you all for your interesting and encouraging replies!

I had heard about Tyra Banks's show all about menstration and products, etc.  I was wondering if anyone has seen it?  Was there any mention of menstral cups??  I don't think there was but I'm not positive.  If not, I may write to the show and I would encourage everyone else to as well.  I really thought the menstral cup "word" was out, but I am amazed at how many people don't know about them.  Imagine how much waste would be eliminated if 1/2, or even only a 1/4 of Tyra's viewers switched to menstral cups.  It boggles the mind.

My daughter, Olivia, loves my diva cup. I made reference to her love of it on facebook and I got some puzzled responses. "What the hell is a menstrual cup??"

( Olivia Explains )

So just a couple of things.

I've been using my model 1 Divacup for about six months now, I believe. I LOVE it. I think I'm pretty lucky that I found one I liked almost directly off the bat. I think I'm actually getting to the point where I may be brave enough to lop off some of the stem because though my cervix seems to like to stay in the same spot, for some reason the stem will bend against my pubic bone, NOT so comfortable. But I really have no complaints. I'm going to the gyno in a couple of weeks before I head off to college again, and i'm definitely bringing it with me in case she hasn't heard about it.

I've told a few of my friends from college about the cup and some of them seemed very interested in it, and a couple of them sounded like they might actually get one. I told my mom about it as well, and she suggested to me that I tell my two older cousins about it. I'm not sure how to broach the subject to them because although i am close to them, I've never really talked to them about stuff to that nature. I think it will be easier than the other person I want to tell about them, which is my 10-year old cousin who just started her period not long ago. I don't know how to tell her about it because she's so young, but I also don't want her to not know about the other option that is there that most people don't tell you about. I know that I can't stand the thought of using tampons again. Every time I see a tampon commercial, I think for a second, and am like, "I have somethinig that works wayy better for me." I had one in my purse for awhile just in case I didn't have my cup and my period surprised me or I began spotting, but even that makes me shudder a little. Any advice on how to broach the subject with my cousins would be amazing. one of them has had two kids, one has an IUD (I don't know what type), and like I said, the other is 10, turning 11.

Thank you in advance :)

Completely random, but #periodcups is actually trending on twitter, which personally I think is amazing!

Since so many of you took the time to vote for my menstrual cups-Tshirt on http://6dollarshirts.com/submit_a_design.php?view=submission&id=1245754442, it's only fair that I tell you what happened.

Well, nothing much, for a surprisingly long time. It turns out they're seriously understaffed and did not choose winners for over a month. And now it looks like some winning shirts *have*  been chosen, and mine is not one of them. :-/

That means I'll look into other ways of making the design available. Watch this space.

http://6dollarshirts.com/submit_a_design.php?view=submission&id=1245754442

If enough people want to vote for this, I think we have a good chance of getting this design printed! We currently need at least five more votes to top the submissions for this week! Apparently they choose a new "winner" each week, so we only have a day or two to collect more votes!

(You do need to create an account to login and vote - but if the shirt wins you can use the same account to buy one! ;)

I just had a few questions for everyone who has contacted school nurses to do presentations on menstrual cups, as this is something I would really like to do in my local area. I'll list the q's so hopefully they'll make more sense :).

1. What did you say when you first contacted the nurse?

2. What grade level(s) did you present this to? I was home schooled, so I have no idea if the menstrual presentation takes place in high school, middle school, or even earlier...though I'd guess middle school.

3. What information did you present to the students/how did you present it?

4. If you emailed the cup companies to ask for sample cups/promo materials, what did you say in your email?

5. Any other tips?

Thanks!