Hello,

I want to buy the DivaCup and want to get some cloth pads or liners to go with them. I will probably use the DivaCup the entire time I need it and I want some back-up protection to protect my undies when using the DivaCup. Should I get a 7 day supply of panty liners? Or should I get pads with removable liners? I'm not sure if the pads might be too heavy duty for what I need. I'm going to buy my supplies at Lunapads. Any recommendations would be useful since I have never used the DivaCup or cloth protection.

My flow is normally pretty light. One or two tampons during the day and a pad at night. In the morning my pad is pretty much clean.

Thanks!!

T

Sorry mods, I'm not sure whether to put this thread here or in the clothpads community.

I'd like to buy a second cup(LadyCup OR Lunette, haven't yet decided), and want a 3-pack of liners with it. Just to contain the teeny-tiny leaks - I don't need anything heavy duty.

Could you guys please offer some information about stores that sell BOTH cups and cloth pads?
I know http://www.ecomoon.co.nz and http://www.femininewear.co.uk - any other leads?

Thanks!

I know that this community is about menstrual cups, not all kinds of reusable menstrual products, and I also know that I, as a Divacup user for over 5 years now, haven't used a pad since I got it.

However, I also know that some women who use menstrual cups still do use pads (as a backup method, when they don't want to wear their cup, etc.), and, if you like a reusable internal product like a menstrual cup, you're probably inclined to like a reusable external product like a cloth pad.

That is why I wanted to let all the women in this community know that I'm running a contest on my blog, Cephaloblog, to win a Lunapads Sampler Pack, a $25 value.

All you have to do is comment on this post with why you want to switch to reusable menstrual products (if you don't already use them), or why you think women should switch to reusable methods (if you do).

Best comment wins, and all those who enter will receive a consolation prize (be sure to include a valid email address with your comment)!

The contest ends 05/31/09 at 11:59 PM. See this post for the complete contest info: http://www.arielservadio.com/blog/2009/05/lunapads-contest-giveaway/

Please feel free to pass this link along to anyone you think would like to enter, the Lunapads Contest Giveaway is open to all women, worldwide.

Cross-posted

Hey guys! My name is Melanie, I've been lurking this community for quite a while now and it is so very HELPFUL; thanks for all the great information (: Anywho, I am on my third cycle with my cup (LOVING it so far, generally). I believe that I have a US Mooncup that I got for free from participating in a survey by a company called Celle. Now that I'm convinced I want to stick with menstrual cups for every cycle, I am thinking about buying a new cup. I am happy with my US Moon, but I think I could be happier. Mostly, I am looking for the following things: a bit less suction and a bit more grippage at the bottom (I don't use the stem, it's been removed completely), both in order to make removal easier. Any suggestions? I know a lot of you have multiple cups and are able to make good comparisons.

Also, some random things ... am I the only person who loves the C fold? I feel like most of the people on here don't like it or use it, but it is the only fold I can do successfully and I find it very easy, comfortable, and natural. Also, do any of you get the weird squeaky sound as the cup sort of "pops" open? LOL. Just a bit of humor ... I usually find myself laughing on the toilet when this happens.

AND finally, I also have just ordered a starter set of reusable cloth pads from Etsy. They are the snappable kind. Any cleaning or usage advice tidbits? Regular disposable pads are so irritating on my skin, but I like to use something before I actually begin my menstration and to back up my cup, so I thought cloth would be a healthier option for me.

I guess that's it for now. Thanks again (:

This is also posted on IUD Divas. I am taking the plunge and getting a Paragard IUD this Thursday afternoon. I have a few questions about using a menstrual cup with the IUD that I  hope you guys can help me out with. Thanks so much for your help; this community is so supportive and I appreciate it so much.

1. I hate, hate, hate pads. I'm thinking about buying some cloth ones. When they tell you not to use internal menstrual products for a while after insertion is that because of the risk of infection or expulsion or both? How long do you guys think it is reasonable to wait before using tampons or a cup? I've also heard of people using sponges right after insertion. Would that be less of a risk for some reason?

2. I've read on a poll on IUD Divas that using a cup seems to pose the same amount of risk of expelling the IUD as using tampons and that you should "be careful" when using them.
    I just bought a miacup and have only used it for one period (I'm on day 5 now). It is working really well for me. I had a Keeper several years ago but it kept leaking and I gave up on it.
    Which is to say that I don't have a ton of experience with cups but would like to be able to use mine with my IUD. I have fairly long vagina so removal is a little bit difficult. I have been bearing down, grasping the tab with one hand and inserting a finger of the other hand to break the suction. I seem to need to get the finger over the rim of the cup, pinching the base doesn't work. It usually comes out smooched in half and is a little messy.
    I feel concerned about using the cup as I'm not experienced with it. Is the risk only from getting the strings caught or can the IUD really be pulled on from the suction of the cup? I'm also not sure what I can do to "be careful" when removing it. Should I be running my finger all the way around the rim to make sure the strings aren't caught between the vaginal wall and the cup? And if using a tampon has the same risk as the cup what can I do to prevent the strings from being caught by a tampon? Are sea sponges any safer?

I'm sorry but I still can't figure out how to put this behind a cut. The Livejournal help gave so many ways to do it and I don't know anything about html. Could somebody send me a link to the correct directions?

Thanks for your help.

Hi again. :] In my last post, a small discussion started on cloth pads. I am most definitely buying some today, most likely off of Etsy or some P.I.M.Ps. (really excited!) A few questions though, as always.

1. What style do you prefer? (snaps, or none?)- wouldn't it ride around in your underwear if there would be nothing "holding it down?"
2. Any favorites (brand-wise)?
3. Any suggestions for first timers (me, lol)? what to buy, cleaning methods, etc.

If you have ANY opinions at ALL about cloth pads, please let me know. :D

I posted an entry about insertion issues about a month back when I first got my Diva Cup and got a lot of great advice. Thanks everyone. I eventually managed to insert the cup and I figured out that it rides pretty high (had a little problem finding it the first time to get it out :), so the length of the Diva is no problem. I think I picked the right cup after all (by chance--I didn't know there were any other companies at the time) and I read a post where someone suggested a case of buyers remorse which I realize I was probably suffering from.

( More of my experience )( Read more... )

Anyway here are my questions simplified:
1. For those who insert before your period starts, how early do you stick it in before you expect to bleed? On the day? A day before? My period is pretty regular (started about a year ago) but it usually varies a few days each month.
2. This isn't really related to cups as much, but how do you track your flow? How many record exact measurements? Or do you just mark your period days on your calendar. I've signed up for Kotex's period planner (http://www.kotex.com/na/TrackerEntrance.aspx) thing because you can click heavy, medium or light days and then it calculates when you should expect your next period on a calendar. It's pretty simple.
3. Why am I getting that sqealching noise at times, even though I've not leaking?
4. Is there anyone out there that has proved that the cup is responsible for worse menstrual cramps than they had before?
5. When you first started using the cup, if you didn't know your flow that well, how often did you empty it?
6. Can anyone give confirmed info about what qualifies as light, medium or heavy flow? What is average. The stuff I read on the internet is so variable I don't know what to trust.
7. For those you use cloth liners as backup, do you make your own or buy them? I've checked out Lunapads and PIMP but they're pretty expensive. I've ordered one of those liner givaways from PIMP and hope I'll be able to make my own based on it. Are there any other online stores I should be looking at?

I LOVE my Diva Cup. I never really had a problem, per se, with pads, but I didn't like the dripping feeling and tampons were okay but it was a lucky day if I managed to insert it "correctly" so that I couldn't feel it at all. My cup is just perfect. Easy, and comfy. My sisters are still a bit sqeamish about the idea, but hopefully one day I'll warm them up to cups :)
Sorry this was a bit longer than I expected, as always...

For those of you who wear cloth pads as backup, how many pads do you own? I was wondering how large of a stash one generally needs if it's their secondary method of protection.

Right now I have two overnights and six liners.

Well, kinda.  This is my 3rd or fourth month with the mooncup US large that I got from C'elle.  It is a lot better than the Diva cup.  It feels like it holds more, it doesn't leak as much, I can pee in it without removing, falling out/moving, and it doesn't seem to discolor.  As much as I hate the bad rap that Keeper company has for the mooncup name tiff, the Mooncup US might be the cup for me. Although, I will still try a lunette when/if I have extra cash.

Now, yesterday was amazing for me.  I put in my mooncup and no leaks at all on my medium/heavy day.  None.  i wasn't even wearing a panty liner.  Of course, it helped that I was at home the entire day.  During the night and day, I had a pad on but the leaking was minimal compared to previous months/Diva cup usage and most due to sleeping.  Today I was at work and I don't even know if I had leaks at all.  It was comfortable.  The only time I felt uncomfortable was a few minutes of sitting down after peeing.  This is a heavy day for me and if there was leaking, it wasn't noticible.  Even when I did pee, there was no "spotting" that tends to happen with cups.  Yay.  I had to share my amazing last two period days.  

What I love about the cups is the last year my period has decided to start and stop near the 3rd/4th day.  It was horrible with pads.  By that time, I was itchy, chaffy, red and sick of my period.  Now, I can wear my cup even when my period has "stopped."  No more "OMG WHY ARE YOU HERE AGAIN!  YOU STOPPED 5 HOURS AGO!"  I don't even have to worry about it till the 5th day to take it out for good. ^_^

Overall, I LOVE  CUPS!

Now, my questions:
Now, this is also my 3rd period of being broke.  With all my leak worries, I can't go no pads at all and I've had to search my apartment/car for leftovers from my pad days.  I finally got comfortable with the idea of reusable cloth pads.  Does anyone have links for cheap cloth pads or are practicing and willing to sell cheap?  I mainly want to use them to replace disposable panty liners. What to look for in pantyliners? Are they waterproof?

Also another question, to anyone who has long finger nails, how do you not pinch your insides?  I love having long nails and I've also had to use latex gloves so I don't pinch myself.  I've started to hate this and it was just as bothersome as having to have pads everywhere!  These last two months, I've happened to have short nails during my period at least for the thumb and pointer that goes in there.  I've been able to go sans gloves but I don't want to always trim my nails for my period.

I've now been through my first cycle with my Diva cup and cloth pads.   I love them both and will not be going back to disposable products again. 

So today I started some spring cleaning with my bathroom linen closet.  Of course I took out a box of tampons and some pads.  I'm sure there are LOTs more of them in various purses around my house.

  I can't bring myself to throw them out.  The main reason for my switch was to lessen my impact on the environment.  When you stopped using disposables, what did you do with your leftovers?

Next Sunday is International Women's Day and I decided to follow myLunette's example and offer a 10% discount on pads through the weekend, I thought you might be interested ;)

Edited to add Etsy's checkout procedure:

* Add item(s) to cart
* Go to checkout
* Add your address
* Choose Paypal an click Submit order (big green button on the right and bottom of the screen, if you don't complete this step I won't be able to see which items you're ordering and can't send you the discounted invoice)
* This finishes the Etsy transaction, after this you just have to wait for my email.

After reading posts in other forums about cloth pads and menstrual cups, I made the decision this week to give them both a shot.  All the reasons make sense to me.  Saving money, helping the environment, not putting chemical laden products in my body.  So, I ordered some cloth pads and  my Diva cup on Tuesday.  The cup was delivered today! 

I am  excited and  nervous to try it.  I don't think I'll be doing a dry run, as it seems more people have success waiting for their period.  So I have a few weeks of waiting. I have been reading many of the first time user posts to see what issues everyone faced when first inserting/removing their cups, and the advice given.    I'll keep reading and practicing folds until I get to use it.

I am nervous because I had an "incident" with tampon a bit over a year ago where upon going to remove it I tugged the string, and all that came out was ....the string...no longer attached to the tampon.  My initial reaction was PANIC, but I managed to get it out.  You would think that would keep me from using another tampon for a while, but no, I used another one right away.  Guess what happened when I went to take that one out?  Mhmm :::tug::::string:::::no tampon:::panic again a little::::: Once again the issue was resolved, but I never touched another Tampax Pearl again.  Still used tampons but a different brand.  So my nervousness comes from remembering that panic feeling of "how am I going to get  it out!!!"   So I'm just going to relax, and continue reading posts.  I take great solace in never having seen a post  that said "I couldn't get it out and had to go to the doctor to have it removed!!" Yes...I know that is an unreasonable worry.

Thanks for "listening" to me ramble, and thanks for all the great advice I've read in the posts so far.

Hey! I was reading my newest issue of Bitch magazine and noticed an advertisement for Lunapads.com. Shop on there until Feb. 28 2009 and get 10% off of your purchase over $35.00. So, you could easily get a Diva Cup and a cloth liner for cheaper than normal. Check it out! The promo code is BITCH084.

I love my divacup, but I want to get a cloth pad for overnight, because I am not keen on the idea that old blood is flowing back into me for the 8 hours that I sleep. where should I start on looking for cloth pads? where are some good sellers, and what materials are good? I'm also interested in getting a cloth pantyliner for when my period is on its last days.
or where should I look for FAQ on cloth pads?

Hey guys!  Or, gals, I guess.  I was trying to avoid my usual "y'all" there.  haha anyway...

This occurred to me last night.  The only time I'm not using my cup during my flow is when I'm in the shower (my preferred time to change it and really clean it) and another part of the day while I'm cleaning it.  Last night I had cramps (and gas) so bad that I couldn't bear the thought of replacing my cup once I'd gotten it out.  So I resorted to wearing a pad for the first time in about a year.

Which makes me realize, it's something close to my first Divaversary!  Also I'm realizing that regular users can do polls now!  So here goes:

Poll #1331707 cup usage
Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All

Do you use something along with your cup while you're wearing it?

how much of your period would you say you use your cup?

when do you use your cup?

My other question is this:  I've seen a lot of stuff recently about the cervix sitting inside the cup.  How do you make that happen?  It seems like my cervix sits low and gets in the way of the cup.  I've not trimmed the stem, but that sucker (often, sometimes, not always) just pokes all around at the entrance of my vagina and sometimes is uncomfortable or irritating to sit down.  I want it to sit higher, but I don't know if it can.  I do know that if I do have a shortish vagina, as I assume, the Diva may not be the best cup, given its size.

And, on a tangent, I really want to know what my vagina is like in comparison to others.  I have no idea how large or small it is or if my cervix sits high or low or even if I'm "tight" or not.  You can't exactly go prodding about inside someone else's junk without a fancy degree, and even a partner can't tell you because (geez, I hope) the ones s/he's been messing around in are aroused and not in resting or normal mode.  Even more on a tangent:  I know it's perfectly normal for penises to hang to the side and have a curve in either direction or no curve at all, and most are at least a little to one side.  Is a cervix like that too?  I know it's been there just hanging out for 20 years or so, but this is suddenly such a new part of my body to me!  I had no idea what it was before I started using the cup, and honestly I thought there was a "right path" and "wrong path" down there before I realized it was some almost-conical hanging-down organ thing with a purpose when I had to really start fiddling around with the cup.  But that is my lamentation about the knowledge of the female body and my frustration about education on it, whether for its owners, caretakers, or lovers.

I think this is my first post here, but I really appreciate all the questions I've seen since I've been a member!  Thanks, everyone, for this community :)

So I've now used my Divacup for 8 cycles now and I love it. Learning how to use it was at first tricky, but I think I've finally figured out how to get the cup in there right and keep it from leaking. I've been pinching the cup in the middle to make a U shape like it instructs, but when I insert it I make sure to push it to the very bottom of my vaginal open along the way that separates the vaginal canal and the anus and then up. I've found this way to be the most effective way of placing my cup in the right position to capture my menstrual flow.

So now my next step is to completely rid myself of menstrual waste and start using cloth pads. I'm searching for cheap cloth_pads for 10 dollars each and I've joined diy_pads in hops of learning how to make my own, and hopefully trade some (NON-used) ones with other members. By the start of 2009 I pledge on being completely menstrual waste free!

Anyway just thought I'd share my happiness and determination with my fellow cup wearers in LJ land

Hi Ladies!

I've searched the IUD memories, however, most of those posts were written before the Miacup and Ladycup came out. I am currently experiencing my first IUD period (Flexi-T which is the Canadian version of the copper IUD) and it is THE period from HELL! I can't believe I can lose that much blood and still be functioning! I ordered some fabulous cloth pads, but after using a cup for so long, I can't go back to pads, regardless of how fabulous they are. I've even resorted to tampons because I'm bleeding through pads so quickly! (Ughh!) So, back to the cup. However, I have a Diva and I don't feel comfortable using it with the IUD because of the fact that it's one of the taller and stiffer cups. I had to pay for my IUD and my insertion was super painful, so I really want to eliminate as many risks as I can so I don't expel my IUD. So I'm looking to buy a new cup and wanted some advice.

I am really considering the Ladycup (the pink one!) or the Miacup. Any suggestions on either of those and their capatibility with IUD's? I also have to consider which one'll stand up to my monster periods. I've heard that the Lunette is also good. Any ladies here use a Miacup or Ladycup and have an IUD? 

PLEASE offer me your opinion, as I've been bleeding for almost two weeks now and I can't handle using pads. I MISS MY CUP!

A few months ago, when my sister introduced me to the mooncup, she felt really uneasy telling me about it, because she had never tried it and was afraid I would think it was weird. Well, tampons have NEVER worked for me and I used to be really involved in ballet, so I was desperately trying to find something, ANYTHING that would work and keep me from having to skip class when I had a heavy day. So, of course she told me about these things, and I was like, "YES! hope at last!" so she ordered one for me, and I used it during my last period and thought it was the best invention I'd seen in years. I couldn't fathom why anybody would have a problem with it being reusable, all that did was save me money!
So the other night, me and some of my friends were sitting in my room talking, and I mention something about cloth pads- and they all agreed that cloth pads are disgusting!
I was mortified, that my poor friends should be so deceived. So I tried to educate them on the benefits, and they just shook their heads.
I guess people don't take as easily to the idea as I thought.
Anybody else had a shocking situation like this?

I was wondering if anyone can recommend a site that sells reusable menstrual pads but doesn't kill on International shipping rates.

I've checked sites like Lunapads, Gladrags and Moonpads, but the shipping cost really puts me off getting any. ($25+ for one pad??  Don't think so!)
I already own and use a Mooncup UK, but I'm looking for panty liners to use for those spotty days because I hate the idea of using disposable liners..
I've also checked out a few sellers on Etsy.com and I really love some of the patterns and the very reasonable shipping costs. The only thing I'm worried about is whether they're well made and reliable.. I don't want my pads tearing after a couple of washes! Does anyone have any experiences with any particular sellers on Etsy??

Edit: This is what I'm considering at the moment
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13822326

I've decided to get some lunapad liners for Diva backup. I usually don't have leakage, but I've noticed I do get a little first thing in the morning right after I put my Diva back in after the nighttime.

I thought Lunapads carried thong panty liners? I swear I remember seeing them. Was I dreaming it? Someone please let me know of another company that would carry them, as I really hate wasting the disposable ones!

EDIT::::

Thanks to everyone. On your advice, I went to the cloth pads community and they pointed me to ETSY... which is rediculous to think that I didn't go there first, as I shop there all the time.

Anyway, I fould two thong pads for only 5 bucks! The maker said she was posting more next week. If anyone wants the seller ID, I can give it to you :)

Hi all! I am going to be starting my first shark week with my Mooncup UK and I want to make a couple pads for back up in case I get leaks while I am learning. I am collecting patterns and wanted to ask those of you who use cloth pads as back up for your cup a couple questions:

1. How many layers do the ones you use have and do you have a waterproof layer?
1a. if you have a water proof layer, what is it made of?
2. Do you use full size pads or prefer panty liners?
3. Ties, buttons, snaps or Velcro closures?
4. Do you prefer the all-in-one style or the envelope style where you can change the insides?
5. Cotton, flannel, bamboo, hemp, or some combination?

Sorry for the ton of questions, but I was reading the other LJ group diy_pads, and my head started to spin a little with all the choices! I was hoping to get some opionions since you are all so lovely and helpful!
Thanks!

Hi, I really want to buy  a menstrual cup/cloth pads, but I have one problem: I have no idea to tell my mom! I have no idea how to facilitate conversation! She always seems busy and I don't really talk to her about this stuff AT ALL.  I printed out a lot of information about dioxin, dangers of tampons/pads and 3 types of menstrual cups, but i think that would freak her out to! (Has my underage daughter been perusing sex sites?)

So, I have these questions:

1. If you were/are a virgin/teen, what was/is the biggest problem you faced with your cup/cloth pads?

2. How can I convince my mom?

3. If your a teen, how do you successfully use your cup at school? 

4. My school also goes on retreats for extended periods of time and I live in close quarters with many girls. My cup would probably be ok for those instances, but what about cloth pads?

5. I've already decided I'm going to use the lunette or diva. (I'm petite, under 5 ft, and 110 pounds.) What advice would you give for pads?

6. Do you have any other advice for me?

Thankyou so much!

 

Alright... I know that one of the reasons women switch to reusable menstrual products is the benefit to the environment. We then go on to realize that they're also safer, less expensive in the long run, and a lot more comfortable once we actually start using them. And then we start to wonder why other women haven't heard of/considered these options, etc. But I think a lot of us were drawn in by the environmentally friendly element.

On that note... I'm kind of a community service geek; I love helping out and volunteering and being an activist. So last week on one of my mailing lists I got a request asking me to help out at something called Go Green Expo 2008. I'll admit that my lifestyle isn't completely earth-friendly and sustainable (being a busy and broke college student can lead one to be rather complacent and wasteful... sigh. I'm trying to be better, I promise) but switching to using a cup and cloth pads has definitely led to a raised consciousness and a personal desire to be nicer to the environment. So, naturally, I wondered whether there were any Cup or Cloth Pad manufacturers coming to the Expo. A quick search revealed none. I thought that was weird, and wondered if maybe they would allow volunteers to give out homemade pamphlets, but that didn't seem to fit in with their professional "expo" atmosphere.

I went from the Expo site to a site called The Green Guide. There I found lots of posts denouncing the wastefulness of paper napkins, but zero on the wastefulness of sanitary napkins. No coverage of alternative menstrual products on either website. There were many mentions of reusable diapers, but nothing even remotely related to reusable menstrual products. Why is this? Is menstruation (something completely normal that every women goes through) still too taboo to talk about, even on a "progressive" website? There may have been one or two mentions of organic tampons and pads, and that's a start, but aren't those wasteful, too? It really aggravated me.

I'd thought about e-mailing Lunapads or GladRags or a couple of Cup manufacturers, and then asking them if they want to contact these sites and let them know about their products, but I don't want give the advantage to one brand (I know that's what bothers a lot of cup users about those of us who like to "evangelize.") But I would like to get some other opinions, because this is really bothering me. Why is it "cool to go Green" but not OK to promote reusables? What can we do to change this?

If any of you would like to contact the people at those websites and suggest they do a piece on reusable menstrual products, you can try looking here and here, for starters. If anyone has a better idea, please share.

Cross-posted to cloth_pads and menstrual_cups

  Hi! I've never posted before, but have been watching this community for about a week. I'm soooo glad I stumbled upon this site! I have been trying to green my lifestye and was wondering in the back of my mind if there was any other options for women to handle their periods. I had never ever heard of menstrual cups, cloth pads, or sponges. Who know there was so many alt. options available! 

   I knew right away I wanted a menstrual cup. I just ordered a Lunette and can't wait for it to get here! The decision about which cup and size to choose was kind of overwelming, but I hope I chose wisely.  I am really thankful to have found this community. I can't wait to try it out!! I'll let everyone know how it goes. I'm so excited!

  Also, I'm pretty crafty so I've been making cloth pads like crazy! :D

Hey everyone!

I'm not sure if this post is appropriate, as it's nearly strictly about cloth pads, so please feel free to delete it if this is not the place for it. Anyway, I use the Diva Cup, and I sometimes experience leaking. As a result, I commonly use a disposable panty liner, which to me, is completely defeating the purpose of using a reusable product. So basically I've decided that as soon as my workload subsides (I'm graduating from university in a few months... yayyy!) I'm going to start making some cloth pads for myself and my family. I have the urge to donate some through Good for Girls as well.

I've started looking up patterns and designs, and found that many patterns call for a terry cloth insert. This is understandable for a heavier pad, but do you think it's necessary with a panty liner? What I envisioned was a small, cute panty liner made with pretty patterns and a snap fasten. However, I wanted to create something that had a removable top layer, so that basically throughout the day, I don't have the change the entire liner, but just the top layer. How would I go about attaching this layer? Would velcro work, or would that be terribly uncomfortable? And is it necessary to include the terry cloth insert? Any ideas, experiences or patterns are highly appreciated!

Thanks Ladies!!