okay, I've just come to the end of my first mooncup period.

and I'm almost sorry it's over.

it was so easy, clean and well, unnoticable.

and after careful consideration, and getting past the initial stage where you uncomfortably ping yourself every time you remove it, I have decided that this really is a wonderful little piece of silicon.

and environmentally friendly too. not to mention value for money (£18 for 10 years? where can you get tampons that cheap!)


so just wondering, as mooncups seem very popular in the Pagan community.

do you have one?

what do you think of it?

what would you say to someone who might never have heard of the mooncup?


or did you not get on with it.


just being nosey, and highly personal here.

I saw something about it ages ago on some site about women's health. I thought it looked a good concept but I just couldn't imagine how the heck you got it out again.

I really really like the idea of it only, I have such heavy bleeds I would need a moonbucket not a mooncup :/

So strange - I was telling one of girls at work about the mooncup today!
And now you've convinced me to go for it, thanks!

Edited to say - ordered mine! I'll have it within 14 days! Thanks again Galena

Tee hee hee - when I saw the title I thought it was a drink for Esbats! OK - I'll get my coat!

That would be me then! jeeeez I am soo niave!

ok time to pratice this question...what would you say to someone who has never heard of it?

I haven't got one myself yet. I'm not sure how they would deal with very heavy periods or heavy clotting etc, not to mention cleaning them in public loos, so I'm holding off til I know a little more.

They do sound like a great idea though.

For those not in the know the mooncup is a small eggcup shaped piece of silicon that is inserted rather like a tampon and collects menstrual discharge. It can be emptied, cleaned and reused, and is cheaper and more environmentally friendly than other sanitary products. Try googling mooncup for more info

http://www.mooncup.co.uk/

there goes.

from what I've heard it deals with heaviness very well. I've heard of someone forgetting it was in, and not having a leak until two days later.

most people empty them twice a day. in the morning and before bed. which means most emptyings are on your own territory.

and so long as they're kept clean a few times a day, wiping them out with tissue should be fine.

the blood doesn't go as manky and clotty as with other things, I found the blood looked really clean and healthy

I've heard a lot of good things about them, but haven't done anything about it. Maybe once I'm in the Uk... Maybe

it took me a very long time in between hearing how good they were and actually trying it.

very glad I did.

I agree completely with Galena about this - mooncups are ace. About the same size as a shot glass, made of silicone, and you get it out the same way you would a tampon - grab hold of the end and pull! I've personally cut the stem off completely now and just grab the bottom of the cup itself - much easier. Takes a bit of practice to get it right, but then again so did tampons (cast your mind back ladies....second nature now, innit?)

So did I!!!

Oh thanks - thought I was on me own there. Not much point me investing in one - wouldn't get me 10 years worth out of it the way things are going. Crone ceremony anyone?

ah yes, but the perfect way to gather blood for the Crone ceremony, right

What? You mean I don't get to put a used tampon on the altar and dance around it? Oh bugger! Just when I was looking forward to the look on the A.M.'s face!

I'm so glad somebody's started a thread on this! I bought my Mooncup about 18months ago, and have to say that it is undoubtedly the best purchase I've made in years. (And that's saying something!) The only side-effects of it are the fact that I'll rant and rave about how wonderful it is to any poor soul who'll listen (though in the process I've 'converted' a few women to the Mooncup... )

I was so scared when I was using it at first... Scared I'd 'lose' it, scared I'd leak, scared it would fall out, etc... But I haven't had any problems with it at all. It really is second nature using it now, and my moontime has become a lot easier to deal with... I feel a lot healthier (I'm not even going to go into all the rubbish that is in tampons... I think the Mooncup website has that info anyway!), a lot fresher, and I have less cramps. Also, living on a student budget the Mooncup is perfect, and its environmentally friendly.

I've heard of some women (mostly Pagans) who use the blood they collect in moontime rituals, or even to paint with (and there are a few websites with the paintings around the web somewhere... A bit weird at first, but interesting nonetheless.) I don't do this myself, mainly because I don't have time, but it seems like a nice way to reclaim one's moontime, after living in fear of it for so long. (Luckily, I found the Mooncup when I was 18, instead of having to have horrible periods for years...)

Okay, I'm raving again. One tip before I sign off, for new Mooncup users though - READ THE INSTRUCTIONS REALLY CAREFULLY! Nearly all problems women have with the cup during their first use of it are due to the fact that they didn't read the instructions. It's sinmple once you get the hang of it though.

Blessings,

Kim

Ok have took a deep breath and ordered one watch this space! I have never bothered before as I do suffer from heavy periods but if you lasses say that isnt a problem then that will do for me - purely on the basis of environment and expense Id say its a good idea!

Certainly sounds a lot more environmentally friendly than tampons, and cleaner too - I'll go and check out the website................

Not much point here, I barely need tampons as it is. Hurts like hell, just hardly any bleeding. Besides, I'd never get over the silly name...

Thanks to whoever directed me here, from my "How can I be more green?" post. Wow, it really does sound great, I want one! At least, I want to give it a try.

It's not what I had thought - I saw a similar product advertised in a catalogue, but the picture was just of a little "cap" type thing I was unsure how easy it would be to insert and to remove, and I hated the idea of having menstrual blood dripping all down your hands and fingers when emptying it! But, this one seems to be MUCH better designed.

As soon as I have a spare £18, I'll be ordering one! (At the moment, I spend only 70p per period! But, I'm more concerned about being green than saving money).

Just have to ask - can you feel it when wearing it? And has anyone had one become dislodged and leak everywhere? (That wouldn't look too great if in a public place!).

Thanks,

Suzanne

Hi Suzanne,

I've been using mine probably over a year now, and it's never become disloged or moved from where I put it - that's because of the slight suction that is created when you insert it. I've never had any leaks either.

I also can't feel it. You can feel it as it pops in (literally 'pops' for me, because to insert it you have to fold it and then it opens up inside you - thereby creating the necessary suction) but after that. can't feel it at all.



Blessings,

Kim

I saw these before but thought they were smaller and thought it would be very messy. I would really like to try one - it seems I just keep ruining tampons somehow, aren't they poorly made now or is it just me?

I'd be glad to try mooncup. Can you get them at chemists too?

thanks

It's really a shame I can't use these - my uterus is tipped all wrong and it just doesn't work for me, but I definitely think they're a good option for most people.

I just bravely ordered one too Like a few others here I bleed heavily and I'd always been a bit dubious, but the continued good reports have convinced me it's got to be worth a try.

I think you're right that tampons are poorly made now, plus they seem to be switching to plastic wrappers and even tubes which can't be good. There's enough plastic in my bin already despite trying to avoid overly packaged food etc

Sounds like a good idea but not for me as i cant use tampons as it hurts.
Tend to buy green (they're not actually green) sanitary towls from the local health shop.

For those that can't use tampons or a mooncup for whatever reason, washable pads are available if you'd like to be greener.

They get soaked in a bucket (you can get purses to store them in if you need to) and then get washed as normal, and aren't bulky! They're properly breathable too - why have a 'cotton-like topsheet' when you can have the real thing! Several sites do them including Clothmadmummy.

I bought one, I've used it, and I can't believe how easy it was! No leaks, no mess, no fuss and no damp string trailing out from my underwear either That's the best buy I've made in I don't know how long.

Thank you, ladies, for pointing me in the right direction!

Just ordered one after much debating, bit dubious about the sterilising but other than that seems cool, hope i get on well with it

Thanks for answering my worries about this, Kim! I'll let you know how I get on (not ordered it yet, but I will).

Suzanne

I got one and have used it too but the only problem I found was that I got more cramping and pain when wearing it The stem rubs as well which I guess I can trim down but anyone else found any pain or is it just weak little me? Other than that its fab

might be worth experimenting with the location.

most people remove the entire stem, I know I did.

if it's sitting too high or low then it may be uncomfortable. a lot of people find they get less pain with it.

bloody hell I love my mooncup. I'm almost looking forward to using it again.


okay, ignore that. that was wierd

Ordered mine, and it's arrived, but I'm not gonna need it for another month - it turned up the day the blood stopped! I'm planning on writing an article on it for college, especially as it's a local company.

Guess I should practice with it before there's lots of red in the way

yep.

practice.

Sorry to resurrect this post again but today I've gotten the chance to use mine! I have never looked forward to my period so much! I'm finding it so easy to use and worrying less about it than I thought
I totally recommend it to every woman I know! Thanks to Galena for reminding me about it which prompted me to pluck up the courage and buy it

see.

peasles!

I'm extremely pleased with mine.

yes i have one not used it yet but have practiced n it seems really comfy
thanks for the advice
mojie

Me again

Below is a link for anyone who has more questions about menstrual cups, I've been browsing it for a couple of days and they really give good advice and even though it's mostly American there are a few Brits on there...


Menstrual Cups Support Page

Wow! I've just had my first few days using mine - it's brilliant

I expected to find it hard and have a few leaks being new to it, but it is really easy to get in right and no leaks at all. A bit fiddly to get out, but it's getting easier every time.

I'll be another recommending it to anyone who'll listen!

I had a leak on my last period, but I guess I just didn't have it in position properly. I don't bleed too heavily thankfully, so it wasn't too messy just a bit annoying.

I'm using mine for the second time around and I couldn't be more happy with it - WHY didn't I know about this years ago?!?!

that's how I feel.

you know that's 10 YEARS I wish I'd known about the mooncup.

Ah the mooncup, I was toying with the idea the other week. I love the idea of it very environmentally friendly but have you seen the size of those things?! The size is putting me off as is when you remove it how do you manage to to make a complete mess?

they're not really that big. they're very soft, so they fold easily to go in, and with a bit of practice (expect at least a day of really painful flap pinging, as it pops open in just the wrong place) to come out again.

it's only the top end that's especially big, once you've trimmed off the entire stem, which serves very little purpose.

when removing it, carefully get middle finger just to one side, thumb the other (you don't need to grab it very far up, just at the base) then use the index to push the side in and fold it slightly.

as they don't often get very full, they hold quite a lot, it's rare to make a mess removing it. sit on the toilet when doing it and any mess just ends up there.


wonderful things.

Thank you soo much, I'll be ordering one as soon as I get back home from uni. I know it seems alot of money but really its not, and the benefits to the environment and to me should be huge. I can't believe its legal to use tampons when they're so bad for us.

Right, I'm converted! Just been through the first month with it and wow Admittedly it took me ages to get the hang of taking it out - including one incident when it took me 5 minutes! - but it made going out all weekend so much more convenient.

I, too, am a mooncup convert!!! I LOVE my Mooncup!!! Fantastic little thing. You should read my first post about it, which says words to the effect of "the thought of them turn my stomach." I feel almost evangelical about it; you know, want to go and spread the word to all women of child-bearing age!!!

For those who are still not sure, here's why it's the best £18 you will ever spend:

Convenient - no more remembering to take sanitary "supplies" out with you or hiding them up your sleeve!

Can be used right from the first day of your period, even when only spotting - no need for messing around with panty liners "waiting" for that moment.

No leaks, not one! (though some women can get them at first until they learn how to correctly position it). No more stained knicks!

Not in the least bit gross. Not as unnatural as putting a plug of cotton into your vagina, leaving the blood to seep down the string (urgh!), or even worse, having the blood leak out of you into an awaiting towel (always have found that particularly unpleasant).

MUCH BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT! Just knowing that I'd stop filling up the sea with my floating sanitary waste, or adding to landfill sites, made me want to at least try it!

Cheaper!!! Spend £18 and it lasts years. You can't say that for tampons or towels!

Oh yes, and once it's correctly positioned you can't feel it at all, you are completely unaware of it. It's worn just in the entrance to the vagina, so is much easier to remove than a stubborn tampon! Yeah, it looks big, but it's really just the right size.

Well, I'll just close by saying I think they're fantastic! I got mine at Glastonbury for the special price of £16.99, but they're only £18 off the net including p&p.

AND NO I DIDN'T GET PAID FOR SAYING ANY OF THIS!!!

Suzanne

I'm so glad you got over the squeamishness.

told you it was much LESS Urrrgghh!


still loving mine. really fantastic.

and I get to feel smug that I'm doing some good for the environment, and my bloods not as dirty as it used to seem to be.

Mine arrived today and I can't wait to try it

Julia

Me again , Ms Mooncup Advocate!

Just wanted to add some info. to those who may have worries or concerns about mooncups, to follow up on some of the posts here. There is an e-mail and telephone advice line for mooncup users (or potential users!) which is:

Tel. 01273 673845

(stick a "44" in front and miss off the first "0" if calling from outside the UK)

advice@mooncup.co.uk


I've met the lady who owns the company (at Glastonbury) and she's very nice and approachable.

Also, regarding heavy bleeding, I think the mooncup holds something like 30ml, which may not sound a lot, but is more than most towels and tampons (even those designed for heavy flow) can handle. I don't bleed heavily at all, but can only suggest that women who have heavy periods and want to use the mooncup to just empty it regularly, much like changing a towel or tampon regularly, such as every hour or two when their period is at its heaviest. Also, you could contact the advice line/e-mail about this? I'm sure it's a common question.

As for regading removing the mooncup, it doesn't sit high in the vagina like a tampon, it sits just in the entrance. This means it really isn't that difficult to just find the base and pull on it. There is even a "pull stem" to make this easier, though like Galena, you may find it's easy enough to remove without the stem and that the stem just gets in the way (it can cause discomfort unless it's cut to the correct length). I previously had thought that as the mooncup only sits in the entrance to the vagina, you would be able to feel it, but you really can't; I'm completely unaware of mine, even when peeing/pooing (sorry, but let's be blunt here!).

Hope this helps

Suzanne

I have a wonky uterus and cant even use tampons, I've had to use towels for years. I cant even cope with a smear! (thats nother subject lol)

I had a coil fitted (mirena), because I was bleeding so heavily, now I brealy have periods at all. I do occasionally suffer from heavy discharge though and use slim towels, but seem as though were being blunt here. I tried natracare slim towels and they were truly awful, they would shift on me knicks, I always felt wet n slimy eugh! or fall off altogether, have had an embarrassing situation where they ended up on the inside of me trouser leg! So I'm stuck on always slimtowels until I can find an enviromentally friendly product that actually is good. Any suggestions?