Well here it is at last: a long-awaited entry for some, others were probably hoping that I’d forget all about it and never mention it again, still others haven’t got the foggiest what I’m on about.
To respect those who’d rather not read about menstrual products and all the gory details that tend to follow on from those sort of discussions, you can move along … nothing to see here. I shall put the review in the extended entry part.
Now, for the few remaining readers…
… don’t say I didn’t warn you if this is more information than you needed to know!
A bit of background is required for the terminally confused. My original entry on Mooncups can be found here. I’d like to stress at this point that I have no connection with this company whatsoever other than I happened to give their product a try. In fact, the first time I heard about them they only inspired a sort of horrid fascination which later developed into a morbid curiosity after I’d read all the testimonials (on Mumsnet as well as the mooncup site). Several people then requested that I report back if I tried one, so here I am. Blame them.
So, what did I think of it?
Firstly, I would say that there’s quite a steep learning curve to using a mooncup. Getting insertion and removal right can be a bit tricky until you learn the knack. The first time I tried removing it I couldn’t get it out and had visions of an embarrassing trip to the A&E. Fortunately, perserverance won out, but then I didn’t break the suction properly – think plunger vs. delicate insides and then say “ouch” and wince in sympathy. That was rather off-putting and I pretty much gave up for the rest of that period to allow the tender bits to heal.
The next period, though, was a lot easier I’m happy to say, and I didn’t resort to tampons once. I can now appreciate why they suggest you try the mooncup for at least three cycles before making a judgement – you need that time to aclimatise to give it a fair trial. This second time was still a little uncomfortable to insert and remove, but towards the end of the period was far better (presumably due to a more experienced technique and being more relaxed). While it was in, I didn’t notice it at all – very comfortable.
I discovered a lot of my fears were completely unfounded.
It wasn’t a bloodbath whenever I emptied it – it’s quite easy to remove, tip the contents down the loo, rinse under a hot tap, then reinsert with no spills or embarrassing carpet stains.
It wasn’t a particularly gross experience – I found it far less messy than a tampon in reality and I was amazed at how little blood I actually lose during a period, far less than I imagined for all that monthly hassle.
It wasn’t uncomfortable to wear – once I’d trimmed the “tail” I didn’t notice it was in (leading to a couple of delayed changes – at least there was no risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome, unlike tampons).
It didn’t leak (well, it did the first time when incorrectly inserted and even then only a couple of drops – never reoccurred after that) again making it a better experience than tampons. For a while though, I did keep imagining it was leaking as normal vaginal moisture is still present (whereas tampons absorb indiscriminately) – that took a little getting used to, but I’m fairly sure it must be better for your body.
Anyway, I’m really pleased with it. It works well for me and I’ll be using it in future (anyone want an unopened box of tampax?!) Of course, I realise it might not suit every woman so I’ll summarise by giving my views on the advantages and disadvantages that occur in case any of my female readers fancy giving one a try:
ADVANTAGES
- Can leave a mooncup in for much longer than a tampon (according to flow) with no risk of toxic shock. To give you an idea, the first day I emptied it every 5 hours (although to be honest, I was being over cautious – could have gone 6 hours), second time just 3 times (approximately 8 hours in between) and the later days when flow was much lighter only twice a day. A tampon has to be changed at least every four hours regardless of flow.
- Can pop in before the period starts just in case. No more panics when your period starts and you’re miles from the nearest loo.
- Easy to keep clean and hygenic. Just rinse out in hot water after emptying and sterilise at the end of the cycle by boiling in a pan of water for five minutes (do you prefer your mooncups soft or hard boiled?!)
- No surreptitious smuggling of handbags into the ladies during that time of the month, or stuffing tampons “subtley” up your sleeve.
- Better for the environment. Less tampons cluttering up the beaches.
- No worrying about flushing. Admit it girls, how many times have you hovered for longer than necessary in your mate’s bathroom to wait for the flush to refill, stuffing extra loo roll down so you can have a second go at flushing the damn tampon?!
- Less cramps. Although this one could be just me. I usually get severe period pains (sometimes to the point of vomitting). With the mooncup the cramps were much less – no idea if it was because I was more relaxed or it didn’t dry me out as much, or what. Either way, I’m not dreading my period next month.
- Cleaner to use than tampons. This one really surprised me, but it really was less messy to insert, remove and wear than a tampon.
- Saves money. One mooncup lasts ten years apparently. How many tampons would you buy in ten years?!
- Money back if it doesn’t suit you. This is a significant pro (at least for me) in that it gave me a risk free trial. They do recommend you give it 3 months before making judgement though.
- Leads to interesting discussions. You too could blog about it or end up in bizarre conversations down the pub. Hmm, not sure if that’s a pro!
DISADVANTAGES
- Steep learning curve. It did take quite a while to get used to. If you weren’t very confident with “down there” it could be quite daunting.
- A faff to empty in a loo without a handbasin (for example in a public loo or the toilets at work). There are ways around this though, you can just wipe out with moist toilet paper before reinserting, or buy a second mooncup and wrap the used one in toilet paper and a plastic bag before putting in your handbag. The latter negates the “no handbag to loos” bonus though. Still, it’s only a maximum of 2 days per cycle that you’d need to worry about this. Would recommend you are confident inserting and removing the mooncup at home before you try in a confined cubicle!
- Leads to interesting discussions. You too could lose all self-respect and start discussing mooncups wherever you go. Still, it makes a change from the “guess what my cute son did today” posts.
352 responses so far ↓
1 Steph // 1st Aug 2003 at 11:27 pm
This has just glued me to the screen – well not literally.. I’m half wanting to try it and half thinking “Eurgh”.. how much are they and where can you get them from?
2 Pewari // 1st Aug 2003 at 11:43 pm
?17.99 from http://www.mooncup.co.uk but if you’re not happy after 3 cycles you can get a full refund.
I know the Eurgh factor, but once you get used to the idea, it strangely isn’t that Eurgh!
3 Daisy // 2nd Aug 2003 at 2:32 am
What an excellent review Pewari! The makers should use this in their advertising literature.
4 Ed // 2nd Aug 2003 at 12:01 pm
Very interesting (in a not really knowing what your talking about kind of way). First there was Jonathan Ross and Film 2003 now there is Pewari Naan and The Mooncup Review – which would be a much better name for The Late Night Review Show.
5 Robyn // 2nd Aug 2003 at 1:48 pm
I have spent the last 3 minutes reading this, drumming my fingers against my chin and going “hmmm”.
Hmmm! Great report, Pewari.
6 Mir // 3rd Aug 2003 at 5:03 pm
Yay Pewari! I’m glad it worked out for you
^_^
7 sylvia // 4th Aug 2003 at 4:53 pm
Yay, you wrote your review!
I’ve now done two months too and I have to say … I love it. My boyfriend commented, “You are on your period? I didn’t even realise.” I’m not dashing to the loo every two hours (on heavy days I need to, with the cup it’s 4-6 and even that seems to allow leeway), I’ve not woken up in the morning and ran trying desperately not to squeeze before I make it to the toilet, I’m not staining anything (is it just me that always screws up? Seems like every month something goes wrong :P).
Like you, I was surprised that, once you get the hang of it, it really is less messy than a tampon. I swapped back to tampons for half a day during the second month and thought “ugh!” and swapped straight back to the mooncup.
Your pros and cons are spot on as far as I’m concerned, I am left with only two concerns as to it…
1) if I really do screw up and forget and just leave it in during a “heavy day” what exactly DOES happen if it fills. Does it break the seal and come flooding out or just sort of drip until I think “oh hell” and sort it out. (I’m not sure this really is an issue … I’ve not come close to getting into this state and if I can remember to change a tampon every two hours I can’t see that remembering to change this is harder.)
2) If I end up at a public toilet that doesn’t flush, what on EARTH is the next person going to think. ;)
8 Pewari // 4th Aug 2003 at 6:05 pm
Glad you like it too, Sylvia! I was wondering how you were getting on. No, you’re not the only one that screws up with tampons by any means.
Your cons: 1) I don’t intend to find out ;o) 2) run like mad and don’t look anyone in the eye on the way out…
9 Miss L // 4th Aug 2003 at 9:17 pm
All I can say is wow! I never realised that so many women had problems with tampons… got to be worth a go. And you are continuing Ed’d education – I must recommend this to my son, mustn’t I Ed’s mum?
10 Kyren // 6th Aug 2003 at 11:52 am
Wow, you sure made me curious… how big is it? where do you store it when not using it? is it soft? I’ve visited their website before, but somehow feel more comfortable asking you these questions ;)
11 Pewari // 6th Aug 2003 at 1:23 pm
Hi Kyren!
Okay – all very approximate measurements. There are two sizes, one for if you’ve given birth vaginally, one if you haven’t (the latter being smaller). I have the largest size and it’s a bell shape with the widest part being 3cm and the height of the bell (ignoring the tail which you trim to your own comfort) is about 4cm.
That sounds huge (and it gave me a fright when I first saw it too!) but you sort of fold it up to insert so it’s actually not that bad. Yes, it’s quite soft but not completely soft – it springs back into shape on release (like rubber) to fit.
I keep mine in the bag it came in, inside the bathroom cabinet. Doesn’t take up much space. It doesn’t need to be kept in a sterile container or anything (tampons aren’t actually sterile either) – just give it a good rinse before first use the next month.
I know what you mean about feeling more comfortable asking the questions… the reason I ended up writing this really was because I did huge websearches for something similar and didn’t come up with anything! Do ask anything else I haven’t thought of mentioning!
12 Paul // 8th Aug 2003 at 12:00 am
Well…….very….interesting. Not knowing about your first ‘Mooncup’ review P, I clicked to find out what all the fuss was about – (I mean there were 11 comments at this point – something must have been good!). And Lo! (- a biblical term) – what a surprise, a review on ladies…er…those ‘thingie’ things you use. (I should have read those key words ‘menstrual products’ before clicking). Good review though – you should send them the link address and ask them for commission :)
13 Sylvia // 12th Aug 2003 at 2:31 pm
Was going through my list getting things done the other day.
“Okay, mooncup, need to order backup… gonna get two just in case they go out of business or something horrible. Okay, that’s done, now a jam syringe.”
Cliff says, “What?”
“Jam syringe.”
“What the hell are you going to do with that?”
“Ummmmm, fill doughnuts?”
“OH! I thought it was related to the mooncup.”
*boggle*
14 Victoria // 22nd Aug 2003 at 1:49 am
WIN A MOONCUP
More than 100 billion tampons have been sold since 1936…. and if you’re not concerned about the environment, you might be worried about your budget. British women spend more than ?215 million pounds a year on tampons, sanitary towels and pantyliners. The average UK woman spends ?455 on tampons in 10 years! Fed up with buying tampons or towels? The Mooncup is a reusable alternative and it isn?t associated with Toxic Shock Syndrome.
http://www.raisingkids.co.uk have teamed up with http://www.mooncup.co.uk and they have kindly donated two mooncups for our members to win.
The two lucky winners will be the ones who come up with one of the best “101 Uses For A Mooncup”… Eggcups? Waterproof ear muffs?
Enter the competition here: http://www.raisingkids.co.uk/forum/display_topic_threads.asp?ForumID=26&TopicID=2419&PagePosition=1
15 Pewari // 22nd Aug 2003 at 11:46 am
Thank you for dropping by Victoria. However, I would have appreciated my permission being requested before an advert was placed on my own site.
In this instance, I’m going to leave this comment here (mainly because I think Ed could win it hands down :oP) but any future ads will be deleted and the commenter’s IP banned.
16 Ed // 22nd Aug 2003 at 9:17 pm
I think my life would be complete if I won one. Steph has told me she wants to give them a go so I’m thinking the best usage of the Mooncup would be for her Christmas Present.
17 Steph // 22nd Aug 2003 at 9:23 pm
Woohoo Go Ed!!!!! :D I know u’ll be interested in playing with them too! (as in to see what they look like etc – shut up steph you’re getting yourself into a pickle here…)
18 Pewari // 22nd Aug 2003 at 9:32 pm
*giggle*
Maybe I should run my own Pewari’s Prattle competition a la Lynne’s blog (still waiting for my hamper *sulk*)
19 Valb // 26th Aug 2003 at 2:03 am
I discovered the Mooncup last month and I think it’s fantastic. Like you, I can’t resist telling (virtually) everyone I meet about how great it is, how comfortable, fantastic for the environment, convenient, etc. (You’ve already done a great review, I suppose I don’t need to add more).
I found myself showing it off to three friends of my cousins who I had never met before – it just seems to give you this great enthusiasm for it, doesn’t it!
Sadly, nearly every woman who I have so far mentioned it to at work has said “Yeurgh, I can’t do anything like that – touching myself up there” or words to that effect. It’s awful that a woman should feel that her bits are so terrible that she can’t stand to touch them, that somehow they are unclean.
Never mind, I shall continue on my campaign to tell every woman about the benefits of the Mooncup – even if I only manage to convert one woman it’s a step in the right direction.
To Sylvia – on my first cycle using it, the second day – forgot it was there and left it for about 7 hours. Eventually started to leak (unsurprisingly as it was full to the brim) but it was only a little dribble – the suction didn’t fail or anything like that. In fact, I was in the toilets at work, and as I pulled it out (only second day using it so still a bit unpracticed) it made a delightful slurping noise which was a tad embarassing! I don’t know what the lady in the next cubicle thought I was up to in there! Anyway, just wiped it out with some toilet paper and popped it back in.
I love my Mooncup!!!
20 Pewari // 26th Aug 2003 at 11:49 am
Welcome Valb! Yes, I find I keep stumbling into Mooncup conversations now which can be a little disturbing at times ;o) I have to keep reminding myself that I was in the “Yeurgh” camp until recently! I do think that you do have to be fairly confident “down there” to a certain extent – for example, I’m fairly sure I wouldn’t have coped well with it when I’d just started my periods.
I think the people who are most inclined to try it are mums who are now completely blase about their bits seeing as how doctors, medical students, midwives, baby’s head have all had a gawp and a rummage… the mystery goes a bit!
21 Ayrt // 26th Aug 2003 at 2:01 pm
Yeah Cheers Pew – I tried to tell my colleagues about it and I think now they are somewhat concerned at me raving about products one could use when ovulating :/
Bah…
22 Pewari // 26th Aug 2003 at 2:03 pm
:oD Anything to please, Ayrt … *grin*
23 C?line // 2nd Sep 2003 at 10:49 am
Hi there, just thought I’d write a couple of lines as I’ve also started using the mooncup for the first time. I love it! So much more comfortable and easy and pleasant etc. than tampons. My only problem is, I bleed a lot (to the extent that I regularly get aenamic – boo) and I have had a few leaks. No change there, as I always had leaks with tampons, but I’m wondering whether I’m putting it in the right place… anyone got a drawing handy? :)
24 Pewari // 2nd Sep 2003 at 11:46 am
Hi Céline!
There are four tricks with leaks apparently. The first is to make sure that you rotate it once inserted so that you get a good seal – this takes a few cycles to get the knack, but it does get easier, promise! Get a good grip on the base (not the stem) to twist and pinch slightly.
The second is to change frequently during your most heavy days. Do you see the tiny holes near the rim? If the fluid reaches that line of holes it will leak (the mooncup is full and needs changing).
The third is to check you have the right size for you: there are two sizes, one for women who haven’t given birth vaginally, and one for those who have. If you’re using the smaller one and the previous suggestions haven’t helped then it might be worth trying the larger size.
The fourth and final trick is to practise your pelvic floor muscles – these help tighten everything up “down there” and might help to get a better fit!
Good luck, do pop back and let us know how you get on!
25 Sandela // 6th Sep 2003 at 10:08 pm
Hi
Glad you asked about leaking while using a mooncup, Celine. Was just about to post similiar question.I have also just started using the mooncup so perhaps its just technique. Hope its not the cup size as I’m on the bigger one already!
Thanks for the tips Pewari! Thanks too for broaching the subject originally.
26 Pewari // 6th Sep 2003 at 10:21 pm
Welcome, Sandela, thank you for your comments!
A lot of it must be technique; I’m sure that’s why they recommend you try it for three cycles first. It’s a steep learning curve but do persevere – it gets a lot easier!
27 valb // 7th Sep 2003 at 1:09 am
Agree with your comments to Celine about leaks, but just one further thought – I find that if I “bear down” as I am inserting it, and make sure that it’s pushed as high as possible, (i.e. the Mooncup is covering my cervix) that I never have any leaks at all, even on my really heavy days. Maybe you shouldn’t have to do this and I just have an incredibly badly toned pelvic floor :-)
28 Pewari // 7th Sep 2003 at 8:00 am
Good tip, valb, ta!
Actually, “bearing down” is a good way of manoeuvering it downwards so you can grab the base to remove it too…
29 german woman :-) // 11th Sep 2003 at 8:12 pm
Hi Pewari,
since last week I have a mooncup and I love it very much! It is comfortable, cheap, safe…it’s simply great! I like to write so much more about the mooncup, but my english is not good enough :-( I’ve learned it at school, but it’s more than twenty years ago…I can read english pretty good but writing it is terrible for me:-(
The mooncup is wonderful!
Greetings from Germany :-)))
30 Pewari // 11th Sep 2003 at 8:30 pm
Hello! Well, your English is far superior to my non-existant German! Always nice to hear from a new mooncup fan :o)
31 Sandela // 12th Sep 2003 at 2:43 pm
Hi all!
Just after posting my query got a reply from Su – Mooncup lady. (No she is not patrolling this site! I had emailed her a week or so earlier.)She agrees that the Mooncup must be placed as high up as possible with stem as far in as possible too. Squatting or pushing with muscles will help with getting it out, as will keeping the little rim holes clear and squeezing the cup before removing it. (This lets air move through the tiny holes and breaks the suction.)
This advice has helped me a lot.I hope I’ll soon be a ‘pro’!
32 Tash // 17th Sep 2003 at 7:42 pm
Hi Pewari!
Us girls at work have had vivid conversations about the Mooncup but none of us have tried it. So I’ve had a read up on it and accidentaly stumbled across your site and many of the comments have put my mind at ease, so I have ordered one today. The only concerns I have are:
1)Is it painful removing it? Example does it feel like my body is being turned inside out?
2) How short do I need to cut the stem? I’m not ashamed of my ‘bits’ but I’d hate a trip to A&E requesting a swifty removal because of cutting ot too short.
3) Can you feel it when inserted? I remember when I first started using tampons and thinking that it was in ok…and then it fell out whilst doing PE!
I can’t wait for it’s arrival…and you know what they say…if at first you don’t succeed!
33 Pewari // 24th Sep 2003 at 1:34 pm
Hi Tash! In answer to your questions:
1) The first time, yes because I didn’t break the seal properly – think insides and sink plunger and you’ll probably get the picture *shudder*. After that though, I got a lot better and it is no longer painful (although, personally, I still find it uncomfortable removing it).
2) As short as you like really – it’s down to personal preference. I have mine cut really short, but then you should remove by grasping the base not the stem anyway (although the stem can be handy for wriggling it until you can reach the base). I suggest you only trim a little off at a time until you find what’s comfortable. If you do panic and think it’s stuck up there, take deep breaths, go drink a glass of wine and come back in half an hour and try again ;o) I’ve heard that removing in the shower can help to relax and remove the fear of making a mess if you’ve got to panic stage. You only panic once at most – once you’ve removed it once, you know you can do it again!
3) No – not unless the stem is too long, then you’ll feel the end of the stem.
I hope your trial goes well – do pop back and let us know how you get on!
34 Mette // 2nd Oct 2003 at 10:21 am
I have used a mooncup for about 9 periods now, and I will for the rest of my bleeding life!
Plunger, yes. Done that. Hurt. But only once, lesson learned. I grab the base (I had to cut the whole stem away) behind the solid part with thumb and index finger. THEN I use all my muscles to hold back all the soft insides and pull the mooncup out at the same time, even if it wouldn’t hurt, it is still best for my insides to not be pulled downwards.
Inserting: I use the same two fingers. I let the thumb go inside with the cup and use it to rotate and to make sure the angle is OK, the angle being the only reason for leaking from a not full cup (of the right size) in my experience.
Hygiene: I often use cubicles, no water until after I pull my clothes back on.. With only two soiled fingers out of ten, no problem. I use my little finger to pull my clothes back on. I normally do not wipe the cup a lot, not nescessary.
Spilling, yes. Untill I noticed that when the cup is full, the air has to go somewhere else: I can feel it coming out in single bubbles (no sound) one every five minutes. But not if I sit down, I work in an office. I make sure to drink a lot and go to the toilet every one or two hours, that way I never forget. When I feel the bubbles, I still have five or ten minutes before the leak starts, drops.
Go get one and experiment.
Mette
35 Fiona // 7th Oct 2003 at 12:04 pm
hello,
Heard about moon cups the other night at a girlie party.
Just wondered whether they have been medically/scientifically tested or have undergone any regulations or anything?
Fiona
36 Pewari // 7th Oct 2003 at 1:21 pm
Hi Fiona – well I’ve done a search for you but can’t find anything specific although I’ve unearthed a mountain of stuff that highlights how medically dangerous tampons are in the process which was a bit scary!
Your best bet would probably be to visit the mooncup site at http://www.mooncup.co.uk and drop them an email to ask. Do let us know what you come up with.
37 Pewari // 7th Oct 2003 at 1:25 pm
Have just found this link ( http://www.mum.org/tamsafty.htm ) which mentions Keepers a little way down where the doctor who did a lot of research into Toxic Shock discusses the safety of the Keeper. Bear in mind that the mooncup is made of silicone not rubber like the Keeper, with the inference that bacteria are less able to accumulate on the silicone (at least that’s how I read it although mooncup isn’t mentioned specifically). Healthwise, pads worn outside the body are going to be medically the safest.
38 Rachel // 11th Oct 2003 at 11:11 am
Hi, I just found your review through Google when researching my own mooncup review. It’s really nice to see someone else’s views on it – every body’s different and everyone has a different experience. I couldn’t go without my mooncup now and it’s good to see other people benefiting from it. Thanks for writing such a clear and helpful page.
39 rowena // 13th Oct 2003 at 10:18 pm
hi,
thanks for your review and helpfull comments. I was searching for information on the mooncup and the keeper, to find out what are the differences and the benefitys/drawbacks of either, because I decided I want to try one. But I haven’t yet decided wich. Anyone here any ideas on the differences?
40 Jess // 18th Oct 2003 at 6:29 pm
I’ve just ordered a mooncup after having falling in love with lunapad re-useable sanitary towels. I’ve turned into a lunapad bore, showing the pads off to all my friends, and I thought that give the cup a go for the the times when pads aren’t as useful.
Your review has been very helpful in helping me make up my mind.
41 Pewari // 18th Oct 2003 at 6:52 pm
Glad you found it useful, Rachel, rowena and Jess! It’s one of the reasons I wrote it, as when I was looking I couldn’t find any personal reviews about the product at all, other than the official site’s testamonial page (and I’m sure I’m not the only one who tends to take company testamonial pages with a large pinch of salt…)
rowena: I’m not sure about too many differences. I think it’s mostly personal preference. I know the keeper is made of rubber while the mooncup is made of medical grade silicone – so if you have allergies to rubber that might sway you. I think they probably “fit” differently as well as they’re made by different manufacturers.
Does anyone know if the Keeper has a UK supplier? Mooncup may well have a better availability here.
Jess: do come back and let us know how you got on!
42 sylvia // 18th Oct 2003 at 10:15 pm
To give a second view to some of the questions asked…
1) I cut the stems all the way off. I can’t see what they buy except to trick you into the “plunger effect” first time round
2) My first month, I felt quite sore; mainly due to changing it every half hour (*laugh*) and not quite having the hang of putting it in/taking it out. No problems since then.
3) I have a heavy flow too, and have leaked twice: once during the day and once at night. In both instances, it was much less than I would have had to deal with with a soaked-full-super-tampax … it was equivalent to spotting, as opposed to full on flood. I guess that’s how the little dots around the top work.
My boyfriend is thrilled; after years of stained sheets (in the middle of my period, I need to change tampax every 3 hours, this involves my actually waking up enough to do so. With the mooncup, I’ve once had a problem at night and I didn’t get up until 10am that day :P) and me interrupting to run to the toilet to “check” all the time, etc etc, he now says he isn’t even sure when I’m on.
I can’t imagine using anything else until menopause :P
43 Jess // 28th Oct 2003 at 2:08 pm
Well, my mooncup has now arrived, and I’ve had a trial run at inserting and removing it. My period isn’t due for another week, so I’ve got a bit of practice time left. My main question is about rotating it once it’s in. When I’ve tried removing it, there’s always been enough of a seal to make a noise when I break the suction. Does that mean that I’ve got it in well wnough to prevent leaks, even though I haven’t quite got the hang of rotating it? Or is that something I’ll just have to learn for myself?
Trying to remove it the first time was quite scary! I was glad that I’d read this site, so that I didn’t make the plunger mistake. Bearing down seemed to make the whole thing fairly straightforward.
44 Pewari // 28th Oct 2003 at 4:05 pm
Hello again Jess!
Firstly, it’s all very much easier when your period is on because there’s more lubrication, so don’t worry too much if it doesn’t go smoothly at first. The seal thing seems to be trial and error, sometimes I’ve managed to get it in “right” without rotating by sheer luck – but it does seem to have more chance of being in right if you manage to rotate! A good strong grip on the base with a slight pinch helps to rotate it I find.
I’m glad you didn’t make the plunger mistake! If I’ve saved just one person from that experience, then it’s all worth it!!!
It does all get better with practise. Remember, there’s nothing which says you have to use it every day of your period the first month you get it – wait until the 2nd or 3rd day if that makes you feel more confident and just try for a day or two. Then next month you’ll be more prepared and relaxed to use it for the whole period.
45 Sue // 30th Oct 2003 at 12:43 pm
Very helpful Pewari, Valb and Mette. I tried a mooncup for first time last month and made several mistakes.
First, left stick on (as not confident about pulling it out without stick) and what with cycling to work, got very very sore and by end of day 2 was howling with pain as I pulled the mooncup out.
This discomfort meant I was gritting my teeth as I put it in and I couldn’t get the hang of rotating it at all.
Also wasn’t sure how much I bled or when to check it so I kept taking it out every 2 hours to check (which wasn’t necessary and made me sorer).
On night of day 2 I got up to check. It was full and it hurt like hell pulling it out so I chucked it in the cupboard and grabbed a tampon. Ah, relief. Next morning I cut the whole stick off but realised I was still too sore to use it so used tampons for rest of that period.
Am hoping to be more successful on next period. Valb’s bit about putting it up by cervix (like a cap) makes sense and Mette’s bit about how to rotate it.
So wish me luck….
My cousin Cathy is currently mooncapping for the first time too so we’ve been swapping experiences and both hope to master it.
As regards mess and leakage. I had a couple of small leaks due to my not getting it in right. Mess, what mess? I imagined the mooncup would tip and spill as I pulled it out but it never did. My fingers were no more soiled than they normally are from inserting a non-applicator tampon.
Nicer if possible having washbasin to hand to rinse it out but after first initial “ugh” at having to wipe it with tissue in cubicle at work, I just got acclimitized to wipe-and-put-back. No extra mess on fingers.
It was VERY VERY nice not having to carry tampons in pockets with me or wear clothes with pockets in them. Period clothes. ha ha.
46 Mette // 1st Nov 2003 at 7:43 pm
Thought I’d just add a little about rotating:
I said earlier that I let my thumb go inside with the cup and use it to rotate. That means that my finger is not only inside me, but alongside with the cup. I let my finger make a turn in there, so that it goes all the way around the cup, automatically adjusting the angle.
It might not be nescessary, but I have found it to be the way I prefer to do it. It does the job and it makes me feel sure that the job is done…
I also have to use cubicles, and have become quite good at pulling my clothes back on, using my unsoiled (little) fingers ;-)
47 Dolly // 28th Nov 2003 at 10:47 am
Well, having read all the reviews here and on the Mooncup site, I bought one and used it for the first time this month. The only reason I got it was environmental – I’ve had no problems with tampons in the fifteen years I’ve been using them, apart from the guilt when it came to throwing them away.
I have to say that it’s been really disappointing! I’ve been unable to insert it properly without squatting on my haunches (not easy in trousers) and despite following all the advice here, it’s leaked almost every time! (even when I thought ‘that’s it, it must be OK now…’)
Plus, it has been much, much messier than tampons for me. I’m not squeamish about the blood and so on, I just hate having to scrub the toilet every time! I know they say you’re meant to give it three months, but I’m now concerned at the hygiene aspect, as, having scrubbed it with a brush, poked through the holes with a pin to try to clear them and boiled it for ten minutes, I still can’t get the holes clear. Any further advice would be more than welcome – at least, will it be safe to try it again next month if I can’t get it all clean?!
48 Pewari // 1st Dec 2003 at 2:17 pm
Firstly, my apologies Dolly – I’ve only just seen your message.
Are you sure that it isn’t clean after having boiled etc? The plastic does discolour (which is perfectly normal) – but that doesn’t mean it’s not clean and hygenic. However, if you have any doubts, then it’d probably be best not to continue use. Your health is much more important!
I think many people have reported that the first month was a bit dire and they thought they’d never get on with it – including leaks etc. At some point it just “clicks” (for most people in the second month, for some not until the third) and you get the hang of it, which is why everyone recommends giving it a good go for 3 months.
However, if you’re concerned about the environment, there are other options available to you. You’d need to do an internet search as it’s not a subject I’m particularly well versed on, but two things that come to mind are sea sponges (insert and rinse – although they could be a similar “mess” factor to what you’re currently experiencing) and washable sanitary pads.
All that said, if you’ve given the mooncup a good go and are still more comfortable using tampons, I wouldn’t worry. Just follow your instinct and use what’s best for you.
49 german woman :-) // 2nd Dec 2003 at 10:25 am
I use my mooncup since 4 months and it was discoloured too. But I have found the solution! With salad-oil (I used sunflower-oil) and a soft piece of cloth you can remove the discolouring! Try it, it works!
I love my mooncup :-)))
50 Pewari // 2nd Dec 2003 at 11:27 am
Thanks for the tip :)
51 Estelle // 4th Dec 2003 at 7:14 pm
When does it come into France???!!!
52 Pewari // 4th Dec 2003 at 10:03 pm
Estelle – it seems that you can buy directly from the mooncup UK site. They do have a page written in french. The link is:
http://www.mooncup.co.uk/menstrual_cup_en_francais_la_coupe_menstruelle__france.htm
Hope that helps.
53 Vicky // 12th Dec 2003 at 3:48 pm
I have just ordered a mooncup (I live in France too, Estelle) from their website. I am very pleased to have discovered this alternative as I was becoming concerned about the health implications of tampons, especially long term, (to such an extent that I had started using towels which I have never really used and do not feel comfortable with) as well as the environmental impact of both tampons and towels. I just hope that it will work for me (I feel reassured to have been provided with the useful information and tips on this site). I am looking forward to giving it a go!
54 Malin // 19th Dec 2003 at 10:25 pm
Soon I will embark on a long journey in southern Africa, and after having read about ‘the keeper’ in a Lonely Planet book I ended up here. The excellent review of the mooncup and the comments have definitely convinced me this is an alternative I must try! What a fascinating concept, and how genial in its simplicity. :) Lets just hope they can ship it to Sweden before I take off… fingers crossed!
55 Satu // 21st Dec 2003 at 9:08 pm
I’m using my mooncup for the first period now. For what I’ve read here I seem to be blessed. I got the hang of it the second day it was in use and I’ve never had any leaks.
Funny how I always thought I had heavy flow. Now I know I don’t. I’ve worn it 3-12 hrs. at a time and the best I got was half full (however this was the heaviest day and in 3 hrs —> thus if I had worn it longer I might’ve been able to spill)
On the rotating:
You need to get it far enough (hard I know with the cup + 2 fingers) past the vaginal muscle. The rim has to be in the vagina side before you let go. And then grab the base and rotate (I sometimes rotate and “push” upward a bit). I’ve noticed that if it’s not far enough (past the muscle) it won’t rotate —> need to take it out and try again. Hope this helps.
I agree with Sylvia, I’ll never wear anything else again…
56 ravina // 30th Dec 2003 at 12:17 pm
hi.Am using mooncup for 2nd day now & getting the hang of it.I bleed very heavily( super tampons&towel used to need changing every 10-20 mins!).I can now go for an hour& half between changes…something approaching normal life for first time in 15years.Great to see women openly discussing such things.A great site is http://www.moonshineangels.com
57 Anonymous // 6th Jan 2004 at 8:50 pm
Okay…something I absolutely love about using the mooncup is that I don’t have to deal with that horrible tampon string anymore!!
I don’t have to worry about drying it off with toilet paper so I won’t get pee all over me!!
I love it!!
I started using my mooncup 2 months ago and I will never go back to anything else.
Although it was a bit tricky at first, it didn’t take long for me to get the hang of it.
And it just feels so much healthier than using tampons.
My one complaint is that I found the mooncup on a random search online one day.
They don’t sell them ANYWHERE in the U.S.
Why not???
Is it really because feminine hygeine companies want to keep this wonderful method a secret from women of the world??
So they can keep stealing our money and poisoning our bodies with chemicals?
The mooncup must become easier to learn about and purchase.
Women of the world unite!
I will spread the word as much as I can here in the states.
And thanks Pewari for all your helpful info..:)
58 Lauren // 6th Jan 2004 at 11:30 pm
From Lauren
59 Jess // 18th Jan 2004 at 1:48 pm
Lauren: there is a similar product available in the US called The Keeper. Try using a search engine to find sites for it.
60 Anonymous // 23rd Feb 2004 at 4:29 pm
I’ve just tried using the mooncup and managed to get it in 3 times during my period (don’t try practising when you’re not having one as the leaflet suggests, it is just much more difficult without the lubrication and may put you off). A good tip which a friend told me was to squat in the bath the first time you take it out as it is likely to fly out – not good if you have a carpet in your bathroom! I did the ’suction thing’ the first time I took it out as I was getting desperate and kept pulling – it was so painful! Next time, I angled it sideways and released most of the suction like they suggest, and it was again really painful as the other side came out as it is quite rigid and springy. I am reluctant to try again now. I have not had intercourse and so am probably tighter than average, though have no problems with tampons – however they are nowhere near as wide as the cup. I’ve not worn it for any length of time yet, just put it in and out, so have not cut the tail as am fearful I will not be able to get it out. Should I persevere, do you think?
61 Mette // 2nd Apr 2004 at 9:51 am
Yes, I think you should persevere. It IS difficult to learn. I had the same trouble. But you will get the hang of it, when you just practise.
Mooncup or not? The decission should depend on:
- What you think of putting the different materials inside your body (tampons) or having an unhealthy and uncomfortable damp no-air-environment in your underwear (pads and towels)
- What you think of disposable single-use products opposed to one piece that lasts 10 years (environment and economy)
- How much trouble you want with always being prepared (Mooncup belongs in your bag OR constantly remember to buy and pack plenty of single-use products)
Taking the Mooncup out without pain and discomfort:
Squatting would not work for me. Try to put two fingers inside yourself: Once when you just stand upright (legs slightly parted, knees slightly bent, enough to give your hand access). And then try once more, squatting. Your vagina has another shape when you squat. For me, the easiest way to remove the Mooncup is to do it sitting on the toilet or standing as just desribed.
Releasing the seal and avoiding the suction thing:
Put your fingers far enough into your vagina, so that you are able to grab BEHIND the solid base of the cup. Squeeze the cup, so that its volume gets smaller, then you can pull it out without suction. You might squeeze out blood, of course, but when you get the routine right, you will in time be able to do it cleanly. VERY important: Use your muscles, in your vagina and also in your belly, to hold back your soft insides when you pull out the Mooncup, working actively against any suction. These muscles need the training anyway, the seal relies on them!
I hope you will get it right real soon, good luck!
62 Chrissy // 8th May 2004 at 5:11 am
My biggest problem with the mooncup and others like it is that I DIDNT HEAR ABOUT IT FOR 18 YEARS. Haha, no I am only 18 myself but have been menstruating for 6 years… no one ever told me.
I found out about it and love my mooncup so much. It has worked perfectly for me (after removing the tail) from day one and i’ll never go back (apart from after childbirth maybe..)
I feel so much better about myself aswell as i’m a bit of a greeny and every little thing you can do helps.
One thing people can do if they are interested is email the people who run the site and request they send you pamphlets. I did and am going around sticking them up on message boards, in health food stores, uni noticeboards. I wish I had have seen a similar pamphlet years ago.
I get so tired of the “ewwww” comments of people. Like menstruating is this horrible unnatural disease. Most people my age just don’t want to hear about it and that’s frustrating.
On another few notes, mooncups seem to be a better product the keeper as they are made of surgical grade silicone. Aswell as the allergies rubber tends to degrade and could not be so wonderful for you after a few years.
People with endometriosis and painful periods seem to consistently report that using mooncups helps to alleviate pain… no idea why.
Doesn’t interfere with natural vaginal cleaning or deposite fibers. Smooth silicone surface doesn’t support bacteria growth.
Take a bottle of water into loos without sinks and use that to rinse it.
People also have been known to water their plants with the menstrual fluid. I’m not sure about plants intended for human consumption… I am trying it out at the moment. Apparently it’s a great fertiliser.. makes sense considering it’s meant to support a fetus.
Yay mooncups!
63 sylvia // 8th May 2004 at 4:56 pm
Definitely perservere, I used it a couple times the first month then left it until the second month, at which point it all fell into place.
Squatting doesn’t work for me either, I have to admit. :)
I managed to go to bed during peak flow without emptying it, which meant it overflowed in the night. Contrary to my fears, it was much less of a mess than it would have been with a tampax: the “overflow” drips out at a slow rate giving you time to wake up, think “oh hell” and dash to the bathroom. Much better than a full tampax that is compressed during that “oh hell” moment and causes a minor flood. :P
64 Tia // 3rd Jul 2004 at 11:47 pm
Do you know of any companies in Canada that would sell this product?
65 Pewari // 4th Jul 2004 at 7:13 pm
Hi Tia, no I’m afraid I don’t. However, both the manufacturers of the mooncup and the keeper should be able to ship any orders to Canada I would have thought?
66 Emma // 29th Jul 2004 at 1:05 pm
I saw mooncups advertised at this years Glastonbury festival, thought they sounded fascinating but have only just got around to checking them out. I am definitely going to get one now – am slightly nervous but I’m sure with all this great advice and info it won’t be nearly as scary as it could be! Wish me luck…! :o)
67 Pewari // 29th Jul 2004 at 4:38 pm
You won’t need luck ;) But I’ll wish you some anyway! Let us know how you get on.
68 Sol // 1st Sep 2004 at 12:29 pm
Just came across your site looking for reviews of the mooncup – sounds like a great idea, though does make me a little nervous to try it out. Your review was great, and I’m glad I came across it. Might actually give the MC a go now…
69 anja // 13th Sep 2004 at 9:49 pm
There is a company in Canada with a product very similar to the mooncup – it’s called the divacup! The divacup is also made from surgical grade silicone, which is a lot better than rubber – it doesn’t cause allergies and you can sterilise it by boiling it for five minutes. I mean, tampons aren’t sterile either, but you only use them once. I’d recommend boiling it between periods. I’m currently trying out my mooncup for the first time and I’m so happy I found this site with all the comments!
70 emily // 5th Oct 2004 at 9:41 pm
i’ve just ordered my mooncup but i’m researching the best ways to use them and peoples opinions etc etc. i’d just like to say to anyone else who’s reading this that http://www.mooncup.co.uk will post worldwide!and they include p&p in the price of the mooncup itself so huzzah!i’m all excited about getting it now. very good reviews and tips – thank you xxxx
71 emily // 6th Oct 2004 at 7:52 pm
eeee my mooncup arrived so much quicker then i thought it would and im not sure but i don’t think it’s long till my period (i always forget to keep track) so very very excited!
72 PIF // 13th Nov 2004 at 10:00 pm
Thanks for the interesting review on mooncups.
You have convinced me that they are a good idea and I have just ordered my first mooncup online and I hope I can get to grips with it.
73 Kate // 15th Feb 2005 at 6:27 pm
I’ve just started using my mooncup and I’m really disapointed. I’m having to wear a pad to deal with leaks. The mooncup isn’t full or anything but the blood just seems to be coming round the sides. I’ve tried pushing it as far a I can (I would need longer fingers for any further) I rotate it round and round, I’ve almost cut the whole stem off. I don’t have any problems getting it out and no “suction” problems at all, maybe this is part of my problem. I’m worried that really weak pelvic floor muscles are the cause and they aren’t going to improve.
Any suggestions?
Any suggestions
74 Pewari // 15th Feb 2005 at 7:37 pm
I have two suggestions (although I should confess that being the proud mum of a 9 month old baby, a Mirena coil user and having enjoyed life period-free for a while, I’m relying on memory now!).
The first is that when you say it isn’t full, you are aware that there are minute holes near the rim? I.e. the mooncup isn’t full when it reaches the top of the rim – it’s full much further down.
My only other suggestion is to check that you have the right size for you – there are two sizes: one for women who have given birth vaginally and one for women who haven’t. If you have the latter, it may be worth trying the larger size.
Otherwise, if you’re fairly certain it’s pelvic floor issues and it’s causing problems in other things have you considered kegel exercises to strengthen it? Boots apparently do (and this is going to sound gross, sorry!) pelvic floor cones which are a system of weights to help make you stronger down there ( http://www.boots.com/shop/product_details.jsp?productid=1009767 ) – not used them myself but I’ve heard that they’re supposed to be quite good!
75 Lizzie // 19th Feb 2005 at 4:13 am
After much deliberation I’ve just ordered a mooncup but I’m feeling more than a little dubious. Tampons freaked me out for a while too before I got the hang of using them.
Mainly I’m worried about it getting stuck and having to go to A and E. Please tell me this hasn’t happened to anyone!
76 Pewari // 20th Feb 2005 at 9:48 am
Lizzie: no-one that I know of, although I think many people have had that moment where they think “oh my god, I can’t get it out!!” I recommend not trying too hard, going away and doing something else for half-an-hour to an hour then trying again later as the more you tense up the harder it’s going to be.
If you’ve had kids, you have the added advantage that you know a lot of the breathing techniques to get your body to relax anyway *grin*.
It’ll be fine. It will take a bit of practise, but you will be fine.
77 valb // 1st Mar 2005 at 12:10 am
To Kate:- I had this problem too when I first started using my Mooncup, but it turns out that I wasn’t actually positioning it properly. Even though it was really high up, it wasn’t covering my cervix so I was leaking all over the place. I have a retroverted uterus (apparently!) so my cervix isn’t where it should be, so it did take a bit of practice before I could get it in the right place, but now I wouldn’t be without it. I suggest you sweep around your Mooncup with your finger after you’ve inserted it (bearing down will help you reach) and check that you can’t feel your cervix. If you can, take it out and try again.
Good luck – please try and persevere cos it really does get easier, and I would never ever use a tampon again.
78 Emmanator // 23rd Mar 2005 at 1:33 pm
Got mine, absolutely love it and am currently “educating” all my friends back home (in Canada – I live in France) about it. If anyone is interested in hearing the Mooncup banter/dialogue currently going on between 40 or so of my 25-30 year old aged girlfriends and I, flash me an e-mail and I’ll send you the interesting, helpful and insightful e-mails in question !
Thanks, Pewari, for starting this post (even if it is the bane of your existence now ;-)
-Kooky Canadian gal in Toulouse :-)
79 Hollie // 21st Apr 2005 at 3:26 pm
I discovered the mooncup by chance today and i am becoming totally intrigued by it! Im 18 but iv still never worked up the courage to try a tampon! they just dont appeal! but im moving to glasgow with my boyfriend soon and really hated the thought of filling our bin up with huge pads! and when i stay at his house going to the bin to dispose of said pads is also v.v. akward not that he mind periods weve had sex and everything during them the problem is definitly mine rather than his! but the mooncup sounds perfect…. not only does it avoid the embarrising disposal issue becaue ill be a student it will be much cheaper and much more eco friendly! i just hope he doesnt mind finding it boiling in a pan one day! i am definitly going to order a mooncup as soon as i get home! im so excited!
i can’t believe its taken so long to find out about this!
80 kelsey // 25th Apr 2005 at 11:21 pm
Hi, I just wanted to say that the equivolent to the mooncup in the USA is the Diva Cup. It is made of the same material as the Mooncup (silicone, as opposed to rubber latex), although it has a slightly shorter stem. However, as most folks trim their stems anyway, I don’t think this is really so much of an issue. So, if you do happen to be in the usa and don’t want the Keeper for some reason, the Diva Cup is a good option…hopefully noone else already posted on this, but I noticed a few people asking about the mooncup fot the states and Canada. The diva cup has passed health regulations in both american, and Health Canada, sooo…I guess go for it hehe.
81 Frally // 1st May 2005 at 12:23 pm
Hi there, I just got my mooncup yesterday and it’s WONDERFUL! I haven’t had one single problem with it in the last 24 hours, lucky me! I wrote a review on my blog as well, but if it’s alright with you, I might put a link to your post here so people can read all the fabulous feedback you have here in your comments. Cheers! :)
82 Debbie // 9th Jun 2005 at 8:07 pm
Hi everyone I ve Just received my mooncup, and am excited to use it but only tried fitting it once and had a panic, the fear of it disappearing inside me and not getting it back. I had a mirena coil removed not long ago and the doctor couldnt find the threads as she said my womb tiled right back. Will this affect my using the mooncup?
Thanks Debbie
83 Pewari // 9th Jun 2005 at 8:28 pm
Hi Debbie! Sounds like the tilt thing is what is known as a “tilted uterus” (I suspect it’s what I have, as smears are *always* problematic for me, and the insertion of my Mirena was complicated too). To clarify, every woman’s uterus is tilted backwards to a certain extent, just some are more tilted than others!
As to whether it causes problems with the mooncup, I think the only way you’re going to be able to tell is if you try! It might take you a bit more practise, you might find it really easy or you might find you don’t get on with it at all. Remember, the mooncup sits much further down – I struggle to feel my Mirena strings, but had no problem reaching the mooncup!
Hope this helps :)
84 IB // 30th Jun 2005 at 3:36 pm
Pewari, wow kudos to you about writing about cups so long ago!
Got mine 2 months ago and I am a crazy fanatic now.
Just like to point out to those people who are saying the Divacup is the same as the Mooncup – it’s not. The mooncup and Keeper are the same size and shape (except former is silicone, latter is rubber). The Divacup is a different shape and slightly larger. Some women have not had success with the Divacup, but been ok with the keeper, and vice versa.
congrats on your baby!
85 teresa // 30th Jul 2005 at 10:51 pm
The mooncup has come to the high street! Larger Boots in the UK now stock it. Fantastic product so much so I brought five for my friends and family can t imagine life every month without it.
86 bluenettle // 4th Aug 2005 at 7:42 pm
I’ve owned a mooncup for a while now, but only really just got the hang of using it. I’ve been reading all the posts here and wanted to share my experiences with people, mainly to encourage those new to the mooncup not to give up!
I first bought my mooncup from the website over a year ago. Since starting my periods 14 years ago I’ve always used pads and never really fancied tampons, mainly because my flow can be very heavy. I don’t remember how I found about about the mooncup or what made me think it was a good idea at the time, but now I’ll say that the environmental benefits and the lack of hassle are the definite bonuses, as well as the money saving aspects of course.
Well, let’s just say that things didn’t go well when it first arrived. I was so disappointed! No matter how patient I was and how hard I tried I just couldn’t get it inserted. I tried quite a few times and just ended up sore. So, it got packed away into its little bag and banished to the back of the cupboard.
Until a couple of months ago, when I decided to give it another go, mainly because I’m starting to make a real effort to be more kind to the environment, particulary trying to make less waste.
I gave it a go in between periods and couldn’t believe it when, after a few tries, I managed to get it in! I have no idea what I was doing wrong the first time round. However, getting it out was incredibly painful! I managed to grasp hold of it all right, but I was just pulling it straight down and it hurt so much to pull the rim past that last tiny bit. This happened a few times, and to be honest I was on the verge of giving up again. Then I read some advice somewhere that suggested tipping it forwards as you pull it out, and that really helped. After a bit more practice I was feeling much better about it.
The whole experience was also much better after I took the plunge and cut the stem off – it’s more comfortable for me that way, and I can’t really feel it’s even there. If your mooncup feels uncomfortable and a little sore when inserted, and you really notice its presence, then the stem is probably the cause. Get rid of it, you don’t need it.
So, I’m currently at the end of my first period using it for real. I’ve really mastered the whole insertion and removal thing, and though removing is still a little painful it’s definitely bearable and getting better with practice.
With regards to leakages, I did have a leak in the night at the heaviest time of my flow, when it had been in there for ten hours! I think I got a little over confident there. No other problems though, and it definitely feels cleaner than using pads. I can’t wait til my next period!
87 Deborah - Germany // 10th Sep 2005 at 7:41 pm
Hallo Pewari,
I found your comment about your monthly pains interesting, I’ve been using my mooncup for over a year now, before then, and for the last 30 years I’ve been blessed with pains so strong that I couldn’t even walk – the vomiting I know well too – but since I started using the Mooncup the pains have become a lot more bearable. I get the feeling that the Mooncup itself supports the cervix as it tilts down therefore reducing the pressure and pulling.
It’s also worth a mention for all the ladies who are concerned about TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome). I’ve suffered also with a form of this my whole menstruating life, not even being able to wear fitted clothing for even one hour without spending a whole week with the feeling that I’d been kicked between the legs by a horse! The second week of every cycle was a plague. That’s 1 week menstruation, 1 week ‘plague’, 1 week peace, 1 week pms, 1 hell of a womans life ;-)
The TSS associated problem is getting slowly better too, since I started using the Mooncup.
The ‘Urgh’ feeling soon passes and, after the ‘getting used to it’ time, I think anyone who’s concerned about their health and womanly wellbeing can’t go far wrong with it.
88 Hayley // 29th Sep 2005 at 1:02 pm
If you live in the US, do a search for the Divacup. It is identical to the mooncup and made of silicone, wheras the keeper is made of latex (rubber) so could cause reactions in some people. I have read that the mooncup/divacup is softer and easier to use and cheaper too than the Keeper.
I would just like to add my view on cleanliness. As someone who has suffered with a lot of uriary tract infections, I have always been told to use tampons instead of towels as it is when your blood makes contact with the air that it really becomes dangerous. So by using pads you are effectively sitting in a rapidly multiplying pool of bacteria.
However tampons are fibrous. This means that bateria can cling to the fibres (hence risk of Toxic shock Syndrome). So the cleanest solution is the mooncup, which is made of medical grade silicone which is smooth even at a molecular level which means that bacteria cannot really cling to it.
Another point to consider about tampons is that they are made of cotton, even an average cotton T shirt is made up of 27% chemicals by weight (see http://www.howies.co.uk think ) a lot of chemicals are absorbed into the skin on the outside of your body (this is why nicotene patches work).
However the membranes on the inside where a tampon would sit are even more absorbent, due to the rich capilliary network there(just think about why people snort cocaine up their noses instead of putting it on their skin, or drug addicts put pills up their bum)
It doesn’t take a genius to work out why a mooncup is a better option than tampons or disposable towels. If you don’t want to insert something I reccomend washable or organic towels, as these are better for the environment than chemical laced, plastic backed ones.
89 Laura // 4th Oct 2005 at 11:07 am
Please help! I have been practising using my new mooncup and found it a real disappointment. However, I put the problems down to the fact that I wasn’t menstruating at the time. Now I tried it during a period for the first time and had the following problems. I inserted it OK but when I came to remove it, I found that it had got ’sucked in’ right up to my cervix. My finger was not long enough to get it out. I was just able to break the seal but the stem was so slippery I had to really dig my nails in to it to pull it out. There’s no way that sort of removal would be practical in public toilets. It was so much more messy that tampons.
Also, because it was pressing on my cervix, it gave me quite bad period pains. And it made me feel as if I needed a wee all the time.
When I sent Mooncup an email asking for help they just sent a stock reply which didn’t answer any of my questions so I really need some advice.
By the way, is the fact that I am very, very petite likely to cause problems? I have the smaller size but it still seems absolutely massive even when folded up.
90 valb // 5th Oct 2005 at 11:18 am
Hi Laura, sorry to hear you’ve been having problems using your Mooncup, but don’t give up yet! When you talk about it being sucked right up to your cervix, that’s exactly where it should be situated to create a nice tight seal (I think it should be situated in exactly the same place as a diaphragm would be). As for removing it, I always “bear down” as this pushes your cervix lower down so it’s less of a reach!
Finally, I would be brave and just cut the tail off, it’s a nuisance and you don’t really need it – when you’re bearing down, just squeeze the end of the Mooncup gently and you’ll find that you can remove it easily, and without spills hopefully.
I’ve had my Mooncup for a couple of years now and I’ll never part with it – I could never go back to using tampons. If you want to discuss it further (in private!), feel free to get in touch with me – you can click on my name then use the contact me button on my website (don’t really want to be posting my e-mail addy up here – get enough spam already!)
PS I’m only 5′2″ so the size shouldn’t be an issue!
91 Kaz // 21st Oct 2005 at 2:25 am
i found everyones comments intresting and helpfull, im still undecided wether to try the mooncup, but i have a few questions that i was woundering some one oculd answer.
what is the point in the stem on it, what is it for, many of you have mentiond cutting the stem off so why would they put it there if it is unneeded?
When it is delivered is the company name, or anything that identifies what it is on the outside of the parcle, i live in a student flat with 9 other people (who i only met 3 weeks ago)?
92 serena // 27th Oct 2005 at 1:03 pm
hi thanks for great review.put my mind at ease after reading it.
not yet got a mooncup but am very interested to know if it sutable if you have a vaginal prolapse.i can wear tampons as they just get puched out ,will the same happen with mooncup?does anyone know?
93 mad musings of me // 1st Aug 2003 at 10:44 pm
Mooncup
Pewari has a detailed review of using a Mooncup. Not quite sure I would like to try one, though. Really
94 Doris // 25th Nov 2005 at 2:18 pm
Kaz – it says on my brown padded envelope the business name Mooncup Ltd but it looks like any IT company. Nothing else is identifiable.
Thank you for this fabulous review and all the comments. I have mine inserted as a try-out during a non period day. I am shocked how well it worked out and will blog about it too once I have hit the big week of reckoning.
95 Pewari // 25th Nov 2005 at 5:41 pm
Kaz: No idea why they put the stem on it – I suspect for reassurance if anything else. I don’t know anyone who hasn’t just cut the tail completely off!
Serena: I’m not sure about how suitable a mooncup is with a vaginal prolapse. I would suggest emailing the mooncup manufacturers to see if that’s something they know about, or alternatively having a chat with your GP.
Doris: you’re welcome! I hope the week of reckoning goes well for you! Don’t stress though if you don’t get the hang of it straight away, wasn’t until the 2nd month of use that I started to feel comfortable that I knew what I was doing.
96 mollyemo // 10th Dec 2005 at 6:00 pm
Hey, I would just like to say thanks for writing this! I read it, hmm… more than a year ago and decided to try. I have been quite happily enjoying my Mooncup ever since. Thank you for making my life much, much simpler and less stressful!
97 Pewari // 19th Dec 2005 at 10:55 pm
Updated the mooncup link to point to their new site. Apologies to anyone who got stuck at the dead link.
98 Susan // 24th Dec 2005 at 3:50 am
Great site Pewari, loved reading the comments. I used the keeper about 10 years ago, with NO luck. I suspect now that the problems I had were due to the product material.(rubber). Have recently re-thought the idea and this product (divacup in Canada). Your site has convinced me to give it another go. Also anyone in Canada or U.S, you can find this product on the divacup site or the lunapad site, which have Canadian and U.S. pricing. Thanks. Happy Holidays Everyone.
99 Emma // 3rd May 2006 at 10:41 pm
Hey,
I’ve never posted a message before, so here it goes! I’ve just started to use my moon cup, but I’ve done loads of research before I ordered one. All the advice on this site is great but i have just one issue I would like to raise. The advice given by the Mooncup people is that “Your Mooncup should sit low down just inside the entrance of your vagina”, and I’ve read on many sites that pushing your cup too high can make it very difficult and painful to remove, therefore I would be careful about pushing it up to your cervix. i’m not having a go or anything, so if it works you thats good but please be careful!
Thanks however for all the great advice!
100 Meggy // 21st May 2006 at 3:39 am
I am soo happy I bought a mooncup. Admittedly I haven’t used it yet, but my period is just around the corner. But oh! It’s such a cute little thing! Actually, upon trying to get it out my first couple times on a dry run, it hurt very much. However, I folded it inside me and took it out in the C-fold way, it was fine. I even emailed the ladies at Mooncup.co.uk and they said that whatever worked for me was okay.
Getting a mooncup is more than buying a “feminine hygiene” item (ugh, I hate the word feminine hygiene. And sanitary napkins. What the hell is sanitary about them?)…it’s being introduced into a whole network of women who want to treat their bodies and the environment better (or just save money and have good conversation starters. Anything works.)
My mooncup is a holder of good feelings for me. And a great site for if you want support for your menstrual cup is http://community.livejournal.com/menstrual_cups/, a website that’s crammed with info.
Viva la mooncup!
101 Linda // 14th Jul 2006 at 5:46 am
hi, great to see all this dialogue happening about the innovative alternative for us women, The Mooncup. Yay!!! I found mine a year ago, what a liberation. Anyway, I believe in it so much I now distribute them here in NZ, but will also send overseas. Check out my website http://www.gowiththemoon.co.nz and send me some feedback if you still have more questions.
102 nancy // 1st Aug 2006 at 9:25 pm
Hi everyone, great review by the way! I just have one question and thats when you remove the mooncup does the blood tend to ever spill because thats what i would imagine it to do, especially during removal!
anyone got any ideas or feedback because i dont want to be stuck in a public loo with blood on the floor and all over my clothes =]
thanks
103 Pewari // 2nd Aug 2006 at 6:49 pm
Hi Nancy, glad you found the review useful!
I won’t say it’ll never spill – because that would just be tempting fate ;) I will say, however, that once you’re practised and confident, removal and insertion is much much easier than you would think – if anything, I found it less messy than dealing with tampons.
Also, remember that you can go longer between emptying than you can between tampon changes – so the times you would be stuck in a public loo needing to empty would be minimal.
Hope that helps :)
104 tangerinecath // 2nd Aug 2006 at 7:24 pm
My new mooncup has just arrived! Am eagerly awaiting af now… never thought I’d hear myself say that! I had to cut most of the stem off as I could feel it, but other than that I found inserting it and removing it really easy.
My word, this will be the 104th comment! Perhaps I should do a review on my blog (and pinch your readers ;o) )
105 Pewari // 3rd Aug 2006 at 7:54 am
Feel free, tangerinecath – I’m still slightly in shock that this post is still going, three years after I originally wrote it!!
106 lula // 7th Aug 2006 at 1:51 pm
…because it is so helpful! better than the mooncup site itself- if not an absolutely neccesary companion to it!
I tried my mooncup 1st time yesterday. horrible suction both times I removed it. even when I got up there and pressed on the top of the cup to break the seal, it didn’t help..still sucking. I beared down and then pulled it out. horrible suction. I read one testimonial on the mooncup site where a lady said to hold in with your stomach and vaginal muscles and that will help to break the seal and not suck all your insides out! Any more advice is well recieved as much of the input from this blog has been so very very helpful. I’m not giving up by any means, just need to find the right technique. Perhaps I’m just so tight down there it’s hard to get air and break the seal.
thanks so much! am hopeful for replies!
107 Ree // 8th Aug 2006 at 7:36 pm
Hi,
I received my mooncup about 2 months ago but have only built up the courage to start using it now. Inserting it was not a problem but both times that I have removed it, It was really hard to break the seal. Squeezing the mooncup against the vagina wall didnt break it and after much pain and effort, i finally managed to reach up and break the seal at the top (and I had numb fingers after this). I am not sure what I am doing wrong. I had to do the same thing as Laura and use my nails to keep hold of the tail (which can hurt if end up pinchng own vagina wall – which did happen, dont laugh). Perhaps i am “bearing down” wrong but is there a laymans way of explaining how to bear down?
I didn’t have any blood leaks but did notice a more watery discharge on my pantliner.
108 Marigold // 9th Aug 2006 at 1:39 pm
I started using a mooncup several months ago, easy peasy, don’t know what all the fuss is about. I put it in, felt the stem poking about and thought, no way can I put up with that. I took it out right away, trimmed the stem down to half-way and tried again. Still no joy. Cut stem right off as close as I could – WONDERFUL!
The first few times I removed it were a tiny bit uncomfortable, but then I got the hang of tilting it (slightly!) towards the front of my body, so a lip comes out first. End of problems.
I’m not someone who has a problem fishing around with fingers to haul the thing out, so lack of stem wasn’t a problem. You just get hold of the bottom of the bell with two fingers and pull gently. Squeezing slightly to release any suction also helps.
I found it MUCH less messy than tampons, (which also made me itchy and dry-feeling), and much more convenient, and obviously better for the environment, my insides, and my bank balance.
If you are worried about emptying and rinsing in public toilets without a washbasin inside the cubicle, carry a small bottle of water with you on the first couple of days. Take some clean tissues with you to wipe it out first – I’m not sure I’d want to wipe it with toilet paper from a public toilet and put it back INSIDE me! Or use the disabled toilet if there is one, they always have a washbasin.
I do find occasionally that I leak slightly on the heaviest day over night, but this is probably when my bladder gets full. Solution, get up for a pee early! (I used to have to set my alarm clock to wake me in the middle of the night to change a tampon on my heaviest days previously, so this is an improvement rather than otherwise!)
Other than this, no leaks to speak of. I’m 42 and have had 3 vaginal births, so my pelvic floor muscles can’t be THAT brilliant, but nonetheless, my mooncup is serving me very well. I expect it to last me until I no longer need such things. (Wish I’d discovered the d*mn things when I was younger!)
If you want to take my mooncup away you will have to fight me for it. I love it! My friend uses one, one of my sisters uses one, and I have bought the other two sisters mooncups for their birthdays!
Busy spreading the word! – Marigold
109 Lynda // 15th Aug 2006 at 2:09 pm
I wish I’d found out about this earlier. I’m 53 and it’s come too late for me and I don’t even have daughters I can tell. But I’m busy converting my work colleagues…..!
110 valb // 15th Aug 2006 at 11:56 pm
Ree, the only way I can describe bearing down is to liken it to having a poo, only without the brown stuff coming out! Sorry, but I can’t think of any elegant way to describe the sensation. If you really can’t manage the bearing down bit, just give the base of the cup a good squeeze as Marigold has described, and you should have no problem.
Like you Marigold, I’m 42 and I found out about Mooncups just over 3 years ago (I’ve just read my original entry to check the date!) – also like you, I’m hoping it’ll last me until I don’t need it anymore, and I would never part with it, it’s fantastic! There is something about Mooncups that makes you feel almost evangelical – I want to try and convert everyone! Sadly, most of my colleagues are resistant for various reasons, but I’ll keep trying!
111 Brooke // 18th Aug 2006 at 9:27 pm
Wow, I’ve never heard of a mooncup…sounds rather interesting to me! Are they only available in Europe? I’m Canadian and have never heard of them.
112 Pewari // 19th Aug 2006 at 7:55 am
Brooke – as I understand it, you can get something very similar in Canada called the Divacup. Might be worth a google for them?
113 lula // 21st Aug 2006 at 6:31 pm
Ree- my problems are identical! Even having to pinch it hard with my nails, and sometimes *ouch* catching the lips or vaginal wall in there! Everyone is so different! If you notice many people are confused of all the fuss ‘just put it in, take it out!’ But I am noticing a select crowd who is experiecing similar problems you and I are. I am young- 20 years old, and a virgin. I think this has much to do with the problems with suction- very tight muscule walls, and not knowing my body very well, so learning “bearing down” and how to hold my muscles in as I pull it out is all very new- but exciting:) I am looking into pilates to help me learn to control my muscles. There are simple exercises you can do at home on your own, I’m sure. I even find it unconfortable when I take it out simply becuase of the diameter and roundness of the Mooncup lip. When it goes in, it’s all squished up, but coming out, it’s HUGE!!
Ree, or anyone else, if you find any new technique, please let me know! I’ll do the same for you! Any other advice or similar issues, please join in!! :)
Lula
114 Ree // 6th Sep 2006 at 10:32 am
HI Lula, I am on my second cylce now with mooncup and so far.. mmm. still struggling with removal, even after all this advice. At the end of the first cycle, i also got in touch with mooncup advice and they send me a guidelines fact sheet that is not on their website. Its probably too large to paste it here else so please email me on reemarughani@googlemail.com and i’ll forward it on to you.
115 Rachel H // 11th Sep 2006 at 6:24 pm
I decided to try the Mooncup after visiting this site (I googled after reading a newspaper article) and the comments have been so useful. I’m on the second day of my first period with a mooncup. I’ve had no difficulty inserting it (apart from the very first time when I let go and it ‘pinged’ against my bits – ouch!), but getting it out is a bit of a learning curve. The first time took ages. Tip: file your nails well down while you’re a learner as there may be quite a bit of fiddling around to get a grip on it. I’m doing better now. The key is to relax and keep bearing down.
I’ve just come back to the site to read through the comments to perfect my mooncup removal technique, as the last moment when it ‘pops’ out is rather uncomfortable. It looks like I need to tip it forward more.
I’m also not sure if a smaller size would be more comfortable to take out. It’s recommended that over 30s use the larger size whether or not they’ve had children. I’m 35 and haven’t had children, but maybe my pelvic floor muscles are in good nick.
Thanks to Pewari and everyone who has contributed tips – it’s really helped me get the hang quicker as there’s so much detail here compared with the instructions that come with it.
I’ll definitely not be going back to tampons. It’s so much more convenient not having to find a loo every 4 hours. Now I’m going to spread the word…
116 clarabel // 14th Sep 2006 at 1:37 pm
Dear all,
this site is really good!
I live in Greece and a spanish friend of mine introduced me to mooncup about a month ago.
I am definitely bying it and hopefully it’ll work for me.
I do have a Q though.
I am 31 and never given birth. I do think that my muscles are in good condition. My hip is quite narrow (if it makes any difference) and I’m a small sized woman overall (would that make any difference???)
My period is not heavy.
As I’m just over 30 you think I should go for size A as reccomended on the site or size B?
thx
p.s. Oh one more Q! what happens if you are at the beach? if you feel it’s time to empty the cup… would you just toss it in the sea water while swimming??? hmmm… and how would you put the salty thing back in? not saying it’s any easier with tampons!!! I guess you just need to empty the cup right before going to the beach. besides… who would spend more than 8 hours at the beach???
117 valb // 16th Sep 2006 at 7:34 pm
Clarabel, why not go for the smaller size – you can always return if for a full refund if it doesn’t work for you. Good luck and congratulations on finding out about a fantastic product – you won’t regret it. I’m never going back to tampons!
118 Liz // 17th Sep 2006 at 2:20 pm
After stumbling on the mooncup website, and then finding this wonderful review when I googled to try and find their site again (should have bookmarked it, silly me!), I’ve now gone and bought a mooncup.
I’ve just started using it yesterday – it wasn’t supereasy to get in and out, but it wasn’t too hard either. The problem I have is that you fold it up to stick it in – fine. But then when you let go it PINGS back out into a circle, and really hurts! Is there some way of releasing the folded shape without smacking my insides?
As a relatively young and mostly unstretched woman, there’s definitely not much room for my fingers up there with the mooncup. But I found that I didn’t need to grab anything more than the base to remove it, so that was good. I had a little bit of leakage, but that will hopefully stop now that I’ve trimmed the stem.
Overall – I’m so impressed! I had a bad experience with tampons when I first started bleeding, and I’ve used pads ever since. Thanks so much for your review (and all the commenters!) Pewari – it convinced me to take the plunge.
119 valb // 17th Sep 2006 at 10:04 pm
Liz, what sort of fold are you using? For several years, I used the C-fold as suggested by the Mooncup people, but I recently came across a site that gave a variety of other folds to try, and the one that works best for me is called the “punch-down method”. Basically, you push down and inwards on one side of the cup until it collapses, then pinch the shape together. It gives a much smaller size for actually getting in there in the first place, and I find that the “ping” is a lot less vicious! Have a go (if you haven’t already) and see what you think! Feel free to get in touch (via my website) if you’d like to discuss it further. PS Excuse the hijack Pewari!
120 Pewari // 18th Sep 2006 at 12:46 pm
Hi Liz, glad you found it useful!
valb: feel free to keep jumping in!!! I don’t use it anymore because of the Mirena means I don’t get periods these days, so feel unable to answer lots of the queries – I’m glad there’s others taking up the role! Have you got a URL for that site – it sounds useful and could probably do with being posted here.
121 Liz // 18th Sep 2006 at 5:55 pm
Hey valb, thanks for your answer! I did a little search for different folding methods after what you said, and found that there’s a whole menstrual cup LJ community! Which is surely crazy, but just proves that there’s an LJ community for everything. There’s a post with photos of the different folds at http://community.livejournal.com/menstrual_cups/453392.html. I couldn’t work out the last one, but I found using the 7 fold much easier (and less PINGing painful!)
So now I’ve got this mooncup thing all worked out – no leaks, no pain, no hassle – and I’m feeling immensely smug because it’s only taken me one cycle, instead of three. I’ll keep my smugness private though, cause it’s really not that pretty. Thanks so much Pewari – without this blog entry I don’t think I’d have taken the plunge, and now my life is so much easier. Words cannot express the gratitude.
122 valb // 18th Sep 2006 at 9:40 pm
Hi Pewari, glad you don’t think I’m stepping on your toes! Unfortunately, the link I used was posted on the Lush forum, and there was a slight accident when they pruned the forum a little too vigorously recently, resulting in the loss of all posts – whoops! However, I think Liz probably has the same link (I seem to remember it being a live journal entry), but I can’t check for sure as I can’t seem to make the link work; however, I’m sure that it probably is the right one. Thanks for tracking it down Liz – I don’t know why Mooncup don’t provide this info with the cup, but it’s good to know it’s out there somewhere!
123 giraffeski // 3rd Nov 2006 at 5:46 pm
I’ve got a sink in the toilet at work….
BUT it has nasty sprayey water.
124 valb // 4th Nov 2006 at 1:44 am
Ooh, vigorous taps and a mooncup – not a good combo!!
125 Pewari // 7th Nov 2006 at 2:36 pm
Eek… no, vigorous taps not good.
By the way, I’ve managed to find a post with all the different folding techniques with photographic instructions:
Folding Techniques
126 Liz // 30th Dec 2006 at 11:01 am
I am trying my mooncup for the first time. What I don’t understand, is if you can use your mooncup lying down, or whilst doing sport – well surely the angle of your vagina is going to change, and the collected blood is going to slop to the little holes, and leak out. If it doesn’t leak out, then why does it leak when the cup is full?
Also, do any ladies out there with heavy flows have any advice. My mooncup filled to the brim (beyond the holes) in 45 minutes, so I am not convinced its any easier than using 2 of the largest sized tampons at once. Its certainly messy to get out when you use it with a pad as well, I get blood all over my hands.
Many thanks
127 Pewari // 1st Jan 2007 at 12:33 pm
Hi Liz!
I’m not sure how the lying down thing works either, but it obviously does because I didn’t get any leaks at night when I was still having periods.
The filling it in 45 minutes seems a worryingly high amount to me though – I know often when you go to a GP they’re a bit blase when you say you have heavy periods because blood always *looks* more than it actually is – but the advantage of a mooncup is that you can actually measure it.
Would it be worth making an appointment with your doctor to discuss it as that does seem a very frequent change to me (but I am not in anyway experienced medically, hence the recommend to see your doctor!)
128 Liz // 1st Jan 2007 at 9:39 pm
Hi Pewari
Thank you for your reply! I shall have to be content to be confident that the mooncup doesn’t leek when lying down, in a mystified way!
Yeah, the heavey bleading. I have a nice big fibroid, but am trying to have another child before I get it removed as I don’t want to risk surgery complications before I have a familly! When I was pregnant last time my iron measurements went UP dramatically…. the bleeding during periods is a bit exhausting, but hey, its a lifestyle choice, and when I have my next baby I will then get it sorted out.
Liz
129 Pewari // 2nd Jan 2007 at 6:00 am
Oh good – I’m glad that the heavy bleeding is temporary and I don’t blame you at all for wanting to postpone surgery. That can’t be an easy condition to live with at all.
130 Squeal // 23rd Jan 2007 at 7:16 pm
Hi Pewari
I’m reading a lot of great reviews on the Mooncup, but haven’t been able to answer one concern of mine before actually buying it. I wanted to use it as an alternative to tampons as I have found that they tend to leak from when first inserted :o(.
My main concern is the Mooncup with long term use hoping that from your experience, you or anyone in your forum may be able to put my mind at rest: Would the mooncup due to its size, if used long term cause an effect to the pelvic muscles and loosen the vagina? I would love to use the Mooncup but if it interferes with my future sex life I would want to know! Thanks!
131 Pewari // 24th Jan 2007 at 8:25 am
Squeal: thank you for posting :) The short answer is that I just don’t know. I’m now using the Mirena so don’t get periods anymore (so am out of practise with the Mooncup) – certainly haven’t used it over a long period of time to be able to tell. Hopefully, another poster will be able to advise!
My gut feeling though, would be that it’s unlikely – given the damage that childbirth does (a baby is a LOT bigger than a mooncup!), for those who’ve had a vaginal birth a mooncup isn’t going to make much odds. Not only that, but given that childbirth has affected my pelvic muscles and vagina but certainly hasn’t interfered with my sex life at all (now having two young children… THAT messes with your sex life ;) ) I wouldn’t stress too much :)
132 valb // 24th Jan 2007 at 2:06 pm
Hi Squeal, I’ve been using mine for about 3 and a half years now, and I can’t say that I’ve noticed any “slackening” down there! I don’t honestly think it would have any effect on your vagina, as it’s not a rigid object. I would say go for it (but don’t buy it from Boots, too expensive!). I can recommend buying one from this lady who I know has sold many, many Mooncups to Lush forum members (amongst others!) Her website addy is http://www.fannyfunnels.co.uk and they only cost Ł17.50 from her inc. P&P, as opposed to the Ł18.99 that Mooncup themselves charge (and she still offers the 3 month trial period).
Pewari, feel free to edit this post if you’re not confortable with my adding the website address – I just thought that it was a very good price and she’s a very nice person to deal with, very knowledgeable and full of good advice!
133 Pewari // 24th Jan 2007 at 2:08 pm
No objections here as it’s a personal recommendation :) Not the same as random spam advertisers!!
134 Squeal // 24th Jan 2007 at 2:17 pm
lol :oD “slackening”; that was the word I was looking for! Thanks ValB… I shall take note of the web address you have provided.. but to be honest I have a Boots right next to me that are stockists so went and bought one yesterday.
Could’nt wait! Although I will see how I adapt to it and recommend the address to friends.
Watch this space! Thanks alot! Thank you as well for your quick reponse Pewari ;O)
135 Clara // 24th Jan 2007 at 8:07 pm
Hi all,
I’m a rookie mooncupper (bought it today stopped using pads and I hate tampons). Haven’t tried it yet but I’m ready for the challenge. Thanks for the great advice all of you.
By the way another option to clean the mooncups -for those who may not be aware- would be to use feminine wipes. This way you don’t have to worrying whether there’s a basin handy or carrying bottled water into the cubicles with you.
I use Natracare organic cotton feminine wipes they’re flushable, biodegradble and healthier for us. Much better than flushing a zillion tampons down the loo!.
Will keep you updated on my mooncupping experience….wish me luck!!…
regards,
Clara (The Rookie) ;-)
136 valb // 25th Jan 2007 at 12:55 am
Good luck with it Clara – hope it goes smoothly for you! The wipes are a good idea, btw, but I’ve almost always managed with a bit of loo roll at work and it’s never been a problem. One weekend, thinking that I was in the building on my own, I ventured out of the cubicle with my pants around my ankles and leant over to the sink (about 2 feet away from the door). Imagine my embarassment when a colleague decided to pay a visit at that exact moment! I have never moved so fast in my life – I see now why it’s called the Moon cup ;-)
137 Kate // 13th Feb 2007 at 12:05 am
Hey guys,
I’ve found this site really helpful. I saw a posting about the mooncup on a message board and wondered about them. Really concidering it although feel slightly nervous about it. Not very confident about my insides. Think it might take some getting use to. But anything that can help save our environment is a good thing. Thanks for all the advice.
Kate
138 clarabel // 14th Feb 2007 at 2:57 pm
hello people,
well, I finally got the mooncup a few months ago.
my experience: the first days were just a big mess, plus during the nite I would wake up every couple of hours to urinate. it just pressed on my bladder and was quite uncomfortable. On my next period, things got better, I even put it on and went to work. Now, I’m very used to it and very pleased. I haven’t even cut the stem off. I hardly feel it. I would definitely suggest you to go ahead and try it.
However, I feel obligated to tell you the downsides.
1. I still don’t use it during bedtime (I don’t need to afterall, never bleed during the nite, just wake up in the morning go to the loo and everything comes out then) and
2. unlike what most people say, IT IS quite messy. My fingers always get really… bloody! I always spill some blood on the way out! You defnititely need to have the sink right next to you and not having to step out of the cubicle like “valb” had to!
but don’t let this disappoint you. give it some time. I might even learn not to get so messy eventually!
good luck
Katerina
139 Alison // 16th Feb 2007 at 10:26 pm
I think I’m the only person who has kept the stem! It’s rather reassuring as I’ve found it does seem to migrate upwards. Helps me to find my way, especially as I have fat fingers and removal can sometimes seem like a self fisting session :S
Insertion isn’t a problem at all for me and it’s comfortable and clean and feels like my little secret (and I do get a bit of a kick from checking out what it all looks like – the change from beginning of the month to end without being splattered on a pad is astonishing). It is also quite fabby being able to sleep naked during old jimjams week.
I do still have some problems getting out, oddly because when it’s inserted it’s folded and of course when I squeeze to release the seal and pull it’s still pretty open. It pulls at the skin around the opening and can be pretty damn sore but this is getting less so the more I’m using it.
Very stream of consciousness review I’m afraid but that’s my honest thoughts :)
140 JJ // 6th Mar 2007 at 11:03 am
Hi
Just got my mooncup and learning to use it. It seems to go in ok and removing it isn’t too difficult either but it seems to leak all the time, even when it’s not full.
Also I am finding it really messy.
What am I doing wrong?????
Thanks in advance for help!!
141 Kate // 6th Mar 2007 at 5:29 pm
Well i said back in feb that i was thinking about getting a mooncup. I just bought one, and to be honest it looks a bit scary. I struggle with tampons so starting to think this wasn’t a good idea. Oh well lets hope for the best.
Kate
142 Pewari // 9th Mar 2007 at 2:55 pm
JJ: for the messiness it really *is* just practise – I know that sounds a bit of a copout, but it does soon become quite manageable.
The leaking, however, suggests to me that the seal isn’t quite right. Are you giving it a little turn after insertion to make sure that it’s fitting snugly? That can make a big difference, I found. Also, it doesn’t need to be full to the top to leak, just reach the little row of holes a little way down from the rim.
Kate: It does look a bit scary, but it isn’t when you get used to it, promise :) Try to relax (easier said than done, I know!) Maybe wait for an evening in the bath when you have plenty of time and a glass of wine at your side and have a practise!
143 JJ // 13th Mar 2007 at 11:05 am
Hi Pewari
Thanks for answering. I have a question – should I wear the mooncup over my cervix – ie forming the seal around the cervix itself (Like a diaphragm)? Or is it supposed to be attached/sealed to the vaginal walls? Maybe if I understood where to wear it I may be able to use it properly.
Thanks again
144 valb // 13th Mar 2007 at 1:39 pm
Hi JJ, ’scuse my stepping in here! I’ve been using the Mooncup for a few years now, and what suits me is to wear it quite high up (as you say, like a diaphragm). As long as you sweep your finger around the outside of the cup once it’s inserted, and you CAN’T feel your cervix, then you should be OK. That’s what works for me, anyway, although I know Mooncup themselves say it should be just inside the entrance to your vagina.
To be honest, it tends to find it’s own level once it’s in there anyway, and I know when mine is full cos it starts a bit of a downward descent! (Note to self – resume pelvic floor exercises!)
Good luck, and persevere – it’s really worth the effort!
145 Pewari // 13th Mar 2007 at 2:10 pm
Yay, valb to the rescue :) I’m glad you’re here, valb – it’s been a while since I used mine (am now using the Mirena so no longer menstruate) and I forget these little details!
JJ – what valb said :)
146 Tara // 14th Mar 2007 at 4:38 pm
Just had the irresistable urge to share how wonderful mooncups are and thought an anonymous post might save me being inappropriate face to face! This is my first period with the mooncup and I LOVE IT! I never really thought the idea was gross, I think Tampons are more gross. I feel cleaner, confident I won’t leak and happier about the environmental and health implications. I don’t find them hard to remove or insert -although they do look pretty alarming when you get them and I wouldn’t recommend them to really young girls just starting out. I can’t understand why everyone over 18ish isn’t using them.
147 JJ // 14th Mar 2007 at 7:58 pm
Thanks valb and Pewari – the advice is great! And so is the mooncup! Only used it for one cycle and I know I already love it despite the teething problems! I am sure I will get the hang of it.
Thanks again!
148 Meg // 23rd Mar 2007 at 11:34 pm
Hi, hope you don’t mind me chiming in here – this topic has been going for ages, but there were some really helpful tips, so I wanted to say thank you.
I’m trying my new Mooncup for the first time (both it and my period arrived today, so that worked out well!) and thanks to the good advice here I’ve managed the first removal without any pain, though admittedly a fair bit of fiddling to get it out. I think it’ll take a little while to adjust to, but as a very new user, I’m really pleased with it, and I think I’ll be recommending it to friends and family. It’s also interesting to note that I don’t seem to be having much pain. My periods have always been very painful, so I’ll be monitoring that with a lot of interest over the next day or so – any chance to not have to take Anadin Ultra every 4 hours is worth jumping up and down about.
Thanks again for keeping such an informative topic going :)
149 Pewari // 27th Mar 2007 at 6:16 am
Thank you for your comments Tara, JJ and Meg! I’m glad you found the entry useful. Have to say, it’s mostly because of the excellent helpful comments others have left rather than the original post :)
150 abskii // 27th Mar 2007 at 10:56 pm
Hi, I’ve been reading the comments with interest.
I’ve just started using my mooncup today, and so far the jury is still out (but I have my fingers crossed!). I’m having a bit of difficulty removing it – I do feel a bit of a ‘plunger’ effect, until it gets lower down – but hoping that will ease with practice.
Alas, I have some questions (sorry if they’ve been asked and answered before!)
1)This is a rather embarassing comment/question – is/was anyone here concerned about the cup moving when you strain to…uh…’evacuate’??
2)When I’ve used tampons, no matter how high up I’ve managed to get them, I still got a vague sensation of something there (but not in an uncomfortable way). I’ve been getting that too with the mooncup (although it does make me flex a pelvoc floor muscles – a good thing, right? :p ). Is that meant to happen?
Pewari, you surely rock!
151 Pewari // 28th Mar 2007 at 7:22 pm
Hi abskii! You’re doing great! Remember, it *does* take a good three cycles to get fully to grips with it, the mooncup is a fairly steep learning curve to start with. Sounds like you’ve made a good start though.
1) yes, I worried every time, but although I could feel it shift slightly at the same time, it would always move back afterwards. One of those unfounded fears I think.
If it makes you uncomfortable you could use that moment to remove the mooncup before you start, empty and give a good rinse and reinsert after the event. Obviously, best to do this at home rather than in a cubicle so you can wash your hands well for hygiene reasons.
You do get used to it :)
2) I tended to find that if I could feel it, it meant that it wasn’t in the correct position. HOWEVER, I’m guessing if you’re aware of tampons even in the right position, then I’m guessing that’s normal for you and as long as it’s not uncomfortable or annoying, then I wouldn’t worry about it. Perhaps another commenter has a similar experience they can share?
Glad you found the info useful!
152 abskii // 28th Mar 2007 at 8:31 pm
Thanks Pewari.
Trimming the stem has helped, I can’t feel it as much and I seem to have (already) developed my own removal method, so I’m already quite pleased. (yay for pelvic floor muscles!)
I’m curious to know if anyone has noticed a difference in pain levels??? This period seems particularly painful, so I don’t know if it’s because I was late, because of the mooncup, or coincidence.
But I must admit there has been less blood in the cup each time I empty than I thought there would be!
:)
153 Pewari // 28th Mar 2007 at 8:34 pm
I found that my pain was actually substantially *reduced* with the mooncup in comparison to tampons.
However, I do think your experience of pain is radically altered by how tense you are… so in the early days when you’re still not quite used to it, it’s certainly possible that you might feel more?
154 Kebby // 29th Mar 2007 at 1:11 pm
Hi everyone. I’ve just sat and read all 153 posts in my lunchbreak and its wonderful to see so many girlies, worldwide (I’m in England), using the Mooncup (or LunarMug as I call it when using code!). Its amazing how many years this post has been running for.
My friend bought me one last May for my birthday (best present ever?!). I have no trouble getting it in and it’s never leaked, however, I still struggle to get it out comfortably. Still, its worth a little discomfort for all the good its doing me and the environment. I must admit, I’ve found the Mooncup help on the official website really good when I have emailed with a query – I suppose it depends on who is on email-duty at the time.
So, I just wanted to drop in and say keep perservering and keep spreading the word.
Kx
PS, those with heavy bleeding, pains and fibroids, have you tried homeopathy? Its worked wonders for me in the past.
155 abskii // 2nd Apr 2007 at 8:28 pm
Well, my first cycle with the mooncup done, and I am pleasantly surprised. With the first two days flow always being a bit heavier, I was not concerned at leaking a little in the morning after an 8 hour sleep.
One other positioning-related leak besides, I didn’t have any problems – seems to have clicked already. And the ‘has it stopped or has it not’ phase at the end of my period was made comfier, with the rubbing ‘just in case’ pad now being redundant! (bliss!)
I’ve recommended it to somone already. :)
156 Apsara // 3rd Apr 2007 at 1:03 pm
I want to say thank you very much to Pewari and others for this review and comments. I started using my Mooncup yesterday, and although I found it easy to insert, removal is so far quite a different story! All the comments regarding the “plunger effect” etc were extremely helpful. Hopefully I’ll get the hang of it over the next few days.
Just a couple of other things I wanted to mention- I live in Japan but ordered from the UK site and it arrived in only 4 days with no additional shipping cost- even if you are not in the UK it’s no problem to order it from their site.
I am 32 but have never given birth and thought for quite a while about which size to get, but eventually decided on the smaller one, even though they recommend the bigger size for anyone over 30. The reason for my decision is that as a yoga teacher and practitioner I have to engage my pelvic floor muscles during practice for an hour a day or more- we use this movement to bring stability to the yoga poses- so I presume those muscles are quite strong in my case.
So far no slippage or leaking at all so I think I’ve made the right decision.
Thanks again for all the great info everyone!
157 georgie // 13th May 2007 at 6:47 pm
Thank you very much for such a detailed and reasuring review. I’ve been um’in and r’ing for months on whether to get one as i’m quite squeemish when it comes to blood, but i can handle it normally. All the research i have done on this product has stated that its no worse(blood wise) than normal tampons. I’ve started my period today and have yet to buy one but i will buy one when i next get paid and practice before i start my period so i’m used to it before i really need it(this is perfectly fine to do, i found this out when doing my research).
Again thanks for reasuring me that its a well worth buy. My main concern is the environment at the moment and i’m pleased that so many women are realising their responsibily to look after the environment and the UK’s beaches.
158 Clare // 25th May 2007 at 4:43 pm
Hello :-)
I haven’t actually bought a mooncup yet as I only very recently found out they existed! I started reading about them and it’s only been tolday, reading this website, that I have really started to consider buying one!
I just have one question though.. I am not worried about the blood or putting anything ‘up there’! This doesn’t phase me in the least. BUT I am quite apprehensive about the potential pain factor – ie Pewari, what you say about the suction/plunger/removal aspect. This fills me with utter dread!!!
So you and others have tried to explain that a person could try ‘bearing down’ when removing the mooncup. I feel like this is a stupid question but I am not totally sure I know what this expression ‘bearing down’ means :-(
I don’t know if it’s something that can be explained any clearer.. or is it best if I just have a go and see how I get on – perhaps it is intuitive?
If I get one I will definitely come back to this site and say how I get on :-)
Thanks.
159 Hilary // 27th May 2007 at 1:39 pm
Hi there
Thanks for such a useful site!! I’m a bit late with this Mooncup thing it would appear, however I could do with some encouragement/advice.
I just started using mine on Friday and day 1 seemed ok. Day 2 however was a bit of a nightmare (heaviest bleed day). It just seems to keep leaking. I’ve read all the millions of comments and have tried putting it in low/high/higher still. It seems to be sealed as I can hear the vaccuum when it releases and I have turned it and squeezed it etc when putting it in yet I still seem to be leaking after only an hour or so, max a couple of hours. Yet when I take it out there is only about 7.5ml there. I realise it might take me a bit to get used to it but I am a bit despondant as so far it is not much better than tampons and I still have to wear a dreaded liner. Maybe I am expecting too much.
Lots of thanks for any advice.
Cheers
Hilary
160 abskii // 27th May 2007 at 9:22 pm
clare> ‘Bearing down’ as in like when you do a number2. if you try putting it in with the full stem (best to practice when not on period, and with a touch of lubricant/water), try the ‘bearing down’ and feel how it moves slightly. What I do is do that and hold it, then again, so it kinda edges down into a better position to break the seal.
It’s not the best feeling in the world, but quite momentary – and think of the discomfort of a rubbing pad on a hot day…..ew.
161 JJ // 28th May 2007 at 7:35 am
Argh!!!! Mooncup wonderful for light days at the end of my period – wonderful, hassle free, great for the beach bla bla bla!! But when I use it on the the first 2 or 3 days (heavy bleeds but normal/heavy) it simply leakes – I have tried everything, twisting, higher, lower. I have read articles online, asked friends, but nothing, all it does it leak – and I dont mean drip, I mean leak!
Please can someone help – I am slowly reverting back to tamplons, at least I know where I am with them!
162 Valb // 28th May 2007 at 11:26 am
JJ and Clare, I know this is a stupid question, but are you using the right sized Mooncup? I bleed pretty heavily on my second day and can fill the cup in two hours, but I’ve never had a problem with it leaking when it’s inserted properly. Are you both using the larger size?
163 Hilary // 28th May 2007 at 12:12 pm
I am using a size A being over 30 (just!!) and having had 2 kids.
I have faired slightly better since I posted. Yesterday it worked really well (day3) and it did not seem to leak at all (except on getting up this morning but I think that is expected really)and today things are going well. Having read all the posts on positioning I have tried to put it as far as it will go and turning it this way and that and that has seemed to work. I’ll see how I get on next month on day 2.
I love the idea and do not want to give up on it.
164 Valb // 28th May 2007 at 9:55 pm
Hilary (sorry, I meant you and JJ in my previous post!), glad you’re getting on a little better with it. I had a problem with it when I first started using it because it kept getting caught to one side of my cervix when it opened, which is why I always use the “finger sweeping” method now when I’ve inserted it, to make sure everything is tucked in, so to speak! Also, nothing to do with leaking, but I never use the C fold these days since I discovered the punchdown method – it’s much smoother and more comfortable to insert like this, and I wondered if many other people used it?
165 e // 1st Jun 2007 at 4:57 am
Have had mine for 5 months now, and it definitely still leaks. I had to remove all the stem as it rubbed horribly. I have to get up at night at least twice to empty it on days 2 and 3, and usually have to to empty it at least every 2 hours for the first three days. On the plus side, at least I’m not using quite so many sanitary towels as I was (used to have to change them hourly, now only about three-four times a day. I never thought I had particularly heavy bleeding, as they’ve always been like this (so nothing to compare it with), but I’ve been proved wrong by this.
166 Valb // 1st Jun 2007 at 9:51 am
e, it sounds like you have horrendously heavy periods. Have you been investigated by your doctor? If nothing else, you sound at risk of becoming anaemic, not to mention the sheer inconvenience you must go through every month. Sorry the Mooncup isn’t working particularly well for you. Hope you manage to get something sorted out soon – there are various treatments around which may be able to help you.
167 Kate // 1st Jun 2007 at 7:06 pm
JJ and Hilary i know how you feel. I use the push down method and i’ve tried twisting and finger sweeping and it still leaks. I have a really light flow anyway which i guess i’m lucky for but i still find with the mooncup i’m having to use a liner. I’ve had it a few months now and i must admit half the time i still use tampons because i can’t be sure it’s not going to leak everywhere. If you work out some cleaver way to stop it please let me know. I don’t want to stop using it but it’s becoming a bit of a pain. Thanks.
168 Pewari // 9th Jun 2007 at 4:00 pm
Hello all again.
I’ve had my mirena removed and am now having my first period in 4 years, so I’m back in the land of the mooncups!
AND I’m having leakage problems. So reread all the comments again!!
Having read it all, I am wondering if the advice changed about the positioning of the mooncup. I’m almost certain now reading these comments that the advice I followed to start with was to get it in as far as possible towards the cervix. Yet the new mooncup I bought (I’ve wanted a spare for a while) definitely says that it’s sited much lower down in the manual and this is what I read up before starting to reuse.
So it seems to me that maybe the problems with leaks for many people might be the new positioning guidelines? Will experiment next change and see if I get a better seal…
169 shirl // 21st Jun 2007 at 3:42 pm
I bought my first mooncup from bodykind when I was on my last period, but I had to wait until this period to give it a go – it didn’t arrive until I’d finished. I was looking forward to using it as I had read loads of reviews that were really possitive.
I have been using it now for about 2 days and I have had about 2 or 3 leaking problems. My pelvic floor is fine – I’m in a wheelchair, but I regularly exercise. The suction is fine – I hear it go in and when I take it out. The position – well it won’t go any further up and it is just sitting on the other side of my muscle wall by the opening as in the diagram. The size is right as I have had 3 natural births and I am using the A size cup. The holes are clean – I make sure of that. The stem – I’ve trimmed it now about 3 times removing a little at a time. It could be that as I can still slightly feel it, but why should that make a difference?
So what’s the problem?
What I can’t understand though, is why does it say on the mooncup website that the cup holds 30mls? The top measurement line is 15mls and that is before the holes. So if it holds 30mls then that should mean that you can fill it, doesn’t it? Even upto the holes without leaks. If I’m not mistaken blood is too thick to go through such small holes. The holes are to help with the suction only, aren’t they?
The stem is for easy removal, if you require it, but if not then that’s fine to – I read and re-read the booklet and checked out loads of websites (can’t you tell lol!)
Also I have found 5 different folding techniques –
The C fold, which is the one on the website and the booklet.
The 7 fold,
The labial fold,
The origami fold
And the punch down fold, which is also in the booklet along with the C fold.
I just typed in folding techniques into Google and there they were.
I hope this helps others and I hope that maybe someone can help me with my leak problems. I would hate to have to give the mooncup up and go back to tampons and towels again. I’ve just started to get my life back!
170 shirl // 21st Jun 2007 at 3:55 pm
Silly me
I’ve just been back to the mooncup website and found this comment (I hope it’s alright to post this, but here goes) –
“You need to check that the whole of the stem is fully inside you. If there is any sticking out this will make it leak as you move”.
I wonder if this is MY problem then! I’d better check hadn’t I? I will get back in touch and let you know how I’m getting on
Good luck everyone with your mooncup and don’t worry about them, they’re brilliant. I was unsure at first for the exact same reasons as everyone else. But what made me decide was the money and the environment. Plus I benifit in the end and that is what really matters.
171 Valb // 21st Jun 2007 at 10:58 pm
Shirl, I think the best thing is to just get rid of the stem altogether – I cut mine off flush with the bottom of the cup, and can still get it out with no problems, it just needs a little squeeze at the base of the cup. This also helps to break the seal for painless removal without the suction effect!
I hope you find a way around your leakage problem – good luck, and let us know how you get on next month!
172 Pewari // 22nd Jun 2007 at 7:19 am
Hi Shirl! The other thing I can think of is to check the mooncup is opening up inside you properly – I found that the C fold was the best for popping open without getting “stuck” (not the easiest to insert though, unfortunately) and then make sure I give it a really good turn once inside and I still have hold of the base, just to make sure the seal is good.
It *does* take practise unfortunately, do give it a go at least next month. It will get easier, promise :)
173 Shirl // 22nd Jun 2007 at 2:47 pm
Hi
Thank you for the info
I have virtually removed all of the stem that I can see and I was using the C fold, but have now reverted to using the 7 fold.
I have had 1 or 2 problems with leaking with the 7 fold so far. Last night I leaked once and this morning no leaks, so hopefully it’s working. Yesterday I also had a leak after reverting to the 7 fold, but only once while up and around.
I have found that with the 7 fold I can get it in a little bit further before releasing it unlike with the C fold that pops open before I have it properly in place.
I can also now use my muscles to help it as well – tried it before, but with no luck.
I find that if I place it in, move it around a bit until I feel really comfortable, release it, pull on it a bit with my fingers and pull with my muscles, it seems to work.
Well I can only hope it works for me this time
Thanks again for all the help
I hope that this bit of info can be of some help to somebody else as well.
174 Hilary // 25th Jul 2007 at 8:35 pm
Hi again
Month 3 with the mooncup and feel like I’m back to the beginning all over again.
I have been leaking all the time today on day one. I seemed to have it sussed last month and only had a little leakage on day 2. I’m so fed up with it tonight as I haven’t gone longer than half an hour without leaking!
I so want it to work and it so isn’t! I just don’t know where I am going wrong.
Any advice welcome.
Hilary
175 Shirl // 27th Jul 2007 at 4:17 am
Hi all
I contacted the mooncup website concerning my problems and I have received the smaller B size mooncup free of charge. I tried it out last period and I have had very little problems with it at all – 2 small leaks.
It would appear that the A size cup was too big for me. I could feel it slightly and now with the B size I can’t.
I did wonder though if the larger size meant that it couldn’t open up properly and if that could have been the reason why I experienced the bad leakage like I did. If so then hopefully problem solved.
I have also been in touch with the nurse from the website, as she wanted to know how I got on with the smaller size. I have asked her about the problem Hilary is experiencing and as soon as I hear anything I will let you know – unless you hear something first from someone on here.
Automated response says that the nurse is out of the office until the 7th August, so I’m affraid I won’t be able to report back until around that date, sorry.
Have you tried a different fold? I have listed a few in one of my previous comments from the website – http://community.livejournal.com/menstrual_cups/453392.html?nc=58
Have you removed all of the stem? Is it it any way sticking out?
Is it being inserted in far enough? Or maybe too far?
Are the little holes clear around the rim?
I’m sorry to ask, but these are the only things that I can think of at the moment that can maybe cause the problems.
I’m no expert, I have just read and asked these things myself
I hope they are of some help to you though
Shirl
176 Hilary // 27th Jul 2007 at 12:36 pm
Hi Shirl
Thanks for your help. In answer to your questions,stem completely off as of about 10 mins after I got it! I have tried it positioned in every way – up high, down low, aiming for my back, aiming straight up, holes clear but cleared again just in case! I’ve pratically been standing on my head at points! I can’t feel it at all. I’ve tried the c fold and the 7 fold. It does not appear to make much difference I don’t think, although I think I prefer the c fold. I don’t think it has been getting a good seal this time though as it has been a bit ‘noisy’ when going to the loo (if you know what I mean). Almost like it is just floating about although i have turned it and felt it open up.
However, from yesterday lunchtime no leaks. I haven’t put it in any differently but my flow is less heavy. I tend to get quite a lot of clotting and very heavy flow for the first 24/36 hours. Do you think that would make a difference? I really don’t think it is a positioning thing as last month I seemed to have it sussed and this month I’m pretty sure I started putting it in just as I had it last month and it just leaked.
It is incredibly frustrating and I think the whole household is suffering! My 2 year old daughter told Granny yesterday that “Mummy has her mooncup in”!!!
Many thanks again for help
Hilary
177 Shirl // 27th Jul 2007 at 4:04 pm
Well it would seem that you have tried many a different thing to fix the problem.
Just wondering, you mentioned about it floating around and not getting a good seal. This would be one good reason for the leaks. I do know that either if it doesn’t open up properly (like with me) or it doesn’t get a good seal it will leak. I have read that doing pelvic floor exercises will work for this problem and a good seal should then occur next time. Perhaps during your heaviest days you are fully opened internaly and maybe the pelvic floor exercises will help to close them up better for a better seal.
I used to wear the A size cup, as I have had 3 children, but my youngest daughter is now 15. I had problems after problems with it until I found out that it was too big. I could feel it and I don’t think it was opening up fully. Plus I couldn’t get it in place properly and I couldn’t even turn it at all. I then contacted mooncup and was told that they would send me the B size free of charge. After receiving it though I had to wait until last week to try it out, but it has worked for me this time. I was told that because the B cup is slightly smaller than the A cup I may need to visit the loo a bit more often. I to flood badly and clot badly for my 2nd and 3rd days, but I haven’t yet come across a problem with this new cup.
I hope things do manage to sort themselves out soon. Good luck for next month
Shirl
178 Shirl // 8th Aug 2007 at 8:32 pm
Hi Hilary
I don’t know how you’ve been getting on with your mooncup lately, but I have had a response from the nurse on the mooncup website. She says that she would like you to get in touch with her.
Her e-mail to me reads – “No, mostly women do not suddenly develop leaks, there must be a reason for this-she should get in contact with me!”
Her details are – Cathy Marchand R.G.N. MSc
Nurse Advisor & Research Officer
Tel (+44) 01273 355022
http://www.mooncup.co.uk
If you’re still having problems I should think you may be best to contact her. She is a very nice lady. I have conntacted her a few times and even with all the other e-mails she still remembers me
Anyway, good luck
Shirl
179 Hilary // 26th Aug 2007 at 7:12 pm
Hi Shirl
Thanks for your help. I finally spoke to Cathy last week and she advised that I use my pelvic floor muscles when putting in the cup to get it into position. She also suggested that perhaps because the stem had been trimmed that the cup was not balancing correctly. I’m not sure about that as other folk have completely removed the stem and have not had issues of leaking as far as I am aware.
Anyway, I am on again and again have had mixed success although I think slightly better than last month. Still leaking a bit but not as much and I have at least had 2 full cups! So I think it is my technique at fault. I don’t have pelvic floor issues in general so did not think they were in too bad a state!!
I’ll keep at it though.
Thanks again
Hilary
180 Pewari // 1st Sep 2007 at 2:28 pm
I’ve done better this month – it’s taken me 4 months to get the hang of it this time around – was going to give up (have been camping the last two months when I had my period and didn’t fancy messing with a mooncup in public loos), but used tampons last month and HATED them. Were so messy and cramps were far worse. So this month perservered with the mooncup despite being on a campsite…
… AND it was much easier. Like you, Hilary, I’ve been concentrating on using pelvic floor muscles to position and I’ve been much more successful.
I do wonder if it was my pelvic floor that had weakened (although I hadn’t noticed it at the time) as pre-second child I was getting on fine and this time around it’s taken a lot of pelvic floor exercises to get back to feeling comfortable with it again.
181 Marg // 4th Oct 2007 at 8:54 am
Hi everyone,
I stumbled accross the mooncup somehow about 6 weeks ago and ordered one. Just trying it for the first time now – haven’t read all 180 odd posts, but this one is from the view point of someone who is not sexually active *gasp*, when I first received it I am like, ‘ that is NEVER going to fit inside me’ but, lo and behold, a bit of practice and I get it in no problem, coming out is still a little bit ouchy, but am getting the hang of it. Wore a tampon today because I wasn’t sure whether I would be in an environment to have time to mess around with getting it out – hated it – have been aware I am using a tampon all day long – that dry feeling.
So far, so good.
182 Becky // 9th Oct 2007 at 3:35 pm
Hey Pewari and everyone,
Great to find this, I’ve been using my mooncup for about a year and am a solid convert.
Too issues to raise with others
1) I find that if I need to have a poo, I have to take out the mooncup first as otherwise I can’t do it!!
2) More seriously, I have a health issue where m cervix has cell types that are quite delicate and bleed easily (its called cervical ectroprion, means that cells from inside your cervix grow outside it and are more prone to bleed, can be caused by the Pill), and this seems to cause occasional post-coital bleeding. I am wondering if using a mooncup is a good idea if my cervix is sensitive like this? I don’t think it goes up that far.
Went to my doctor today to ask her opinion and she had never even heard of menstrual cups!
Not sure who to ask….
I hope I can keep using them!
Becky
183 Shirl // 9th Oct 2007 at 8:00 pm
Hi Becky
Nice to hear you’ve been using the cup for about a year, but sorry to hear about the problems
I have added previous about the mooncup website – #178 – and they have a nurse on there that can give you any advise you need. Her name is – Cathy Marchand R.G.N. MSc
Nurse Advisor & Research Officer. You can e-mail her direct at advice@mooncup.co.uk. She is wonderful and very easy to talk to about any queries you have or problems that you may be encountering
I hope that you manage to sort out your problems
Shirl
184 Dragonstar // 23rd Oct 2007 at 5:32 pm
Fascinating! I’m past the need for this myself, but I could really have done with it in the past.
I intend to tell my daughters all about it.
Many thanks.
185 Natalie // 13th Nov 2007 at 3:44 pm
Thanks Pewari, for starting this, and to everyone who’s helped to maintain such a coherent and useful thread. I have just read the entire thing!
I decided last year to get a Mooncup, but only worked my courage up last month. Unfortunately around the same time I had a really traumatic experience involving a tampon that ‘vanished’ and a really insensitive doctor. Now I am really nervous about inserting the Mooncup, not to mind removing it! If I get so tense with a tampon, how will I manage something that has to be folded several times before it will even fit in…?
I’ve already let one period go by without trying, but I know I will hate myself if I don’t at least attempt to use it next time. All I can say is that simply reading these messages has given me huge amounts of motivation and support, and I know that if I have questions someone will help me.
Thanks girls.
Natalie
186 Shirl // 13th Nov 2007 at 8:35 pm
Hi Natalie
It isn’t actually necessary to fold it several times. You only need to fold it once or twice. There are 5 different types of fold – the ‘7′ fold, the ‘C’ fold, the ‘Labial’ fold, the ‘Origami’ fold and the ‘Punch down’ fold.
The ‘7′ fold is the cup flattened and then one end folded over on an angle
The ‘C’ fold is basically the cup flattened and then folded in half.
The ‘Labial’ fold is the cup pinched in one place then that bit pushed in and the edges folded over to hold in place
The ‘Origami’ fold is one area pushed in and then one end folded over
The ‘Punch down’ is one area pushed in and down and then the edges squeezed together
They aren’t as easy to explain, as they are to see and do and I hope that my explanation has helps somewhat. But I would advise that you practice the folds to see which suits you best.
I find that if I just fold it in the ‘7′ fold or the ‘C’ fold then it’s fine for me.
Plus it only sits just inside of you and the suction keeps it in place so there is no way you will loose it. You can place your fingers just inside and touch the base of it. It will not and can not go in any further than that
Removing it is just as easy. You just basically pinch the base of it and you will hear the suction release. Then just pull it out, empty it, clean it (I always have a clean tub of sterilised water on hand) and re-insert it.
It’s easy, trust me.
Once you’ve tried it, you will after that, wonder why you felt the way you do now.
You can always try it out while you are not on a period just to get yourself comfortable with it and used to wearing/using it. Or you can use it towards the end of your period when you’re not as heavy.
You can do this with the cup because it doesn’t dry you out and there is no risk of ‘toxic shock’
I hope that all goes well for you
Shirl
187 Natalie // 16th Nov 2007 at 2:34 pm
Thanks Shirl!
I’ll let you know how I get on.
Natalie
188 abskii // 28th Nov 2007 at 6:34 am
URGENT!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is the only place i know that can help. I have a problem. a big one. This morning the hotel was woken with my italain football fan-esque ”Noooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” because, yes, I dropped my mooncup.
It rolled.
It went splash.
Yes, it was languishing in the bottom of the *toilet*.
I have no spare, so I need to sterilise it.
Problem being that:
*I am in Gujrat, India. No chemist seems to know what sterillising fluid is. (I pray i will never need an operation)
*My hotels and my mutual language barrier will not allow ”hi I need to borrow your kitchen and a saucepan to boil a feminine hygeine item for an hour. stop sniggering at me”
*Blatantly unable to buy a replacement.
Unless i can find the sterilising fluid to soak t several times over, IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I CAN DO ?????
I did thing of rinsing it with water and bar soap and then rubbing it several times with hand sanitiser. That is currently my only option. :(
Please help, and fast. I’m bleeding like a stuck pig and using a pad feels too weird and too messy. And is inconvenient.
Please help…….*whimper*
189 Pewari // 28th Nov 2007 at 8:16 am
OH NO :(
Personally, I wouldn’t use loads of soap and hand sanitizer, simply because the times I let soap anywhere near it I got dreadful thrush after the next time I used the mooncup. But obviously, if it’s the only option, it’s much better than nothing. If you do though, make sure you rinse really really really REALLY well.
Would the language barrier allow you to buy alternative feminine hygene products until you can either a) buy a replacement mooncup and get it delivered or b) return and replace when you get home?
Do the Chemists recognise the brand “Milton”? I’m not sure if that’s an international brand or not. It may come as sterilizing tablets rather than fluid – you just dissolve it in water instead. Check around the baby bottles and formula aisles – as that’s where it generally lives in supermarkets here. Perhaps if any of my readers live in India they can advise of a suitable brand name.
Good luck :(
190 Jo // 28th Nov 2007 at 9:36 am
Oh no – nightmare situation!
I would say that salt water would do the trick. I also know that in India many of the chemist shops sell ayurvedic remedies etc which could help – you can also ask them for dettol which they use.
Poor you.
By the way – I STILL leak when I use the mooncup – love it but cant trust it (I am a high school teacher and I have had an embarrasing incident recently….)
I use tampons on my heavy days.
Any advice?
191 Pewari // 28th Nov 2007 at 9:46 am
Hi Jo, I’m not sure if you’ve tried these already but this is what helped me when I had problems with leaking (most noticeably, after my second child – it has taken me about 5 months of use to get used to it all again).
1) are you using the largest size mooncup? There are two sizes: one for use if you’ve had a vaginal birth or had a c-section and over 30, the other for if you haven’t given birth or had a c-section and are under 30. If you’re having leaks with the smaller one, it may be that you need the larger size.
2) how are your pelvic floor muscles? I found mine were really weak after the second child so do pelvic floor exercises regularly and that seems to have tightened things up a bit more! I also do some of the exercises just after inserting the mooncup, and I’m sure that helps move it into place as well.
3) are you sure that the cup is opening up fully? It’s worth running a finger round to check that the side isn’t depressed still, and I find giving the cup a half turn once inside helps it to fully open. Also, which fold you use can have an impact on how well it opens, so it’s worth trying different ones to see if you can get a better seal.
4) the mooncup site says you should place it low in the vagina to prevent leaks. But me and several others have found the reverse, that the seal is better if you aim it as high towards the cervix as you can get it. Experiment with both ways and see which one gives you the better seal.
5) on my heaviest days I do wear a pant liner as well, just in case and I tend to check about half hour after insertion that I have no leaks and readjust if necessary. The need to readjust is becoming less frequent now, fortunately.
Hope that helps.
192 e // 29th Nov 2007 at 1:50 pm
God poor you- what a predicament!
There are lots of mothers bottle feeding in India, so they must have Milton or some other kind of baby sterilising fluid. Failing that, how bout using your water purifying tablets, which are basically neat chlorine and should kill everything!
Erm, rags?
What do Indian ladies use?
193 Jo // 29th Nov 2007 at 6:11 pm
Hi Pewari – thanks for taking the time to reply. I have the larger size as I am over 30 (but childless..) I sometimes think it’s actually a little large for me.. I don’t know.
Anyway – sometimes it works and when it does it’s a dream! But most times it just leaks like mad and as I am a school teacher (I already had one accident infront of my 6 formers!) I can’t afford mistakes.. at least I know where I am with a super plus tampax!
I will try your tips though and get back to you.
Lots of love
PS When I was last in India I saw tampons and pads on sale in the main cities…. I dont know about the smaller villages though.
194 shirl // 29th Nov 2007 at 6:59 pm
Hello Jo
I used to use the large size cup because of my age and because I have had 3 children. I too had quite a few leaks, but I changed to the smaller cup and since then I haven’t had any problems at all.
If the cup feels uncomfortable or even too big you can try the smaller one and see how you go.
I told mooncup website about my problems and they sent me one out free of charge. This is because they feel responsible if they have in any way mislead you. They say that if they recommend you to use the large size, due to age etc, and it isn’t right for you, then you are entitled to either a refund or a new cup for free.
I would highly recommend you let them know about your problems. They are very easy to speak to and very helpful.
Anyone else that is still unsure about the mooncup for any reason. I would highly recommend it.
Trust me please
I am 38 years old and I have spent most of my periods (since about the age of 11) using tampons and towels with nothing but problems and pain. I have only just started to use the cup after a while of pondering over all the things that you also question. Then I finally decided that enough was enough. I’d had enough of every month it was nothing but problems, so I just jumped straight in and got one. I haven’t looked back since.
If nothing else, you can just get one and try it and see how you go. If you still aren’t sure about it, then you can always go back knowing that you won’t ever have to wonder about it any more. You may even decided further down the line to try it out again and find that you do like it. It just takes a little while to get used to it and then after that it’s a doddle.
195 Isabel // 29th Nov 2007 at 8:05 pm
Hi folks
I’ve been using a mooncup for probably a year or so now. It’s made that time of the month so much easier. I was very greatful to it at the last festival i went to – meant i didn’t have to queue up for filthy portaloos so often! I changed from tampons for environmental reasons, but the ease of use and shed-load of money it’s saving me is a huge bonus. I’d never go back.
196 Natalie // 30th Nov 2007 at 1:27 am
Hi again everyone,
Well, I’ve tried out the mooncup properly now, and feel quite hopeful! For the record, it does sit quite low, I find, and I have only trimmed about half of the stem. No leakages yet. Shirl, thanks for the advice about folding. I have discovered that the C fold does not work for me at all – I use the punchdown fold (or my closest approximation to it). As for the seal, well I personally can’t really manage to insert a finger with the cup, but I do run one around the edge afterwards, and follow the advice on the booklet that tells you to clench or pull up on your vaginal muscles as you insert, and that seems to have worked for me so far, both to position it correctly and to create the seal. Some of the time I haven’t felt it at all when it’s in, and that’s probably when I’ve been most successful. (I’m still only on day 5, I should point out!)
So I have had no disasters so far, but have yet to try removing it in a public loo. I find I have to squat quite low to get it out effectively, so I’m not so sure how easy it’s going to be! So far, if I’ve been going out for long, I’ve cheated and worn a pad or a tampon. But I’ve still used far fewer than I usually would during a period, and am hoping that I will soon wean myself off them completely.
The only consistent problem I’m having is with removal. I have avoided the suction nightmare, but I still find it quite painful, and even though I now know I will get it out eventually, and so am spared that level of panic, I still dread the thought of it every time. It is so big when it’s open and full, and takes so much manoeuvring… (I’ve definitely pinched myself trying to grab hold of it a few times. Slippery!) I wrote to the mooncup people, asking their advice, but no one has replied yet. I think maybe I need to get the smaller size (I’m just about to turn 30, but have had no children and I do a bit of yoga).
Anyway, all in all, a reasonably positive experience once I got the hang of it, and I will definitely explore the size issue to see if that needs to be addressed.
Thanks everyone for all your comments!
Natalie
197 Shirl // 30th Nov 2007 at 11:56 am
Natalie
It does sound like you should be using the smaller cup
As far as the mooncup website is concerned, they may be a bit busy at the moment, but they will definately get back to you as soon as they can. So don’t worry about that
Good luck with the cup and don’t worry about it. It does take a little while to get used to it.
When I was using the larger cup I used it twice and was still having problems. But as soon as the smaller cup landed and I started to use that, I stopped having any problems.
Good luck all
198 Amanda // 3rd Jan 2008 at 12:41 pm
I agree with everyone that the MoonCup is brilliant having used it for two or three months very happily. However, and i don’t mean to panic anyone here but, i’ve just thrown mine away having experienced a prolapse. Obviously i don’t know if my new use of the Mooncup contributed to this in any way – i’m a mother of 2, both heavy babies, and may have been heading for a prolapse anyway. But the prolapse DID happen whilst i was using the Mooncup (a sensation of hey what’s going on here?, don’t recognise this internal geography anymore when i removed the Mooncup) and i hadn’t previously had any problems with my pelvic floor or indeed with using the mooncup and pushing down to remove (no suction problems either). It could be that i could still use a MoonCup – but hey right now i’m not doing anything which involves bearing down rather than pulling or tightening up! Having scanned the previous entries i haven’t seen that anyone else has experienced this problem but have made a note of Mooncups contact details for their nurse and will give Cathy a call…. In the meantime back to the pelvic floor muscle exercises and good luck to everyone else out there! :) Amanda
199 Helen // 19th Jan 2008 at 11:16 pm
I have never used a mooncup and I too have discomfort using tampons; but what concerns me from what i’ve read is the removing part. Can you do damage if you can’t remove if properly and could it cause a prolapse?
200 Shirl // 20th Jan 2008 at 8:23 pm
Hi Helen
The mooncup is made from a very soft silicone, so soft that it folds very easily, but is capable of returning to it’s former shape without a problem. It is thick enough and strong enough to be used time and time again. It is shaped like an upside down bell with a short stem on the end of it, which can be cut to suit the person using it. I myself have completely removed the stem from my cup, as I find this is the most comfortable for me.
When removing the cup I simply squeeze the end of it and it instantly releases it’s hold. I can even hear the suction as it is released. I haven’t had any problem with removing the mooncup. In fact I find it one of the easiest parts of using it.
Everyone will tell you, that at first the thought of using the cup is not very nice. But once you try it out – even if it is just once or twice while in the comfort of your own home – you won’t be sorry you did.
It is a simple basic thing that can really change your life. All you have to do is remember to keep fresh, clean, sterilised water at hand at all times (even while out in a spray bottle or whatever). It is simple to fold and insert, very comfortable to wear and even easier to remove. As long as you feel and hear the suction as it releases itself, then you can’t go wrong.
If you do still have any problems or queries then I always advise contacting the nurse from the mooncup website. She is real easy to talk to and very, very helpful.
201 KcH // 27th Jan 2008 at 5:02 pm
hi,
even though i am ALMOST 13 and have had my periods for a year and wondering whether or not it would be safe for me to use a mooncup.i have done my research and they look good other than 1 person has said that they are somtimes hard to remove.as i am eco friendly as well they look a good idea instad of bulky pads i war to school,it is even worse during sports and geting changed for P.E.i really need someone who knows about this stuff to give there advise please.
KcH
202 Shirl // 27th Jan 2008 at 10:39 pm
Hi KcH
I have just found this on the Mooncup website under the FAQ section and I thought it might be of some help to you…
“Just started menstruating
Hi.
I’ve just heard about your moon cup and it sounds pretty good. I’m wondering if it is recommended for use by a girl who has just started menstruating. Any caveats (this word means warnings) I should know about? My 11 year old daughter is not quite there yet but will be sometime soon and if this is as great as it sounds I would like to recommend it.
Thanks for your response.
Joanne
Dear Joanne
Yes young girls are physically able to use the Mooncup. It is possible to use the Mooncup from the very first period as our bodies are designed to give birth to full size babies at this time. The more confident that your daughter is about her body the easier it will be for her. As with tampons, it will require practice at first. She may like to use a water based lubricant to make insertion easier to begin with. I hope that this helps.
Best Wishes
Cathy”
As for removing the cup, I have said before to others on this site that it isn’t as hard as you might think it is. It is always best to practise, practise, practise with the mooncup while you are at home on the weekends, or even after school, until you are very happy about using it.
You can even take a bottle of water in to the toilets with you and wash it that way until you do get home from school and then wash it properly.
You shouldn’t have any problems with it during P.E or any other sports. You can also read more about this on the mooncup website
Have you looked at the mooncup website? The web address is – http://www.mooncup.co.uk/index.html.
There is also a very nice nurse on there, who is very easy to talk to if you have any really difficult questions.
I think you are a very clever young lady for wanting to use a mooncup. I hope that you find it easy to use and use it for years to come without any problems
Good luck and I hope that I have helped you. If you have any other questions please feel free to ask
Shirl
203 Valb // 28th Jan 2008 at 2:12 am
KcH, I’d just like to add that the fold you use for insertion of the Mooncup is probably particularly important for a first timer – there is a link to a blog entry further up this thread, which shows various ways of folding the Mooncup. I reckon the punchdown fold may be the easiest one for you to start with, and possibly a bit less scary than the C-fold which Mooncup themselves used to advise. I also think that if you haven’t already, it’s best to familiarise yourself with your internal anatomy before you start using the cup – things will be much easier for you if you know where you’re going, where your cervix is, and the best angle to use for insertion, etc.! Best of luck with it – please let us all know how you get on with it.
204 Pewari // 28th Jan 2008 at 2:08 pm
Yet again, all the lovely people on this thread have answered most of the questions before I even got there – thank you all, you’re brilliant!
A side note on the possible prolapse issue, I’ve been to the GP today on just that issue (fortunately, I only have slight sagging, not full prolapse – hopefully perfectly treatable with pelvic floor exercises). She didn’t even blink when I mentioned menstrual cups. She also doesn’t think it was even remotely likely that it had contributed. Now the ventouse delivery I had with Akra Jr…
Remember, the statistics for prolapse in women are actually quite high (I’ve heard as much as 1 in 3 women get some form of prolapse in their lifetime), but not all even notice it until it gets particularly severe or it’s pointed out during (say) a smear test or other examination.
Among the risk factors are pregnancy, traumatic vaginal delivery, large babies, genetics and post menopause. The recommended preventative is to regularly do your pelvic floor exercises – and as you need to be fairly toned for the mooncup to be effective, I’d say we’d HAVE to have better odds…
Plus, in my case, thanks to the mooncup I noticed early on that my internal geography wasn’t quite as it was, and it’s given me an early warning to be a bit more diligent about doing the PFEs.
So don’t forget to squeeze, girls!
205 KcH // 29th Jan 2008 at 8:59 pm
hi again,
thank you,thank you thank you for your advise,iknow what size to get,its just where to purchase one in the UK-any ideas,aslong as it is below 20pound i dont mind.
thanks again
KcH
206 Shirl // 29th Jan 2008 at 9:23 pm
They sell them at any good Boots chemist for ÂŁ19.99 and at – http://www.healthathome.me.uk/index.asp?function=displayproduct&productid=46 for ÂŁ18.99 with free delivery.
I got mine from Bodykind (http://www.bodykind.com/productdetails/RefererxGoogle_mooncup/PartnerIDx6/CatIDx198/ProdIDx806/mooncup-menstrual-cup-1x.htm?gclid=CNTVt4nMrIwCFRWOEgodoCMCSg) and that only cost me then about ÂŁ15 with free delivery. But they now have them for ÂŁ17.95 also with free delivery (as they have a sale on at the moment)
You can simply just type it into Google – or whatever searcher you use – and check out who sells them at what prices. If you use Google they have a shopping section at the top of the page were you can compare prices and you can have the list going from cheapest to dearest to make it easier
Good luck and I hope you manage to find one at a really good price
Shirl
207 Shirl // 29th Jan 2008 at 11:51 pm
Hi KcH
Just something that I forgot to say before…
I am in a wheelchair and I first thought that I would have problems using the mooncup, but I haven’t had any really big problems. The only thing that has been a problem is the odd leak. But when I found out that my cup was the wrong size (too big) I soon sorted that problem out – I got a smaller one free from the mooncup website.
The only thing that I will say, is to make sure you always have a plastic tub or something with sterilised water in, so you can keep the mooncup really, really clean. I use an old baby wipes tub that I keep in the bathroom. Then, everytime I need to sort out my cup I just tip the blood down the toilet, clean it in the tub and then clean the tub out. I even tip the dirty sterilised water down the toilet. I then clean the tub at the sink and re-fill it with sterilised water using tap water and add a quater of a sterilising tablet. You can get the tablets from any supermarket like Tesco or ASDA and they don’t cost very much. I get them for about 60p and they last me ages.
I do sometimes – on my heavy days – still wear a towel, but other than that, I don’t have any problems at all. I have even been able to go out again while on my period, which I couldn’t do before.
Shirl
208 Valb // 30th Jan 2008 at 12:53 pm
Sorry to go against the flow here ladies, but I think there is such a thing as oversterilsing. After all, the vagina is a self-cleaning organ, and there are certain other things that go in there which I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t sterilise first ;-)
Before you all jump on me, yes, I know there is blood involved and yes, of course it should be sterilised at the end of your period, but I think it’s a bit OTT to use sterilised water to wash it while you’re using it. Simple tap water is quite sufficient, and you can even get away with just wiping it out with a tissue if you’re in a cubicle with no easy access to a tap. I’ve been using mine for about 4 years now and never had any problems with infections.
209 Pewari // 30th Jan 2008 at 2:05 pm
Snap Valb – in fact the only time I’ve had a problem with thrush was when I got rather over-enthusiastic cleaning it all out (soap, sterilizing tablets etc…).
I now have 2 mooncups, and boil whichever one I’ve just finished using for 5 minutes at the end of each day. In between times, I just rinse out under the hot tap. Haven’t had any problems with thrush since.
210 Shirl // 30th Jan 2008 at 4:23 pm
I know that I said keeping the cup really, really clean is important and it is. But due to the fact that I am in a wheelchair and I have had numerous problems myself in that department (accidents etc), I supoose I am just over careful were hygeine is concerned.
I could I suppose start to only use the sterilised water for the cup at the end of the day or something, but my main concern is the actual tub that I wash it in really.
My home is constucted in such a way that the sink is at the other side of my wetroom/bathroom, so it isn’t always easy for me to just reach over and sort it out while still sat on the loo. Nor can I transfer to my chair to clean it and then sort myself out while still sat in my chair, I could end up sat in my own blood. This is why I have the tub on the shelf. It sits on the shelf most of the time until I next need to clean the cup and with the risk of flies and other insect lurking around I don’t fancy taking any risks. So sterilised water it is. I know that I could wipe it over in between times, but I find that if I wash it in water I make sure that the holes are clean and no old blood builds up in the rim. While out, I use disabled toilets and wash it in just tap water until I get home again, as the sinks in them toilets are right at hand.
In this day and age I suppose it is always best to be that little bit more careful rather than take the risk and including if we are talking about a young lady of nearly 13 at school. All kinds of problems can arise from public toilets. No one is absosulty sure that the last person in hasn’t got any infections. And children will play and go out with their friends.
I did though only suggest that she use the sterilised water after school or on the weekends, which ever suits her.
I am not in any way suggesting that any one else does it the way that I do, but I will still say that hygiene and keeping yourself and things around you, to do with the mooncup, clean is very important. As I am sure we all agree
Shirl
211 KcH // 30th Jan 2008 at 6:30 pm
thanks for the advise on where to get the mooncups,i will probably get one tomorrow-now i have reasearched all i can i am positive i will get one-thanks again
212 KcH // 1st Feb 2008 at 3:43 pm
hi
finally,i have got one.unfortunatly,i bought one right at the end of my period,so i have to wait another month to test it out,also,is there anything that makes insertion easier.
KcH
213 Shirl // 1st Feb 2008 at 11:48 pm
Actually you don’t have to wait until then to try it out. If you are at the last few days of your period you can still try it out. In fact they say that it is best to do this then
I even tried it out the first time, while I wasn’t on a period. This can be done because it doesn’t dry you out – unlike a tampon.
As far as insertion goes, the leaflet says that “younger women may have difficulty with insertion and are advised to use a little water based lubricant”.
Also finding the best fold to suit you will also help with insertion. You could try using one of the folds that makes it as small as possible.
Don’t worry though, as it will automatically pop back open again once it is in place and then your muscles will hold it in place until you are ready to clean it.
Good luck with the cup and I do hope that it works out for you
Shirl
214 Pinkjil // 8th Feb 2008 at 8:49 pm
Hi All
Thanks firstly for an excellent website and for keeping it going so long!
This may be a silly question but… Can you swim while wearing one? I am concerned that this will end in mess, tears and chlorine where it was never intended!
Have just placed an order through eBay (ÂŁ15) for the larger one (I’m 31 with no kids). Do you think that Mooncup will exchange it if it’s too big, though?
Quite excited (How silly!)!
215 Shirl // 9th Feb 2008 at 12:18 am
It’s not a silly question and no you’re not being silly for being excited either. In fact I was quite excited myself when I ordered mine and I couldn’t wait to use it for the first time. I even went as far as trying it out in-between my periods.
As far as the size matter is concerned, yes they will exchange it, because you are going off their charts. It has nothing to do with where you got it from. But having said that, they don’t exchange anyway, they just send you a new one for free. They did with mine anyway and that is what I was told
The swimming? Well I don’t see why you can’t go swimming with one, but as for the choline that’s a whole different thing. You may be better contacting the nurse on the mooncup website, just to be sure.
ÂŁ15 from E-Bay, that’s brilliant. You did well there
Ha, just been on the mooncup website and found this…
“Sports
I am almost convinced about buying a mooncup however I do a number of aerobics classes during the week. During the week of my period I do sometimes go but often wear a pad as well as a tampon in case of leaks when jumping – would a Mooncup be OK during exercise (including in swimming pool?)
Thank you for your enquiry. The Mooncup is ideal for use whilst doing all sports, including aerobics and swimming. Some women use a pantyliner whilst they are still gaining confidence in the reliabilty of their Mooncup, but before long it will provide you with far more confidence than any other product. Feel free to contact me again if you have any further questions at all.
Best Wishes,
Cathy”
I think this should answer your question. Good job I went and had a look for you, as it saves you asking yourself!
216 Krystal // 18th Feb 2008 at 9:14 pm
I got my first Mooncup a couple of weeks ago and it’s wonderful. I didn’t get it quite right on my first attempt, but after that, I had no problems. No leakage, no discomfort, no mess and so much easier to get used to than tampons. I’d recommend it to absolutely everyone.
217 Louise // 20th Feb 2008 at 8:28 pm
hey!
First of all I have to say this is such a fantastic site, great review and really helpful comments!
I firts heard about the mooncup through some college friends last summer and have been seriously considering getting one since then but I still have a few concerns maybe you could help me with?
I’m 18 and have a very hectic/active lifestyle (gymnastics, tap, street dance and ballet as well as lots of theatre work – performance and technical) and my periods have always been quite heavy. Because I’m so active tampons and towels have always let me down (I cant tell you the number of times I’ve ben doing the splits or whatever and then…whoops and a quick dashe to the bathroom!)
Anyway, I’ll cut the lifestory short, I guee my main concern is this;
is the mooncup guaranteed not to leak once it;s in right? it’d be great if I could kiss goodbye to tampons and towels and have something I could finally rely on, not to mention helping the environment!
My other major concern is removing the mooncup, it sounds TERRIFYING!
I had a rather nasty experience the other month where the string ripped out of a tampon and I couldn’t even remove that myself and ended up with and EXTREAMLY embarrising visit to the doctor – one I really don’t want to repeat! So I’m concerned that if I couldn’t even get that out by myself, how on earth will I be able to get a mooncup out? It sounds so scary!
Anyway, any help/tips would be greatly appreciated!
218 Shirl // 21st Feb 2008 at 3:26 pm
Hi Louise
As far as the sports question goes, I have mentioned this before and the answer can be found on #215 answered not by me, but by the murse on the mooncup website. Hope it helps.
Towels and tampons will eventually become history as you become more and more confident with the cup. I do myself still wear a towel as my periods hit a really heavy stage, about 2-3 days in, but I only really need it for them few days.
Leaks do happen even to the best, but with time and practice you will find that leaks happen less and less.
I to have suffered with heavy periods most of my life. I always wore tampons and towels and even with the super+ I flooded past within 1 hour. This happened nearly every day of my periods, but since using the mooncup my periods have become easier and easier. I now only have 1 or 2 heavy days (as mentioned before) and the rest is basically a normal period, which for me is a miracle.
The reason for this is simply because the mooncup holds at least twice as much as a tampon does (depending on which you use). I believe that the A size holds about 30mls and the B size about 25mls. A super+ tampon only holds about 12-15. So as you can see with this, my every 1 hour of flooding and changing becomes 2 hours. Plus, because my body is allowed to function normally, my periods have now sorted themselves out so I now only have the 1-2 days of flooding instead of nearly a whole week.
My periods used to be nothing much, then flooding, pain and loads of clotting, then dribbles for days afterwards. Now it is nothing much, flooding for 1-2 days, a basic normal period and then I finish, almost like a full stop. There is very little pain any more, but that only happens just before a clot is released. And as you can tell, I have now become to know and understand my periods a lot better. I can even now venture out while on my period, which I couldn’t do before. I used to be confined to the upstairs so I could be near the toilet.
As for the The business of removal, it is simple. It only sits just inside of you and is in easy reach, so there is no worries on that score. Unlike the tampon, which sits right up inside of you and can not be reached easily. The base of my mooncup can be felt when I insert my finger, which is about 2″ if I had to guess at the distance. So I never have any worries about removal, as I can easily reach it. I just pinch the base of the cup and the suction is released, then I just pull it out and empty it.
I hope that this has answered your queries
Good luck with your mooncup
219 Louise // 5th Mar 2008 at 3:31 pm
Hey, thanks for all the advice, finally got around to buying one today so I’ll have a bit of a practice later – though I do have to wait 2 or 3 weeks til I can try it properly – for once in my life I actually cant wait for my period!
220 Louise // 5th Mar 2008 at 7:03 pm
Hey, it’s me again!
Sorry to be continuously posting but…
I AM NOT A HAPPY BUNNY!
Like I said, I got my mooncup today – size B as I’m under 30 with no kids.
an hour ago or so I got it out, steralised etc and attempted insertion. I used the punchdown method and the first few times itopened too soon and just pinged onto the floor…more steralising and after about 4 or 5 attempts it was in. I walked around the house feeling pretty chuffed with myself and impressed that I couldn’t feel it at all.
And then came the horror that is removal!
The suction was inasanely strong (at least mow I’m convinced it wont leak I mean how could it when it had such a grasp on my innerds!)
So, I got into the squat position, started bearing down, grabbed the base and…nothing.
I tried everyting – standing with one foot on the loo, squating, I tried to twist the base but that actually just seemed to twist my vagina too, I tried reaching up past in and breaking the seal with my finger – impossible! Then I took a bath and re-attempted.
Everntually (and I have no idea how) it was out of me, but I was just so angry that I cleaned it and shoved it in the back of the cupboard.
While I was trying to remove it I;m aware that I was tense and stressed but really, how can you relax when all you can think of is another embarrasing trip to the doctor?
I really want this to work but it justmade me so angry and it was near on impossible to remove – I actually made myself bleed while trying to get it out!
Please help me! at the moment I’m too terrified, tense and in pain to try again, but I really want this to work!
221 Shirl // 5th Mar 2008 at 7:42 pm
Not to worry Louise and I don’t think anyone will mind you coming back and back again for advice, as it is what this blog is all about. It’s a place for others to talk openly about the mooncup and all the experiences we have.
So back to your problems…
Well it would seem – and if it were me I’d be well chuffed – that you have very good muscles down there, so well in fact that you are almost like a very young virgin. Oh, what some women would give to be like that again – LOL!
Anyway, I think that maybe (and yes this may seem impossible at the moment) you do need to really relax. You may also find that some kind of lubrication may also help.
Before I even attempt to either insert or remove, the first thing that I do is think really nice thoughts and basically chill out. To the point that I can almost fall asleep on the loo. It works a treat, but having said that you have better muscles than I do. My muscles are still pretty good, but not that good!
Can you reach the cup without having to push down? If so, then perhaps try relaxing without pushing down. The push down is only required if you can’t quite reach the cup, but if you can reach the cup, pushing down will only tense up your muscles again.
I hope that this helps you somewhat
222 Marg // 5th Mar 2008 at 9:25 pm
Louise
I had exactly the same experience my first go. I was terrified, it wouldn’t come out, I could see an embarrassing visit to the doctor coming! But, like you, somehow I go it to come out. After that I put it away for a few days, till I got my courage back.
Anyway, I am now using nothing but it! I love it, I have found that it does come out easier when it is full or at least has some content. You will eventually learn the right way to get it out. For me I need to do a series of slow pushes to get it to come down and I need to get a hold of the base and squeeze to release the seal.
Hope this helps!
223 Louise // 6th Mar 2008 at 3:34 pm
Thaks Shril for the continued support, and Thanks Marg, glad to see I’m not the only one finding this hard!
Well, I’ve calmed down now and re-read the instuctions many times now and in retrospect I think part of the problem might have been that I wasn’t tilting it in time – I was pulling straight down and not planning on tilting until the top of the mooncup was close to the vagina entrance, so I think this may have been part of the problem. (like I said, I cant really remember though – it’s all become a bit of a traumatic blur!)
If this is the problem then hopefully I’m sorted, but I think investing in some lubricant might help me – can you suggest any particular brand?
I’m not trying the mooncup again as I literally can’t right now, regardless of how much I may want to;
At this risk of sounding graphic….it’s all gone tight down there, I literally couln’t even get a tampon in (fortuanatley I dont need to right now as it isnt that tiume of the month, but that just demonstrates how tight it’s all got) I’m hoping and praying that it’s just a case of swelling from all the trauma of yesterday, after all that would make sense. But, if it’s not gone down after a week or so I think it’s off to the doctor again :S
Once again, thanks for the help
224 Shirl // 6th Mar 2008 at 8:18 pm
All I can tell you is what it says in the book and on the website, which is…
“Lubricants
Hello!
I am about to order a Mooncup (just waiting for my next paycheque), and I have a question. I know that oil-based lubricants and latex do not mix, but I also know that one of the unique things about the Mooncup is that it is silicone, not latex. Does this mean that I can use oil-based lubricants to help with insertion, without worrying about damaging the rubber? Thanks so much for your help!
Kate
Dear Kate
We recommend that you do not use oil-based substances with the Mooncup as they can weaken the material over time. Water based lubes are fine.
Best Wishes
Cathy”
So basically it’s just finding a water based one. Other than that, I would just try your search engine and see what comes up.
I do think you could well be right though about swealing up down there. Have you been in contact with Cathy the nurse from the mooncup website? She’s brilliant and she could probably help you further with the swealing you may have. She may also be able to suggest other ways to help with the insertion and removal.
Good luck and I do hope that things improve for you with the mooncup
225 Krystal // 6th Mar 2008 at 8:23 pm
Just remember, the key to removing the Mooncup is breaking the seal. I do it via a combination of squeezing the top of the Mooncup and tilting it. If you try to remove it by simply pulling, you will experience the discomfort many people here feel.
Once you find the knack, you shouldn’t have any trouble with it at all.
226 Debs // 8th Mar 2008 at 11:36 pm
I’ve just bought one! one very random internet search and about four hours later, I’ve taken the plunge… just got to wait for it to arrive to try it out now! hope it goes ok…
227 Sally // 13th Mar 2008 at 9:33 pm
Hope someone can help. This is my second month of using the Mooncup & have got the hang of folding it to get it in, but it just slips down. The first night this month was great, it got sucked up somehow & never leaked, I could feel the suction release as I took it out. The first day wasn’t too bad either, but since then as my flow has lightened it just won’t stay put & ends up poking out a bit which is uncomfortable. I have tried putting it low as per the instruction & high as per other people’s advice & have tried all sorts of folds, but nothing seems to make any difference except that the punchdown fold makes it easier to insert – everything else feels too big. I have already cut the stem off last time as it was very painful. It isn’t pouring out, but when I check there is no suction at all. Have cleaned holes, tried swirling – which moves it down anyway, tried bearing down whilst pushing up, tried tightening my pelvic floor muscles as I insert & afterwards. Basically I’ve read all the postings I can find & cannot think what else to try. I want to get the hang of it because even with the problems it’s so much better than tampons. I am over 30 & have had 2 children, so have size A, however, I have not been able to turn it at all – feels like there is not enough room & sometimes it makes me ache – like when you’ve put a tampon in dry & it’s twisted! Also I have done yoga for years & now do Pilates so I’m fairly sure it’s not that my muscles are too slack!
Any advice would be very welcome. I really do want to persevere but it’s poking out too far to be comfortable when I move around!
228 Shirl // 13th Mar 2008 at 11:06 pm
Hi Sally
Well you’ll be glad to know that you’re not alone here. I had the exact same problems a few months ago and I finally realised that it wasn’t me, it was the cup. It was too big for me. So I got it exchanged for the smaller cup (the B size) and since then I haven’t had any problems in that department.
I do only have one problem and that is with my heavy days. But luckily they are only 2 days, maybe 3, if it’s really bad. That’s when I have to clean the cup out a bit more often than the rest of my period.
I’m on my period now and I have my smaller cup in as I write this. I’m getting very close to my heavy days (tomorrow, maybe even tonight they’ll start). But I have no other problems, not with the insertion, not with it moving about, not with the lack of suction, not with it falling out, nothing. I did try on my heavier days to use the bigger cup again, but I had the exact same problmes as I had, had before, so I gave up with it again.
If the smaller cup doesn’t do the trick, you may be better to speak to the nurse on the mooncup website. Her name is Cathy and she’s lovely
They will exchange it on there as well. Well not quite exchange it, but they will send you the smaller cup out for free. They see it as they advised you to use that size and it was wrong. So it’s not a problem
Hope things work out better for you next time
229 Valb // 13th Mar 2008 at 11:11 pm
Sally, I wonder if it isn’t opening up fully when you’ve inserted it, or you’re maybe getting it caught to one side of your cervix? I find that if I insert it, it works best if I point it almost backwards (I don’t know if I have weird anatomy!) and I give it a tiny turn inside if it hasn’t popped open. I then run my finger around the top edge to make sure it hasn’t got trapped behind my cervix. It’s also much easier to insert if it is nice and wet, especially if your flow isn’t particularly heavy.
Also, perhaps because you have such good muscle control, maybe it is getting caught too far down in the vagina and that is giving you the falling out feeling? I know that when my cup is full and it moves down a bit (my muscles aren’t that good!) it feels uncomfortable. Best of luck, it sounds like you want to persevere with it, and I hope you get the problems sorted out soon X
230 Sally // 15th Mar 2008 at 11:19 am
Thanks Shirl & Valb for your advice.
I think it probably didn’t open up properly at first & may even have gone to one side but thanks to the comments on this site I believe I’ve got that sussed now. I can hear it pop open, but when I run my finger round to check it seams almost flattened. I’ve also been inserting it wet, as I found this was good advice too. Sadly none of the tips I’ve read seem to have solved the problem. I think I’ll contact the mooncup advice line as they seem to be so helpful. Will let you know how I get on.
Thanks again
231 Shirl // 15th Mar 2008 at 3:35 pm
You say…
“I can hear it pop open, but when I run my finger round to check it seams almost flattened.”
That sounds to me like it can’t open up properly and so it’s more than likely too big for you.
Yes, contact the mooncup website. The nurse Cathy is lovely and very helpful. She may even send you out a smaller cup
Good luck
232 Marie // 16th Mar 2008 at 11:30 am
Hi,
I bought my firt mooncup yesterday and it’s yet to arrive. I’m 29 and have always used pads and HATED them. Then I started using tampons, I’d always been afraid to use them but now I love them because it’s like I’m not even on a period because I don’t feel them there. BUT ever since I started using tampons I’ve had non stop thrush! I never had it before so I think that tampons are causing it.
I’ve decided to try a mooncup as I can’t go back to using pads again. I’m really scared about getting the thing out as I’m the type of person to panic and I am quite small up there I think. I’ve read a lot of advice on here though so that should help.
The other thing I’m worried about is feeling it up there. Can you really not feel it inside you? I know with tampins I don’t but they are much smaller.
233 Rachel // 1st Apr 2008 at 6:28 pm
Hey,
I just bought my Mooncup from Boots after much ‘Umming’ and ‘Ahhing’…and today tried to insert it even though I’m not on my period. It proved very difficult. I used the second folding method because it seemed much easier but could only get it in a little of the way, after a few times I got it in a little more but still didn’t succeed in getting it the whole way.
How will I know when it’s in the whole way?
Is there anything I can do to aid it?
I’m only 15 and have an intact hymen. Would this make it harder? Do I need to break my hymen to insert it?
234 Shirl // 1st Apr 2008 at 9:08 pm
Please, please, please don’t break your hymen. It isn’t required. I will type out this bit from the booklet for you to explain…
“The mooncup is suitable for use from yor first period, however it should be noted that younger women and women with a hymen may have difficulty with insertion and are advised to use a little water based lubricant.”
If you have any concerns or queries that you can not find the answer to on here, please either phone +44(0)1273 673845, e-mail advice@mooncup.co.uk or contact the mooncup website on http://www.mooncup.co.uk.
Good luck
235 Sally // 7th Apr 2008 at 11:51 am
Have received the smaller size following Shirl’s advice to contact the nurse at Mooncup & am using it for the first time. Yesterday was great, so easy get position right & stayed put, couldn’t feelit etc. Today is my heavy day & it’s been a nightmare this morning. Kept leaking every 45 mins & was full every time – nightmare as my thirteen year old son had his mates round, so they must think I’m mad having spent most of my time in the loo! Thank goodness I’m not at work. I don’t really understand this as although I needed to change my tampon every 2hrs instead of every 4 at this time, it was never this heavy & quite manageable. Mooncups hold much more than a tampon I’m told, so it must be heavier than usual. Am I right in thinking that someone said your periods are over quicker – if so that might explain it. Anyone have any ideas as I’m not quite sure what’s going on at the moment. I’m almost considering returning to tampons on my heavy day next time!
236 Shirl // 7th Apr 2008 at 7:45 pm
Be patient please. It’s only happening because your body is still trying to adjust to the cup. It has nothing to do with the cup not being right. Your periods have yet to settle down. It is still used to tampons. Once it settles down you should find that everything works out right.
I had the same problem for a while, but I stuck with it. I even tried to go back to the larger cup on my heavier days, but it wouln’t fit, just like before and I leaked worse. I went back to the smaller cup and soon enough my body adjusted. I know have no leaks, but obviously I myself am still getting used to it and I still take precautions on my heavy days by wearing a towel. I know that once I feel more settled I won’t need a towel at all just pantyliners.
Please don’t give up. Give your body the time it needs to settle down and adjust to the cup. You’ll soon see that it was all worth it
237 Marg // 8th Apr 2008 at 8:02 am
I found that I tend to finish my period faster when using the cup – I don’t know whether there is any truth to it, but I feel like a tampon slows the flow down alot and the cup allows the flow to come out faster.
238 Lucy // 11th Apr 2008 at 10:49 am
Wow, i can’t believe how long this comment thread has been going! Just wanted to say thank you to Pewari for the post, and to everyone else for all the comments. This was probably the most informative page i found on mooncups when i was researching them and made me feel very comfortable trying one! Just used one for a whole period and all went fine, probably thanks to all the good advice here! So cheers for that. Not sure about the method of putting it right up to your cervix though – i put it just inside me, as per the official instructions, and it works fine.
Like everyone else, i wish mooncups were more publicised and that we’d been told about them at school etc. Maybe that will change as more women become aware and more people try to be eco-friendly…who knows? Thanks to anyone who has ever stuck a mooncup sticker in a university toilet stall – that’s how i first heard of mooncups and i’m wondering if i should pass on the gesture!
239 sezo // 25th Apr 2008 at 4:26 pm
this is my second day of using the mooncup and Im still undecided. But I definately want to give it a go for this full cycle, because its one of those ‘practice makes perfect’ things.
made the mistake too of the plunger effect – OW!
And last night before bed I thought I’d empty it before bed and started to panic. I couldnt reach up to grab it and had visions of a trip to A&E lol. But now i’ve learnt what my pelvic muscles are I can do it easypeasy! Infact getting it out its a dream! Much easier than tampons get get so dry and feel worse than the plunger effect in getting them out.
I still havent quite worked the knack to getting it in but once its in its fairly comfy and I can forget about it easily. I find if I have my foot on the toilet seat to put it in and then squatting down to get it out are the best positions so far.
I love all the comments here about the mooncup! Definately got the motivation to keep trying. The idea of going back to tampons now is just awful! I love looking at my blood, seeing how the blood and vaginal fluids have different consistancy and how the blood is a different colour at different times of my flow. Tis fabulous!
I really feel like I’m in tune with my body (which is daft as I’m on my second day of using it!) and I can fully experience it rather than ‘ugh period’
240 sezo // 25th Apr 2008 at 4:41 pm
Oh and I forgot to add my tip in my last post –
if you put some toilet paper in the loo before you pour the blood away, the paper absorbs the blood so you arent left with it sticking to the bottom of the bowl.
241 Sally // 5th May 2008 at 10:17 pm
Have had a second month of using the smaller cup & it was much better, even on my heavier day. I guess knowing what to expect helps. Much easier to put in now as it almost settles itself into the right position. Just wanted to let other people know that the sizes they advise aren’t always right & if it feels too big it’s worth talking to Cathy, the nurse on the advise website. She thought I may have the wrong size & sent me the smaller one which is so much better. I thought it was me getting it all wrong, but thanks to this site I realised I probably had the wrong size. So if your really struggling talk to Cathy & thanks to everyone for your help.
242 Lind // 12th May 2008 at 5:00 pm
Wow
I’ve spent a looong time reading all of the very fascinating posts …WHY haven’t I heard of Mooncups before???
I’m very tempted to buy, I’m teetering on the brink on the verge….just have a question though, hope it doesn’t sound too stupid: If you wear one at night won’t there be some pooling of blood behind the mooncup? And can any of this seep back into the womb? Is there any health issues arising from having a lot of blood hanging around in your vagina for hours. I seem to bleed heavily at night so this concerns me
I would appreciate any thoughts on this matter!
243 Abi // 13th May 2008 at 9:58 pm
Backflow / inverted postures
Hi, I have been looking through your site and think that the mooncup looks fantastic but i have one reservation/question. As the menstrual blood is just collected rather than absorbed, what would happen if you were to go upside down or lay down with your pelvis raised above your body. I know this sounds a really strange question but i do really want one and i just need to know what woud happen if i was to lay down or go on an upside down ride at a theme park. Sorry if you think this is an odd concern!
Thank you for your enquiry. Firstly your concern is far from odd, it is not an uncommon query. Using the Mooncup as a collective device will not create any additional risk than these kind of activities may be associated with when you are menstruating. I don’t know if you are aware that there is an ongoing debate regarding whether or not it is appropriate for women to adopt any inverted postures during menstruation, for instance shoulder stands in yoga are cnsidered by some to be alleviative menstrual symptoms during a period, whilst others say that this posture should not be done during menstruation because of the potential for retrograde flow (back flow). It comes down to a personal decision, depending on your opinion.
After reading ALL of these comments and this review i’ve ordered one today. Stand by :P
Thanks all:D
244 Abi // 13th May 2008 at 9:59 pm
Sorry that was from the website by the way.
245 Abi // 13th May 2008 at 10:01 pm
Really sorry, missed out some of the answer:
…I include some internet links below on this subject…
http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/546_1.cfm http://www.yoga.com.au/Infosheets/Menstruation%20Info%20Sheet.pdf http://ask.metafilter.com/mefi/5572 http://www.skys.com.au/women_inverted.html
I think that overall the concerns in these areas are associated with being in inverted postures for a prolonged time, and even then the retrograde theory is just that, a theory, it has not been shown be true. The Mooncup is suitable for night-time use and all forms of sports so there is no need for concern in the doing the activities you describe. I hope that this helps you, let me know if you have any further questions.
Best Wishes,
Cathy
:) there, hope those links are ok!
246 Lind // 14th May 2008 at 10:02 am
Thanks, great info on the backflow issue. I checked out the yoga links and also googled endometriosis and now I’ve got plenty to think about!
I suppose each person needs to weigh it up for themselves. There’s no history of endometriosis in my family and I’ve had 3 babies without any problems …so I’m feeling more positive about buying a mooncup…It seems to be a preferable option to tampons and pads and as I seem to leak at nighttimes maybe it will solve that little problem!
I’m going to take the plunge! (as it were)
x
247 Abi // 15th May 2008 at 11:14 am
I’ve got mine! I’m just a bit worried about trying it cos of several things.
1. (not really a big issue) it’s a bit yellow in colour, did anyone else find this?
2. i’m worried about it springing open and hurting.
3. it’s suggested people like me use some kind of water based lubrication. I’ve never even bought lube before, what should i get? any help?
Thanks guys x
248 Loz // 25th May 2008 at 11:25 pm
Hey, used my mooncup for the first time today.
Gotta say, feling very sore. Mind you, the company sent me the wrong size, which might have something to do with it! Took it out and realised it was too big for me.
Otherwise, no leaks, and I don’t want to give up on it and I’m sure that inserting it and taking it out (each of which took at least 15 minutes) will get better in time, but if the company actually sends me the smaller size i ordered and i’m still in pain i dont know if it will be worth it.
249 Lucy // 26th May 2008 at 3:16 pm
Just thought i’d note that i recently bought some steam sterilising bags in Boots to sterilise my mooncup in. It cost ÂŁ5 for 3 bags but you can re-use each one up to 60 times so they’ll last a long time! As someone who found sterilising fluid a bit of a faff and didn’t feel comfortable boiling in a saucepan (not sure the housemates would appreciate that!) i found that these bags are the perfect solution. All the instructions are included – you just add 70ml water to the bag and microwave for 3 minutes. Easily done when no one else is around! And the bag is obviously tiny to store…better than a plastic container and a bottle of sterilising fluid, anyway!
Thought i’d share, just in case some people haven’t tried this method of sterilising :)
250 Lucy // 26th May 2008 at 3:19 pm
Oh, and to Abi – i think all mooncups are slightly yellow in colour, don’t worry about it! ‘fraid i can’t help you with the lube though…i imagine most chemists will stock it? Just remember to get water-based stuff, apparently.
251 Abi // 26th May 2008 at 4:13 pm
Yeah I’ve been using it for most of my period now, it hurt and leaked at first, but amazingly after i cut the WHOLE of the stem thing off it was great :D i couldnt believe it as i was about to give up.
One quck question (its probably stupid) but im going away tonight, is it safe to wear on the plane?
My only problem is removal. I manage to break the seal, then go to pull it and the seal is back again, and i can only manage one finger an thumb at once, each time i remove it takes 10 mins so I havent taken it out anywhere except home yet. I’m hoping practice will help, but i dont see how I can gain ny technique for this…any help?
(Sorry for asking all the time)
252 Lucy // 26th May 2008 at 4:36 pm
Yeah, i haven’t yet heard of anyone who’s left any of the stem on! I mean, ouch!
I’ve read of other women wearing their mooncup on planes and they seemed to find it worked fine, if that helps.
Not sure what to recommend with removal. I use my pelvic muscles to ‘bear down’ as everyone says, until i can get a grip on the base with my thumb and forefinger. Pinching the base breaks the seal and pulling it out like that means you keep your grip on the base and therefore the seal stays broken. Not entirely sure if that’s what you do already, but hope that helps. Also, experiment with the angle you pull it out at – it’s much easier once you get that right! Good luck, glad you’re finding it a bit better now!
253 Shirl // 26th May 2008 at 7:38 pm
As far as the gel goes, the booklet says it is a water based one. I typed it in to Google and got sex sites (if anyone wants to give them a go!)
The stem is something that is down to the individual. Some leave it, some only remove a small part others remove all. I’m one that removed all. I snipped it off in bits until I got it right for me.
Removal and insertion does get easier with time and practice. I pinch the end of it, bare down as well and it removes no problem. Insertion is also easy, once I found the folding technique that suited me.
I had the larger cup at first and found that it was really uncomfortable. I contacted the nurse – Cathy – on the website and it was changed for me. When I say changed I don’t mean literally of course, I still have the other cup. It all turned out better in the end. Now I can’t tell I’m wearing it – unless I’m on my heavy days, then I have to be aware of it in case I flood too badly.
I use sterilising fluid, but because I’m in a wheelchair it suits me best as I can’t get to the sink while on the loo. I have a wheel in shower room and the sink is over the other side from the loo. The only time I don’t use sterilising fluid is while I’m out, then I just rinse it at the sink.
The colour of mine is also yellow, but when I first go to use it at the beginning of my period, it’s clear again. It only discolours while I’m using it.
The only time that I’ve read that a mooncup is a problem, is if you’re going to be standing on your head for long periods of time – like with yoga moves etc. I’ve never heard of anyone mention about flights, swimming or any other time. In fact a few people have gone away on holiday with the mooncup and had no problem what-so-ever. Well apart from trying to get something to clean them with. So it might be best to take something with you, so you can clean them while you’re there. Like the sterilising bags that have been mentioned. As long as you have access to a microwave on holiday!
I wonder if an electronic (or even a microwave) steriliser would work? They shouldn’t be too hot as they are fine for the teats, which is made from the same basic material. Or how about a portable one for while on holiday?
I just found one on ‘mothercare’ for ÂŁ20, but you’d have to wait 10 minutes for it to finish. They also have one of there own brands for a single bottle and it’s only ÂŁ10. It’s a ‘tommee tippee’ and it says that it is –
Ideal for travel
For microwave or cold water sterilisation
Compact travel bag
Safe, quick and simple to use
Includes a FREE 260ml closer to nature easi-vent™ bottle (obvoiusly not required for the mooncup users – ha, ha)
Might be worth trying the sterilisers though!
Has anybody noticed the little smiley face at the bottom of the screen? It’s in the middle and it’s only tiny. Or am I going mad!
254 Shirl // 31st May 2008 at 7:34 pm
Does anyone on here feel, that during their heavier days, they need to use a towel?
I find that I do, so instead of being un-eco-friendly (if that’s a word) I’m going to be making my own washable towels. I found a few patterns on the web and after a long look at each pattern I’ve got the one that I feel would suit me best.
Today I went out to get the material, but couldn’t find any in the place that I went. But instead I found some ‘reusable ultra absorbent cloths’. The cloths are also made from recycled materials, which is brilliant (polyester, cotton & viscose). They only cost 59p for 5 and they absorb 10 times there own weight. They’re 12″ square and they’ll do brilliantly for the inner pad part. Now all I need is the cotton for the outer layers. I also got some snap fasteners for the wing parts.
Now, once they’re made, I will never have to buy any more throw away towels ever again. I will be soaking them, then washing them in the washing machine, drying them and reusing them. They say they can last for at least 5 years and you only need about 8, so not bad. About 3 yards of material should make 8 and with the cloths the total will be very little.
What do others think?
255 Shirl // 1st Jun 2008 at 11:24 pm
I found this site and wondered if others would find it interesting.
I think it would be wonderful whenever you come across someone who turns their nose up at reusable towels and the mooncup.
http://www.labyrinth.net.au/~obsidian/clothpads/padhistory.html
256 Heather // 3rd Jun 2008 at 6:18 pm
I too had a bit of a prolapse with my first use of the diva cup, the geography has definitely changed.
I see my ob/gyn tomorrow.
257 Helen // 9th Jun 2008 at 8:31 pm
I’m using the mooncup for the third time, want to keep going. I find that I need to use a towel as back up as I still have slight leek. I’m in a quandry as to where the mooncup is to sit. I’m using size A and if it sits too low I can feel it and it’s uncomfortable, when I place it higher I feel it slipping down after a little while. Please advise:/
258 Lind // 11th Jun 2008 at 9:38 pm
Hi!
Couldn’t wait to have my period, got my mooncup, insertion went fine , very comfortable, clean, even forgot it was there!
BUT
extraction: so awful. I find it so hard to get it out! Mainly breaking the seal is where I have problems. Gripping the base doesn’t break it and I’ve tried reaching higher for the rim. but I think my fingers are too small to reach! And too weak to squeeze! So I pull down a bit but am absolutely terrified of the whole plunger thing. I do not want to prolapse myself.
I can get it out eventually after much pokery and rummaging. But fretting doean’t help! It sets my teeth on edge to even think ofpulling my cervix downwards! How do I know if:
a. it is my vaginal muscles gripping the cup or
b, my cervix is still sealed into the cup??
I’ve had 3 babies so I know about bearing down. I’ve read all the advice on these excellent coments, I’ve tried sitting on the loo (you need a double jointed elbow!) squatting, all fours… it gets dragged out in the end and I get cramp in my fingers and very sore down below.
Wish I wasn’t moaning so much. I want to love it, I really do. Please, if anyone has a genius foolproof method of removal please pass it on!
Mooncup: back in its box. I’m too scared.
:(
259 Ally // 15th Jun 2008 at 12:37 am
Hi. Thank you for this site, it is really helpful and encouraging. I just got my mooncup… and well… I am finding it hard to use. I am a very patient person usually, but this thing won’t go in at all! It is a lot of pain and I have had to just put it away for now as I am far too sore to try again. I am a virgin, but I have been sexually molested… maybe that’s what is keeping me so tense down there, even though I try to relax.
I have the smaller size of course, and I guess maybe it takes a while to get it right… but a lot of people on here say they can get it in and only really had trouble with the removal. I am thinking, if insertion is painful… what would the removal be like? Its got me scared. I know that a person that isn’t comfortable with their private part would find it hard to use this… but I am running out of options. Pads, I have to change every hour, or two (depending). Tampons…well I have only just got used to those and they are itchy, dry and uncomfortable and I have to remove them every hour and put a new one in and that becomes very painful. They don’t really work at all. I don’t really know what to do. I will keep on trying after having a break, and let you know how I get on… but I am so freaked out about the whole thing now because I can’t even get the damn thing in there! Do you think lube would help? Or do you think I’m doomed? Maybe I am.
260 Sally // 15th Jun 2008 at 9:02 pm
Hi Lind and Ally,
Don’t give up – i know how you feel. The first couple of times I tried it was awful. I read all the comments & picked up dome tips, such as running it under the tap before insertion – it definately helps. i have just got one for my daughter (15) & got her some lube – Boots do their own water based one which isn’t expensive. I showed her the method I use ( the Punch down method I think it’s called ) – push one side down to the bottom of the cup & then close the remaining top rim together, it makes the top quite small & she managed Ok – she was horrified by the size of it to begin with. there is a link to a site on a previous posting which shows all the folds -it might be worth ploughing through them all to find it!
As far as removal goes – I’ve found that if you grip the base so that you can feel you’ve flattened it (don’t let go) & pull it out at an angle ie tilt it as you pull rather than straight down it’s Ok – just do it gently until you get it right for you. Finally some loos are better than others! I find the really low seated ones quite awkward whereas slightly higher ones are more comfortable & make it all much easier. Don’t give up – it does get easier. i practiced in between, when there was less pressure to get it right & use lube or wet it first, it is definately easier wet.
Good luck!
261 Ally // 16th Jun 2008 at 12:12 am
Hi
Thank you Sally for your advice, I was about to give up… but I persevered with some lube. I cut the stem off cos I don’t need it. But I do feel it in there. I have turned it etc… it definitely has good a good seal cos the first time I had it in, it took me so long to get it out that I laughed nervously. My mother was like, what’s so funny? lol. Anyway. If I can still feel it in there, what have I done wrong?
262 Rachel // 16th Jun 2008 at 12:40 am
I can still feel mine in there too, even though I’ve cut off the stem. So I’ve basically resorted back to pads now because they are SO much more comfortable. I persevered for a long time, but the mooncup caused too much worry for me! I’m still going to use it when I don’t want to leak or when I go swimming because it doesn’t leak at all, which is great. I could just feel it, that’s all.
263 Ally // 16th Jun 2008 at 3:16 am
Hi Rachel, thanks for your reply. Hi to everyone else:) After having it in for a few hours, I am a bit more used to it. Although I still feel it, it doesn’t hurt or anything… much, and it doesn’t itch me like pads and tampons do… so that’s the good thing… I just wish it was comfortable as other people say it is… which it isn’t. I haven’t been through my heavy days… within the next few days you will all know whether its any good lol. I hope that maybe I get the insertion right as to not feel it at all…. I want to forget I have my period, like a lot of people say on the website testimonials. I have decided to persevere with it for a few months and see if it gets any better. Otherwise I have to find something else.
264 Ally // 16th Jun 2008 at 9:14 am
it sort of sticks out a little… even though I put is as far as I can, that is why I feel it… so I think maybe my cervix is lower than it should be. I noticed when I wore tampons that this was similar and it makes me so angry. I have tried twice to keep it folded as much as possible and push it further, but it still ends up going back lower again. I really want this to work, and feel comfortable. I think I can live with this uncomfortable feeling… I did with tampons so I can with this I guess.. at least it isn’t extremely itchy. Removal is difficult because I can’t relax. I can understand why they say to try it for three cycles… I need that long to get used to this thing!
265 Ally // 17th Jun 2008 at 1:12 am
Well… today I managed to make it a little more comfortable. I still feel it, but I somehow got it to sit better in there. I think I have weak pelvic floor muscles. I have found that my periods aren’t as heavy as I thought…. well so far anyway. I also found my way of releasing the suction, and I feel a bit more relaxed in doing that. Enough of me annoying your page for now. I will let you know how it goes on my next cycle. Thanks for your help everyone. This page is a blessing.
266 Shirl // 17th Jun 2008 at 2:53 am
Hi all
Yes it does get easier with time, and once you get used to it.
I had problems at first, as we all do, but remember that it isn’t for everyone. That’s not to say you should give up, but if it is still causing problems after a while then there are other eco friendly alternatives.
1 – Reuseable/washable towels. These are home made or you can buy them. I’ve made my own for my heavier days and they are brilliant. They’re really comfy and I have less problems with my moods due to there being no chemicals near my body.
2 – Other cups. There’s not just the mooncup. Not saying that they are better. There’s the ‘keeper’ and the ‘diva’ cup.
3 – A sponge. Similar to a tampon, but it is a sponge like from the sea (’sea sponge’).
4 – ‘Instead soft cups’. These are disposable.
A good website to view all of these is – http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/alternative_menstrual.html
Yes, relaxing is a must when using the cup, as is with all types of menstrual products. It is a very sensitive area down there, as we all know and if we don’t relax, then yes problems and soreness will arise.
Also, if there are problems, then by all means use some type of lubricant. It’s much better than going through any type of pain/soreness.
But it maybe just as easy to try and use different types of folds until one that works for you is found. By all means practice in-between your periods.
You could also check with your doctor/gynecologist to make sure that everything is fine and dandy down there, before embarking on certain types of menstrual product. Well it is always best to know before hand.
I suppose some people could be smaller than others internally. Thus making it harder to use cups. Others could even have lower cervices. So it would be best to have an internal examination to make sure that everything is in order – so to speak.
Good luck to all and keep up the good work on going eco.
267 Sally // 17th Jun 2008 at 5:18 pm
Hi Ally,
Glad things are a little easier! My cup sits quite low as my cervix is low – Ive recently had a smear & everything was fine – i’m just naturally that shape. i tried pushing it up higher to start with as well and then realised I’d pushed it past my cervix, so of course it wouldn’t grip as it was out of shape. I can still feel it sometimes, but have found that it now naturally sits to one side ( rather than with the base pointing straight down) and when I get it right – more often than not now – I can’t usually feel it. I’ve only had it a few months myself & initally had problems with the wrong size – the nurse, Cathy at mooncup is really helpful, so if you still have problems, speak to her before you give up. advice@mooncup.co.uk
Finally, I’ve found it helps to pull up on your pelvic floor muscles as you stand up and the cup will naturally ride up higher. I tried anything until I found things which helped. Good luck.
268 Lind // 18th Jun 2008 at 10:08 am
Hi there,
Thank you for all helpful advice, it really is a blessing this website. I’m encouraged to keep trying, I know I just need to get over my prolapse fears.
Just got a smear test letter! so while I’m there I’ll ask about the state of my cervix ie is it rather low!
You wouldn’t believe how often I’m doing my pelvic floor squeezes now!
Until the next period…
x
269 Ally // 19th Jun 2008 at 8:44 am
my cervix is so low, its right there! I hadn’t actually felt it before, or knew what it was like etc, but when I finally decided to feel around in there… Its reeaaaalllly low. No wonder my cup doesn’t know what its doing… no wonder I feel it in me. But… I have managed two days without leaks, because I found out I was pushing it up far too high…and the wrong way…Now I put my cup in just a tiny bitty bit… and then let it flop open… just in there, and then I push it gently once, and it goes to where it wants to go… which is always slightly to the right. Anyway… I feel it in me a lot… I am starting to learn to deal with it. Getting it out; well I am still trying to get that right. 3 cycles should do it…. must have patience. Thanks so much everyone!!!
270 Dink // 25th Jun 2008 at 7:47 pm
Hi!
I’m on my fourth period of using my mooncup and have gone through a lot of learning experiences – I would have given up by now if it wasn’t for reading this site – you’ve all been SO helpful :)
The only concern I have now is that when I have inserted the cup and am letting it open to create a seal, I get a painful punch of suction on my cervix when the air is equalising though the airholes (no matter how slowly I release it) and in my last two periods (ever since I’ve been manageing to get a decent seal) my cerivx has been hurting for up to half an hour afterward.
Should I be making the air holes bigger? I know they aren’t blocked as I squirt water through them at every rinse.
FYI – as I’m quite small I’m using the punch down fold and the 7 fold as they seem to be the only ways I can insert it.
I’d love any advice or ideas as I really don’t want to give up, but if it’s going to cause me pain I may have to :(
271 Dink // 25th Jun 2008 at 8:10 pm
An extra note – I suddenly thought it may be relevant – I have a coil (IUD) fitted. I had the tags checked before starting to use the mooncup as advised by their website, but didn’t know if it had any significance. I’m inserting the cup lower down as recommended – I can just touch the end (with stalk totally cut off) when its in so am pretty sure it can’t be physically yanking on my tags.
I do have the whole prolapse/sucking the coil out visions going through my head but I would imagine the manufacturers couldn’t recommend it if it wasn’t safe…?
272 shirl // 26th Jun 2008 at 4:43 am
Because of your particular situation, I would recommend that you contact Cathy the nurse on the mooncup website. I would hate to think that someones advise would/could cause you further problems and since you have the coil fitted, I think that this would be the best decision.
Good luck and I hope that you do manage to get your problem sorted.
273 Dink // 27th Jun 2008 at 7:02 pm
Thanks Shirl – that was going to be my next port of call, so will do.
I’ll report back if I get any interesting recommendations for coil wearers!
274 Myrya // 27th Jun 2008 at 11:27 pm
Well, I finally broke down and bought a mooncup. It’s been an interesting feat the last 2 days. I find it sits very low, but it isn’t uncomfortable. I too have had problems with removal. It’s hard to break the seal. I’ll give it the 3 months and hopefully it work out. I just wanted to say I really appreciate that this discussion board is available. It’s been very helpful in the process!
I think it’s so great that women are becoming more and more open to alternative products…
I made the switch from disposable tampons and towels about 8 months ago to just cloth towels. The one major improvement has been that my periods have been much lighter! It only took 2 months to notice a difference. And cloth is much more comfortable and environmentally friendly. My concern was using so much water to wash them which is why I’m trying to switch to the mooncup.
It’s been odd trying to insert and remove it, but hopefully with all this fabulous advice I’ll be able to get it right.
275 shirl // 3rd Jul 2008 at 1:10 am
I also use wasable cloths and I don’t find that I need to use too much water.
I only wear them as an added extra potection for my heavy days. I’ve made about 23 of them and I wait until they all need washing. Thus I only use one lot of water to soak them in. Because they are only for extra protection, I hardly ever mark them. The ones that I do mark go in the bucket with the water to soak and the rest go straight in the wash with the rest of my laundry.
No wasted water. Plus the bucket of water and the cloth pads all go in the machine – I have a AAA rated top loader, so I can do that.
276 Ally // 18th Jul 2008 at 11:36 pm
Well its my second cycle using my mooncup, and I have to say, its a lot easier this time around. I still feel it in there… but its so much easier. I had a month to heal from the painful time last time, and now its a breeze. I do get annoyed that I feel it, but its not painful or anything… and so far its not leaking…my bleeding should get heavier over the next few days so I will wait and see…
277 Dink // 24th Jul 2008 at 12:08 am
I’ve been in contact with Cathy the mooncup nurse and she’s pretty definite that my pain (see comments 270 & 271) wouldn’t be anything to do with my coil – phew! :)
She straight away said it sounds like the mooncup is too close to my cervix. Conveniently I had a smear test due, so she got me to ask the nurse to measure how far she thinks the mooncup would be from my cervix when inserted as low down as is comfortable (i find nestling it just behind my pelvic bone avoids irritating my urethra and doesn’t make me want to wee all the time) The nurse didn’t know anything about mooncups but she was quite interested to find out all about it – so after a quick demonstration she was able to tell me that although I didn’t seem unusually short or anything, I do only have about a millimetre of leeway.
Nurse Cathy thinks that the pain is being caused when the cup is opening too close to my cervix (take note anyone who experiences pain at the ‘pop’) so apparently you can let it open lower down and then push it up – I’ve not tried it lately, so may be better at it now, but I do remember from earlier experimentation that I didn’t get as good a seal…and I’ve not read about anyone else doing it this way on this site – anyone had any joy?… anything that will allow me to keep using the mooncup I’ll try – I’ve had to go back to towels in the meantime and really don’t want to have to stick with them after experiencing what the mooncup can do :)
Nurse Cathy also gave me this link
http://femchoices.blogspot.com/2005/07/methods-to-insert-menstrual-cup.html
which I found useful – I found a few new nuggets of interesting information – like for some reason, letting your jaw go slack helps your vaginal muscles relax :) – good for anyone feeling a bit tensed up down there! Also if you run your mooncup under cold water before insertion it will be more rigid and so create a better seal…or alternatively, if you have trouble folding it, run it under hot water.
Right – I’m off to get rid of this darn towel – I’ll let you know how I get on :)
278 Myrya // 2nd Aug 2008 at 3:44 am
Well…
I’m now into my 2nd cycle of using the mooncup. It’s going a lot better than last month. It’s actually sort of easy to use now, however gross it may be I managed to do it while talking on the phone today (ahem).
I visited the link to the different folds and found the punchdown works best. The mooncup still sits low, so I’m pondering the usefulness of the “tail”. I really don’t see the point of it, so I think I’ll end up trimming it soon.
I still find cloth to be most comfortable, but the mooncup really is nice for nighttime, work and travel. Many thanks to Shirl for the washing tips.
Till next time…
279 suz // 9th Aug 2008 at 12:36 am
I am having SUCH a hard time with the mooncup. I’m determined to conquer the mooncup.
I don’t know where to start…..
Ok, when I insert it, within a couple of hours it starts coming back out and THAT is very uncomfortable. I ordered the recommended size, now i Have had two kids, don’t know if that makes a difference, but I got the size for women who have had children, but it still keeps coming out.
I cut the tip off, and no matter what I do, I twist, I shove, I push short of shoving my wrist up there and I still just can’t get the knack of it.
Any advice or tips?
280 Sally // 9th Aug 2008 at 12:08 pm
Hi Suz
You might like to read blog 267 which I posted to Ali. I had the larger cup & the same problem as you. I contacted the nurse who sent me a smaller one but I also think that initially I was trying to get it higher & so pushing it up the side of my cervix ( as suggested by someone on this site) so of course it slipped down. I have a low cervix & so can’t wear it too high, but have continued with it & now found the right position for me – which means it sits to one side reather than straight down & now it doesn’t slip (unless it gets full) . Also have you checked that the little holes around the rim are clear – if they’re blocked then you won’t get the correct suction. I have also found that when I insert it, I need to sweep my finger around to make sure it’s open & that seems to settle it into the correct position, at the same time I pull up on my pelvic floor muscles – just for good measure. As my cervix is quite low I have to open it just inside & then push it up so, don’t worry I’m sure it will get easier, but do check out where your cervix is & if you think you have fairly good pelvic floor muscles it might be worth contacting the nurse & explaining – hopefully she will send you a smaller cup.
281 Suz // 10th Aug 2008 at 2:41 pm
Hi Sally,
Thank you very much for your suggestions. I read on a post here something about a 7 fold, and so I did a google search for mooncup and 7 fold and found a blog where someone was kind enough to fold her cup in several different ways (C, 7, punchdown, origami) and take pictures of each step. Bless that kind soul! I discovered that the easiest fold for me, is the punchdown, and I tried that, and pulled up on the pelvic floor muscles as you described, and I think that the punchdown fold is the method for me to use for insertion.
The C-fold was popping open before the cup was in the right spot, and THAT is why I always had the sensation of it coming down and out. I will keep ‘practicing’ with future cycles and hopefully I will ‘master’ that technique.
As well, a big thank you for starting the mooncup review blog.
282 Shirl // 11th Aug 2008 at 2:45 am
Hi all
Well I’ve been using the mooncup now for just over a year and since then – and also since I starting to use my own towels (home made ones) – I’ve noticed a drastic change in my periods.
Basically they have improved big time.
The cup made a big change over time, but now with also using my home made towels, I have really noticed a change.
The towels are only for my heavy days, but they have made such a difference. I guess it is right about the chemicals that they use in the shop bought ones, they do affect you.
I suppose I really just wanted to thank everyone on this site, but mainly Pewari for starting the thread in the 1st place.
I first noticed the mooncup in a ‘natural collection’ catalogue, but it was down to this site that I finally decided to buy one. It was just a matter of a few simple steps – I noticed it in the catalogue, ‘googled’ it to find out more info and that’s how I came across this site. I then went to the mooncup website and found out more about it and I then went to the shopping section of google and found the cheapest one I could. I then waited for it’s arrival and posted my 1st comment on this site – #169.
It’s been a bumpy ride along the way, but well worth it. I’ve gone from heavy periods with clots and pains with tampons and towels. Changing my super+ tampon every hour and still flooding past. To minor problems when I first started to use the cup, to gaining my life back again.
If it wasn’t for the catalogue and this site, I really believe I would be stuck with my problem periods.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU ALL. I now no longer hate my periods or dread them any more.
283 Jane Lloyd // 29th Aug 2008 at 11:04 pm
Hi I love Mooncups.
So much so that made my Mooncup a cute pouch.
The pouch was developed and a range of fabrics used to achieve the following.
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=76088§ion_id=5513497
I contacted Mooncup.co.uk and they purchased 5, all I had in stock at the time.
I converted a fair number of people on the UK Etsy chat forum . Some people brought their Mooncup as an excuse for a pouch :-)
Etsy is a worldwide craft site with thousands of sellers.
This ios a wonderful example of publicity for Mooncups; I found out about them through the TES website.
Jane x
284 Jane Lloyd // 29th Aug 2008 at 11:08 pm
I have read a bit and just want to firmly recommend insertion of mooncup after rinsing in very hot water. This makes it easier to fold and insert for wewcomers to Mooncups.
People are asking about Mooncups worldwide. You can get a fair few makes Diva cup, Lunette and Keeper . Someone has brought out a pretty pink and also a purple version.
I had a request for a pretty pink pouch to match a pretty pink cup!
285 Pewari // 29th Aug 2008 at 11:48 pm
Wow Jane, I really like those pouches and have ordered two! Looking forward to receiving them.
I don’t normally allow advertising links on the blog, but I was really impressed – hope others like them too :)
286 Pewari // 1st Sep 2008 at 1:50 pm
Received them today – they’re really well made. Will blog about them properly later this week but in the meantime, would recommend them to any mooncup owner :)
287 Jane Lloyd // 1st Sep 2008 at 5:01 pm
I’m so glad you’re happy, Pewari.
Thank you so much for your recommendation, Jane :-)
288 Pewari // 4th Sep 2008 at 4:20 pm
I’m unsure if everyone on this thread follows the main blog, but in case they don’t I have written a full review of the mooncup pouches and there is also a competition to win one of your very own!
289 Geke Cook // 7th Sep 2008 at 1:32 pm
Hi everyone,
I have used a mooncup for about 5 years now and am very happy with it!!!
Just as Pewari I had all the ‘beginners’ mistakes, and it took the 3 months to gain experience and decided then that it was THE THING for me. It was for environmental reasons I got the idea (I also used washable nappies, and felt that there should be a way to avoid adding to landfill sites for my monthly periods as well), but I like it much better that tampons (so dry, the fear for Toxic Tampon syndrome and disposal of a bloody tampon).
I can recommend it to everyone.
For the leaking on the first day, I use a washable liner (made of fleece material, and looks like a period pad (even with wings..!), and would be an option for a woman, who doesn’t like the mooncup, or tampons, but would still like to decrease the amount she disposes of on landfill sites…
Good luck everyone!
290 Tracy-The Scrambled-Blog // 16th Sep 2008 at 8:59 pm
I have been considering using a mooncup for some time now but last month I decided enough was enough. It’s bad enough that our foodstuffs be contaminated with chemicals. I recently looked into the cronic dangers of the chemical sweetener Aspartame and was horified to find them in vitamin pills and chewable medications prescribed for kids! I am so carefull of the foods I consume so I thought that the time was right for me to take this a step further and stop adding chemicals to my body by using tampons. Today was the first time I ever used a mooncup and I am really impressed. The initial try today was a bit uncomfortable but after caling the helpline and cutting off the stem it felt fine. I did think that I would probably stay home for the rest of the day to monitor how I got on with it but after trying my daily training on my exercise bike with no discomfort at all I felt confident enough to go for a 2 hour walk feeling good and free! When I got home I called my sister in law to see if she had tried hers yet, she had but she didn’t take to it as quickly as me but as she is really against tampons she is going to try it again. We had a big discussion on this subject last time I stayed at her house as I had run out of tampons and asked if I could nick one of hers. It wasn’t until a couple of days later that I realised that hers were ( scented!) now what is the bloody point in that that then. When we looked at the box to see what was added to this brand of tampons we felt that we had to find alternatives. I have found mine and will pass on my experience to all my female friends. It’s mooncup for me from now on.
291 shoegal // 20th Oct 2008 at 10:01 pm
Can I just ask does anyone know why the mooncup has a stem when most people cut it off?
Thanks
292 Shirl // 21st Oct 2008 at 12:56 pm
As you know, not everybody requires the stem to be removed. Some are quite happy to just leave it alone.
In the booklet that comes with the cup, on the page for removal, it says to – “pull gently on the stem until you can reach the base of the mooncup”.
Most people cut it off because they can feel it. With my stem, not only did I feel it, but it also hung that low that it meant that the cup kept moving around when I did.
Hope this helps
293 Dink // 21st Oct 2008 at 7:39 pm
The stem allows for different lengths of vaginal passage – some are short, some are longer – everyones different. If the stem protrudes from the entrance of your vagina you should at least trim it to the point that it doesn’t, otherwise it may rub and make you sore, as well as possibly dislodge the cup.
The stem is also a great comforter when first starting out – to have something to be able to catch hold of the first time you try to remove it certainly relaxes you more :)
294 shoegal // 12th Nov 2008 at 11:05 pm
Hiya,
Thanks for your messages – I have been reading the messages on this blog for some time now and today having got my period I took the plunge and bought one from Boots
It has taken me some time to get to this point mentally but the actual physical experience has been great and after reading the many comments here I managed to use it easily, admittedly getting the damn thing out for the first time was a little tricky but I relaxed and I have found a method that works for me,
Also noticed what someone had said about the contents not flushing away very well so the toilet paper before you empty is a good idea!!!!
I am instantly converted and to think 3 months ago when I read about Mooncups I did that “ewwwww” thing, now I am off to email my friends with the link to the blog and the mooncup website – I think everyone should give this a go!!!!!
I am feeling very liberated xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
295 Leigh R // 24th Dec 2008 at 2:21 pm
After reading your account and discussion with my friends, I now feel empowered to confess my use of a mooncup for many years now. In fact, im fingering my tail as I type! confidently knowing there will be no seepage.
I also find that I enjoy the nocturnal confidence that the Moon Cup brings. I can sleep knowing that the soilage will be minimal.
Thanks, and may your moon cup never brimmeth over!
296 V // 31st Jan 2009 at 11:36 am
Hi all
This website is wonderful. I too have now taken the step into having a mooncup and I find it brilliant bar one thing – removal!
Needless to say, this morning I was furiously panicking about having to go to hospital for some help and rehersing how to say “well, you see, I’m new to menstrual cups… what are they? oh, well…”
I’m sure this all made it loads worse. But basically. I can put it in fine and have no issues. When it comes to removal I can’t seem to release the suction – my fingers aren’t long enough to release the suction! I ended up pulling this morning out of sheer panic.
Has anyone got any tips?
Thanks so much. And what a wonderful wonderful website :)
297 Dink // 6th Feb 2009 at 1:33 am
Hi V!
Sorry noone seems to have answered your question yet – you may have figured it out yourself by now, but if not, I might have a few pointers that could help…
I find it helps to ‘bear down’ a few times (push down your pelvic floor) before reaching for the cup – dont strain or anything – just gentle pushes, and it should encourage the mooncup to a lower position, then another little push while reaching for it should bring it closer to your grasp.
If you have hold of the end of the cup or the stem but feel you haven’t released the suction, just take it slow, squeeze the base if you can (don’t worry if you can’t – just squeeze as soon as the opportunity arises) and pull very slowly at an angle (not straight down) while bearing down a little now and then if you feel it helps. Getting the cup to come out at an angle is best as this will fully release the suction when it gets low enough.
Also, importantly – relax. If you’re anxious, your vaginal muscles get tense and make removal more difficult – so just breathe and take it slow…and slacken your jaw (strangely this relaxes your vaginal muscles – medical fact:)
Hope this helps!
Dink
298 shannon // 23rd Feb 2009 at 1:37 pm
i bought a mooncup after reading this blog and have used it for one cycle and found it good but i was shocked at the amount of blood i was losing in the first couple of days,full cups every 2-3 hours! no wonder im so bloody tired all the time,what with breastfeeding a baby and toddler and bleeding like a stuck pig every 3 weeks! (as far as im concerned,the no return of bleeding for up to six months after birth with on demand feeding is a crock of bull).
anyway,i too dread removal,i have a slight prolapse after the birth of my 2nd 9.1 pound son and am a bit afraid of making it worse,what with the suction.i have finished my period and it doesnt feel any worse( its only very slight but i certainly dont want to be making it worse!).
This is probably something i should have considered before purchasing but do the ladies who suffer the same know if its sensible to use or not?
i do love the eco-friendliness,cleanliness etc of the mooncup.my period finished a day earlier than normal,i think thanks to the MC and i too have taken a weird fancy at sussing out the change in colour etc of the blood,emptying it out on my garden at home….i dont wanna give it up!!!
299 shirl // 23rd Feb 2009 at 3:06 pm
There is the main mooncup website, and a lovely nurse on there that can help with any of your problems.
It’s not that I don’t want to give the advice, it’s just that it’s not an area I’m familiar with myself. Some other bloggers on here are familiar with the problem, but I’m not sure who they are or where their posts are – sorry!
Have you considered going to your doctor about your heavy bleeding? They hopefully, will send you to see a specialist who will try to figure out why you are having problems. My own doctor has recently sent me for the same thing, and the 1st stage with me was tablets to lessen the flow, then I will be going for a transvaginal scan and possibly a coil from there.
Although saying that, my 1st experience with the cup I did myself have heavier periods, and still had the few problems that can also arise with a period, but they soon settled down or disappeared after a while. I put this down to the fact that my body was doing it’s usual thing of trying to reject the object, but it soon realised that it wasn’t harmful to me and left it alone, settling down soon later.
Hope the info has helped you
300 Myrya // 23rd Feb 2009 at 8:15 pm
Hi Shannon,
I believe the amount of blood will lessen after several months of use.
As someone who was a long-time disposable products user, I experienced similar issues when switching to cloth pads and then the mooncup.
There are a lot of chemicals in disposable products that can buildup in your system and increase bloodflow. As your body adjusts to the absence of the chemicals, your flow will decrease.
One of the other things I’ve done to correct my flow has been herbal treatment. I take red raspberry capsules during my period. If you are experiencing very heavy flow, Shepherd’s Purse will also lessen your flow.
Keep in mind that not all fluid lost is blood, as the vagina produces mucus as well.
I really don’t think the mooncup’s suction will make your flow worse… but if you are truly concerned, you should email the nurse on the mooncup website, as Shirl has recommended.
301 Sue // 23rd Feb 2009 at 9:37 pm
Hi again,
A while back, I posted about my troubles with using the mooncup. I don’t know what I am doing wrong, but I still can’t totally rely on it. I have leakage. I also had troubles with one day I could use it and the next day not. I keep practicing. I found a way of folding it that worked really well for me, thanks to a posting on this site. For me the punchdown fold works best.
As for tips for getting it out or in for that matter, the hint about relaxing the jaw works really well. If I remember to relax my jaw, it is like someone else said, the muscles in the vagina relax as well.
Any tips about avoiding leakage? Obviously the cup doesn’t leak, but I MUST be doing something wrong if I can’t totally rely on it. I have to wear pads as a back up.
Thanks.
302 shirl // 24th Feb 2009 at 12:51 am
I mentioned previously about problems that I had with leakage, and I found that it was the size that was wrong. I went for the larger, one, as I had had children and I’m over 30yrs old, but as it turned out I required the smaller cup.
Also, just simply getting use to the cup made it easier over time.
I did read somewhere – I think on the mooncup website – that if you are having problems with removal, then it could be that the holes are blocked. This will make the suction more intense, thus harder to remove. I always make a habit of removing, cleaning in slightly sterilised water, and checking the holes before re-inserting it.
I’ve personally never had any problems with removal. I do also push slightly before I remove it as well, and I’ve always kept myself relaxed. I just tell myself, that whatever problems I do have with the cup, it’s not as bad as using shop bought towels and tampons.
I have personally realised, that my body hates anything with chemicals in it, whether it is shop bought towels or tampons. It was like my body fought every month to try and remove the object with the chemicals in. Now that my body has realised that there are no chemicals in the cup, it excepts it, no problem. It’s just like it’s part of me now, and all my problems of moods, aches & pains, and excessive bleeding have gone away. I still bleed fairly heavy for about 2 days, but not as bad as I used to.
303 shirl // 24th Feb 2009 at 1:05 am
Almost forgot –
Sometimes if you haven’t been able to fully clean yourself inside before inserting the cup, then the excess blood will still be able to leak out, so it might not really be the cup leaking. I have had this problem on a few occasions, mainly when I’ve been on my heavier days. I clean myself, and before I can get the cup back in, I’ve bleed past the point that the cup sits. Thus blood on the wrong side of the cup, and it’s this that escapes. It’s also happened to me in the shower, as I go to the toilet before getting in, and I’ve thought I’ve leaked, but I’ve not, as my cup was nearly empty.
Another point is –
When I’ve been on my heavy days, and I don’t get to the toilet on time, I’ve bleed so much, that a combination of the blood and my muscles, have slightly dislodged the cup. When this happens I do have accidents, but try telling others to get out of the loo as you NEED to go now! Also, try telling your body that you have to wait, as you can’t get there any quicker!
304 shannon // 24th Feb 2009 at 7:37 am
Thanks for the replies ladies,i will try the herbs you mentioned Myrya. I am actually back on Vitex because i found that helped alot as a teenager but will give the shepards purse a go too as its the second time ive heard mention of it so maybe the universe is trying to give me a nudge :)
305 Pewari // 24th Feb 2009 at 9:37 am
Hi Shannon, I’m a bit late to the party and you’ve had lots of good advice already.
I would like to add though that that does sound like very heavy periods, I would strongly recommend consulting a GP before trying to self-medicate with anything, if only to rule out any underlying condition that may otherwise be missed.
Herbal medications and preparations are not subject to the same stringent testing and laws as (for the want of a better phrase) ‘real’ medicines and just because they’re ‘natural’ doesn’t mean that all of them are benign.
Please don’t take medical advice from a random site on the internet – especially this one. I have no medical background whatsoever and have no way of vetting the medical backgrounds of commenters (excellent though they are!) and I really can’t stress enough how important it is to consult a medical professional with something of this nature.
306 Pewari // 24th Feb 2009 at 9:46 am
An excellent Ben Goldacre article who explains the trouble with herbals a bit better than I can.
307 Shirl // 24th Feb 2009 at 3:14 pm
Although I do fully agree with Pewari – in some cases it is better to consult with a GP, as I have done about my heavy periods.
A doctor will also tell you that some herbals – vitamins, minerals etc – are okay to take.
308 Myrya // 25th Feb 2009 at 2:28 am
Hi Ladies,
To follow up on some of the comments about herb and herbal supplements:
I would like to make it clear that I am a licensed Nutritionist and herbal consultant and would never knowingly suggest any product that might be a hazard.
Do you know what the related pharmaceutical deaths VS dietary supplements deaths are?
The average dietary supplement deaths are 7 per year.
The average pharmaceutical deaths are
227,000 per year.
I do understand that the size of the pharmaceutical industry is probably 20 times that of the supplement industry, but with a little math 7 X 20 is still only 140.
Those numbers are from the US and I’m sure that they vary from here to there, but I can’t imagine them being too terribly different unless your healthcare there is absolutely top-notch (it’s not hard to be better then here, I know). And I’m quite unsure about the regulation of dietary and herbal supplements there.
Just buy from a reputable seller.
I would also like to mention, that a very dear friend of mine did pass away from a natural medicine treatment. It was Colchicine injections that she received, knowing that they were dangerous. That supposed “medicine” is not regulated at all here.
It’s important to research any product that you buy, especially one that goes into your body.
Sorry to get off subject here, I’m a big believer that nature has given us everything we need to be healthy and happy.
Just take care of yourselves and do what’s right for you.
I’m stepping off the soap-box now :)
309 Pewari // 25th Feb 2009 at 9:26 am
“I am a licensed Nutritionist and herbal consultant” – that’s good, I’m glad. But as the owner of this blog which you are using, I have no way of verifying for my readers that you are who you say you are (nor would I wish to as I would then have to verify everyone and set up approved “experts” which would very likely make me liable for any advice given).
This isn’t really the place to argue the pros and cons of the medical industry – this is a blog post that I’ve kindly left open for people to talk about mooncup use, not a forum. There’s already so many comments that it makes hard for people to find the information that they need.
I do appreciate your comments, and I’m really glad that you took the time out to help another mooncup user, but I’m sure you understand that I cannot let any medical advice stand without the caveat that this is a random site with no claims to medical expertise whatsoever and as such I will always urge people to speak to their GP before self-medicating with anything.
I’d much rather do that than have to close comments on what has been the most helpful discussion on my site to date!
310 Myrya // 26th Feb 2009 at 4:16 pm
Pewari,
I see your point… as I said, I didn’t mean to get off topic, it won’t happen again.
311 Shirl // 26th Feb 2009 at 6:07 pm
Getting back on track again…..
The mooncup isn’t something that suits everyone. But it does hold more than a towel and a tampon (25-30mls depending on cup size), and it is healthier and more hygenic, as well as eco-friendly (big bonus that one!)
It sits just inside of the body – unlike a tampon that sits further up. The stem can either be left on, or removed, depending on preference. There are a number of folding techniques for inserting – you will all eventually find your own one that suits. You can leave it in for long periods (no pun intended). You can sleep with it in, and do lots of things, with the freedom of knowing that it’s doing it’s job. Cleaning is easy – remove, pour down the toilet, clean with either bottled water or tap water (depending on where you are at the time, but make sure it is sterile when you get the chance to). Make sure the holes around the rim are clean and free of stuff, and not blocked, re-insert after cleaning yourself. Remember to stay relaxed at this point, but if it doesn’t feel right you can remove, re-clean and try, try again. Once you are happy and comfortable, then you’re free to go!
Downside, I find, is the getting used to it and allowing my body time to adjust. Once that is under way, my life became my own again.
So for anyone curious aboutt he MOONCUP – please feel free to give it a go. Once you buy one there is no more paying out to do, as it lasts ages and is re-usable, time and time again. There are also a number of different types to choose from. The internet will help with that side and you’ll be surprised at the number there actually are.
And I think this webiste says it all!
Oh, one other note – they’ve been around since the 1930’s! So they’re not a new thing by any means. Check out the history of them, it’s amazing!
Thanks pewari, this site helped me to make my decision and I haven’t looked back since.
312 Sylvia // 27th Feb 2009 at 1:18 am
I love my mooncup and I appreciate that it’s reusable. And mooncups aren’t cute! I have to admit I find these Fairy Hammocks somewhat … odd. http://www.femininewear.co.uk/index.php
313 Lucy // 27th Feb 2009 at 2:01 am
Re: Sylvia’s comment – i’m with you on that! I love my mooncup as much as the next person, but there’s a limit on how much i want to accessorize. Also, i read somewhere that the original mooncup bags are designed to be breathable or something, to keep the cup in good condition in storage (i.e. doesn’t encourage damp etc)…i do hope the bag designs on that website do the same, as it sounds important!
314 Jane // 27th Feb 2009 at 11:09 am
Hi Lucy, I am not sure but if you are concerned about the fibre content and breathable of the mooncup pouches on my site I can assure you that they are 100% cotton and fully breathable.
People have lost their original bags or need something bright and pretty in case it falls out of their handbag:)
Having a zip makes them more secure than a drawstring bag.
I have written an article for Easy Living Magazine about Mooncups and my pouches to be published in June. I just love encouraging Mooncup use :)
315 Kate // 5th Mar 2009 at 4:51 pm
I tried to read all the comments on this page and then noticed how long it is!!! This review was written in Aug 2003!!! hehe
I’ve just started using the mooncup and have high hopes but my nails are killing me! I couldn’t get a grip of the stem so I’ve been using my thumb nail to get a tighter grip. My thumb is also quiet sore from trying to reach up to the base of the cup. Once I can reach the base of the cup its fine but while I’m pulling on the stew its really sore on my thumb and thumb nail! Any tips?
316 Dink // 12th Mar 2009 at 1:36 am
Hey Kate,
I’ve actually stuck it out and read the whole list of comments – it takes a few sittings, but it certainly equips you with the knowledge to really OWN that mooncup :)
I think a lot of people have found that they get on fine without relying on the stem to pull out the cup and just go straight for the base – if its the gripping of the stem that is a problem for you, maybe try bypassing it and see how you do.
Check out comment 297 on making the cup easier to reach – I also find if i just use my index finger on its own initially (as you can reach further) and slide it around the side wall of the cup, I can tease down into an angle that makes it easier to get a purchase with my thumb. Note: I have totally cut my stem off, so am not sure if getting the cup at the right angle will be as easy with the stem in the way, but it’s certainly worth a try.
FYI – I wouldn’t recommend cutting the stem off straight away on the basis of my suggestions as if it doesn’t work for you, you’ll be stuck with a pretty useless cup :) If you do eventually consider cutting it, make sure you just cut a bit off at a time so you know when to stop.
Hope your fingers feel better!
317 Chantelle // 17th Mar 2009 at 8:43 pm
Hi from South Africa! First day using the mooncup (ordered from mooncup.co.uk). I managed to insert it just fine at home – no leaks (throughout the night), no problems inserting it, feels like it seals, etc. Bit of a struggle in public bathrooms at lunch time though, had to resort to a tampon. Back at home and it’s in fine again, no leaks, no problems. I think I’m getting the hang of it, I guess I felt a bit rushed and embarrassed in the public bathrooms today. Thank you for the helpful reviews! Here is my discount code (3 uses) should anyone be considering buying the mooncup from the uk webpage: MOON1596840617-41. Give it a go, hope you love it as much as I do!
318 Sophie // 27th Apr 2009 at 10:42 pm
I started using my mooncup for the first time today and I have to say that I am already hooked. I bought it a few weeks ago but was a bit scared about using it. I turned 30 last year and have not had any children, but since coming off the pill 6 months ago, my periods have become really heavy (for 7 days) and I was constantly ruining ‘dry-clean only’ work clothes with leakages, after just one hour.
Anyway, by 11am this morning I’d had enough (after my 3rd leak of the day!) So, I thought I’d give it a try. It went in fine, and I wasn’t sure if I could feel it or if I was just imagining it or just generally feeling a bit ‘periody’. About an hour later (in Macdonalds of all places) I felt that I was leaking, so I went to check. Well, the mooncup runneth over (well, almost). It was messy and full and to top that, there was a woman with a child in the next cubicle (I bet they loved my gurgling plug hole noises). So I thought I would ditch it and slapped on a sanitary towel and went on my way. But I didn’t want to quit, so I tried again a little later in the afternoon (in a more ‘mooncup’ friendly toilet at work). I think this time I got the hang of it as I didn’t leak or need a towel or panty liner. When I changed later, it was not nearly as messy as it was the first time. The bog brush was handy though, it would seem that the contents don’t always flush away first time.
When I got home, I told my other half who was desperate to find out all about it and see for himself. He was amazed (it’s ok, we’re very comfortable with one another!).
Anyway, I can imagine myself talking mooncups to everyone now, I am so glad I read this page a few weeks ago which made me go out and buy one in the first place.
Why is it that 50% of the worlds population have periods but it’s still embarressing to talk about?
Hope I havn’t grossed you all out, go and buy your Mooncup now!
319 Sophie // 27th Apr 2009 at 10:45 pm
PS, the instructions suggested inserting the mooncup wet, I found this a very helpful tip!
320 Eleanor // 24th Jun 2009 at 2:20 pm
I know that this thread is from a while ago, but I just found it while browsing for information on the mooncup. I’m 18 years old and tampons have always terrified me (my mum got TSS and said it was horrible, and just not worth it) so I only use pads. However, I always feel really unclean and uncomfortable, and I can’t wear skirts or light coloured shorts because of paranoia when using them. I found the mooncup and I’m really interested in it, but would it be a massive jump to use them if I don’t use tampons? I am in no way squeamish or embarrassed about menstruation, it’s natural, so it can’t be that gross. I’m also kind of worried about backflow… there’s an FAQ on the mooncup website, but they don’t really answer it properly. Would it be dangerous, for example on a rollercoaster or doing yoga where the pelvis is higher than the body. Could this cause backflow?
321 Pewari // 24th Jun 2009 at 2:41 pm
Hi Eleanor. I honestly don’t know if it’d be a massive jump if you haven’t used a tampon before, but if you’re comfortable with your body then I don’t think the learning curve would be too steep – it’s certainly worth a try!
The backflow thing is interesting – I’ve been doing a little research. It seems to stem from the retrograde theory of endometriosis where blood flows back into the fallopian tubes causing the development in endometriosis. However, from what I can tell this theory is around 80 years old, and hasn’t really been proven – a certain amount of backflow happens to every woman, yet not all of us get endo! There seem to be other factors involved including congenital defects.
I suggest you do your own research ( a search on ‘retrograde menstruation’ is a good start), but from what I can tell, the risks seem pretty small to me. If you’re really concerned I guess you can always avoid rollercoasters or yoga for 5 days every month :)
322 Jane // 24th Jun 2009 at 2:46 pm
Hi Eleanor.
I do not think there is danger of backflow when using the mooncup. It is safe for gym , swimming and all sports
Hi Sophie, If you pop a few sheets of loo paper down the loo before emptying mooncup all will flush better ;)
Practice makes Mooncup perfect
I have been making loads of new mooncup pouches- I’d love some feedback, thanks
http://www.Lovealittle.etsy .com
Please click on the menu to the left to see the Mooncup pouch section
323 Eleanor // 24th Jun 2009 at 2:46 pm
Thanks for a really quick reply! I am going to give the mooncup a try, I think the risks of backflow are much smaller than the health risks of using tampons and pads, as many people have said, with all the chemicals and being too absorbent of fluids, they’re probably much less risky. They seem to have helped a lot of people on here out, so I think it’s certainly time to try!
Thanks!
324 Jane // 24th Jun 2009 at 2:47 pm
should be menu on right….sorry
325 Eleanor // 24th Jun 2009 at 2:49 pm
I love the pouches, they’d make it a lot more discreet and appealing to use. I think I’ll see whether I love mooncup first though!
326 Jane // 24th Jun 2009 at 2:59 pm
Thanks for checking out the pouches.
I think I may have gone a little mad in making quite so many varieties :)
It makes it harder to choose.
327 Sylvia // 24th Jun 2009 at 3:47 pm
To save others from searching, the correct url for Jane’s shop is:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=76088
328 Sally // 24th Jun 2009 at 6:19 pm
Hi Eleanor,
I bought a mooncup for my daughter about a year ago just before she was 16, as she was having trouble managing with pads at school & night time was awful – she was getting up a couple of times as she didn’t feel confident with the pads. She tried tampons, but couldn’t get on with them & so I decided to get her a cup. I followed the advice & also bought her a lubricant (Boots own) to make things easier. I also advised her which fold I found easier – this is really important as it makes insertion much easier. She practiced a few times before her next period so that the panic element was removed & got on fine. She finds it so much easier & more descrete than towels in communal loos, and as you say feels much cleaner. I must confess I usually use as panty liner too, just for peace of mind really as you soon get to know your own body. I think the fold I use is the punch down – you push one side of the rim over to the other side & pinch the two outside edges together, once you have it inserted pinch the bottom of the cup & it will pop open. Some one may be able to advise you of the fab site that wes mentioned on here some time back. It explained all the folds & had pictured too, so it was really easy to understand.
Good luck
Sally
329 Maria // 26th Jun 2009 at 6:46 pm
Oooh, I’d like to try the Mooncup!
But when you try it out is there a time limit on when you can get a refund? I’m a bit irregular so 3 months probably won’t even be 3 cycles yet for me.
330 Becky // 7th Jul 2009 at 7:41 pm
This page is a godsend, so much helpful information – thank you!…however I do have a bit of a question…
this is my first period using the mooncup, after a couple of goes I think I’ve worked out a technique for me that gets it in right but I just cant seem to get it out in any comfortable way (it takes me 15-20 minutes to do it with minimal pain and it normally makes quite a mess), can anyone suggest any techniques for getting it out more easily?
I was thinking perhaps it may be because it was very full each time i’ve tried (I have v heavy periods) and this minght make it harder for the suction to release or something?
Other than that issue i like it,as well as the environmental factors, not having a string is great as is the fact that I will no longer have to carry pads and tampons around with me nor will I have to try and subtly get stuff from my bag into the toilet at work (all my colleagues are male!)
Anyway…that was enough rambling, any help will be greatly appreciated :)
331 shirl // 7th Jul 2009 at 8:10 pm
Basically you really need to relax, as tention tightens your muscles, thus they grip the cup, and so the suction gets a better hold.
Also, pushing down slightly with your muscles, and pinching the cup at it’s base with your fingers, helps. This helps to release the suction and makes removal easier.
My method of removal is to – relax, push slightly, pinch the base, twist, and tilt
Hope this helps
332 Jane // 7th Jul 2009 at 8:16 pm
I echo what Shirl just said really try to relax and bear down.
After feeling it lowerI used to slide little finger to the side of the cup which released the suction.
If heavy I found the most difficult bit was reinserting quickly enough to catch the flow.
Empty onto a few sheets of loo paper to ensure quick flushing of the contents.
It is really worthwhile persevering, Jane x
333 Becky // 8th Jul 2009 at 7:02 am
Thanks very much for the advice, I shall try that!
I’m gonna persevere because other than the problems removing it (although I guess that is a big part!) I really like it – I’ll let you know how I get on!
334 Sam // 2nd Aug 2009 at 2:12 pm
This thread is absolutely incredible!! Still going strong in August 2009!! It’s even on the first page of a google search for mooncup – which is how I found it – congratulations to Pewari on what is quite likely the oldest ever blog thread!!
Anyway – bought my mooncup yesterday and after a struggle or two finally got it in (and out again!) and am now awaiting the outcome of my first full morning with it in – I hope it will be ok!!
335 Kat // 10th Aug 2009 at 1:47 am
Might buy one of these too.
Just one thing though: you FLUSH TAMPONS? What the…
Normal people put them in the bin.
Good thing you bought a mooncup.
336 Pewari // 10th Aug 2009 at 2:11 pm
Kat: there are two schools of thought with flushing tampons. One which says you should never ever do it, one which says that it’s fine unless you have a septic tank.
Tampax’s own site says they’re fine to flush. Interesting discussion on Metafilter discussing the pros and cons too.
Certainly, when I was growing up, there was no bin in the bathroom and I was expected to flush the tampon, so I guess a lot is what you were brought up to do. It was certainly what was “normal” for me and my friends as teens in the 80s.
Visiting elsewhere, I used to be guided by what was provided – no bin, then flush. Bin and disposal bags provided then I’d use those. Here in the UK I would say that I can’t remember the last time I saw a private home provide bags/bins for sanitary disposal. Yet most public and commercial premises have them.
I agree that the mooncup is a whole lot better environmentally than having the waste in the sewage system or the landfill – neither is a particularly great option.
Oh, and for future reference, you will tend to get a better reception if you open with a reasoned discussion than charge on to someone else’s website with personal attacks.
That’s what “normal” people do. Allegedly ;)
337 Lucy // 10th Aug 2009 at 6:11 pm
Totally agree on the tampon thing – I’ve heard a lot of people say not to flush them but I’ve never found it to cause any problems. It used to be perfectly acceptable so it’s not that shocking! Not very environmentally friendly, perhaps, but then tampons aren’t in general…
338 Kat // 11th Aug 2009 at 1:29 am
To me it just seems as bad as flushing condoms or something. Doesn’t that stuff get stuck somewhere along the way ?
I guess it’s a matter of upbringing.
Anyway, I didn’t mean to attack you, I just never heard of people flushing them.
339 shirl // 11th Aug 2009 at 2:05 am
Either way I think it’s nasty, whether it be binned or flushed – yak!
I’ve always flushed though, as I never liked the idea of it sat in a bin at the side of me, along with others, waiting to be removed. I much preferred flush (if any), as it’s gone instantly.
And then there is the other thought, of it sat on a heap somewhere smelling and atracting flies – nasty!
Thank you mooncup!
No more nasties
I saw a documentry a few days ago about people flushing condoms, kitchen grease and baby wipes. And they did get stuck in the sewer . Some poor chaps had to go down there and wade in it all to un-block the drain. No tampons mentioned though.
Though an infant & junior school near where I live had a problem of blocked drains once, due to towels being flushed
340 Emsiphee // 15th Aug 2009 at 3:06 pm
I am going to get one for this reason alone:
Damp tampon strings during a night out on the turps with my girlfriends… ie once you’ve broken the seal, and you’re pissed, and you forgot you needed to negotiate the stringy highway, and it’s effectively like some urine soaked stairway to smelly undies.
WOOHOO!
341 Maria // 18th Aug 2009 at 3:36 pm
Hello Pewari,
Congratulations on the entry and “success” it has had. This seems like a great product (I saw a sticker in my workplace toilet and decided to look into it) and after a bit of research and reading almost every comment here decided to buy one today (mooncup.com promised to deliver within 14 days) so it will be in time for my next period. Thank you and everyone that has posted here it really is great advice. Will keep you posted.
342 Becky // 6th Oct 2009 at 11:33 pm
I am in awe of everyone who has spent up to 20 mins trying to remove their mooncup, and then gone back for more. I haven’t quite got the removal bit sorted, but insertion seems fine. I’ve had the odd leak, but it’s only my first cycle, and so I’m sure I’ll improve with time. I love how much easier disposal is. I grew up in a house with a septic tank, so we could never flush tampons, and having had a bad experience of blocking someone else’s toilet once with a tampon, I have always ended up with a used tampon and not always having somewhere suitable to dispose it. Now, no more problem :-) Enjoyed the blog, long may this thread continue.
343 Maria // 7th Oct 2009 at 5:40 pm
Hello again, my mooncup arrived and it is the most amazing thing ever invented :)
Yes, yes it does take practice, but once that is out of the way, you will have FREEDOM!
I am now trying to raise awareness of its existence in the area where I live, so wish me luck!
Please ladies, give it a go!!!
344 jill // 1st Jan 2010 at 4:28 pm
The author of this blog needs to correct the article where she states one of the advantages are a 3 month money back guarantee. That happening was a complete nonsense & is thankfully no longer the case.
345 Pewari // 1st Jan 2010 at 11:47 pm
The author of this blog needs to do a lot of things.
Rewriting history by editing a blog post that was written 7 years ago and then took on a life of its own probably isn’t one of them though.
346 Shirl // 2nd Jan 2010 at 2:15 am
All I know is that if it wasn’t for Pewari, and this blog, I probably wouldn’t have discovered the mooncup, or even bothered to buy one and try it out.
For that I am grateful – eternally grateful.
And even if only about 1 in 5 women, that visit this site, decide to try out the mooncup. It makes it worth it – changes to guarantee or not.
347 Jill Kelly // 21st Jan 2010 at 9:21 pm
Hi,
Looking for some assistance.
Have had cold water fish before and quite confident with setting up tank etc.
Bought a biorb and set it up 7 days later added a fish.It only survived 6 days.
Took a sample of my water down to pet shop all was fine.
Added a new fish – same thing happens !
Again it happens – Totale loss x 4 poor little fish.
Did read a comment somewhere relating to possible ‘lead’ in the plant weights ?
Any suggestions?
348 Pewari // 21st Jan 2010 at 9:27 pm
Hi Jill. Well my first suggestion is that you might want to post this on a discussion of fish, rather than a discussion of mooncups ;)
Secondly, no there is no actual ‘lead’ in lead weights. The issue is that you have new tank syndrome – i.e. you have not cycled your tank properly. Also, I’m guessing that your fish is a goldfish? Biorbs really aren’t suitable for goldfish as the tanks simply aren’t big enough – you need at least TEN GALLONS per goldfish (hence why I went tropical).
I highly recommend you add no more fish at this stage, and read up on fishless cycling: http://www.fishkeeping.co.uk/articles_51/fishless-cycling-article.htm and it’s really worth considering putting a heater in your biorb and going tropical.
349 Emsiphee // 2nd Mar 2010 at 5:20 am
Best thing ever! I apologise for being overly gross in my original post (but plead excitement in being in the company of fellow girly-girls)
Anyway, yep, still loving this (bought in Aug last year). Really appreciating the environmental friendliness of it… think of how much waste I would have chucked by now…
:D
350 Kate // 3rd Mar 2010 at 8:44 pm
Hi Guys,
I’ve been researching Re-Useable Sanitary towels and decided this would be a good place to ask some advice. I LOVE my mooncup but I just want something extra for the first 2 days and for night time… Has anyone used a re-useable sanitary pad, any particular brand? I like the look of the ones that are built into your pants… Anyway… any information you guys have would be great!!
K
351 Jane // 3rd Mar 2010 at 9:00 pm
Hi, Luxurymoon has some excellent natural feminine wear
http://luxurymoon.co.uk/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=57
I know a fair number of people who make their own with a waterproof layer of pul fabric for security.
There are also many Etsy sellers http://www.Etsy.com who make reusable towels. I must admit that as I became more confident with the mooncup and happy to get up to empty at night I didn’t need backup at all.
I’d go for the plastic snap fasteners as I’d worry that metal would rust.
352 Shirl // 3rd Mar 2010 at 11:14 pm
I also made my own re-usable towels. I soak them in a bucket of water with some E-cover bleach to help remove the stains, before adding to the machine.
There are a number of websites with patterns and full instructions on how to make your own. I can’t remember exactly were I found my pattern, but I know I searched a few before settling on the one I felt comfortable with making.
I used soft cotton for the exterior, and for the inner I used extra absorbent cloths bought from local shops, or supermarket. Mine have a triple layer of cloth in the middle, which helps prevent too many accidents.
You could also try Velcro instead of fasteners, I tried both metal and plastic, and both over time obviously need some repairing, as the thread started to break
The views expressed in these comments are not the views of the publisher. However, we believe in the rights of others to express their legitimate views and concerns. Any legitimate complaint emailed to pewari@may.be will be seriously considered and the post reviewed as desirable and necessary.
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