To try a mooncup (or similar)

[BloodyUserName]

Sounds ideal, no itchy thrush causing tampons, no rustly sanitary towels that I have to throw in the bin........but do they actually work and are they comfortable?

[phantomnamechanger]

many people on here rave about them, the main trouble seems to be positioning them correctly, and people worrying about emptying/rinsing in public loos. I'm sure you will get lots of tips on how to get it right.

YANBU for considering trying something new - my DDs recently switched to washable pads and have never looked back.

[OodneedsanOod]

I'm a recent convert, I was allergic to pads and getting loads of thrush , heavy periods managed much better , less pain.

[Cornettoninja]

It's worth giving it a go. I got a menstrual cup off eBay (new obviously!) for about £8. I wouldn't hesitate to shell out more for one now.

I will say you need to give it time. I reckon it took probably three periods to get to grips with mine completely. I'm quite heavy so still double up with a towel for the first couple of days, but after that it's a breeze and I wish I'd got one years ago.

I'm going to invest in some washable pads next, they look so comfy and cosy. Like a nice pair of pj's . That'll cut my towel use down to virtually nil since night is when I seem to need it most (tmi but gravity is not my friend first thing in the morning!)

[LovleyRitaMeterMaid]

Go for it I'm willing to bet you love it!

[gordyslovesheep]

I used to use one but it started giving me thrush every time (and yes it was cleaned etc) I think it just irritated me

I loved it though

[treaclesoda]

I can't praise mine enough. It feels much cleaner than a tampon or sanitary towel. It doesn't need changed as often, so using a public loo generally isn't an issue unless you really aren't going to be at home all day. And I always had problems with tampons and pads leaking, but I've never had a leak with a mooncup. My biggest problem with it is that sometimes I totally forget about it and then realise I haven't emptied it all day

[pregnantpause]

Yanbu to try. I tried for six months, it was good just as effective as certainly for me ( very heavy) less messy than tampons. But it hurt me. I have very long periods (6 day minimum) and tmi but fitting it in and out six times a day for a week each month left me with a sore fanjo back to tampons for me

[Pipbin]

I've been using them for about 12 years now.
I get toxic shock so no chance of using tampons.
To be honest I do find that mine leaks so I still need to use a panty liner or 'normal' towel. When I first started using it, it didn't, so I bought the bigger size recently, but I'm still a bit leaky.

I do love it, but I see that it's not for everyone.

[Pipbin]

I used to use one but it started giving me thrush every time (and yes it was cleaned etc) I think it just irritated me

I got that, and got in touch with Mooncup. They suggested rinsing under super hot water before first use each month. That seemed to work.

[fruitpastille]

I found it a nightmare to remove despite following all the advice. Much happier with tampax.

[iwantgin]

Go for it. I love mine - and wish I had discovered it sooner.

Much more effective than tampons -no leaks or irritation.

Cheaper too after the first few months.

I have had no issue with it ever.

[thatstoast]

I've just bought one but am yet to try it out. Tampons aren't agreeing with me since childbirth so thought i'd give it a go.

[heather1]

I haven't tried Mooncup. But I really like Softcups, I get mine from Boots. They are disposable, so not as environmentally friendly as Mooncups. But not a problem to put in a take out. For me they really do last 12 hours, almost to the minute. Plus I can go swimming and no need to change it afterwards as I used to have to do with tampons.

[TouchPauseEngage]

I used mine for the first time last month. No problems, no leaking. So so much better than tampons. I had to cut the tail but right off to make it confortable though.

[BloodyUserName]

Thanks ladies, I'm going to try it - now what size (I'm bang on 30)?

[Cuppachaplz]

Love mine.
Periods 1-2 days shorter, stopped all breakthrough bleeding and my endometriosis almost as symptomatic.
I had very frequent thrush with tampons, worse with towels, so now 6m preg, am investing in cps for post partum as convinced pads and tampons the cause.
Go for it!

[flightywoman]

I got a MeLuna and I really wanted to love it but it was so uncomfortable that I just couldn't get on with it.

I have had problems with recurrent cystitis for over 20 years, often cap/diaphragm related, and it felt like the Meluna was sitting in the same way which in turn made me feel like I was approaching a flare-up so I wasn't inclined to persevere.

[ithoughtofitfirst]

Really want to try it after this baby (and fanjo returns to normal).

I reckon i would just get 2 sizes and try them out rather than guess.

Yanbu.

[strawberryblondebint]

Best tip on mumsnet I ever had. Periods lighter I think certainly don't last as long. Whack it in in morning and change it mid afternoon or lunchtime if I can be bothered. Great for first thing in morning when I used to flood. Saves a fortune. Had to cut the stem off as it annoyed me but bar that it's amazing. Think mine is called a diva cup. Bought it off amazon. Converted loads of people

[addictedtosugar]

YANBU to give it a go.
Many people like them, some don't get on with them: but if you don't try, you'll never no.
I have a ring stem Me Luna. Love it. After DS2, tampons weren't cutting it, and leaked badly. I still need a panty liner tho.
Only needs emptying at work on the first day or two. After that it lasts til I get home.
Try it at a weekend first couple of times.

Do remember: there are many more brands than just mooncup - I use Luxury Moon

[unlucky83]

I love mine ...really can't imagine not using it now...struggled a bit at first but now no leaks etc...I don't even think about it- fantastic
But the time before last I got horrendous thrush.
It was my fault completely -had washed but not sterilised it, was going away and remembered last minute I'd need it so chucked in the bottom of a bag. Did think of borrowing some of DD1s towels/tampons but the idea was yuk, really didn't want to use anything but my mooncup. Then on train needed it -found it (covered in fluff), rinsed in the manky train loo and used. I never got round to sterlising it - did give it a good wash. Also emptied it lots - first period after going back onto warfarin - that can cause heavy periods so was worried about flooding... first thrush irritation I thought was due to the obsessive emptying. Anyway horrendous thrush - worse I've had for 20 years - treated with canesten pessaries, touch wood problem solved.
But I didn't want it back . Before next period I cleaned and sterilised my mooncup to death...boiled it, scrubbed it with an old toothbrush poking the holes out with a bristle, used milton (on the strong side), boiled it again...and all was well again no problems, no re-occurrence...
But I shan't be so laid back about cleaning/sterilising it again that's for certain...

[MapleTree2]

Just for some balance as there's a lot of love for moon cup here (I'm jealous!) I tried it for the first time just last week and didn't get on well at all. It was uncomfortable when in (I tried positioning differently up and down, cutting stem, wetting it with water nothing helped). I could feel it there all the time stretching and putting pressure on the sides.. Something I never feel with tampons. Then taking it out was really painful. Now a week later and something is not right- either cystitis or thrush or bruising, it's difficult to tell because I never usually suffer any of them :(
Really disappointed as had high hopes and there are so many success stories.

[OhYouBadBadKitten]

I use a meluna. I've been using some variant for around 12 years. I do find I need a wee a bit more often, I think it presses on my bladder. It holds so much more than tampons and can usually get me through the night.

[pippinleaf]

I absolutely love my mooncup. Been using one for fifteen years, it's saved me a tonne of money, it doesn't itch etc like tampons and towels used to, I don't feel it ever, it doesn't hurt putting it in or removing it and it doesn't leak. I can't fathom why more don't use them - I think it's something to do with the media telling women we are dirty and need cleaning up that makes women think that only tampons and towels are 'normal.'

Get the mooncup!

[onelastfling]

I'd never heard of a mooncup till joining MN (I've led a sheltered life )

Some people rave about them.
I have a problem with the 'disposing of contents' part of it.
It sounds gross