Questions about mooncups

[Bunnyhop1502]

As my periods have returned I’m going to have a go at using a mooncup! I have some questions:
I have given birth vaginally twice - will I need the larger size?
Is it still a bit messy - would you recommend wearing a pantyliner in case of leaks?
If the above answer is yes, do you use a washable liner? My main reason for using a mooncup is to reduce my personal contribution to landfill.
Are the cheaper brands as good?

I have googled but I trust the MN opinion more

I wish I could use one but I have never had a vaginal birth and find it hard to get the bloody (pardon the pun) thing in.

When I did manage, it was agony removing it. I was trying an organicup.

I must give it another shot. I'd like to try a softer one maybe but it's an expensive trial & error!

For those that tried more than one brand how long were you using it before moving onto the next brand?

I had a Mooncup for about 18 months I think, DemToes. I was about to completely give up as I thought Mooncups were the only option. Then I read a thread on here and I bought the Lunette and the MeLuna at the same time as I found a code for the website I got them from. The Lunette I wear when doing vigorous exercise, as the MeLuna will leak then as it's really soft. But the Lunette is uncomfortable the whole time. The MeLuna I don't know I'm wearing, and doesnt leak as long as I'm just doing everyday things.

I have a diva cup and washable panty liners that I wear on heavy days as a back up.
I started with the larger one as I'm over 35 and a child but I could feel it.
I got a smaller one and it's loads better

It is a bit messy and I have a nail brush I use after emptying it.

I empty morning, lunchtime, teatime and bedtime, even on heavy days. Previously I'd have been changing super plus tampons hourly

I've spent zero on Sanpro in 3 years and put nothing in landfill

I haven't read the thread but I have used a mooncup and then a meluna for years. I love using a cup, and it's saved me loads. Also rarely any leakage and I can wear it all day without changing it but then I maybe have lighter periods than some. I agree that cutting the stem off can be a game changer, I can't have any stem on mine or I can feel it. I'm already planning to persuade my daughter to use a cup when she starts her periods. I got her a small meluna which recommended for teens.

I bought a mooncup but it made me feel horrendous. About 20 minutes after putting it in I felt dizzy, lightheaded and really heavy. It cleared up after I took it out, which also really hurt. No idea what that was about but it’s made me nervous to try again.

I use my mooncup with Modibodi knickers. Total game changer. They are brilliant.

I like moon cup although could be bigger as it leaks and I have Endo and a chocolate cyst. Maybe a pot noodle cup?

I've been using them since about 2006, I think I might even have sent off a form and cheque from a magazine for my first one, pre-internet shopping!

I use a washable pad backup on my heaviest day(s) just in case. Leakage can happen but slightly depends where you are and whether you have easy access to a loo, I usually have a warning feeling and have time to get to a loo before it actually comes out at home.

You want the bigger size if you've had vaginal births or are aged over 30. Basically if you're not a taut young thing!

No idea if cheaper brands work as well, I've only used Mooncup. I don't see why other brands shouldn't be good but Mooncup also works out at pennies per period anyway! It takes a while to get used to getting it in and out, it's key to break the suction before taking out or you'll feel like you're using a plunger on your cervix :)

Been using a mooncup for five or so years, in two sizes (before and after birth).

They can be a bit uncomfortable to insert and so my tip is to do it in the shower. It can get a good clean out, but there's enough moisture to get it back in relatively easily and get yourself clean again. Maybe I'm completely gross but I leave it 24 hours to change. After the first couple of months that was never an issue.

In those first few months I'd suggest more than just a liner. If you've inserted it incorrectly it might go quite badly wrong. I recall advice to practice for a couple of months on the last few days of flow to get the hang of correct insertion without disastrous results.

Really good! Make sure it's fitted or I have to twist into place to secure it better. Wear a pad on second day as heavier but it's so simple just keep emptying! I can feel bubbles when it's filling up not sure if anyone else does so that gives me an idea of when to empty sooner rather than later

@NutElla5x to avoid blood not flushing away, put a little wodge of loo roll sheets in the loo first to make a little island IYSWIM then empty the mooncup on them, then flush. Usually works.

😩 Didn’t know there were different types! Just ordered a Mooncup thinking that was the only one one. Cant use tampons any more after having a baby so really hope I get on with a cup 🤞🏼

Thank you so much to everyone! I’ve had some really good advice here so I’m feeling confident in giving it a go. I did the quiz and am going to buy my first cup tomorrow. DH utterly dumbfounded at my excitement

Changed my life.

It took me about 6 months to get the knack of it- you have to experiment a bit with position and suction.

I have to push it as high as it will go and make sure the rim is round my cervix. Then a little squeeze to provide suction. No leaks, no issues. I give the base a squeeze before i remove it to break the seal.

Quick question- if you have teens how do you sterilise? Seperate pans? All in one pan? Knowing what i was like as a teen i was thinking it might be best to let her do it when everyone is out if the house?

That quiz is impressive - it suggested the cup that I'm actually using! (after very long trial and error- I didn't get on with the moon cup at all). I still need to use pads for a day or two but not after that. It has sorted out most of my cramping, and my period doesn't seem to last as long. For me discovering cups has been life-changing.

Reading with interest - I've been a Mooncup user for years but the damn thing always, always leaks during the first couple of days of my period when it's heaviest. After that it's brilliant which is why I keep using it. But I've done the quiz and it's inspired me to try another brand.

I sterilise in Milton. Still have to clean with a toothbrush and soapy water as well (these days, bio laundry powder rather than hand soap – rinse well!), but then just drop it in the Milton for 15 mins. Job done.

NB That's at the end of a period, obvs. During period, just water or sometimes bit of unscented hand soap to get all the loose stuff off.

JuneFromBethesda I switched to the large meluna after having exactly the same problem with the mooncup. It almost never leaks even on heaviest days.

I bought some cheap ones (came as a set of 3) off ebay and am using them for the first time (day 6 at the moment), no leaking here except overnight on day 2 when it got full and even then I got lucky, woke up and realised it needed changing, on day 2/3/4 I had to empty it every 3/4 hours, day 5/6 have been 12 hours between.

I did a 'trial run' and found it really uncomfortable until I trimmed the stem off, now I can't even tell it's there. Make sure you google how to get it out, don't just yank it lol. Also i found that folding the top a little when removing made for the most comfortable removal.

I found the punch down fold the best - found the C fold just didn't open up well at all.

We have been away for two days and a night and it has been really nice not worrying about disposing of tampons/pads and I really like that if we go to someone's house I wont need to ask where to put used sanitary items.

Much cleaner than you would expect, I have found them less messy that changing a tampon. Really happy with it and can see it becoming a long term thing for me, wish I had found them sooner!

www.ebay.com.au/itm/Reusable-Menstrual-Silicone-cup-Feminine-Hygiene-DHL-Free-3-for-19-99/201685098996?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=501439451078&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

For anyone in Aus wanting to try them but not wanting to fork out a lot these are the ones I ordered.

sterilise in Milton. Still have to clean with a toothbrush and soapy water as well (these days, bio laundry powder rather than hand soap – rinse well!), but then just drop it in the Milton for 15 mins. Job done.

Thanks, never thought of that. Always assumed bleach would damage the cup?

But easy enough to buy a little pot and some milton tabs then she can deal with it in private if that’s her choice.

The mooncup website actually suggests it. After turning my second mooncup into a crumbly mess in a pan that boiled dry, I've stopped boiling them.

www.mooncup.co.uk/using-mooncup/how-do-i-clean-my-mooncup/
To do this you can
• boil it immersed in water for 5 to 7 minutes (in a pan you use just for this purpose)
• use sterilising solution or tablets. These are commonly used to sterilise baby equipment. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for dilution and soak for the minimum recommended time. Then rinse thoroughly with clean water.

I have used a Mooncup for about the last 6 months and I love it. It took a bit of getting used to and I agree with comments above about shortening the stem. Inserting it feels odd the first few times, but I can't feel it once it's in the right place, it doesn't leak even during exercise, my periods are less painful and I'm saving money/the planet. I've had 3 children and use the larger size. I'd never go back to tampons.

On a slightly different note, what does anyone think about donating a mooncup to food banks? They often need sanitary products. I know there are some companies that 'match' each cup sold with one donated to a poor country - but are they not a possible solution to 'period poverty' in the UK as well?