Menstrual cup ?!

[ShuubOutDemBadmine]

Ok, I'm going on holiday on Saturday for 18 nights and I'm already stressed as I'm taking my 12 month old and she's alot harder to entertain for long periods nowadays

Anyway I completely forgot that my period is due in the next few days. Usually I would get the norethisterone tablets to delay it if my period was due around a holiday or when I was on the pill I wouldn't take the 7 day break. I'm not on any contraception anymore (Not having sex either that's why) and have left it too late to get the tablets I think as you need to take them a few days before yoir period is due for it to work.

So I have been considering buying a menstrual cup for a few months but keep forgetting. If I had a cup I feel it wouldn't bother me so much having my period while on holiday, I hate tampons and never used them unless i absolutley had to.
I've just looked into buying one from Amazon but there's so many... and what size? I was hoping some people on here could recommend one?
I'm 28 and have 1 baby, apparently your age affects the size too?
Are they easy to use, can I buy one and it will work or will I have to buy many and try them? I was hoping I could just buy the right one first time.

Sorry this isn't the right section but I feel this is the busiest part of mumsnet!

TIA for your help

I bought a mooncup and I love it, would never go back but there is a learning curve. I got the one for people who haven't had children. I cut the stem bit off as it annoyed me and just pinch and pull it out. It has shortened the length of my period and I don't have bad cramps anymore.

I would have a practice before period starts though to get used to folding, insertion and removal

@BarbedBloom did it take long to get used to?
Should I get 2, so that I have one clean at all times?
I know you can't leave a tampon in for more than 8 hours because of the risk of TSS, but there's absolutley no risk of this with a cup, right? Because that's my main reason for not wearing tampons

Thanks for your reply was

You can either rinse it in the sink or give it a quick wipe out with paper (public toilets with no sink in cubicle scenario) then reinsert. Then give it a decent clean once your period is finished. No need to have a spare.

I went with a mooncup and the sizing is on the box/website.

And no, there's no TSS risk.

I love my mooncup, however, it is messy. I don't like it personally on the first day as my cervix is so low it's uncomfortable so use a reusable pad. But it's so much easier. So much more comfortable (except day 1) and of course the environmental benefits.

I have a moon cup and love it. The initial getting-used-to-it stage can be awkward but a few days and you'll have the knack.

I have never used one, but I am somewhat familiar with the DivaCup. You would need a size 2. This is for women who are over 30 and/or have had a baby previously.

Are you flying to holiday destination? Only reason I ask is that the only time (in many years use) that I had an issue with it was flying. During landing it kind of unsealed - was a bit grim, so would use a pad as backup just in case if flying! Had a mooncup, stem trimmed right down and no other bother with it at all- was a godsend really

Mooncup, Amazon prime! Very easy to use

I use a MeLuna cup. Wouldn't go back to tampons now. Not sure I'd use it for the first time on holiday... No harm in trying, I guess, but take your normal protection just in case you don't get on with it.

You only need 1 - rinse or wipe and reinsert during your period, and sterilize afterwards.

I would recommend having a look at some of the YouTube comparison videos before choosing one that's likely to suit you. As others say, you don't need a spare, but if I were you I would take alternative protection for your holiday just in case you hate it or even just need some time to get used to it.

I don't get on with the Mooncup - it's too big and stiff for me. I have a Tulip Cup now which is okay, but a bit too far the other way - small and flexible. I used to have a Lunette which was perfect for me. I'll go back to that next time I need a new one. But having said all that, I can and have used all 3 of them successfully. Some are easier/more comfortable for me than others, that's all.

I personally would buy a couple as you’re going away so soon. It said I should be a large as I’m over 25 and have birthed twice and so I bought large, well it’s far too big and I can’t pee with it in at all! So I actually need a small!

I tried mooncup first, but found it too hard and stiff. My next try was Divacup and I get on fine with it. I like it because you can change it in the morning and, provided you don’t suffer with particularly heavy periods, you can just forget about it until the evening. Much less faff and hassle.