Moon cup help/ period pants advice

[Marmaladegin]

I really want to use a moon cup for eco reasons.

I bought one from boots (own brand menstrual cup). I bought the one for those who've given birth. I've had 3 VBs but I don't think anything is in an awful state down there... it seems pretty much as it was before.

I've persevered with several ways of wearing the cup but it's usually pretty uncomfortable and doesn't appear to ping out into its cup shape properly, meaning that it's fairly crap at catching blood. Is there something I'm doing wrong? Any magic tips for using these flaming things?

And if they just don't work for some people... does anyone have any thoughts on how good the period pants are?

If there's a better topic board for this, please let me know! And thanks for reading to the end of a moany period problem.

I have the Boots own brand one and love it. Just keep taking it out and inserting again until you feel it has sprung back into shape. I find folding it in half and really squatting helps best with it reshaping properly when in place

Thanks for replying. Does it not hurt you?

I can’t use them for the same reason OP, I find period pants work brilliant for me. Makes life so much easier and I have reusable pads if my flow is heavy, but tbh the pants are sufficient mostly.

I bought a moon cup and comfort levels were hit and miss. Some days it would be irritating and other days I'd forget I was using it. The biggest problem was that getting it back out was an absolute ordeal. I googled and tried every tip and trick going but just couldn't get it out in under 5 minutes. I persevered for a while but gave up.

I use modibodi period pants now and I love them. I also have some reusable pads that I wear in the pants first thing then take out at lunchtime and just have the modibodi for the rest of the day.

I loved my mooncup and was sad I'd only discovered it a year before menopause. The trick is to put it in and turn it around once in place - it kind of pops out into shape.

@Marmaladegin

Thanks for replying. Does it not hurt you?

No I genuinely don't even notice it is in. Really changed periods for me as I don't mind being on at all anymore now i have this. Maybe try another brand if this one doesn't suit? Or it says to cut the stem down perhaps?

If it's uncomfortable and not popping back into shape it may be that it's not the right cup for you. I use a Meluna, they have different sizes, strengths and removal methods so you can customise your cup to your preferences. It can take a bit of experimenting to find the right cup for you. You may also need a smaller cup, even if you have given birth every body is different.

It might be that it needs to sit higher (ie - go up further inside you). You shouldn't be able to feel it, and/or as another PP said, cut the stem so it's not irritating.

I think some people just don't get on with them though, so don't persevere if it's just not working

I tried using one for a few months but never really got on with it, I think I was too afraid of it getting stuck to push it up high enough to where it needs to sit IYSWIM.

Then I had my coil fitted and it's not recommended to use a mooncup at the same time. Now I use washable sanitary pads and period pants from Cheeky Wipes (following a Mumsnet recommendation!)

Sounds like it could be too big, if it's hurting and not popping out into it's full cup shape inside you. Try a size down, regardless that you've had VBs.

Thank you all... The thing is, they're rather expensive to have to try a few to find the right one. I think I'll take the plunge with period pants....

So cheeky wipes for reusable pads and modibodi for pants... unless anyone else has any recommendations...?

I loved my moon cup but started getting cystitis (not sure if it was a coincidence) so stopped using it. I have cheeky wipes period pants which I like but they do rustle a little!

I prefer reusable pads - but don't get the Cheeky Wipes ones, get them from smaller business who make them in the UK and use cotton jersey top fabric and fleece backing as those are more comfortable and stay in place. They are so much more comfortable for me than a cup (and I used Mooncups for years too). Some brands to check out include Lady Days, TCS Eco and Crimson Moon but there are lots more, too.

I also have some period pants that are ideal for the light days in the beginning and end. I don't like them for heavier days because I would have to change in the middle of the day and it's a faff to undress... Although you could wear a cloth pad with them for some of the day and then take that off after a few hours.

I found it took me a good few months to get the hang of it, agree with pp that turning it helps pop it into shape. I think early on I was trying to insert it too far, like a tampon. But maybe there is a size/ shape issue. I have an organicup, the only one I’ve tried. I adore it - periods are just so much less of a thing because of it, less pain, odour, mess, it’s amazing. I think it’s worth persevering or trying another. I have a pair of wuka period pants that I don’t really rate, the fit isn’t very comfy.

I ordered 2 cheap non-branded cups in different sizes from amazon to try out and found the firmer / larger one to be better for opening up once inside. While WFH I get into the shower and squat right now to insert / empty each time, and don’t fancy doing it in the toilet in office bathrooms with no sink inside. I sterilise between periods with a few drops of Milton in a (not used for anything else) enamel cup of water. I do want to try period pants for lighter days but haven’t got that far yet!

I wasn't sure with the period pants so went for Primark and M&S as some are very expensive and didn't want to pay out loads and be a disaster.
BUT they are amazing! I love them, so comfy and no leaks. No idea how they work but game changer!

Took me a few tries to get the menstrual cup right, it was a case of finding the right fold that then opens up when put inside. I then gently pull down to ensure there is suction - if it moves, the suction is not there and it leaks round the side. I started using it pre-pregnancy then had 4 years of pregnancy/breastfeeding with no periods and went back with a larger one. It is still absolutely fantastic and the best thing ever - I dont mind being on my period now.

I have period pants as back up if I dont want to use of particularly heavy. Wuka are my favourite, would not recommend Cheeky Wipes unfortunately for pants or pads. I am not biggest fan of pads in general, much prefer pants

Thank you all- I've taken advantage of m&s 4 for 3 on pants... they look good. And I'll give turning the moon cup a go next period