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Original poster

I have some specific questions about the mooncup ....

39 replies

poopy · 27/07/2006 23:19

Hi ... am regular poster but have recently had to change my name permanently due to creepy stalker thing happening (via email and phone)
Suffice it to say, I live in NZ and was pale and floaty and now I am brown and stinky

Anyway ... the mooncup. There is a thread about scented tampons where someone posted a link to the mooncup site and I am now very interested (I have heard about it loads on here but wasn't really convinced before). The thread has some interesting points re. the mooncup but it is long and I had some specific questions that I hope someone could answer for me as I see they deliver worldwide so I am thinking of ordering one:

  1. Has anyone tried one and NOT got on with it very well? If so why not?
  2. Sizing ... the site had a very interesting section about sizing depending on age and whether you have had kids and how you gave birth. But I remember when I was fitted for a diaphragm that my doctor was very specific about size and I recall that your weight came into it as well (the larger you are the smaller the diapragm). I am wondering how only two sizes of mooncup could fit all women? I am over 30 and have had 2 c/sections but use regular size tampons (not a huge foof iyswim??
  3. Is there a 'vacuum' effect when you take it out? ... I think that is what I feel a bit 'ick' about - didn't like the diapragm for that reason ... the sensation was horrible ...
  4. What if you have really heavy periods? Mine are pretty heavy for a couple of days (need to change tampon every 1 - 2 hours ....
  5. Can you/do you wear it at night (I currently use big nighttime pads at night) ...

Ta in advance ... sorry for all the blushes ... but I am not good at discussing personal stuff

poopy (ghosty)

OP posts:
hunkermunker · 27/07/2006 23:22

Hey, sweet - if you've had a stalker, you might not want to put your g-name so searchably - I'd suggest reposting this without your bracketed word and reporting this thread to MN Towers to get it deleted.

Don't know re mooncup, sorry!

And sorry you've had stalker troubles - how scary

Original poster
poopy · 27/07/2006 23:26

Thanks hinker ...
I am hoping that just the name change should throw them off the scent ...
It wasnt' too scary but a friend of mine found out something about me via a friend of hers via mumsnet and I was really put off .... and cross ...
I wanted to tell people it was me because I feel a bit off centre posting under a different name and I really don't like it ... don't really like my new name at all but maybe it will grow on me ...

OP posts:
hunkermunker · 27/07/2006 23:27

Aww, why did you choose poopy if you don't like it?

Am sure the MN collective can come up with something you like better

brimfull · 27/07/2006 23:33

Hi Poopy,I can guess whooooo you are.

  1. I have one friend who didn't get on with it because it wasn't big enough.She has ahd three normal births and quite a few problems with her bits down there,so I think she's quite unusual.

2.I use the bigger size (bucket...I think).I have had one cs and one normal birth.I think a diaphragn sits much higher up to cover cervix ,than the mooncup so the sizing is different.

  1. There is a slight vacuum effect,probably worse the first few times you use it.The silicone gets more pliable in time.

  2. I had really heavy days like you,my periods are lighter now,apparently because tampons cause excess bleeding as they suck more blood out....nice I know.

I wear it at night,I have leaked twice in 2 yrs .I sometimes wear a pad at night aswell.I used to always leak badly at night pre mcup.

I would give it a try,you won't regret it.

Original poster
poopy · 27/07/2006 23:39

Ah, thanks ggirl ... that really helps ... the bit about the diaphragm placing is v. interesting - didn't realise that ...
LOL @ 'bucket' size
So the vacuum effect disappears or you get used to it as the silicone softens?
Ew re. tampons and heavier flow ... didn't realise that either ...
Hmmmm .... it is 18.99 GBP incl. postage to anywhere in the world ...
Am very tempted ....
I will start growing my own socks soon

The name poopy (the oo being a short sound) is a childhoom family nickname that my dad (bless him) still calls me - was given it as a toddler due to the contents of my nappy - nice
But I wouldn't mind if I found a better MN nickname ...

OP posts:
brimfull · 27/07/2006 23:54

I too was very hesitant about it at first.
The vacuum is what keeps it in but I'm used to it now.
I'm sure us m'netters could give you blow by blow directions when you recieve it.
Go on ,order it,you know you want one.

GeorginaA · 27/07/2006 23:58

Don't know if this helps, but I wrote a fairly extensive review of the mooncup three years ago here . What's useful isn't the review as such, but the tips people have left from their experience are really very good.

CarolinaMoose · 28/07/2006 00:04
  1. N/A - I like mine

  1. It doesn't go v far up your fanjo so the sizing doesn't need to be that specific iyswim. IIRC, diaphragms need to fit your cervix snugly, whereas a mooncup sits in the stretchy bit of your vagina and held in place by your pelvic floor.

  2. not if you squeeze the base of it before pulling

  3. dunno - try it and see . Mooncups hold more blood than tampons imo.

  4. yes, though I think those with v heavy flow like to use a pad too in a belt and braces fashion.

Original poster
poopy · 28/07/2006 00:10

GeorginaA ... wow ... fantastic review - haven't read all the posts after it yet but I will ...
Thanks for that

OP posts:
Original poster
poopy · 28/07/2006 00:11

Thanks CarolinaMoose

OP posts:
threebob · 28/07/2006 00:47

poopy, I've just ordered mine from Embrace in Christchurch for $55 plus $4 postage. Order form on the internet, but you do have to send them a cheque.

There is a crowd in Nelson do them as well.

They probably sell them at the organic type shop, but I'm too embarrased to ask in case they don't and I have to explain what you do with it.

Original poster
poopy · 28/07/2006 00:49

threebob ... lol ... would definitely NOT ask for one in a shop either ... that would finish me off

Thanks for info ... will find Embrace on the web

OP posts:
threebob · 28/07/2006 03:49

I guess it's one of those things that's mail order only for a very good reason.

suzywong · 28/07/2006 06:42

Go on get one, I got one this month and it's great! Haven't emptied a big load yet which is a little daunting but it's all OK so far. Sorry if TMI

suzywong · 28/07/2006 06:50

Poopy, you're going to have to give me your new email addy, unless it was me that scared you

CarolinaMoose · 28/07/2006 08:46

threebob, you can buy them in Boots here

threebob · 29/07/2006 00:52

I've already had an email from the mooncup lady from Embrace. Very efficient.

Dior · 14/08/2006 18:28

Message withdrawn

Dior · 14/08/2006 18:35

Message withdrawn

HRHQueenOfQuotes · 14/08/2006 18:45

hmmm - I have a question - what I've given birth vaginally - but have also have vaginismus (involuntary spasms of the muscles in the vagina) - which means that a lot of the time unless I'm really concentrating on relaxing I'm very tense and "tight" - so which one would I use???

OK - now feeling like a complete prat and MUST go and cook my DS's dinner - just noticed the time !

FrannyandZooey · 14/08/2006 18:50

Are you able to use tampons QoQ or does your condition make it too difficult? I would imagine if you are physically able to insert the mooncup, the usual sizing would apply - (ie size A for anyone over 30 or who has given birth vaginally). I think it's the tone of the pelvic floor rather than the tenseness of your vagina that is the issue, although I am guessing here. I would email them if you have any doubts.

HRHQueenOfQuotes · 14/08/2006 18:54

FZ - I can use regular sized tampons - but can't cope with the bigger ones (which makes heavy periods a PITA)

HRHQueenOfQuotes · 14/08/2006 18:56

ok - and what's the difference between the Keeper and the Mooncup?

FrannyandZooey · 14/08/2006 18:56

I would think you would be fine, but I would email the manufacturers and ask for more advice before shelling out nearly £20

HRHQueenOfQuotes · 14/08/2006 18:58

must say - without wanting to be accued of TMI - it does seem to improving - we've managed sex 2 times this year (sounds pretty bad I know - but considering we probably managed that many times from the day DS2 was concieved until the start of this year it's pretty good going) - oh and DS2 will be 3 in November !

Can you tell I have a DH with the patience of a saint