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Original poster

Please talk mooncups with me?

27 replies

Boco · 31/05/2007 13:35

So, this is my first mooncup experience. Started strong, getting it out is a bit odd, but i kept my cool and it's all ok.

Today though, i've got the worst sicky headache, can't tilt my head forward without feeling like it's going to fall off. Really pounding. Not a usual period symptom for me. Is it unrelated do you think?

And i can't make it work today, - it keeps leeking all the time, have to keep putting it back in every half an hour - and as i can't tilt my head forward without feeling faint, it's really hard and i'm feeling all pathetic. Why is it leeking? I'm sure i've got it in the right place (fanjo right?)

OP posts:
ZisforZebra · 31/05/2007 15:53

It could be in too high or not sealed which would cause some leaking. Do you twist it slightly when you've put it in or 'clamp down on it' a couple of times to make a really good seal? It doesn't need to go in as high as a tampon.

I've no idea about the headache although it sounds more like a migraine if you feel sick as well. If you can't lean forward without wanting to faint, maybe the best thing would be to use a pad for the rest of the day until you feel better and try again tomorrow?

Hope you feel better soon. {{{hugs}}

Lio · 31/05/2007 15:57

Hi Boco, sorry you are feeling so poorly - don't know the answer, but if it were happening to me I would switch to san towels (not tampons) for the rest of this period and try the mooncup again next month. Am using mine for the first time today and after about 2 hours I am getting a leak even though it is not full. ZisforZebra, when you say 'clamp down' on it, do you mean squeezing those muscles, or actually giving it a tug? Need tips to avoid this leaking.

PoppyCock · 31/05/2007 16:01

awww, you poor thing. when i put it in i bear down (or even squat if i'm in the shower) when i'm putting it in and then i twist it around a few times just so that i know it's nice and secure. i don't imagine it's causing your headache but like lio says the only way to know is to stop using it and try a sanitary towel for a while.
afaik, if it's leaking it's not in completely right but we're all different shapes and sizes so who knows?

Flame · 31/05/2007 16:10

Being in too high can make you feel realyl rough

Original poster
Boco · 31/05/2007 16:44

Oh i don't really understanding all this clamping down and bearing down stuff. Clamping?

I'm feeling very queasy.

I just read the thread about fanjos looking like they've been through a blender and i don't want to be a lady anymore.

I hate periods, feel like i've been kicked up the bum by a donkey and my head hurts.

OP posts:
PoppyCock · 31/05/2007 17:42

not too sure about clamping myself but bearing down = pushing as if doing a shit.
don't follow through, now, and ad to your list of troubles...

FrannyandZooey · 31/05/2007 17:48

Boco if you feel like your symptoms might be connected to the Mooncup I would whip it out pronto (I really doubt it, but better safe than sorry eh)

also not the best time to be trying to get the hang of something new IMO. I think your problem is that you aren't getting a good seal as mentioned earlier - I run my finger round the edge to make sure it is completely unfurled, and then you could try giving a small pull to make sure you have suction - but why not leave it for now and think about it again when you feel better

pirategirl · 31/05/2007 19:17

i have been using mine for the 2nd time, the last 2 days.
I dont seem as good as inseting it as i was last month, but the af is heavier this month, its my 2nd one for about 18months. as i was on the mini pil.

Can sympathise with the sicky headache, have had it all day, u are prob tensed up, more than usual, or tired ( i know i am both due to dd being ill) and that combined with your period is making it difficult to cope with mew thing that is the mooncup.

Def put it away for today, give your self a break.

I was talking to a friend today who has been using one for ten yr and it seems she puts hers really high up, i said that the advice is not to do this but it seems to work for her.

I am finding it more difficult to make sure its 'open' this month, but then i have more flow, and it seems to be able to move more easy.

i thought it was leaking today, but it was just a bit of blood that was in front of it, obv from when i had had nothing up there iyswim, god

i know tis is tmi, but I dont really care tbh!!

periods, eh.

hope you have more luck when you feel better.

x

JoanCrawford · 31/05/2007 19:24

Please, someone, wtf is a mooncup?

I think I've got the drift by some of the posts on here. Insert like a tampax but it's a 'cup'? Ouch!

Does it hurt?
What are the benefits over say, tampax?
Isn't it rather messy?

tia, I'm genuinely intrigued.

nightshade · 31/05/2007 19:27

type mooncup into google and all will be revealed!!!!

FrannyandZooey · 31/05/2007 19:30

JC lots of info on the website

it doesn't hurt

it is not particularly messy, you just remove it, empty, rinse it and reinsert

advantages are:

it is reusable so saves sanitary waste in landfill, plus save a lot of money over the years,

many women find it more comfortable and that their periods are lighter and less painful while using it

it seems to help people feel more positive about their menstrual cycle - possibly because it doesn't reduce your period to a bunch of distasteful pieces of rubbish that have to be disposed of

Best deal on the internet currently here - when that offer finishes I should be selling them at wholesale prices again

JoanCrawford · 31/05/2007 19:34

thanks nightshade, pure genuius . Was hoping for a more 'personal' response.

Thanks, yet again, FandZ. Think I may give them a go, can't see a reason not to .

nightshade · 31/05/2007 19:41

got mine last month, like all the others, some initial difficulties with leakage, but just a lot of fiddling required!

i'm hoping that it will transform my life on holiday next week when af is due (bum). have always struggled with sanitory products abroad (small pipes, full bins) etc.

also am sick of spending mountains on tampax just to throw it down toilet!

glad you saw it for yourself joancrawford, pictures always speak louder than words.

JoanCrawford · 31/05/2007 19:43

thank you nightshade, can you tell I'm pre-menstrual?

twynkle · 31/05/2007 19:45

I've had one for about a year and I LOVE it!! I sometimes genuinely forget I'm having a period. My periods are quite light anyway but I find I can leave it in all day sometimes - no leakage. Juts keep practising!
Don't know how it would give you a headache though?? Thought period pains were supposed to be better because of no chemicals and no tampons irritating your cervix??

pirategirl · 31/05/2007 19:47

the greatest th ing about it is that you have always got it with you!!

that IS genius imp. we can carry our own period 'wear' around with us.

the trick is not to put it in too many days before af is due tho !!!

I had a great moment yesterday. bizarre really, but I 'knew' i was going to get my period yesterday, and as was having a 3 hour driving lesson, i put my mooncup in.

got home, and was actaully excited to find out if period had started!!!

yep, it had,

cool!!!

JoanCrawford · 31/05/2007 19:54

just reading the link and am slightly deflated. Seems the size for me is less of a 'cup' and more of a 'caserole dish' .

pirategirl · 31/05/2007 20:12

most of the women here, have the size A, over 30, or any age and has a vaginal delivery.

I believe the sizing difference is only a matter of under a cm, between the A and B.

Flame · 31/05/2007 20:22

If it is in too high it gives a dragging sensation, which can make you feel rough inc headache (have done it myself)

twynkle · 31/05/2007 20:26

Have you cut the stalk off? I didn't to start with and felt like I'd sat on a pointy twig - could be making you more inclined to get it in further??

ZisforZebra · 31/05/2007 20:30

Boco - Sorry! By 'clamping down' I meant giving it a good squeeze with your vaginal muscles to get a good seal. Hope you are feeling better now.

PS. My favourite thing about my mooncup (apart from never having to touch those horrible sanitary bins in public toilets, less rubbish in my bathroom bin and no irritation from towels) is only paying for it once and only paying one lot of VAT!!! Every month I give a little smile at those few pence I'm saving from the taxman.

Tatties · 31/05/2007 20:56

Oh Boco, sorry it's not going too well for you today. Like Flame, I once had a really bad experience when I put the MC in too high; it induced severe cramping and I felt like I was going to pass out. I knew it was the MC though, and I just had to get it out straight away. I was really quite shaken afterwards, so just used STs for a bit and tried the MC again when I felt ready - it has been fine ever since. Although I do have some days when I just can't seem to get it in right... not the most dextrous when I'm on my period.

Anyway, not sure how you feel is related to the MC, but given that you are not feeling well and finding it a bit difficult, I would definitely leave it for a bit and have another go when you are feeling stronger. Hope you feel better soon

Original poster
Boco · 31/05/2007 21:06

Thanks for all the advice. I didn't definitely think it was the MCup, but not sure as I feel a bit odd. Kept feeling faint all day and really sick - not usual for me at all.

My headache is better now though, just feel a bit migrainey and spaced out - probably is just one of those things. Think i'll do the fiddling and fine tuning and clamping and bearing down when i feel better (sounds exhausting! - do mooncup users have improved pelvic floor muscles, anyone tried firing ping pong balls?)

God poppycock i nearly puked at the thought of adding bowel incontinence to my ailments today!

OP posts:
Tatties · 31/05/2007 21:09

Boco I have quite recently started feeling really rough at the start of my period, migraines and nausea not uncommon now, never used to be like that

Original poster
Boco · 31/05/2007 21:14

Oh no - why do you think this has started?

I really hope this isn't a regular period thing - couldn't do anything today, children have taken my house apart and i just meekly pleaded and bribed from a darkened room.

OP posts:
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