Cloth menstrual pads / advice on moon cups

[ElektraLOL]

I've realised I don't like disposable pads and they stink because of the chemicals in them. I bought some Charlie Banana ones and I think they're great - much more comfortable and I just put them into a bucket without a lid - no smell whatsoever at all! Wash with Vanish & they come out perfect.

Years ago I tried a moon cup but it really hurt me and I think I must have a tight vagina anyway. There was no way I could get it in. Any advice on softer / smaller menstrual cups I could try?

I've only ever used the moon cup but can't use a cup now due to my Mirena. Miss it, though. MiLuna seems to get good reviews.

I've just started using reusable towels this week, got some bamboo ones and I'm nowhere near as sore and irritated as I've been with disposables so I'm a convert.

Yes I agree - I'm trying to get my teenage dd to try them but she's not convinced. I found a site called Previous Stars Pads - the young woman who designed them is amazing - she does some great videos on YouTube.

Precious* not previous

Why can't you use a cup with a Mirena? Admittedly I've got a copper coil but I've used a Femme Cup all the time I've had it.

I was told not to as the suction can dislodge the coil. Never tried it anyhow.

I have a coil and use a cup. Never had a problem.

Same as Hugo I was told by my gynaecologist not to do it. I'm pretty susceptible to infection so I'll stick with that for now.

I have used moon cups for over 15 years now and have had a coil in that time as well (well, several as I think they are meant to be changed every 5 years or so) as well. I have never had a problem and would never switch back to tampons etc.

I use the smallest moon cup and after having a baby switched to the bigger one but it was very uncomfortable and so have just gone back to the small size which is fine.

I do sometimes use washable pads but I don't like using any pads really so try to avoid. I bought cloth ones from Amazon.

I love the moon cup so much though. I hope that you find a solution that suits you.

The problem for me with the mooncup is that hard edge ridge thing around the top. But these days there are so many brands that one must fit.

Apparently some women feed their menstrual blood to their plants.

A Lunette is a bit softer than a mooncup I believe. There's a website with a quiz called put a cup in it that is meant to help you find the right one for you

To their plants?! I'm intrigued.

Im the same OP - bought a mooncup about 8 years ago & never could do it. Use mostly reusable pads - they are the only thing that works for me at night time. Lovely not to have to sleep on towels. My favourite brand so far is Honour your flow

Ive got a few different pads, and my favourite by a country mile are made by hiccups and juice.

Thanks @Branleuse I will order some definitely- and they are in the U.K. too!

Ah, I've not heard of Honour your flow either. They have really small ones. I would like to convert dd who's 15.

Thanks @RangerLady !

This website might be useful: menstrualcupreviews.net/ I use a femme cup, I find it a bit softer and easier to get in and out than the mooncup.

I have honour your flow ones too. I do quite like them but i think H&J seem to stay in place better

I can’t use a cup and can’t use tampons since having children. Pads make me so so sore and as I have a 26 day cycle and 7 day periods I can barely get healed before it starts again😔
How many do you all have? How often on average do they need changing? More often than disposable id assume just wondering how much more often

I find they need changing less often - they seem to be more absorbent - I have the Charlie Banana ones though.

So not much experience as yet.

Thanks Elektra

I find that washable pads need changing a lot less often than disposables, which really stunk after an hour. I probably use 3 a day and one overnight when my period is at its heaviest. And no smell or thrush! It has been a revelation to me.

Wow, that sounds great provincial

I'm another who uses a mooncup with mirena 👍 I think you just need to make sure the seal is broken before you remove it.

I have a diva cup which is softer but I wasn't keen on as it leaked but I like the rigidity of the mooncup so it might work for you.

I agree @Provincial I would use tampons because I hate the feel of disposable pads but if I use cloth pads it's fine so don't feel the need to even use an internal option.