[mysticlily]

I've been using tampons since the start of my period (15 years ago). I never really thought about looking into other safer alternatives but now having a daughter I want her to know there are other alternatives. I came across the femmycycle cup and I plan on trying it but have others used them (that brand or different) and what are your thoughts and opinions?

[atskitty2]

I never tried them, but many women I've talked to prefer them for various reasons. The only one I know that didn't like it, said she just couldn't stomach the sight of blood that way.
So, generally I think women favor them.

[mysticlily]

I never tried them, but many women I've talked to prefer them for various reasons. The only one I know that didn't like it, said she just couldn't stomach the sight of blood that way.
So, generally I think women favor them.

Thank you. I'm pretty comfortable with my body so I think I would do just fine in that department, I'm just hoping that it is comfortable and doesn't bother me.

[Bowlly]

I have the nooncup and i think it's just amazing! It was a total life changer for me. I can't feel it at all, it's extremely comfortable. The only thing is that i think it makes me pee slower. But who cares?
At first i always wanted to remove it because i didn't know what was going on there and was scared it would leak. But now i'm used to it and i can walk around for long long hours without worrying about nothing. I rarely even have to remove it outside my house, because you can leave it in for 10 hours!

[atskitty2]

Mystic, if it's placed correctly, it will be comfortable. Much like tampon placement, it may just take some practice.

[azalea]

I strongly prefer cups to tampons and pads. Much more comfortable, leakproof, and affordable. My favorite brand is Meluna cups from Germany, they come in many sizes, shapes, and firmness. Here's my personal list of pros and cons.

Pros:
-You can wear them WAY longer than tampons. They're medical grade silicone, so TSS isn't a risk, and they can hold much more than tampons. Put it in in the morning, take it out before bed.

-You can wear them on light days, heavy days, and even non-period days. Unlike tampons which can only be used when blood is flowing, cups can be put in before the period even starts to catch the blood before it ever has a chance to leak. I've also used them to catch spotting.

-Less leakage than tampons. Cups create suction around the cervix so very little blood or fluid escapes. After 12+ hours when it fills up it will leak but still last longer than a tampon.

-No more "I'm out of tampons/pads!" crises. Cups are pricey but they save money in the long run. Simply wash them between uses during your period, and then after your period, sterilize it in boiling water. I haven't bought tampons in years.

-The flexible silicone forms to your shape, so you will barely feel it. No more having to hold the tampon string out of the way to pee either. You will basically forget it's there.


Cons:
-Harder to put in than a tampon and takes practice. It's a bit messy at first, it may hurt at first too. You have to figure out the right way to fold it, and stick your finger up to help it pop open to create a suction. Some lubricant really helps in the beginning. Once you get the hang of it, it's quick, painless, and clean.

-Sometimes it's hard to get out. The cervix raises and lowers naturally, and because the cup suctions to it, it can take the cup with it. If the cervix is too high to get the cup out, you just have to wait until later when it's lower.

-Harder to change in public. You have to dump it out in the toilet and put it back in, which will get your hands a little messy. The good news is you will rarely ever have to change it in public unless you put it in wrong and it's leaking, or you're wearing a small cup on a heavy day.



I hope this helps! Unfortunately Meluna is only available in Europe for the time being :/ Diva cups and Luna cups may be available depending on where you live but they are much bigger and may not be great starter cups. Please feel free to ask questions!

[rhiannon34]

I have a friend who swears by them