anyone tried the Instead menstrual cups?

[boricuaqueen327]

i just bought a box of Instead to try. If I like them I will probably buy a menstrual cup to use along with my cloth pads. however i am having a hard time getting it not to leak. anyone know how to prevent that?

[hubris]

Haven't used them, but my understanding is that you need to get it right up by your cervix for a good fit. Is it in high enough?

Their fit and function is a little different from a reusable menstrual cup, so I wouldn't use them to judge whether or not you like cups in general. Take the plunge and try a Diva cup!

[Momof3inMI]

I love my Instead! I have never had any problem with it leaking. I just pinch it together, slide it in (up & back~at an angle), and make sure it opens (it always does). I wouldn't give up my Instead for anything. I have been using them for about 10 years now. I've had 2 more kiddos since I started using them, and have never had any difference in fit or protection coverage.
Good luck.

[Bartock]

I did many many years ago when they first came out I got a sample pack, I like them, I should get them again, but I think the are not reusable?

[Bartock]

http://homeinseminations.homestead.com/softcupfaqs.html

[Momof3inMI]

As for the reuse of the Instead ~ the package says not to, but I use the same one over for the whole time of my monthly flow. I just rinse and reinsert. At the end of the cycle I throw it away. I love the fact that a box of 14 softcups can last alittle over a year. I pay less than $7 for a year of comfort.

[whateverdidiwants]

For the life of me I couldn't get Instead in correctly, and I tried everything. I think they're just too big for me.

[Bartock]

Originally Posted by Momof3inMI

As for the reuse of the Instead ~ the package says not to, but I use the same one over for the whole time of my monthly flow. I just rinse and reinsert. At the end of the cycle I throw it away. I love the fact that a box of 14 softcups can last alittle over a year. I pay less than $7 for a year of comfort.

Good idea i will have to do that

[Conteuse]

Tried 'em and loved 'em -- wore them for about a year before I finally took the plunge and got a Diva.

Now I'd never go back!

I did have some leaking problems with Instead, but just wore a pantiliner and it was fine.

I did wash and re-use the same cup for the whole period, though. I read somewhere that the company is legally required to advertise it as "one-use" because of hygiene issues, but that most of the women who work for the company wash and re-use their own!

The only thing I use them for now is for sex while I'm having my period, as it contains all the liquid and smell and everything. I use the Diva for everything else, which gives me no leakage problems and I can leave it in for longer.

[EnviroBecca]

IMO the only thing Insteads are good for is stashing in my work bag, travel hygiene kit, etc. in case I get my period away from home; then I can use the Instead (emptying and reinserting if necessary) until I get home to my Keeper. Instead makes me ache slightly, it sometimes leaks if I sneeze or bend over, and I cannot empty it without dumping the contents onto my hand.

We tried having sex with Instead. My partner said, "Are you serious? This thing is huge! It's totally in the way!" We finished up with alternate techniques. Then I got out the instruction booklet to show him that "they" say it can be worn during sex. He said, "Who are they having sex with?!" But I think it's me, because I also was unable to use the smallest size diaphragm.

The Keeper and Diva are a completely different shape, the open end of the cup is horizontal rather than diagonal, and they seal better.

[boricuaqueen327]

i have been using it for a couple days now and I really like it! once i figured out how to get it far back enough it doesnt leak at all anymore. i even washed it reused it yesterday and so far I am very pleased. thanks for the advice guys!

[solidcitizqueen]

Originally Posted by boricuaqueen327

i just bought a box of Instead to try. If I like them I will probably buy a menstrual cup to use along with my cloth pads. however i am having a hard time getting it not to leak. anyone know how to prevent that?

I used them for about 10 years (and still have some left over for those times where intimacy won't interfere w/ bleeding, or to give to someone to try cups). I am now a Diva, and would NEVER go back. Insteads served me well, VERY well for 10 years, but Diva reigns (Mooncup is nice too, and has Diva's back). You have to make sure that the rim of your Instead is up above your vag wall. When you remove it, you should almost have to "hook" the rim and pull down from your vag wall. Leakage will also happen if it's too full (you have so much more "storage" in a real cup), or if you cough or use kegels or poop, because it will kinda dip forward past your wall and empty. This is a handy technique on the potty, when you want to empty it out a bit before removing though!
I used one Instead for the whole week, for 10 years, regardless of the recommendations. I never had a problem!
Keep practicing, and if you take the Diva/Moon/Keeper plunge, you'll have to get used to a whole new insertion technique, so be aware of that.
You are welcome to pm me if you need any other help w/ your Instead issues. My DD used it on her first cycle, while practicing inserting and familiarizing herself w/ her vag for the first time, before succeeding w/ Diva. It's frustrating, but WELL worth the effort!

[soygurl]

I personaly HATED Insteads. I tried them while saving up for a new Diva after the one I had been using for a while was stolen (it was in a big bag of things that were taken when my car was broken into). Maybe it was becuase I was already used to the bell shaped cups (Diva, UK Mooncup, Lunette, Keeper/Moon_Cup, ) but Insteads leaked terebly for me. And I couldn't see how they could posibly be worn for 12 hours. It just didn't seem like they would hold enough!
I finaly got a new UK Mooncup (I decided to switch from the Diva for lenght issues) and I couldn't be happier!