Menstrual cup users: Which do you use?

[happymommy]

I am trying to figure out which is the best, or at least the most popular. . . The Keeper, Diva Cup, Mooncup, or other (if there is an other). I am sure AF will arrive soon and i want to be ready!

Here is my thoughts: I am not allergic to latex--that i know of! So i was going to go with the keeper, BUT since a lot of mammas seem to sometimes develop a reaction, i thought might as well just go with something silicone-mooncup or diva cup. But the shape of each one seems different and i don't know which one to get! Maybe this poll will help!

Any Advice? Thanks so much mammas!

[Elphaba]

i went with the keeper. i got a great deal on it -- $28 including shipping. i've been very happy with it. i can't imagine using disposables again. gives me the shivers just thinking about it.

[gravymommy]

I had the keeper and had to send it back (developed a reaction to it) and now have the Diva cup (cause I could not find anyone in the US who sold the moon cup (or I did not know where to look!) Anyway, I had to cut the stems off of both for them to be comfortable. I am test driving the Diva as I type and it seems to be doing the job. I cannot tell the difference in the shape between the keeper and the diva since I did not have them side by side. But, as of now, one is not more comfortable than the other. I am keeping my fingers crossed that the diva works out. So far so good.

Good luck to you in finding what you need.

Amy

[Melaniee]

How do you know if you are allergic to the keeper?

[lifetapestry]

I've had my keeper for I don't know how long-- but before there was any other choice on the american market-- 5 or 6 or 7 years or something like that. What I really like about it is that the rubber softens up with time and use; now I feel like it's getting really well broken in and I find it easier and easier to use.

I don't think that a *lot* of women develop latex reactions-- certainly some do, but I think that the odds are in your favor that you won't. I also remember someone posting a review about each of these cups not long ago-- have you done a search for prior threads! I thought it was an extremely well done review-- not a "you should buy this" kind of review but an evenhanded look at the pros and cons. If I remember correctly, if you're most concerned about something that is relatively soft (and therefore more comfortable I think), the keeper beat out the more stiff mooncup and diva.

Of course, I could be getting this backasswards, too.

Karla

[Peppamint]

I got a good deal on a Keeper last summer ($28ppd) but found out I was pregnant two days after it arrived. : I haven't actually used it yet.

I'm also going to get a Mooncup since I can get it for $14.50 + shipping in a co-op. I can't turn down such a great price!

I didn't vote since I haven't actually used it yet. Some people prefer the silicone cups since you can boil them, but you can easily disinfect the Keeper with vinegar. Oh, just an FYI but never use essential oils (such as tea tree oil) with your Keeper... it will eat away the rubber.

[wildthing]

I haven't tried any yet, but am waiting for a Mooncup from a co-op. I have only had af 17 times since 1987.....I have either been pg or breastfeeding

[Sarah'sMama]

Originally posted by wildthing
I haven't tried any yet, but am waiting for a Mooncup from a co-op. I have only had af 17 times since 1987.....I have either been pg or breastfeeding

I didn't vote, since I'm currently trying to decide if I could actually get myself to use a Mooncup. I'm also a part of the coop Michelle talked about, and think it is a GREAT deal. I just don't know if I could, um, insert it properly, kwim? I really like the idea of them, just don't know if I would use it.

[Lizzie3143]

Do any of you that uses any of these have sensitive skin? See, I can't use body soaps (or regular scented bar soaps) with fragrance because I end up with bacteria infections. I can't use condoms (especially ones made with spermicide) because those also cause me to get bacteria infections. So I am afraid to spend $20-$30 on something that may possibly end up giving me bacteria infections each time I use them. The medication I have to take for it is so YUCKY I'll do anything to avoid ever having to take that crap again.

TIA

[wildthing]

Liz,
As I said, I don't have one yet, but yes, I do have senstive skin as well. I can't use spermicides (we have never used condoms...TMI?), and also can not use perfumed soaps or lotions. Since this is made from silicone, I am hoping that I will not have a reaction. It is worth the cost for me personally to find something that I hear is a very comfortable alternative to tampons....which I also can not use....
Also, I *think* I remember seeing that with one of these types ofproducts, if you decide you don't like it or can' use it, you can return it. Might make it worth trying out then.

T Sherry, yeah that's the reaction I get when I tell the dr when I go for a pg test! LOL "When was your last period? Um, 2 years ago!"

[liya]

im part of the Mooncup COOP my self.... i just cant get over the price $14.50 woooooowwww!!!! I was going to try the diva but im not sure though..I think ill start with the mooncup and then go to the Diva if it doesnt work out...

[Lizzie3143]

Could someone pm me the link to the mooncup coop?

Donna, is the mooncup made of silicone? I'm kinda interested in that one since it seems so cheap in this coop everyone is talking about.

[BoobyJuice]

I voted keeper, but I've only used it for one month. I ordered it and then found out I was pregnant before I ever had to use it. Just got my period back and tried it. Not as easy as I've heard. I had a tough time with it, but I've heard it sometimes takes practice. Just have to try again next month.

[cortsmommy]

Where can I get a moon cup?

[liya]

MoonCup COOP

Ok blessubaby is the one in charge of the mooncup coop...i think you have to join her yahoo group(theres a button in her site) and then vote for it in the yahoo group page....Shes also having an eucalan coop i think at really cheap prices....

[lilyka]

i use Instead. It is disposable version. When my period comes back I will be getting somehting nondisposable.

[PinkSunfish]

I use the Keeper. I have very sensitive skin and developed a reaction to sanitary towels, which is why I was so delighted to find out about the Keeper. I never got on well with tampons, found them very drying and thus painful to remove.

When I first started using the Keeper (two years ago) there was only the rubber latex version availble so I can't comment on the other kinds. I have only heard good comments about the silicone version though.

I wouldn't use anything else now. It takes a bit of practise to insert and remove and I still occasionally have difficult days when I just can't get it placed right. However, it is well worth perservering.

I my Keeper.

[coleslaw]

Can I ask what are these things that you are talking about? I am very interested in learning more. Thanks!

[EnviroBecca]

Coleslaw, look at these Websites: http://www.keeper.com http://www.divacup.com

[sapsygo]

I've been using the Keeper for about 9 months now and for the most part I like it. I love the fact that I'm not throwing away lots of tampons/sanitary pads/whatever, and I like how it makes me feel more "crunchy" However, I find it rather uncomfortable for the first day or two of my period - I get this dull aching feeling coming from about where the keeper sits. The aching does go away thankfully, but I can't for the life of me figure out why this happens every month. I've tried repositioning it once it starts to ache, but that only brings temporary relief, at most. Towards the end of the day it starts to hurt to stand... very annoying. I'm starting to think about just using tampons for the first couple days, then using the keeper. I hate to do it, but this aching is driving me nuts!

Ok, that got long, I'll stop now!

Amber