Buying feminine hygiene products in bulk

Neyite

Meluna have a guide to help you choose the right size and seem to have 3 or 4 different sizes. They also have a choice of stems- regular, ring and none. I got the ring one as I'm starting off but maybe once I get the hang of it I won't need the stem at all.

Posy

And the one you ordered is glittery, sure you can't go wrong with that!!

Mountainsandh

Posy I only have my MeLuna a few months now, and when I said on here I had the same problem with the unfolding, someone mentioned to always make sure you have a hole in the punch (if that makes any sense) before you insert it, and it has solved the problem for me.

I have the purple one too, but with the little ring at the bottom for removal, it's brilliant...

BUT, and there is a but, which is a little unsavoury so sensitive souls please stop reading...

... I was fine the first 2 months, then last month, bang, out of nowhere, my MeLuna started really smelling, mid cycle. I hadn't left it too long, nothing had been unusual, I didn't have an infection or anything...

It was purely like there was a reaction with the material, for some reason.

So I went online obviously, and found I'm not the only one, and some people seem to get that "smelly" reaction sometimes.
(google smelly MeLuna, hi hi)

I miltoned the s**t out of the MeLuna (:)), dishwashed it, miltoned it, dishwashed it.... smell not as awful, but still there. Eventually as advised by some girls online, I got steradent (the thing for dentures), and left it sit in a dissolved tablet for ages, then dishwashed again, and now it's not so bad (but still a little bit there).

Now I love the MeLuna, I love it better than the Mooncup now, but that smell will really be a deal crusher for me in the next months... if it happens again (and again), it'll have to go.

Just thought I'd share that in case some other girls on here end up with the same problem.

Some people online were saying to send it back to MeLuna and they might send a replacement to see if it was just happening with the one model, so that's an option too.

edit : just want to add : if you have a MeLuna and are wondering if it is smelly and you didn't notice, trust me... it's not smelly :( If it was, you'd definitely definitely know it.

celica00

I tried the mooncup a few months ago and wasnt too happy about it.
it fitted perfectly but when i tried to get it out, it kinda sucked into "it"?

was painful in the end, did anyone experience this?

Mountainsandh

Celica, that's exactly what it's supposed to do, and it means you inserted it perfectly.

There are little holes on the sides of the Mooncup (and other cups) which, when you insert it the proper way (fold, and let unfold inside of you), create a vacuum. That way, you don't get leaks.

To remove it, you pull the stem, or the bottom of the cup, until you reach a level where you can either "punch" the cup in a bit, or insert a finger on the side of the rim, to break the seal.
(I find I have to tilt the slightly folded_so it won't spill either_ cup slightly to get it out comfortably).

The seal breaks before you remove it, so it shouldn't be sore.

It takes a bit of practice to get it right, the removal is the trickiest part, but when you get the hang of it you'll be glad you stuck to it.

fits

Yep removing is tricky at first but gets very easy once you have the knack.

celica00

thanks a lot!
will give it another try so, kinda scared me off as it was really painful!
thanks

Mountainsandh

Good luck with it !

MazzR

Gonna order mine online. I'm sold!!!

Paeru

I know I'm pretty late to the party, but just giving my vote for the Mooncup! Unexpectedly got my period when I was on holiday so I had to wear tampons for the first time in two years, it was a nightmare! Never made me appreciate my Mooncup more.

ZombieBride

I have nothing but praise for the mooncup after spending 8 hours on my feet today and not having to worry or dash to the toilet as a tampon decided to migrate was fantastic.

bedlamaticable

Another vote for the mooncup! I find it so very convient and having very heavy periods it's a lifesaver!
However, I can no longer use the mooncup as I had the mirena coil fitted and the doctor advised against using the mooncup (or tampons even) as they can knock it out of place.

Morag

bedlamaticable wrote: »

Another vote for the mooncup! I find it so very convient and having very heavy periods it's a lifesaver!
However, I can no longer use the mooncup as I had the mirena coil fitted and the doctor advised against using the mooncup (or tampons even) as they can knock it out of place.

Really? how odd, mine never said anything like that to me and I am on my 3rd one.

fits

I think its totally odd as well. I mean basic anatomy right>???

Vojera

fits wrote: »

I think its totally odd as well. I mean basic anatomy right>???

According to the mooncup literature (or somewhere else I read when I was doing my research), some women have comparatively low cervixes, so perhaps there's a risk of the cup interfering with the coil strings in that case? Although if sex is okay, it seems strange!

bedlamaticable

Morag wrote: »

Really? how odd, mine never said anything like that to me and I am on my 3rd one.

Really?! The doctor inserting it as well as the doctor I had my consultation with - prior to being 'up there' ie hadn't seen if I had a low cervix etc. told me they don't recommend it as it can dislodge the coil when you're removing it? I was also told not to use tampons?

Do you use the mooncup with your coil? I would love to go back to using th mooncup, I (7 months on) still have heavy periods and find using pads a nightmare, just very uncomfortable and not all that practical when you've heavy periods (getting th coil was massively influenced by the reduction it can lead to of your periods as I have always had very heavy ones, and while I have had a noticeable difference they are still heavy).

Morag

My dr leaves the strings of the IUS long and then folds them up either side of my cervix.
I have used tampons no bother, I've not used a cup cos the IUS pretty much has halted my periods completely.

bedlamaticable

Morag wrote: »

My dr leaves the strings of the IUS long and then folds them up either side of my cervix.
I have used tampons no bother, I've not used a cup cos the IUS pretty much has halted my periods completely.

That's definitely something to think about! I would really love to be able to use tampons and the mooncup again, might see what they say about folding up the strings! I can feel my strings (if I go up very far) so maybe the doctor could still do that!, definitely worth looking into, thanks a mil!
Can I ask how long you found it took for your periods to halt more or less? I know they say a reduction after 6 months and it varies from person to person, but it would be great to hear a personal experience!

Morag

With in 3 months of my first one they stopped, and I had intermittent bleeding after I had each one replaced but no return of my period at all. My dr was joking saying my womb was hibernating like a bear in the cave of my vagina and hopefully when the IUS was replaced it would roll over and go back to sleep. Which so far it has done.

Speedsie

Hi,
I've used a moon cup for ages and find it great.

Recently an ad has popped up in my twitter feed from Ruby Cup - if you buy one from them, they send one to girls in Kenya. No idea how they compare to Mooncup, Meluna, Ladycup etc, but I think it's a good idea.

http://www.ruby-cup.com/en/shop-online

They are a little pricy though, at €28 for one.

BabysCoffee

Speedsie wrote: »

Hi,
I've used a moon cup for ages and find it great.

Recently an ad has popped up in my twitter feed from Ruby Cup - if you buy one from them, they send one to girls in Kenya. No idea how they compare to Mooncup, Meluna, Ladycup etc, but I think it's a good idea.

http://www.ruby-cup.com/en/shop-online

They are a little pricy though, at €28 for one.

Great concept (it's like Tom's shoes). I paid €30 for my mooncup in Boots so this compares well plus you have the added benefit of doing good!

LoonyLovegood

(Long story cut really short)

I've not had a period for two years because of health issues. I've no idea about hygiene products. At. All. I was stood in supervalu for ten minutes today just staring at the shelves. I used to have trouble with tampons, but I was wondering would a mooncup be a good idea? This thread is kind of making me think about it more seriously, but I'm still not sure.

KaisaRose

I've been researching different brands and types of menstrual cups, but I'm just unsure if I can use one properly as I've never had penetrative sex. Any of you ladies have experience with this? If so, which cup would you recommend?

Mountainsandh

KaisaRose, I'm no expert, but I would guess it would make no difference, if you're not tense about it, that is, inserting the cup. If you tense up I'd imagine it would be a bit of a struggle.
The Mooncup site (and I think Meluna too) is brilliant for information, they have a really extensive FAQ, and I bet the question has popped up. I bet some have asked it on forums before you too.

CTYgirl why not ?
Again, in my opinion, it's just a question of getting used to it, and not let yourself be daunted about it too much. It's not as easy as the other options the first few times, you do have to learn how to handle it a bit, but if you perservere, it's worth it.

For others on here, I was there a few months ago thinking of getting a Meluna with ring for easier withdrawal. I did, and at first I liked it. Then it started developping a smell, and that turned me off. I did manage to get the smell off the cup, but now I feel it's too rigid, and it does not come back into shape well enough. It's more oval than round, and it's annoying me, and has led to leaks... so I don't trust it and don't use it anymore.

I've gone back to my Mooncup, short stem and all. Pity, I really liked the ring, but the Meluna material is just not flexible enough for me.

Fragglefur

seems quite a few places stock them (mooncups) now

http://www.mooncup.co.uk/how-to-order/uk-stockists/all-stockists.html?tags=411

eviltwin

KaisaRose wrote: »

I've been researching different brands and types of menstrual cups, but I'm just unsure if I can use one properly as I've never had penetrative sex. Any of you ladies have experience with this? If so, which cup would you recommend?

I'm using the Mooncup at the moment and find it a lot easier to insert than a tampon, its very flexible, its not at all uncomfortable to get in. It looks huge when you see it out of its packaging but don't let that put you off. It took me two months to really get comfortable with it but I'd never go back to towels or tampons again.

Hersheys

I haven't plucked up the courage to try a mooncup yet but I will.

However has anyone tried the always infinity pads? I used them this month and found them amazing. I normally get itchy towards the end of period due to plasticky coating on pads but this month nothing. Amazing.

I find the whole idea of pads to be off putting. Mooncups are so hygenic and discrete as a method of management that they don't really compare.

It doesn't really take courage, just a bit of practice.

Honey-ec

Candie wrote: »

I find the whole idea of pads to be off putting. Mooncups are so hygenic and discrete as a method of management that they don't really compare.

I don't use a Mooncup, I'm happy with tampons, but I agree with you re. sanitary towels, I stopped using them when I was about 14. I always remember in school that you could actually smell when some girls had their period. That's what put me off them for life.

April O Neill

I don't know if a mooncup would solve this, but I have heavy periods, and for the first few days I have to double up, using both super tampons and sanitary towels. Especially for overnight.

April O Neill

April O Neill wrote: »

I don't know if a mooncup would solve this, but I have heavy periods, and for the first few days I have to double up, using both super tampons and sanitary towels. Especially for overnight.

Try it April, you can go up to 12 hours without having to empty it, so it might be the answer for you. You've nothing to lose and it's much more comfortable that the doubling up sounds.

April O Neill

Candie wrote: »

Try it April, you can go up to 12 hours without having to empty it, so it might be the answer for you. You've nothing to lose and it's much more comfortable that the doubling up sounds.

Doubling up is OK, but not even always very effective. Yup, I get heavy, heavy periods.

I'll look into this!

iwantmydinner

April O Neill wrote: »

Doubling up is OK, but not even always very effective. Yup, I get heavy, heavy periods.

I'll look into this!

Jesus, sounds like you lose BUCKETS every month!

Mooncup is definitely, definitely worth giving a try. For me it's about the convenience of not having to deal with my period during my workday, but for you I'd say it could make a huge difference on every level.

It does take a wee bit of getting used to but the perseverance pays off.

fits

On my worst day, which is pretty bad.. I would have to empty mooncup after five hours. Its way better than anything else I have tried. Would never go back.

fits

fits wrote: »

On my worst day, which is pretty bad.. I would have to empty mooncup after five hours. Its way better than anything else I have tried. Would never go back.

Day two is my worst day, and I'd get seven hours out of the mooncup, conservatively. I tend to empty it in eight hour cycles the rest of the time.

Once you get used to the convenience it's hard to consider the four hour cycles of changing tampons/pads etc.

Gottalovegreys

Started using a mooncup a few months ago after reading about it here. On my very heavy day, I've had to change it every 2-3 hours early in the day, but it gets longer as the day goes on.Still better than tampons and pads combo!

I sometimes still have trouble getting mine to open up properly when its in. Maybe I'm still getting used to it, but think I might try a lunette if it doesn't get better as I can end up spending ages fiddling around

It is a bit of a learning curve, but the most important thing I've learned: when removing, if you don't pay attention, it can "pop" open, and when its full its *not* pretty. Have learned that lesson the hard way, I'll spare ye the details!

clappyhappy

I finally bought the moon cup yesterday. Got my period in morning while out shopping, so went to boots to get a box of tampons. There I saw the moon cup and remembered reading about it here. Went home cleaned it and used it, I have to say I am so happy with it. I have extremely heavy periods and would empty it every 3-4 hours on second day (today). Found it simple to use, very comfortable and over a few months it will pay for itself.
Thanks to all here who have recommended it, best thing I have done for myself in a while.

Mountainsandh

Well done, you won't go back now ! I haven't used a single tampon since I started the mooncup.
I'm the same with the timing, day 1 and 2 I need to change 3/4 hrs max (just to be sure and catch it before the point of no return...), some months are better than others. The days after that are so easy peasy. And even with the more frequent changing, it's still miles ahead of tampons or sanitary towels.

clappyhappy

Completely agree, disappointed I didn't buy it months ago when I first read about it here, but better late than never. Not being graphic but even with the super plus tampons and pads I still leaked but so happy with it, just have a pad and its clear. Will be recommending it to friends.

Hersheys

I'm still a mooncup virgin - I currently can't justify the money but I am building up advantage points in Boots!

This may be an odd request / query but has anybody had a colonoscopy done while they have their period? How did it work? I rang the hospital yesterday and they said it's no problem, normal, see it often etc etc etc, but I am kinda grossed out by it.

Neyite

Hersheys wrote: »

I'm still a mooncup virgin - I currently can't justify the money but I am building up advantage points in Boots!

This may be an odd request / query but has anybody had a colonoscopy done while they have their period? How did it work? I rang the hospital yesterday and they said it's no problem, normal, see it often etc etc etc, but I am kinda grossed out by it.

Nope, but I did have a transvaginal scan on day one of my period. Doc was unfazed by it.

Suucee

Hersheys wrote: »

I'm still a mooncup virgin - I currently can't justify the money but I am building up advantage points in Boots!

This may be an odd request / query but has anybody had a colonoscopy done while they have their period? How did it work? I rang the hospital yesterday and they said it's no problem, normal, see it often etc etc etc, but I am kinda grossed out by it.

Unfortunately I had. I was the exact same grossed and so embarrassed. I just used a tampon (didn't have the moon cup at the time) and all was fine.

Hersheys

Suucee wrote: »

Unfortunately I had. I was the exact same grossed and so embarrassed. I just used a tampon (didn't have the moon cup at the time) and all was fine.

Thanks - will bring tampons with me. I'm also concerned about the string!! I suppose I had to get unlucky eventually. Scope number 7 and never had period for it before.

iwantmydinner

I've no actual experience but my best friend is a doctor and can guarantee you it won't knock a feather off the doctor.

I get that it would be uncomfortable/cringey for yourself, though. But the medical staff won't take a bit of notice.

Umbreal

I've been meaning to try Moon Cup but the fact that I also use Nuva Ring put me off a bit. But after reading this thread, my interest has been renewed and I might just have to pick one up and use it when I don't have my ring inserted. I hate using pads but at the same time tampons don't agree with me so I definitely think it's worth investment.

Princess Peach

You can use it while using nuvaring. I put my nuvaring in as high as I can, and the cup sits pretty low so they generally don't meet too much. My ring never came our when changing my cup anyway. Maybe just keep a careful eye when taking out the cup, sure if the ring does come out just pop it back in.

mslady

Hi Ladies! I'm not usually one for posting but I just wanted to say THANK YOU!! I started reading this thread thinking "Gick, no way am I ever using a mooncup"....but as I read on it all started making sense! Bought one a couple of weeks ago and I love it! Can't see myself ever going back to tampons!

How so Joe

I got a free moon cup from my students union last week, now I'm just waiting til I can try it. Not entirely sure about it, but certainly worth trying!

loveisdivine

The Ethical Superstore currently have moon cups on special offer @ £16.95. It includes both sizes too.

http://www.ethicalsuperstore.com/products/mooncup/mooncup-reusable-menstral-cup/

Not sure how much they are in boots so dont know if its cheaper when you add on postage & parcel motel. Although if you order over £50 then postage is free so just the parcel motel charge.

I was going to buy one a while ago. But then my periods stopped, its been 6 months now and theres no sign of them. I'm sure they will come back at some point but it seems like a bit of a waste to buy one now

kylith

loveisdivine wrote: »

The Ethical Superstore currently have moon cups on special offer @ £16.95. It includes both sizes too.

http://www.ethicalsuperstore.com/products/mooncup/mooncup-reusable-menstral-cup/

Not sure how much they are in boots so dont know if its cheaper when you add on postage & parcel motel. Although if you order over £50 then postage is free so just the parcel motel charge.

I was going to buy one a while ago. But then my periods stopped, its been 6 months now and theres no sign of them. I'm sure they will come back at some point but it seems like a bit of a waste to buy one now

I'd recommend going to your GP about that, if you haven't already.

I'm the opposite to a lot of people here in that my periods are so light that all I usually need is a pantyliner, not even a pad, and even then it's hardly stained. I've considered getting a mooncup, but would it be overkill?