[ADULT] Menstrual Cups!

[Criseyde]

Originally Posted by elucidate

Where did you buy your basal thermometer? I usually can feel when I am ovulating...and the discharge is different.

I'd like to be as organized as that. Can I just find one at a pharmacy or something...?

I wasn't able to find one at a normal pharmacy like Walgreens. I got it in my school's pharmacy. I don't know what yours are like in Australia -- if they're more pharmacy oriented and less "big box store," you might be able to find one there. And regardless of where you go, you could probably have them order one for you.

[elucidate]

Originally Posted by Criseyde

I wasn't able to find one at a normal pharmacy like Walgreens. I got it in my school's pharmacy. I don't know what yours are like in Australia -- if they're more pharmacy oriented and less "big box store," you might be able to find one there. And regardless of where you go, you could probably have them order one for you.

Ok, thanks. We do have the "big box" pharmacies, and then just regular local ones, but I might try the online option. Don't know why I didn't just google it straight away...forgot that I could I guess.

[aelle]

Originally Posted by Criseyde

Plus, tracking these things can be really useful, for trying to conceive and for trying NOT to conceive, and for knowing when to expect your period, and even for understanding what's up with your moods. I have a basal thermometer and can tell exactly when I'm ovulating, and I know when to pop my cup in so I don't ruin any underwear. These things are massively practical and relevant to my life, and I wouldn't know about any of them if people didn't talk about it.

Can we open a dedicated thread about the fertility awareness method? I've been considering it for when my IUD expires and I would love to hear from those who have first-hand experience!

[Moderator Edit for interested parties: New thread is here Fertility Awareness Method)

[Criseyde]

Originally Posted by aelle

Can we open a dedicated thread about the fertility awareness method? I've been considering it for when my IUD expires and I would love to hear from those who have first-hand experience!

Sure, feel free. I've never used it as a contraceptive method, and I don't think I ever will use it alone, but I can answer questions about how to do it 'n' stuff.

[momo3bur]

Originally Posted by aelle

Also, the idea of birthing my cup amuses me.

I just have to say that this made me truly, deeply LOL.

These cups are VERY interesting...I'm in the same boat as Sandra here with my IUD, though, and I don't really need anything for now. Very lucky with no menses going on almost a year and a half now. But it will come out in about 2 years, so I might have to invest. Seems so much healthier and cleaner than pads or tampons.

[ZephyrusX]

Ha! My other brother was quite delighted talking about menstrual cycles and feminine hygiene products at one point.

Originally Posted by Beingist

Perhaps. One way or the other, generally speaking, guys just simply don't like to talk about it, I can tell you that.

[elucidate]

Originally Posted by ZephyrusX

Ha! My other brother was quite delighted talking about menstrual cycles and feminine hygiene products at one point.

Serious?

Was that in a curious, "wanna get to know how things are for the girls" way, or in another way which was more about making jokes about them?

[elucidate]

Originally Posted by momo3bur

I just have to say that this made me truly, deeply LOL.

These cups are VERY interesting...I'm in the same boat as Sandra here with my IUD, though, and I don't really need anything for now. Very lucky with no menses going on almost a year and a half now. But it will come out in about 2 years, so I might have to invest. Seems so much healthier and cleaner than pads or tampons.

They're really great. Revolutionary from an environmental point of view...and just simpler. Insert and empty once each a day...don't have to think about it the rest of the time, AND you can sleep with it in overnight.

I'd be seriously impressed if they could come up with something even better than that.

[ZephyrusX]

I asked him to pick me up some pads and he started quizzing me about my flow. He was being sincere.

Originally Posted by elucidate

Serious?

Was that in a curious, "wanna get to know how things are for the girls" way, or in another way which was more about making jokes about them?

[momo3bur]

See...we should really be coming together in gender with this awesome little cuppie.

Ladies, we can obviously recognize the benefits.

Gentlemen, no more pads in trash or tampons stopping up the toilet, no more running to the drug store to fetch a new box of Playtex, and now we BOTH have cups we wear in our genital areas!

This is a GOOOOOD thing. LOL.

I think I understand where James was coming from in his first post, just to hopefully lighten things up a bit. I think what happened there is he found humor in being open and very casual in a conversation that most would consider gross, saying it's funny how people pretend to be comfortable in a conversation like this.

I think the only issue is that most of us are completely comfortable talking about these things. I know I am and it seems many ladies here are, so perhaps it was just a projection of his own feelings about the subject into the conversation. Maybe when having these things discussed around you, James, they've been done so secretely, with lots of giggling, or lots of complaining, etc.?

I misunderstanding? I could be wrong...but I don't think he MEANT to sound like a big booty head.

I do know a lot of women, especially very conservative, proper Southern ladies in my area, who would never speak of this in person, especially around men (which I find sad when it's simply because they feel insecure and gross because of it). I will admit that being on my period makes me feel icky and I'm really happy not to have one for the time being. I also enjoyed being pregnant for that reason.

It doesn't make me feel like a gross "person" as if I'm dirty or disgusting, just makes me feel...ugghhh... I much prefer the 28 days in between.

Of course, I still love being female and wouldn't have it any other way. Half gallon of chocolate icecream and a nice sappy book, I'm good for a week.

[aelle]

Originally Posted by Criseyde

Sure, feel free. I've never used it as a contraceptive method, and I don't think I ever will use it alone, but I can answer questions about how to do it 'n' stuff.

Here it is! Let's talk about charting!

Fertility Awareness Method

Originally Posted by elucidate

I'd be seriously impressed if they could come up with something even better than that.

An on-off switch for your period with no side effects would be a welcome innovation, as far as I am concerned!

Originally Posted by ZephyrusX

Ha! My other brother was quite delighted talking about menstrual cycles and feminine hygiene products at one point.

My boyfriend was genuinely interested when he found out about the cup. He never took biology classes and apart from what he felt he needed to know about birth control, his understanding of anatomy and cycles was shaky, but we've had some great discussions. Now he likes to show off his new knowledge, heh.

[aelle]

Originally Posted by momo3bur

I do know a lot of women, especially very conservative, proper Southern ladies in my area, who would never speak of this in person, especially around men (which I find sad when it's simply because they feel insecure and gross because of it).

I find it sad, too. I fear that many women (and their partners, and their fathers, and their caretakers...) miss on so much useful, helpful information simply because menstruation has been socially constructed as dirty and shameful. And as Mariana said a few pages back, that stuff keeps girls out of school and women out of the workforce.

Originally Posted by momo3bur

I will admit that being on my period makes me feel icky and I'm really happy not to have one for the time being. I also enjoyed being pregnant for that reason.

That's what I tell my boyfriend when I double over in pain and he asks if he can do anything. Yeah, you could knock me up, dude! Apart from that labor thing, I'd be good for a solid year! In the meantime, just pass the heating pad and the wine.

[elucidate]

Originally Posted by aelle

An on-off switch for your period with no side effects would be a welcome innovation, as far as I am concerned!

How sweet would that be!

My boyfriend was genuinely interested when he found out about the cup. He never took biology classes and apart from what he felt he needed to know about birth control, his understanding of anatomy and cycles was shaky, but we've had some great discussions. Now he likes to show off his new knowledge, heh.

Does he have a brother with a similar curious streak?

[elucidate]

Originally Posted by ZephyrusX

I asked him to pick me up some pads and he started quizzing me about my flow. He was being sincere.

Huh. I guess they do exist after all.

[momo3bur]

I find it sad, too. I fear that many women (and their partners, and their fathers, and their caretakers...) miss on so much useful, helpful information simply because menstruation has been socially constructed as dirty and shameful. And as Mariana said a few pages back, that stuff keeps girls out of school and women out of the workforce.

OH I know! I had a friend who started in 4th grade AT SCHOOL , a little earlier than most girls. It scared her half to death. She had not been taught about it at all and her mother had kept her own completely secret, so she seriously just had no clue.

After she finally told everyone else about it, she became very popular with the girls, though! LOL! Everybody was dying to start their period next.

I guess I was lucky in that my mother was pretty open about it. My whole family is, really. I knew exactly what had happened when it did. Of course, I wasn't as happy as I thought I'd be considering the cramps that I hadn't anticipated.

That's what I tell my boyfriend when I double over in pain and he asks if he can do anything. Yeah, you could knock me up, dude! Apart from that labor thing, I'd be good for a solid year! In the meantime, just pass the heating pad and the wine.

LOL! I bet he hands that wine over faster than a jackrabbit on speed, doesn't he. It is great being pregnant until the last month or two, then you'll be so excited to see your period come back the first couple of months that you'll probably drink that wine in celebration of Auntie Flow's arrival.

Of course...that only lasts a few months. You'll be sick of that mean old wench again in no time. LOL.

[ButterflyWoman]

Originally Posted by ZephyrusX

I can't say that I am offended as I find the situation almost ludicrous.

Agreed.

Ludicrous is exactly the right word.

In fact, I'm going to take the time to split this thread, so that the helpful and positive information stays here and the rest of it goes elsewhere.

[aelle]

Originally Posted by elucidate

Does he have a brother with a similar curious streak?

Sadly no, and I am not too keen on sharing him. As a rule of thumb though, I have found Northern European men to be generally more relaxed about and interested in women's issues than any other culture I have been involved with (the boy is from the Netherlands).

[meggarz]

I had a baby 4 months ago, though it ended up with a c section I did labor and dilate, will the cup have any problems staying in and not leaking 4 months post partum?

[ButterflyWoman]

Originally Posted by meggarz

I had a baby 4 months ago, though it ended up with a c section I did labor and dilate, will the cup have any problems staying in and not leaking 4 months post partum?

Should be fine.

[ButterflyWoman]

This thread has been split. Although every effort was made to retain sensibility in both of the new threads (coherence of conversation, etc.), it may be a little choppy in places. If you find yourself confused, you can refer to this thread (which is the moved posts):

http://www.stevepavlina.com/forums/h...rual-cups.html

Further posts in this thread which are more about grossness of discussion menstruation or grossness of menstruation or anything else like that will be moved to that thread, but feel free to express your feelings about menstruation being disgusting (or not) in the other thread.

[ZephyrusX]

One of the thoughts deterring me from trying out menstrual cups is the idea that it will get stuck up there. I have strange, paranoid thoughts

So, if I understand correctly, it is easier to get these things out if you buy a menstrual cup that corresponds to the position of your cervix? If you have a cervix that is way up there, a bigger and longer cup will be easier to get out? And vice versa?

I don't have the slightest idea where my cervix is though.

I've read that it is suppose to be easier to find your cervix when you are not on your period, so I'll wait before experimenting around, but what does it feel like? Is it just one of those 'I'll know it when I feel it' things?

I've also had trouble getting tampons in, which is the reason why I don't use them. I know the vagina is very flexible (baby's come out!), but yah... for some reason I just wasn't able to insert a tampon and I''m worried that I'll buy one of these things and won't be able to get it in right.

Originally Posted by Mariana Trench

On a serious note, cups are the best of anything I've tried. I can't even use tampons, though. The one issue I've run into is that it can be hard (and painful) breaking the seal, anyone run into that issue or know how to fix it?

[elucidate]

Originally Posted by ZephyrusX

One of the thoughts deterring me from trying out menstrual cups is the idea that it will get stuck up there. I have strange, paranoid thoughts

Not strange at all. That actually happens to me...and yes, it scares me that one day it will go too far up and I will have to have it surgically removed.

So, if I understand correctly, it is easier to get these things out if you buy a menstrual cup that corresponds to the position of your cervix? If you have a cervix that is way up there, a bigger and longer cup will be easier to get out? And vice versa?

Not sure?

I don't have the slightest idea where my cervix is though.

Hint: at the end of the dark tunnel.

I've read that it is suppose to be easier to find your cervix when you are not on your period, so I'll wait before experimenting around, but what does it feel like? Is it just one of those 'I'll know it when I feel it' things?

If you've ever had a pap smear, then you would know the rather uncomfortable sensation of having the nurse or doctor swab your cervix for a moment with a cotton swab.

I've also had trouble getting tampons in, which is the reason why I don't use them. I know the vagina is very flexible (baby's come out!), but yah... for some reason I just wasn't able to insert a tampon and I''m worried that I'll buy one of these things and won't be able to get it in right.

Tampax makes them with applicators, which help with that.

[Criseyde]

Originally Posted by ZephyrusX

One of the thoughts deterring me from trying out menstrual cups is the idea that it will get stuck up there. I have strange, paranoid thoughts

I thought mine was going to the first time I used it.

So, if I understand correctly, it is easier to get these things out if you buy a menstrual cup that corresponds to the position of your cervix? If you have a cervix that is way up there, a bigger and longer cup will be easier to get out? And vice versa?

I would imagine so. I have the DivaCup, which is THE longest one on the market, and it STILL goes up high enough sometimes that I have trouble getting a good grasp on the bottom to pull it out. But others, who have lower cervixes, can find the DivaCup uncomfortably long, and prefer to use shorter cups.

I don't have the slightest idea where my cervix is though.

Try feeling around for it.

I've read that it is suppose to be easier to find your cervix when you are not on your period, so I'll wait before experimenting around, but what does it feel like? Is it just one of those 'I'll know it when I feel it' things?

It's supposedly soft, but I've never felt mine.

I've also had trouble getting tampons in, which is the reason why I don't use them. I know the vagina is very flexible (baby's come out!), but yah... for some reason I just wasn't able to insert a tampon and I''m worried that I'll buy one of these things and won't be able to get it in right.

I had to stretch things out with my fingers.

[ButterflyWoman]

Originally Posted by ZephyrusX

I know the vagina is very flexible (baby's come out!), but yah... for some reason I just wasn't able to insert a tampon

My experience with this is that it's usually a problem of going in at the wrong angle. Took me a while to work that out (30 years ago or a bit more, but I still remember it!). Once I figured out the angle, I never had any problems (well, other than tampons being wads of bleached cotton that is sometimes too absorbent).

Also -- TMI warning, sorry! -- it's possible to reach in and grab the cup if you have to. Thumb and index and second finger will make a pretty good grip if you have to. That and a good bearing down with the muscles always does the trick for me.

Possibly I'm less squeamish about this because I've popped a few babies out of there (and can confirm that, yes, a vagina is extremely flexible ).

[momo3bur]

Originally Posted by ZephyrusX

I don't have the slightest idea where my cervix is though.

I've read that it is suppose to be easier to find your cervix when you are not on your period, so I'll wait before experimenting around, but what does it feel like? Is it just one of those 'I'll know it when I feel it' things?

Hey Zephy, I thought I'd chime in here because this is something I have a little experience with since I have an IUD with strings cut very short, and I get a good feel of my cervix once every couple of months while checking my strings.

It's a lot easier for me to find my cervix in a sitting position, particularly easier on the toilet with legs spread very wide and leaning forward a bit. My canal is personally kind of set back and shorter, so it may be easier for me to find my cervix than some other women with a higher cervix, but I just reach up as far as I can, which can almost be impossible because my finger is not long enough sometimes during the time of the month when it does seem to be higher if I'm not in the right position. Eventually you'll figure out exactly how to sit, though, and it makes it a little easier.

So anyway, your cervix feels kind of like what you imagine a sphincter muscle to look like. Sort of like a thick O with a really tiny, (nearly) impenetrable center. You'll know it when you find it. Actually, here's a pic...it feels like it looks. This is animated so hopefully it won't be removed! LOL!

[ssandra]

Originally Posted by aelle

(the boy is from the Netherlands).

We educate our sons well...


I think I will try this, once my IUD comes out.

I really truly hate the tampax tampons they have here. They are way to long, and too loosely packed.
I am used to the o.b. tampons from the Netherlands. The difference in how comfortable and how not dried out things get is astonishing.

[momo3bur]

Originally Posted by ssandra

We educate our sons well...


I think I will try this, once my IUD comes out.

I really truly hate the tampax tampons they have here. They are way to long, and too loosely packed.
I am used to the o.b. tampons from the Netherlands. The difference in how comfortable and how not dried out things get is astonishing.

OH yeah, I didn't like the Tampax either for that reason. I did like Playtex Sport tampons, though, so you might try those if the packing is an issue. They also have a very nice, smooth, plastic applicator that makes insertion MUCH easier than Tampax. The Playtex Sport are also very effective. I would wear them while riding horses, swimming, running, etc., and never once had an issue with leakage or them...wriggling into strange positions.

[ssandra]

Originally Posted by momo3bur

OH yeah, I didn't like the Tampax either for that reason. I did like Playtex Sport tampons, though, so you might try those if the packing is an issue. They also have a very nice, smooth, plastic applicator that makes insertion MUCH easier than Tampax. The Playtex Sport are also very effective. I would wear them while riding horses, swimming, running, etc., and never once had an issue with leakage or them...wriggling into strange positions.

We don't have any other brand here, besides tampax.

Personally, I don't like using the applicators. I prefer to know exactly where they are and how they are situated...


Weird thing though... since I had my IUD the one thing I've been very afraid off is that when I use a tampon, it gets stuck on the wires of the IUD and when pulling out the tampon, it pulls out the IUD....

Of course this is impossible. Yet it is a fear whenever I need to use a tampon... (luckily it is only very rarely!).

[momo3bur]

Originally Posted by ssandra

We don't have any other brand here, besides tampax.

Personally, I don't like using the applicators. I prefer to know exactly where they are and how they are situated...


Weird thing though... since I had my IUD the one thing I've been very afraid off is that when I use a tampon, it gets stuck on the wires of the IUD and when pulling out the tampon, it pulls out the IUD....

Of course this is impossible. Yet it is a fear whenever I need to use a tampon... (luckily it is only very rarely!).

Oh well, that stinks! The Playtex really are comfy, but yeah I hate those cardboard applicators and until they came out with the rounded plastic ones, I used OB.

LOL...I understand about the strings! I have certain paranoias about them too. I check mine probably more than I should because I'm SOO afraid the IUD will go into my uterus. LOL. I had to have my strings cut very short because my cervix is so low that...ehh...when I was actually having sex with my husband, they would interfere with his...umm...well...you probably got the idea. LOL. Since this thread is for menstration, I'll leave man parts out.

[ZephyrusX]

Really?

Oh well, if worse comes to worse, I can just give birth to the cup. I'm not sure what that feels like though. Or involves. I mean, I do have a vague idea and think I know what muscles are involved, I just don't know whether I'd actually be doing it right besides looking at my vagina and mentally trying to will it to do it. 'Birth! Birth!' May be I should find a birthing article.

Originally Posted by Criseyde

I would imagine so. I have the DivaCup, which is THE longest one on the market, and it STILL goes up high enough sometimes that I have trouble getting a good grasp on the bottom to pull it out. But others, who have lower cervixes, can find the DivaCup uncomfortably long, and prefer to use shorter cups.

Yah, I probably just didn't get the angle right. I was really tense at the time too. At the very least, this will give me an opportunity to get comfortable with my body.

Originally Posted by Butterfly Woman

My experience with this is that it's usually a problem of going in at the wrong angle. Took me a while to work that out (30 years ago or a bit more, but I still remember it!). Once I figured out the angle, I never had any problems (well, other than tampons being wads of bleached cotton that is sometimes too absorbent).

Thanks momo! The diagram was helpful and I'll try sitting down or squatting next time I try to insert something. I was looking at the 'Beautiful Cervix' site that aelle posted in the other thread and it does look like it would have the distinctive feel to it. But then, I have explored up there before though, so I'm just going to assume that my fingers are too short to get up there far enough. I'll try it again after my period though.

I guess my question is whether it is safe to make that assumption? That if I can't reach my cervix with my fingers that I would probably be better off with a longer cup rather than a shorter one? Or am I just going to have to bite the bullet so to speak and simply try a product?

Originally Posted by momo

It's a lot easier for me to find my cervix in a sitting position, particularly easier on the toilet with legs spread very wide and leaning forward a bit. My canal is personally kind of set back and shorter, so it may be easier for me to find my cervix than some other women with a higher cervix, but I just reach up as far as I can, which can almost be impossible because my finger is not long enough sometimes during the time of the month when it does seem to be higher if I'm not in the right position. Eventually you'll figure out exactly how to sit, though, and it makes it a little easier.