I posted this about a year and a half ago…but many of you are new here, so I decided to update it a bit and repost, because I think it is that important!
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I’ve been wanting to have this discussion for a while. About punctuation. Periods to be exact.
I kind of thought I was the crazy one. The only one. Until I had a discussion with some girlfriends of mine several months ago about…punctuation. They were encountering the SAME issues I was.
I never really thought that the brand of “punctuation products” I used mattered very much so I would just use coupons and get regular ol’ Kotex at the store for a pretty good deal. (Yeah, we’re talking about that kind of period…and here you thought we were having a grammar lesson.)
Then I started developing a minor irritation which month after month turned into an incredibly horrible itchy miserable rash. And it wasn’t on my elbow if you know what I mean.
Not only that, but my uh…punctuation was lasting forever. Too long. Seemed to be longer each month.
I thought it was just me. Not so…according to some of the friends I talked to. Many of my friends had dealt with similar problems…UNTIL they switched to different and healthier punctuation products. Their periods were suddenly much less miserable. Well, slap me with a great big exclamation mark.
I quickly ordered the Natracare brand to test it out for myself. They are chemical and additive free. They are biodegradable and contain organic materials.
I noticed a difference immediately.
First, the miserable rash went away. Hallelujah!
Second, the very first month I switched over, my punctuation was several days shorter and quite a bit lighter. The second month…same thing. Third month…same thing.
Uh-huh. Amazing. If at all possible I will NEVER use regular punctuation products from the store again. The Natracare products have made a huge difference for me each month and I love it. (Well, as much as you can love monthly punctuation that is.)
I don’t even care that they cost a little bit more. Actually…I bought a whole case at once and considering that I go through less of them each month…I’m actually not spending more. Hah!
Here’s what I got:
- Natracare Natural Ultra Pads with Wings, Long, 12-Count Boxes (Pack Of 12)
- Natracare Pads Ultra With Wings 14 ct ( Six Pack)
- Natracare Natural Pads, Slender, Case of 12- 20 Count Boxes (240 Pads)
There are tons of other varieties…those just happen to be the ones that work best for me. (Wow, do you know way too much about me or what?)
Now, eventually I’d like to look into cloth cotton pads (Sckoon Organic Plus Cloth Menstrual Pads with Leak Resitant Sheet Mini Daisey) in order to save money in the long run and prevent waste. I’ve also heard great things about the Diva Cup. Anyone have any experience with these that they can share?
I realize this sounds like an infomercial. Really it’s not. Natracare is not paying me to tell you these things. It’s just that they made a big difference for me and well…I like all of you an awful lot and wanted to tell you about it just in case they can help you too.
Because it is not fun to have question marks about your periods.
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Here’s a post I wrote following this post entitled: A Little Bit of Punctuation Follow-Up. I recommend you clicking over for some more resources and ideas!
DorthyM says
Natracare helps a LOT! But I am really impressed with cloth pads. I don’t have as many problems. I’m wanting to buy more of the cloth ones, or learn to make them myself.
josette says
I notice with cloth pads, my periods are shorter.
Hailey says
Hmm. great point. When I was a teen our step mom never bought us 6 girls’ pads.. so we were stuck with a lot of TP and interestingly.. they were always very light flow. It wasnt until we graduated and moved out that were were able to get a job and well.. heavier periods hello.
Christy says
Hmmm… I made myself some cloth pads in hopes of a shorter and lighter “punctuation” but it didn’t work… However, I do LOVE my homemade ones anyways. They are so convenient, they rarely leak and I never have to worry about whether or not I remembered to buy any supplies each month or so. And they feel so much nicer then the scratchy paper stuff against my skin. Glad you found something that works well for you and I will encourage you to look into cloth… you won’t regret it!!
Jennifer F. says
Oh my goodness, I can SO relate to this! I’ve been having the irritation and long periods you spoke of for years now and finally suspected (after wwaaaayyyyy longer than it should’ve taken me!) the pads I was using! I switched to Seventh Generation and saw a big difference right away, too! I wish I’d figured this out years ago! It makes you wonder how many women are dealing with this discomfort and don’t know what to do about it, so they just continue to suffer. Thanks so much for sharing this!
Co says
I never thought I would be one to use cloth pads. But, after reading this post last time you posted it, I decided to give them a try. I am really happy with them. I would like to get more but haven’t yet. So, I use also use natracare or seventh generation. The cloth pads that I have are from lunapads and I highly recommend them.
Sarah B says
I’ve used the diva cup for a year now, and I will never turn back to the others. It takes up less space (in the cabinet), I will never run out, I never have leaks, I can leave it in longer, it makes my monthlies 10 times better.
Kristi says
Wow! I’ve noticed my period just keeps getting longer and heavier, but I never considered that might be the cause. I have a diva cup but am scared to use it because it has leaked a few times
Also, it is sorta uncomfortable! And, if I wear it to work, there’s no going.back! What if it’s not working right? What if it starts to really be uncomfortable? What if it leaks? What then? Can you imagine cleaning it out in the sink and a coworker coming in?
Ami says
It took me a few months to really get the hang of my Diva cup. I agree that it’s uncomfortable and leaks a little until you really get the hang of inserting it right. I’ve used it a year and a half and I can’t even feel it and I never have leaks anymore, and I never have to stop and think about how to insert it. But I am at home most of the time and I can reach the sink from the toilet, so that really helps. You should try it on your days at home and overnight and eventually yoou’ll really get the hang of it.
Tami says
I agree with Ami, I love my Diva cup! It has shortened and lightened my period and I have no more rash! I have only leaked once… I tend to forget I am wearing it. Lol! As for changing in public… I don’t wash it out when I am not home… So that helps… And because it is so high in capacity I do not need to empty it frequently. ;) you will not regret using this product.
Christina S. says
I have used the Diva cup for 5 years now and couldn’t imagine switching back to any type of disposable product. Talk about a money saver! As far as the cleaning while in public restroom, I would simply empty into toilet and wipe with tissue. Save the sink cleaning for at home. In all honesty, I only find the need to empty and clean in the morning (usually in shower) and at night. Love the convenience and comfort!
Follin says
I have used the Diva cup for about 2 years now. I love it! I will not
switch back to tampons or pads. If you are familiar with how to use a
diaphragm, then the Diva cup will be easy for you. If not, I still
recommend it, you may have a harder time getting use to it at
first. I wore a liner the first time I used it but I never had to
after that. I never leak even though I use to have really heavy
periods. It can remain in for 12 hours without changing it so I always
empty it in the mornings before my shower and then at night before
I go to bed. Great for trips since it takes up so little space.
For all those who are scared of the investment, go for it anyway. You
won’t regret it.
Sami says
I’m wondering about sizing for the Diva. I have had 2 kids but by
c-section, would that make a difference as to pre/post childbirth???
That’s the only thing holding me back!
Christy says
Don’t know for sure, but call the company directly-they could probably tell you.
Abby says
When I bought mine I had only had one child by c-section but the instructions said to still order the post childbirth one. It said if you’ve had a child even by c-section or are over age 30. I don’t know if that’s changed now or not…
I like my diva cup really well!! My flow is VERY heavy though, so I have to use pads in addition to the cup :P. Even so, it still saves a LOT of money. I really should make some cloth pads and see if that helps lighten it up.
Sara says
Going on 4yrs with my Diva cup, love it! Use cloth pads as well as the occasional store overnight.
Jessica H says
I have heard of the Lunette cup as well,
this website has it for only $10: http://www.dailygrommet.com/products/456-lunette-menstrual-cup-silicone-menstrual-cup-tampon-alternative
Summer says
I like Imse Vimse cloth pads. Ebay or Amazon. I just toss them in with the daily wash and they’re good to go. Cycle through my stash about 2x each cycle. I didn’t notice the length of my montlies change after switching to cloth, but definitely noticed less irritation.
Jessica H says
opps the wash is $10, the cup is $39.99
Which is pretty comparable to the other brands- this site also has a video describing it by a third party as well! :)
Nora@ The Dollar Hollering Homemaker says
I just switched to cloth, and I noticed a big difference. I may keep some of the non-cloth around for backup but never again will I go back to store brands. ICK!
I bought mine off of Etsy, but I am sure you could make your own!
Jen B says
After reading this post, the first time you posted it, my friend and I made our own cloth pads and liners, and we’ve noticed a major difference. I used to be a 7 day girl, but now I’m only a 4-5 day girl, and with a lot less pain. Thanks for posting it!!
Amy says
I also use the Diva cup and cloth pads. I like my Diva cup but do have issues with leaking periodically. I have a tilted uterus and I think that’s the cause as I have friends who use it without that problem. I won’t go back to disposeables though!
Ashley says
I used a Diva cup for 1.5 yrs, but I just threw it out. I loved the
convenience of no tampons, but it leaked almost all the time.
I would always use pantiliners and often had to change them because of
the leaking. Also, you need a sink right near your toilet. This is
a messy process, or at least it was for me because not everything
was caught in the cup.
I also have a titled uterus, so I was thinking that might be the
problem. Literally it would miss streams of it. I’m not a pad user,
but am looking for a better option. If you don’t have a titled uterus
I would definitely try the diva cup!
Melody says
Another Diva cup and cloth pad user here, and I don’t ever plan to go back.
The pads I made myself, and they leak hardly ever (if at all), compared to almost every month with storebought ones.
The Diva cup is nice, but I have some fit issues with it and it is uncomfortable at times. I read somewhere that it is one of the longest cups out on the market, so maybe it’s just because everyone is shaped differently inside a bit. I don’t know. I love the convenience of having it though. The longer I use it, the better it gets, so that’s probably a big part of it too.
Emily says
I use homemade cloth pads. Well, I haven’t in over a year now, because of pregnancy and nursing, so I guess I should say I used to! :) I didn’t notice any difference in the length of my flow and I’ve never been crampy, but the rash and surface irritation went away completely! Here’s a link on my old blog to a post I wrote about making my own pads.
http://agardengirl.blogspot.com/2008/12/how-to-make-fabric-sanitary-pads.html
Sweetpeas says
I’ve been using cloth for . . . 8-9 years now, would never go back!!! I also have both a Diva cup and a silicone Keeper (I have the British version, but have compared to the US (Gladrags brand, also maker of the rubber Keeper) one and they look to be identical (except one has measurement marks on the side, so if you really care how much flow you’ve collected . . . let me know & I’ll go check mine & let you know which one has the measurement marks LOL). I prefer the Keeper, mainly because the Diva has little pinprick holes around the top. They say its to make it easier to break the seal to remove it, but I’ve never had a problem removing the Keeper, which doesn’t have the holes, but I have a terrible time keeping those little holes clean. I go in phases of preferring the Keeper/Diva or cloth pads. Right now I have a 20 mo old who’s always in the bathroom with me and very interested in what I’m doing, so I prefer the pads. Before she was born, when my other kids were old enough to leave me alone in the bathroom, I used the keeper almost exclusively. There’s a slight learning curve to inserting the cup, once you figure it out, you don’t feel it at all & it’s really easy.
Sonja says
I switched to regular pads from tampons five months ago and noticed an immediate and incredible difference in length and amount of flow. I was thrilled! That is until about month four when I started to be annoyed by the whole pad thing. I had read about Diva cup but when our little local natural food store had then show up on the shelf, I decided to try it. The gal at the check-out told me she had the owner order them, loved hers and I would too. She was so right! I was worried about the learning curve, not as bad as I thought. I was worried about leaking, only happened once when I didn’t do all the steps. I was worried about tilted uterus, feeling it, falling out, cleaning it…
I will never go back to pads! Never go back to throwing things away, or washing things out. Never go back to my kids wondering what was in our trash can, or stripping the bed 3 times in a week.
If anyone has questions, feel free to shoot me a note. Trying to talk my sister into one now, she is on month 1 of pads….
sara says
I switched to cloth menstrual pads about a year ago and I’ll never use disposable ones again! Cloth is SO much better! Not only does it save money, but I’ve noticed lighter periods since switching. I got most of my stash from a great wahm, Gem Cloth
http://gemcloth.webs.com/
Her prices are really good, and she’s super nice to work with!
Sharon says
Love my Moon Cup! Going on four years using it. I just use a little tissue folded into a rectangle to catch any extra at the beginning of my period. I never have to use pads with it.
http://www.amazon.com/Moon-Cup-Size-A-MoonCup/dp/B001HB3F08/ref=pd_bxgy_hpc_img_a
Charlotte Moore says
Believe you me I never dreamed the lesson I was going to get today. I really thought you were talking about grammar. HA HA!!! I guess I am too old to know this generation uses these days. I would never thought what we used made a difference in heavy or light days. Does anyone know why???
I am just thankful I do not have that problem since I had surgery many, many years ago. (-:
Linda says
It has something to do with the a chemical in the pads. I don’t remember exactly how it was explained
where ever I read it.
I use Seventh Generation pads. I have a few cloth, but don’t use them a lot. I have tried the NaturaCare Tampons, but
I cannot use the cardboard applicators to save my life! They just don’t work well. If anyone knows a brand that
does, I’d like to know about it.
Linda
Christy says
I have been using a cup(I think it is the moon cup-I know it was made by the same company as the Keeper) now for about 6 months. Can’t say enough good about it. Shorter, less painful “punctuations,” and less cost, waste, etc. SO glad I tried it.
Cassandra says
I’ve been very happy with my GladRags brand cloth pads. No reason one couldn’t sew their own quite easily if they were so inclined.
Best part of switching: monthly cost (besides washing, which is negligible if you soak them correctly) went from $$$$ to NOTHING! :D
http://www.gladrags.com (also, they are distributed through UNFI, so many healthfood stores carry them too)
Janet Kiessling says
HI there, Laura – I have been useing the DIVA cup for about 3 yrs now – & like a few others up there – never going back.:) Yes, it took a few months to get comfie w/ it. Alomost threw it away! Infact, gave the ‘pink’ boxes(that I found unopened in the back of the cupboard) to our older daughter for a quiet Christmas present. He He! She was very gratful!
Janet
Dr. Laura @ WhoIsLaura.com says
I use the Moon Cup (from the company that makes the Keeper, except the Moon Cup is made of silicone instead of latex – http://www.keeper.com), which is similar to the Diva cup and love it.
I am also never going back, and like others it did take a few months to get used to it.
Dr. Laura
Shawna Cale says
The things I am learning on this blog. I was having horriable periods and extreme PMS this summer. I saw a naturopath, started eating healthy, off white sugar and white flour (okay maybe a little over the holiday)and cannot believe the difference in my flow and emotions and hormonal headaches. Never thought what I was using could also effect my periods. I am interested in looking more at the diva cup. Thanks
Rebekah says
I also made my own cloth pads about a year ago. All through my teen years and college, I wore daily carefree liners. I had acute vestibulitis (sp?) but didn’t know it until marriage. Sex was painful for 5 years until we got the rash under control. It hasn’t come back since I’ve gotten away from the daily use pads. Now, since making my own (with a waterproof BabyDry liner), cut up from hardly used flannel receiving blankets, I have no issues. I use the Diva cup too and really have only 2 days of flow compared to my usual 4-5. Less painful too. I LOVE that I sometimes hardly know I’m on my period, what with the comfortability and protection of both the Diva cup (trim the stem, release the suction and give it a twist to make sure it’s completely open) and my homemade pads! Saving a ton of money too! On Day 1, though, I still take Advil every chance I can get. Any tried and true pain relievers out there that are more natural??
Michelle says
I had surgery 2 months ago for vestibulitis, now I’m going to switch to the cloth pads & diva cup after reading your comment. The doctor said it could come back after having more kids it started after having my daugher. It never occured to me that it could be from tampons & pads.
Jennifer says
Rebekah-
I used to be on prescription painkillers every month for my punctuation- and still be housebound. Thanks to my naturopath husband helping me get my hormones under control- I was down to heavy Advil or Pamprin and could get out. Then he gave me a tincture of crampbark (it is an herb)- and that worked much better than the drugs- and was not at all harmful to my body! (I take it at the first sign of my punctuation- 1 or 2 dropperfuls every 2-4 hours, depending on the pain.) It works great! I think crampbark is pretty common at most natural food store or naturopathic doctor offices.
I used (pregnant now again) the keeper and sometimes a cloth pad as back-up or overnight. The keeper is a little stiff (latex) so it isn’t as comfortable overnight. I am thinking about getting the moon cup or diva cup for overnight (when my period comes back!!!!). I will NEVER go back to disposables again. One thing that I noticed as well was that my tender “down there area” used to get tender and sore and a little swollen using regular tampons or pads. With cloth or the keeper- it feels perfectly healthy! I love that!
Brooke says
I started using cloth when my (.) came back after my 3rd baby was born (at around 9 months). I had started using cloth diapers for her and just wondered why I would do that for her and not for myself. I ordered some highly recommended ones from momandmecreations, and I absolutely LOVE them!! I haven’t worn a disposable since (almost 3 years ago). I bought a starter pack and have had plenty. I decided to make some super heavy duty ones for postpartum for my 4th baby this summer. They worked perfectly, and I only needed those for a few days. The stash I already had took care of it. I will never go back to disposables, nor will I let my girls when they are needing these items. No itching, no stinky bathrooms, no toxins touching your body. Plus, I have never had to fear leaking with these like I did with the sposies. Laundry is no big deal, as you just have to rinse them in the washer before adding other items (I usually wash them with towels).
Lisa says
I have tried the Diva Cup and had a horrible experience. It was very difficult to get in and out. When I pulled it out (I was being careful)blood spilled everywhere. I thought I was going to faint. Maybe if I stuck with it I would have figured it out, but I was too traumatized.
Sarah says
I made cloth pads 2 years ago out of my husband’s old flannel pajama bottoms (don’t tell him – he might throw up). They work great! Never leak, and my punctuation is much shorter and lighter. Try it out – it doesn’t take that long to make, even for an inexperienced seamstress like me.
Angela Starosta says
My periods have gone through a lot of changes in the last year thanks to a number of uterine surgeries (including removing endometriosis)but the biggest change I noticed was when I switched from Super Plus Kotex tampons to my lunette cup. I’m not gonna lie, there was a bit of a learning curve concerning it’s use (especially the not making a mess part)but even that was easy to deal with because, except during the most heavy of flows, it only needs emptied every 12 hours, so you’re not typically emptying it anywhere but home. My periods almost instantly got shorter, lighter and most thankfully, less painful. I also found that, despite my initial concerns, it’s care was easily fit into my lifestyle.
Sarah says
Cloth pads are the only way to go! I will never go back to disposables.
Christina says
There is a product that I’ve been planning to try called “Naturally Cozy”. I read about them on a blog called “Paratus Familia”. A friend of hers makes them from cloth and they look good.
Melissa says
I did several years of cloth pads after developing awful rashes every month. I made my own, and they worked!
A year ago I had major issues (my bedroom and bathroom looked like a CSI investigation!), so 11 months ago I had to have a hysterectomy…at the age of 30. I don’t endorse that as a way to get away from pads, but I’m soooo happy I don’t have to worry anymore! :)
My oldest daughter will start in the next couple of years probably, so that gives me some time to think what we’ll use with her. Cloth was such an answer to prayer!!!
Michelle Turner says
I use cloth pads and a diva cup. I bought some pads at first, but I wanted a larger stash so now I’m making my own. I love them! No more rashes and no more waste :)
Lisa says
I have to admit, I’ve never thought of using anything other than the “normal” type of product, but now I’m curious. I’ve noticed a huge change in my “punctuation” since going off the Pill; perhaps this can be a good next step! I’m intrigued by the thought of cloth, but it’s also a little scary to me. I suppose if cloth is absorbent enough for babies, it’s absorbent enough for me, right?
1ofeach says
I have used cloth pads with good results for light days. I have had my Keeper Cup for about a decade (trying to recall just how long, maybe more?) and have had great luck w/ it.
Thanks for the info on these disposable pads.
Courtney says
I switched to Seventh Generation pads a few years ago. Although some women say their periods get shorter and lighter when they make the switch, unfortunately it had no effect in that department for me! However, I just feel better knowing the pads don’t contain chlorine or other harsh chemicals. I have often wondered if there is a link between the chemicals in “regular” pads and tampons and female medical problems…
Debbie says
I got a Diva Cup a few months ago, and don’t plan on ever going back to anything else. I absolutely love that I can be on my period…and not really feel like I’m on my period. Like others said, it also took me some time to really figure it out (about 4 months), but it was well-worth taking the time and effort to “get it.”
sarahmom says
I bought a Diva Cup a few years ago with high hopes. I tried it many times but it was never comfortable! It actually drove me nuts but I really wish that it would work for me.
After reading this maybe I will try it again. It’s nice to know that other women deal with these issues too! Thanks Laura!
Lissa says
Just a suggestion regarding the diva cup – next time to go to your
women’s doctor / midwife ask then to help you put it in
to fit correctly. A friend of mine had the same complaint. Once she
got the fit correct she didn’t have any more problems.
Laura @ Homemaking Joyfully says
I have been using cloth pads for over a year and can’t believe it took me so long… Occasionally I still use store bought pads but rarely use tampons because I ALWAYS end up removing them due to severe cramping that resolves within a short time of removing the tampon. I have also noted lighter, shorter periods with cloth.
I have a huge stash of pads from Mother Moon Pads (www.hyenacart.com/MotherMoonPads) and I LOVE them! I’ve tried a couple of other brands and these are the softest, best fitting and most absorbent ones I’ve found. I’ve also never had a leak with these pads.
Alex says
I have a Diva cup, and I will never use anything else. I bought it four years ago, and used it once. Although it was a bit uncomfortable, and took some adjustments to get it right, I actually couldn’t wait for my period to start the next month so I could try it again! Alas, instead I was pregnant, so I had to wait about 18 months for the second try. It did take a few cycles for the comfort level to set in, and I did end up completely cutting off the stem. Since you only have to take it out every 12 hours, there are absolutely no worries about what to do with it during the day. It travels well, too. The first few months I used a pantiliner for possible leaks, but found it wasn’t necessary. I have a stash of Natracare tampons, and a few Seventh Generation pads, but haven’t used them for years. I used the non-applicator tampons, and like those SO much better – much less waste. I guess I’ll save all those for my 10 year old for when she’s ready. I thought about cloth pads when I was cloth diapering the babies. Sounded good to me, I just wasn’t brave enough to try. After reading comments here, I’ll definitely use them for my daughters. Can’t say enough good about the Diva Cup! I tell someone about it at least every month.
Paula says
I love my Diva cup!
Jessica says
I LOVE my cloth pads. I’ve been using them for several months as both liners and pads. I even used them during all that postpartum stuff. I found mine on Etsy. There are lots of work at home moms that make them pretty inexpensively. They’re easy to wash and are wearing well. I’ve never been comfortable with tampons and don’t think I’d like the Diva cup either, but these are far more comfortable than disposable pads and liners. Not to mention tons better for the earth.
Holly in Virginia says
I love cloth pads! There are a ton of WAHMs (Work At Home Mothers) who make really great mama cloth, including Talulah Bean. Cloth pads sound intimidating but just wait until you have a nice bit of flannel *down there*. You will feel like you are wearing plastic pants to go back to store pads! And then you think about your poor wee ones wearing disposable diapers and you will switch them too!
Lissa says
You have probably heard this already but I LOVE my diva cup. I had problems with pads and tampons before. Even the unscented seemed to give me cramps, rash and basic unpleasantness.
But I have had my cup for almost a year. With that and a serious change in my eating habits my cycle PMS symptoms are gone. My period is lighter. No leaks, comfortable – OK I could totally go on here. I will never ever go back to what I used to use.
Lanna says
I got a diaper rash from several not-so-spaced post-partum periods, and switched to cloth pads and a Diva cup then and there.
It’s been over 7 years, and I absolutely do *not* regret my decision. My pads are topped with organic cotton velour. Oh baby. Not even in the same ballpark as plastic on my girly bits (oh, and no sticky wings to attach to delicate parts!). Oh, and since switching my punctuation has gotten lighter and shorter – no chemicals messing with my body down there. :D
Connie says
Bought a Diva Cup and loved it for a while. After about 3 periods it started to feel like it was bruising me. I would have a period and then a week or two of soreness. I had to stop using it.
Debbi says
Yep, like others – I love my diva cup. I’ve been using it, between pregnancies for 6 years now. I also made my own flannel cotton pads with hemp cloth as for the inner layers and fleece on the back side. I had to resort to tampons during an out of town trip that I didn’t pack properly for and ended up with a yeast infection for the first time in years – I’ll never use them again. It may have already been mentioned but Azure has been carrying the diva cups for the past few months. There is a learning curve to use it properly – but after that it’s great. No more painful punctuations, nor more yeast infections.
Now if we can address painful ovulation some time that would be great!
Amber says
I used natracare products after my second son was born in May. I loved them! I want to switch to cloth, but I haven’t had that many periods since having my two boys. I hate using store-bought products, but I’ve been procrastinating on getting some!! I should get some before my periods come back.
JK says
I have used a Diva cup for about 5 years. It has been a huge blessing for me. First, I have saved in product more than 3 times what I was paying in store-purchased products. Second, the convenience is that I can use it any time and don’t have to worry about having another in my purse/pocket as you empty it and reinsert (sorry if TMI). The learning curve is short and the biggest blessing is that for me, my cramps were reduced greatly. I recommend it!
Rachel says
I love my Ladycup (similar to Diva, different brand) and cloth pads. With the Ladycup I forget I even HAVE my period.
A Noni Mouse says
I use the DivaCup and it’s the best thing that ever happened to me in that department. It took some figuring out, but it is SO, SO worth it. Besides, it’s good to be familiar with your anatomy down there anyway…
Roxanne says
This is my first time hearing all this and I am interested in knowing what Natracare product is good for heavy cycles? I plan on placing an order to try this specific brand. Thanks for the information!
Laura says
Yes, they are fine for heavy cycles. A friend of mine couldn’t believe how well they worked since she usually has such a heavy flow. AND, her periods then became shorter and not quite so heavy once she switched.
Leslie K. says
Question for you, Laura. Am I understanding you correctly that the type of product you use can actually affect the length of your period?? How does that work? Mine is quite drawn out, and I primarily use regular pads with an occasional tampon. I don’t have cramps, but I’m so interested in shortening the duration of flow. Thanks.
Laura says
Yes, I know it sounds crazy…but my periods really are shorter with the natural products. The chemicals in the “regular” pads and tampons do something weird to our systems (or at least mine), which makes the flow heavier and longer. I’ve heard testimony after testimony of people who have been helped by switching!
Keepinitreal says
No they can’t, menorrhagia ( heavy menstrual bleeding ) is due to other factors usually hormonal, you really need to see a qualified gynaecologist as it may be a symptom of something much more serious.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menorrhagia/basics/causes/con-20021959
Amy Clark says
I use the Sckoon organic cloth leakproof pads and LOVE THEM!!! It’s been about 8 months. I won’t go back. Except for bike riding. You totally don’t want to be wearing a cloth pad on a long bike ride. Trust me. Everywhere else is great, though!
Kim says
Thanks for the information. I’m glad to see these can be ordered from Azure, and just a tad cheaper than Amazon. I’ll definitely be putting these on my favorites list for my next order.
http://littlewifeontheprairie.blogspot.com says
I have a friend who uses a Diva Cup. I may be on the road there myself. It’s good to have options!
http://littlewifeontheprairie.blogspot.com/
Kendra says
I have a Keeper Mooncup and a Lunette. These are just two of the many menstrual cups you can find. A menstrual cup should last you several years. You can find a lot of information on the web about cups. I am still new to cups and have not yet figured out everything about them, but I can tell you the length of my period shortened and that area is not as irritated and dry. This is because a tampon absorbs all moisture.
Kendra says
UPDATE: I have decided to try something called Sea Pearls.
I have used two different cups for two different cycles and still
can’t get the hang of it. You can find Sea Pearls on line. It works
with a similar concept as a cup. It is a natural sea sponge that
you will simply remove and rinse. I had such high hopes for a cup
but am frustrated with it. I hope this helps.
Natasha says
Kendra. I have trouble using the cup also. I read on Instead softcup website that 4% of menstruating women cannot use the cups. I (and manybe you) must be in the 4%
kendra says
I must be a 4%er :) I am very pleased with the Sea Pearl sponges. Obviously, whatever shape you are the sponge conforms to it. It is something to get used to though – removing it, rinsing it, etc. But it is less irritating than tampons and reusable. Feel free to ask any questions. I am not an affiliate for them – just enjoy the option.
Amy says
I agree that the Diva cup takes some figuring out. Get ready for TMI… I found that I had to trim the stem or it started to irritate me and it leaks when my bladder or bowels are full. But I love not having to think about products. I empty it everytime I go to the bathroom and I do fine. I do wear a cloth panty liner just in case I wait too long to empty my bladder.
As far as the cloth liners, I get a little frustrated with dealing with them before washing. I now have a stainless steel container by my sink to store until washing (which is every day.) I would still get them again if I had to!
Nicole says
I have used a cup for about 3 years now (in-between 3 pregnancies) and would not go back to the other stuff. I just have a re-usable cotton liner that I use for any leaks. I love that I don’t have to waste so much money on that kind of stuff. And I don’t have to worry about running out or not having one handy.
Meghan says
I just started using the Diva cup (only three cycles so far) and I love it. I was pretty nervous about it, but it is extremely convenient because it doesn’t leak and doesn’t need to be changed as often as a tampon.
Alyson says
I’ve had a Diva cup for a couple years now. I’ll be honest, I can’t totally get the hang of it. When I first tried it I felt a little crampy with it, but I think it was just bigger that what I’m used to and after a couple months that went away. Now my problem is it seems to slip down if I’m up and about a lot. It just takes a trip to the bathroom to adjust it, but I’ve pretty much fallen into a routine of just using it at home for fear I won’t be near a bathroom if I need to adjust. I figure I’m still saving at least 50% of the products I used to use, so it’s still a “win” for me! And, I have not leaked at night – I used to leak out of pads all the time… so annoying!
Annie says
I bought a Diva because I thought it would be great…..but if you are not a tampon fan, the diva is quite similar. Tampons cuased bad cramps for me and so does the Diva–but if you can handle tampons OK then the Diva might work well for you. I know lots of women who love it, but I just couldn’t get it to work for me. It leaked, fell down and was uncomfortable, and I could feel the suction it created. I tried trimming the stem, inserting it inside out (yes they actually recommend doing this if it keeps falling down!!), and I ordered the correct size, but it still seemed a little big and awkward. I love Natracare products and will continue using them because they work for me.
Christy @ Raising Knights says
I finally figured out that tampons were causing my…um, irritation, so I switched to pads. But I still had issues. I thought that it was my period that was causing the problem until I tried Natracare.
Shannon says
I tried the Diva but it kept moving down on me and I had the right size. I’ve since tried the Fleur cup, another menstrual cup, and am really liking it so far.
Sarah says
When you are ready to try cloth pads, I would highly recommend checking out Domino Pads (and you can get a coupon code if you like them on Facebook!) – Karen of Domino Pads makes them and they are the most comfortable, leak-proof pads I’ve tried! She also carries the Lunette cups, wet bags, and other great stuff! I’ve been using cloth for over a year and will never go back!!!
KatieC says
Last summer, I bought a Diva Cup. I was so anxious about using it the first time, but I had nothing to fear. It was wonderful. It was so nice to not have to worry about it, too, and it’s so easy to realize that you don’t have to worry about it. You’ll know it once you’ve used it.
I try to never say never, because that’s the “sure-firest” way to make sure I’m destined to eat my words, but I hope I never have to use regular products again. This was a wonderful purchase. :)
Julie says
I was wondering if anyone had tried the seventh generation brand. I am not quite ready to switch to the cup.
Jody says
I love the mooncup….and the cloth liners that I use. I will never return to the ‘normal’ store bought stuff.
Amy says
I have been wanting to try cloth. I have never looked into the cups. I think this is my next research project!! : )
Amy says
I have a question for everyone. I have recently gone on two trips while having my period. I found myself unable to use both the cup and the cloth pads. Does anyone have any suggestions for travel?