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"Instead," menstrual cups
I am really tired of continuously using pads and tampons while on my period. Although I'm used to it by now (I've had my period for 10 years), it's still somewhat of a hassle.
I heard about these menstrual cups called Instead that collect blood, and can be worn for up to 12 hours.
-Only answer if you have used them before-
a) are they as effective as they claim to be?
b) how long did it take to get used to putting them in, and also, taking them out (seems to be sort of strange).
c) would you prefer them to pads and tampons?
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I've attempted to use these without success. To answer your questions:
A) From everything I've read, they really do seem as effective as they claim; however, I've heard tales of leakage while attempting intercourse while using the product (since they do claim you can do this without mess). Many people do like to switch to a non-disposable menstrual cup in the end since Insteads can get pricey.
B) It really was very simple to insert--even for a small vagina. The problem is that they are made to fit the MAJORITY of women, so there are a few of us that are too small down there to successfully wear them:
"...our cup is a "one size fits most." This single size was chosen after significant design research showed that it fit almost all women comfortably and securely. Sometimes due to anatomical differences a small minority of women may find the Cup doesn't fit as well as they would like it to."
[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
More about my removal experience below.
C) I was unable to use the product because of my "abnormal" vaginal sizing (more information on this below). Though it was disappointing, it did spur me to try the DivaCup, which worked very well. There are many non-disposable menstrual cups you may want to look into if the Instead product is not for you. Personally, I like the cup compared to other products.
Non-Disposable cup names (for search purposes) are:
· Divacup
· Femmecup
· Keeper
· Lady Cup
· Lunette
· Mooncup (UK)
· Moon Cup (Keeper)
They can all be worn up to 12 hours, come in different sizes, and are easily sanitized. Here is a link that includes some photos of them and the Instead cup:
[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
...and here is a LiveJournal community link with photos of some of those cups:
[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
Now, my Instead product experience was very unpleasant, which seems to be a rarity. Yes, they do fit most women without any problems but for a few it's quite the hassle. I purchased this product at the local CVS here, excited to use a new product.
It was a very easy insertion; however, it refused to remain in place. Turns out, my vagina was too small for it and it did not have enough room to open up as it should so it kept sliding out.
Removal was where things went terribly wrong though.
I inserted one at night before bedtime to try it out and woke up with a very sore vagina from being stretched all night long from the product. I headed to the bathroom to remove it and before it was all over, I was on the bathroom floor crying. The pain from removing it was so unbearable, I even fainted once.
It literally felt like someone was raking their nails as hard as they could against my cervix.
Now, don't let my experience stop you. I just felt it was helpful to add in my experience so that other women will know they are not alone. I've only ran into two other women online that were too small vaginally to use the Instead menstrual cups so it really doesn't seem so common.
I hope you have a good experience with the Insteads.
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I have used the cups. I think it's more of a personal decision, because not all female have the same experience. I can tell you my experience with them though.
a) they are effective, but if you have a heavy flow, you may want to use a back up just in case.
b) I used them for a full cycle and never got used to putting them in, it does take a while to get used to that. Taking them out is even worse. It is strange also. It is really kind of hard to discuss without being to graphic on this site, but just imagine having to put your finger all the way in there during that time of the month. It is messy and gross, in my opinion.
c) I went back to using tampons. I am not a fan of pads. I would prefer tampons over the cup. However, like I said, it is a personal decision. You may just try them (even though they are expensive) to figure out whether or not if they are right for you.
If you have any more questions, you can put it in my inbox and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
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