Have any of you used your own urine stream to clean your cup between uses? I know urine is sterile so it should not be a problem with urine in your vagina, but I have a call into my GYN to be safe. And a FAQ to Keeper to see if anything in urine will make the cup degrade faster. What are your thoughts on this? Does it ick you out? I'm thinking that if all of my resources check out it will be a quick and easy fix to cleaning the cup in public restrooms. Thoughts?

Hi there

I've made a new Afriska.ch Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Afriskach/153533171419995?sk=wall

And I added a "Which menstrual cup is your favorite?" survey:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Afriskach/153533171419995?sk=questions

Thanks for participating!
afriska

Ok... so I am really new to this menstrual cup thing but I can tell you if anyone should have known, I should have. I am an RN and have been for over 10 years and had never heard of it. So, last month I purchased a starter set of Gladrags (loving them) which my youngest daughter quickly took over I also got a keeper cup (figured it was a natural material that had been around for years). Mind you that I had not found this site or learned much. Sadly the keeper although working much better than say tampons was EXTREMELY irritating. I noted firstly that the stem was very irritating but managed to adjust it to what I thought was ok. I also had problems on day 2-3 when my flow was heavy (and wow... it is, you don't know till you can see). By the time my cycle was over everything was super inflamed. Sadly I ended up going to the MD's and found that I had a bacterial infection (and believer me I was very clean about it all). She did believe that I had experienced a reaction to possibly the latex as well and that the infection likely came later. So, I returned it and purchased a Lunette to try this month. I also read A LOT. I just ordered another cup, a Fleurcup Lg (green hee hee) for days 2-3 which historically are very heavy days. I want to say that I REALLY appreciate all the info here, it really helped in making the decision. BTW while at the MD's office I introduced both the NP and the CNA there to the idea of menstrual cups and this website ;)

I'm 18, and for the past few months I've been dead set on getting a menstrual cup. My parents are very open and sweet, but a little prudent, so it's a purchase I'd have to make for myself.

Today I decided to ride my bike over to my local hippie supply store (one of those cute little places with the hand-painted signs and the vegan specialty foods) to buy my very own Keeper. I strode confidently into the feminine care isle, only to find a note reading: KEEPERS AND MOON CUPS AVAILABLE AT THE FRONT DESK. ASK CASHIER FOR MORE INFORMATION.

I glanced at the only cashier- a male in his twenties. My heart sunk a little, but I decided to suck it up and ask him. After all, it's his job, and I wasn't about to turn back after coming all this way.

He was perfectly polite and helpful, if a little flustered, and I walked out with a brand new menstrual cup (and a bag of kelp). Unfortunately, when I got home and inspected my purchase, I realized that he had given me a size A! When he asked, I had specified that I wanted a size B, but he must have mixed them up in his discomfort.

Long story short, I got the wrong size, and I'm not particularily inclined to bike all the way back and exchange it. The round trip is over an hour long. I have a pretty wide set vagina and my flow is extremely heavy, so I've decided to give this one a try. Anyone else have a similar experience when buying theirs? Is it wise for someone who's pre-childbirth to use a size A?

Let’s share the love, friends!  At zanashop.com, we get A LOT of requests for free sample menstrual cups.  Sometimes from people who don't live near an area that sells cups in stores and cannot purchase online, or from people who simply don't have the money right now and want to try one.  We do have giveaways once in a while.  But sadly, we cannot hold giveaways as often as we would like to.  However, if anyone out there has a bit of extra money, and would like to spread the joy by donating, please do so! 

We are setting up a menstrual cup charity fund, and here is the link:  http://goo.gl/vV3Gp Every time we receive enough for a menstrual cup, we will grant one of the sample requests we receive, and send a brand new menstrual cup to someone in need. 

We will start the goal at $500, and if it is reached, we will simply raise it to keep the charity going.  Reaching the goal does not prevent future donations, however.  The charity FundRazr is based on Facebook, so if you have a Facebook account, please share it, and spread the word to any friends who support menstrual cups as well. 

Everyone has the option of donating anonymous, or sharing the amount they gave.  You can also be a supporter.  No amount is too small, and every little bit helps.  If you don't have a facebook, you can share the FundRazr on other pages by copying and pasting this link:

http://goo.gl/vV3Gp

This is the perfect way to give to others, while still supporting the companies, and their private distributors.  Now anyone can be part of the effort.  When someone in need is selected, they will receive the size, brand or color of their choice, among the cups we sell at zanashop.com.  Thank you to anyone who is willing to help, either by donating, or simply spreading the word by sharing the FundRazr on their own page! 

I was reading the usage instructions and FAQ on the Keeper website (I don't own nor plan on buying a Keeper though, I was just curious), and apparently they advice users to let the stem poke out of their body. This surprised me, but it appears to be the normal way of wearing a Keeper? It just seems awkward to have a 25 mm rubber stick portruding from your vagina all the time, how does one sit down or ride a bike? I know most people would just trim the stem if it was too long or irritating, but the Keeper website doesn't mention anything about trimming (whereas most other cup companies do have a bit of advice about trimming on their websites).

Is it specific for the Keeper cup to leave the (untrimmed) stem completely sticking out? I had never heard of this, so just wondering.

EDIT: It wasn't a mistake on their website, they stand by this advice. See their reply in my comment below.

I'm selling three cups:

1. Meluna Klassik, green, size S, ball stem, used 1 day -- US $15, including international shipping SOLD!
   
   
2. Meluna Soft, pink, size S, ball stem, used 1.5 days -- US $15, including international shipping SOLD!
   
   
3. original Keeper, small size, stem cut to about half an inch/1.2cm, used for about 5 days -- US $25, including international shipping
   

( Picture below the cut. )

All have been washed with hot, soapy water and then boiled after use and come with original Meluna/Keeper pouch (see picture), but without instruction leaflet.

I accept Paypal. No trades.

My thanks to the mods for allowing me to post this item for sale. ^_^ The cup is now sold, but I'll leave this up until it's received, unless the mods prefer to remove it now.

About 10 years ago or so, I used to sell The Keeper on my website. I've long since moved on to other business ventures, but I was cleaning out some plastic storage bins in the basement and discovered that I still have a style A Keeper still in the package that I never sold. It is still brand new in the package and appears none the worse for wear for its long storage.

( $10 US with free shipping within the United States )

Hi menstrual cup comm!  I posted a couple months back about possibly developing a latex allergy from my Keeper.  Well, I bought a Divacup on Amazon, which qualified the rest of my super-heavy order for free shipping, woohoo!  ;)  My Keeper is a size B, but I got the size A Diva because I wanted the extra capacity, and I'm also nearing the magical vagina-enlarging age of 30 (j/k... I really don't think my vag is any different, but it has learned to be more accommodating!)

Anyway, I haven't had any of the stinging/itching issues that I've had for my past couple periods, so I guess the Keeper really was the problem.  And I loooove the Diva, despite its goofy name.  I wish I had switched years sooner.  I can actually see stuff, which is so helpful with cleaning.  The Diva's holes are cleanable, unlike the Keeper's pinprick holes.  Insertion is much more comfortable, and I was able to get it positioned perfectly on my second try, and every time since then.  Basically this thing is great!  Thanks for all your help!

Now I just have to get used to informing my bf that it's Diva-time instead of Keeper-time...

2 cycles in with a Keeper moon cup small

The good: Mostly wonderful! insertion no problem, no leaks, no pain on removal, no need to change during the day, periods 3 days shorter! Pads and tampons are dead to me.

The bad: Removal is difficult and messy. Too much suction? Rim too wide? The cup gets all the way up there, can barely reach stem, (which has NO grips-- design flaw!) I cannot get a finger up under the rim to break the seal --the rim seems too wide, like there's no space to get my finger in. I end up bearing down till i can grip the base and then jiggling from side to side while pulling. But it takes several goes and 1 in 3 times is ... messy. Wouldn't risk if I had to change on the road.

So I'm thinking I need something with a longer grippier stem. Maybe softer rim too?

Recommendations? I like the look of the Lunette stem...

J

Hey cup-lovahs!  It's been a long time since I've been active in this community in any kind of way, but I am a longtime user of the Keeper (yes, the old school one that used to be the only cup available before all these newfangled silicone ones came out!).  I've been using it 7-8 years with no problems... definitely the best $35 I ever spent.

Anyway, I had kinda been intending to switch to one of the silicone cups for fear of developing a latex sensitivity, but I never got around to it because my Keeper was functioning just fine.  Now I'm concerned I may be becoming sensitive to latex.  :(  During my last three periods, I've had a little area of sensitive/cranky skin on my labia minora, toward my perineum.  At first I thought it was a tear.  Next period, I thought I detected some bumpiness and was afraid it was some kind of STI.  But this is the third period in a row where it's flared up--an STI wouldn't do that, would it?  I suppose it could be external yeast, but I've never had a YI in my life, in fact I have somewhat of a Vag of Steel.  No new soaps/detergents, etc.

So, does this sound like it could be latex sensitivity?  Or would my whole vag be throwing a fit if that were the case?  Either way, I'm going to buy a new cup because I think this one may be nearing the end of its life cycle.  The rubber just seems more... porous... inside (that's the best way I can put it).  Also, it is pretty hard to tell if it's clean or not.

Thanks, y'all!

I seem to have developed a latex sensitivity over the past few years, which means I can no longer use my Keeper (made of "natural rubber" aka latex). A bit sad, since I only used it for a few years and it certainly would have lasted me many more. Anyway, here's a comparison of the Keeper and Yuuki, my new silicone cup.

( Comparison of Keeper and Yuuki cups )

Hello everyone, 2 points I wanted to mention really quick:
 

1-- I finally got around to making a comparison chart of the brands I own (size, capacity, stiffness).  I'm sorry its taken so long, but better late than never, I suppose.  Also, there are some brands I have now, that I did not before, so there is more info now.  I suppose its one more we can add to the wealth of lovely charts that have been shared here.  I put it in my WordPress blog, but I may also add it to my friendhood.net discussion forum.  Here is the link:

http://menstrualcupinfo.wordpress.com/cup-stiffness-comparison-chart/ 

2-- For Lunette customers, www.ladyfreedomstore.com now ships worldwide :)  

Hope you guys like the chart, I used varying color shades, so the rows are easier to follow.  Hugs, everyone! 

Edit:  Ok, cm measurements have now been included, everyone! Although I broke the chart into 3 pictures now, and included the blue title bar at the top of each page, so if you click it to make it bigger, the blue bar remains as a guide :)

hiya folks, I'm new to this whole menstrual cup thing, and a total convert now.

Anyhow, I started with a Keeper since a friend suggested it, and managed to get it in and leak-free easy but never found a way to take it out without either getting blood everywhere or hurting my vagina a lot. The rim was too big and stiff for me to just pull out, and even squishing it either ended up with it in an awkward and painful place, unable to be pushed back in or pulled out without pain, or squirting out its contents all over my fingers. This is due to the way my vag is shaped, I'm sure. I'm a bit small and my cervix hangs very low. (I'm also a virgin, dunno if that affects it too.) So I bought myself a Yuuki, and LOVE it. It is soft enough to just pull straight out without pain, because it will squish through the small opening where the stiffer Keeper would not.

ANYWAY, it is too late for me to get the 3 mo. money back guarantee, so I am willing to basically give this thing away for whatever shipping costs. I'll boil it of course, or clean it however you prefer. It is size B (small), and the stem has been trimmed in half. The Keeper is great if you have no cup removal issues, and prefer a stiffer cup that pops into place right away (that is one thing I will miss, because it takes a bit longer to get a good seal with a squishier cup). I did trim the stem, but it is still long enough to get a good enough grip to pull firmly on it, so.

I hate to see things wasted. $5-$10 bucks and it's yours.

 Hi there,

I've started to make videos about menstrual cups.
Just two basic ones for a start.
But it's fun and there will be more ;o)


menstrual cups
manual of use


And for those who missed it:
www.afriska.com is my old website. The new one is:
www.afriska.ch

Cheers
afriska

Hi, I've made a Cup comparison spreadsheet.

It allows you to sort by any criterion/criteria you wish, and includes other useful bits and bobs that might be of interest. It's a compilation of information from here and around the web, that hopefully makes choosing a cup easier.

I've had to leave the document 'unlocked' for editting, so please revert it back to how you found it so I don't have to keep restoring it. Annoyingly, only one person can really sort at a time, because any changes you make will affect other readers' views too.

To sort, you need to select all the rows you want, go to 'tools' then 'sort,' click 'data has header rows', then choose what and how you want to sort it by.

If anyone knows a file sharing site that will let me upload it, have it edittable for people, but read only (can't save changes), please let me know.

AND if you know of anything missing or wrong, please let me know and I'll fix it.

I made a run up to the Whole Foods yesterday morning (managed to a get a ticket right outside the parking lot - "What, officer? My registration expired last week? I had no idea!") and picked up a large Diva. I had to wait until after lunch when I was finally home to try it out. The leaking with my Keeper had just gotten worse this period, which has been one of the most unpleasant periods I've dealt with in awhile. The first thing I noticed is that the squishy silicone is waaay more comfortable than the stiff rubber of the Keeper, both during insertion and during normal wear. I wore it all afternoon and overnight. Now it's morning - no leaks!! Success!! I have my step class in about an hour, so I'll see how it holds up to lots of bouncy exercise, but the prognosis looks good! I'm so happy!

I'm definitely going to try and return the Keeper, since I'm still within their three month "test" zone. I've read that a few of you have had trouble with the return process. Anyone manage it successfully? Anything I should know?

Hi everyone. Long time lurker here deciding to finally get involved. I'm using my phone to post at the moment as my laptop is out of commission...so I'm sorry if the formatting is off or anything. Its difficult to use a mobile for these things!

I've been using cups for a few months now, since november last year. I originally got a femmecup which I've had no major issues with, but I also won a keeper mooncup from a blog (sorry but I don't have the link handy) a while back and I have to say I prefer the mooncup for sure. At the moment I'm using my femme on my heavier day and the small mooncup on my lighter ones, as the capacity is a little less but its more comfotable and easy to use for me. I've often had issues having to fiddle with my femme to get it to pop, whereas the mooncup will pop straight away every time, and always seals perfectly for me. It also has a rounder rim, which makes insertion and removal much easier and less uncomfortable. Both of the cups I have completely trimmed the stem off, as any hint of a stem I find to be quite irritating. This works for me since I'm able to remove them by gripping the thickest part of the base and tipping/wiggling them until the seal breaks, then taking them out. I love that the femme has measuring lines, and the swirly grip bit at the base is pretty. However, the keeper moon cup definitly wins in the comfort and ease section.

I also know about the kinda dodgy-ness of the keeper company, so while I prefer my mooncup to my femme, I will not be buying from them in the future (I figure I won it, so no money from me goes to the company. If anyone else chooses to buy from them I have no issues with that - people are free to do what they want.).

I've learnt some pretty cool stuff about myself (well I think its cool, anyway) since I decided to get a cup. Firstly, I realise now how that half the reason I hated my period was the horrible gross feelinf pads gave me... don't get me wrong, I don't love my period, but I don't feel so bad about it anymore. Consider it scratching one factor off the stress list.

Secondly, my periods are nowhere near as heavy as they seemed (although going off contraceptive pills has probably also affected this. I'm going back on them soon so ill keep measuring and see what happens). I'm actually really lucky, having read some of the experiences that other women have.

Also, as a result of having a cup I know much more about what my body does, what happens to my cervix, what menstrual blood actualy looks like when its not being absorbed. I don't think I'll ever go back to disposables. Not if I get a choice anyway.

I'm going to get another cup, probably a meluna with a ball stem, so we will see how that goes.

Hi. This is my 3rd cycle using a cup. I currently have a Keeper Mooncup that is really too long for me, because my cervix sits LOW during my cycles. I'm waiting for my medium meluna to arrive as it's a shorter cup, but until then I'm stuck with this thing. One of the issues that I'm having with it is that in addition to sitting near the vaginal entrance it also tends to shift itself sideways after insertion. It starts out right and then a half hour to an hour later it's turned itself COMPLETLY from side to side - seal is still intact and I have to pop it open in order to get it out, so that's not the issue. I know I've got it in right as I can feel where my cervix is (have done FAM for years so I'm pretty familiar with cervical position and my internal anatomy) I am baffled as to why it does this. Once it turns itself then it's all downhill from there as it leaks terribly, not surprising since its essentially on it's side. Anyone else have this issue and have suggestions as to WHY or WHAT I can do???

Frustrated,
Jenn

Hey All...

So, I've decided to return my Mooncup (menstrual cups are awesome, this one just doesn't seem to work for me); anyone else here done that? Is it pretty easy to get your money back?

I only ask because I *know* they have the 3-month guarantee, but I've e-mailed them twice about returning it (I don't have an invoice for my order) and they haven't responded either time. I've called their phone number, but it's for orders only not customer service, etc.

I'm afraid that if I do return it, they won't refund my money.

Anybody have some tips out there?

Hi, I've been reading this site for a long time. I've been using a keeper "A" since my first (csection) birth. Steep learning curve but got really good at it, used it exclusively for 2 years & got pg.  2nd baby (also c-section after labor) had similar sitch--it took three cycles but got a hang of it again, used it for 2 years.  Well now I'm holding my third toddler, my periods came back, and here I am on cycle #4 and I at least know what my questions are.

Lighter days (first day, last two or three) everything works perfectly. I change it every 9 hours or so and all is well.

My day and a half of heavy flow is misery--it works for an hour at a time, tops. When I take it out, there is some blood in the cup and the rest is on the outside. It works, though, for an hour. No leaking. And then I can feel the squishy "I am leaking" moment.

Forgetting everything I knew, I started this round using it low, and then, reading this site again, remembered that higher is sometimes better. But nothing, I mean nothing, works on those heavy days.  And my heavy days, I could use heavy-flow tampons and never leak, so we're not talking amazingly heavy. And with the other two stints with the keeper between babies, I would get a full cup plus some on release. Now it's a dribble --some in the cup, but NOT FULL --and I'm aggravated.

Is it time for me to retire the keeper for something wider? Keep trying to get the hang of it? Any tips? Thanks.

What a great great awesome resource!!! I can hardly believe this community exists, it has answered soooooo many of my questions.

I do have a few, however, that I hope some of you could help me out with!

Background: 26 years old, virgin, small hymen at the back of my "opening".  Have the Keeper Moon Cup (USA). (JUST got it. Like have been using it for 3 days.)

OK, questions:

1. Like many, I hate the stem. Trimmed it a little, but that made things worse. It pushed against my inner lips, labia I think? Anyway, thanks to this wonderful community, I found the suggestion of turning it inside out to see if I could manage the no - stem removal process. Got up out of bed and did that, its currently in, but I don't feel I'll be having any problem. Will probably lop the stem off tomorrow. My question is, I am on day 2-3 of my cycle and I have read here that that is when your cervix is at the lowest. What if I find that it is easy to take out tomorrow and take the stem off, and then more toward the end of my cycle when my cervix is in its normal spot, its too high (long?) and harder to get out? EEK!?

2. Because I have that little half moon of hymen at the back, I prefer to get my finger up on the rim and like, fold it into a little contortion to get it out or it HURTS!!! Any suggestions for not having to go fishing up there. I mean I don't really mind if thats how it has to work, but I would prefer something not quite so messy.

3. How do I locate the posts on this site where other members are advertising cups they'd like to sell? I am interested in trying some different brands.......

Thanks in advance for all your help, and again, what a great great place to come for info on cups!!!

Hi, Ladies!
I am a cup user of a year or so, but I am still trying to find that perfect cup for me. I know there are several very knowledgeable cup collectors out here, and I hope that with the information I give, those ladies can recommend a cup that will work for me.

My first cup is the large Diva. Suction is good, but the flexibility of this particular cup is a problem. I constantly lose suction bc of this issue. I need something firmer. It is also too long. It hangs out of me. I can not exercise in this cup bc of the suction issue and the length. Furthermore, I can always feel it and it annoys me.

So I tried the Keeper (larger size) next. At first I was very excited about this cup. I loved that it was shorter and the rigidity kept it in place. During this dry run, I found that I was able to exercise in this cup with no discomfort or loss of suction. Then my period came and it leaked like crazy. :( I believe this is because of the placement of the holes being much lower than the Diva's. Therefore, I can only wear the Keeper at the end of my cycle when my flow is light.

So I guess the main things I am looking for in a cup are:
1)firmness (about that of a Keeper)
2)high placement of holes
3)short in length

(Also, I am 28, have had 2 vaginal childbirths, and a significant flow.)

Thanks so much for any recommendations! You ladies are always so helpful :)

I recently got a Keeper-brand Moon Cup (after hearing about menstrual cups for years) and was amazed by how much easier my period became. But - alas! - in my first two cycles with it, the end of the stem poked me most uncomfortably. I find the stem length useful for removal and for holding onto while cleaning, though, so I didn't want to trim the stem off.

Thanks to this community and comments from fireaphid, I was encouraged to try beveling the edges so the stem would resemble this: \_/ more than this: |_|

My husband helped me with the beveling. We used both a metal nail file and an emery board. We found that the stick of a Q-Tip cotton swab (with all the cotton pulled off) was the perfect size to slide into the Moon Cup's hollow stem. This kept it firm and steady while we filed. We used a nail clipper to clip the Q-Tip stick off at the end of the cup's stem, which made the filing easier.

It worked so beautifully that this cycle (my first with the beveled-edge stem), I cannot feel it at all. I keep getting the urge to check and make sure it's still there.

I really like this community, and I hope this story helps someone else with her own stem!

The keeper is the only cup that I have ever tried, and I love it for the most part. I bought the keeper before I knew there were so many cups to choose from, and I am now realizing that there could be another better suited for me. My issues with the keeper are: unable to BOIL!, occasional leakage on heavy days, the firmness of the cup can be uncomfortable during insertion, and I feel that the color may hide buildup and nastiness. 

I'm thinking the large lady cup might keep up with my flow better, and possibly be more comfortable. I am concerned that the ladycup will be too slick to remove. I do at times struggle to remove the keeper and can't imagine a more difficult cup. 

Has anyone here tried both of these cups? How do they compare? I'd love to here your thoughts!

thanks!