Blog Update!
For those of you not following me on Facebook, as of the Summer of 2019 I've moved to Central WA, to a tiny mountain town of less than 1,000 people.

I will be covering my exploits here in the Cascades, as I try to further reduce my impact on the environment. With the same attitude, just at a higher altitude!

Friday, September 23, 2011

Locked up in the menstrual hut

I haven't polled y'all on this topic in a long while and thought it would be a good time to check in with you. On what, you ask? On "feminine protection". It has such a dubious double meaning to it. I'll refrain from ranting about that one for now.

Anyway, I was thinking the other day that I hadn't hosted a DivaCup Challenge in a long while and I figured it was probably not a bad thing since, for some reason, I got it into my head that everyone already used one.

And, then, I realized that I must have been smoking crack or something because it seemed unlikely that everyone already used one since most women have never even heard of the damn thing. Call it temporary environmental insanity.

In any case, that got me a wonderin'. What the heck are women using these days for "feminine protection"? And by that, I mean you (or your lady friend).

What the heck are you using?

1. Conventional tampons (plastic, cardboard or no applicator)
2. "Green" tampons (made from unbleached and/or 100% organic cotton)
3. Conventional pads
4. "Green" pads (made from unbleached and/or 100% organic cotton)
5. Reusable menstrual cup (DivaCup, Mooncup or the Keeper)
6. Disposable menstrual cup (Instead)
7. Sea sponge
8. Reusable cloth pad (LunaPads, GladRags, etc.)
9. Other
10. Nothing - I'm stuck here by my lonesome in the menstrual hut

62 comments:

Crafty Pancakes said...

#5. I swear by the Diva Cup. I've only been using it for about 5 months but it has totally changed those 5 days a month into something totally tolerable. Good for your body and the environment. Couldn't live without it.

lisa said...

My wife has a Diva Cup. She says it's uncomfortable. But she hasn't used it long, so is unsure if it would become Less uncomfortable.

Me, I use toxic conventional ultra thin barely noticeable changed design every package I buy pads.

Here in the F household we call these items FHPs (feminine hygiene products). We call tampons "insertables" and pads "attachables". Not because we're demure, but because we're funny.

Kelsie said...

Cloth pads here. I bought some from VajPads, but the others, I made myself. Love them! I can't wear any "insertables" (love that, Lisa) during my period, because anything up in there makes my already terrible cramps a billion times worse.

Manda said...

#5! I can't believe there was a time in my life without one :D

Liz said...

I have The Keeper, but I almost never use it. I find the insert/removal process too uncomfortable. I usually use Gladrags or Moonpads, though sometimes I think the hut might be nice once a month for some quiet and privacy! :)

Sonja said...

I use a reusable menstrual cup and reusable cloth panty liners. However I do have standard tampons and pads at home for emergencies or friends.

Cate Lawrence said...

My periods are very irregular (as I don't want children I actually see it as a blessing) and I use reusable pads and green tampons on the odd occasion I need something.

owlfan said...

Diva cup. I found it somewhat uncomfortable the first few months, but it has gotten much better. I've been using it a couple of years - thanks to your bringing it up.
Conventional panty liners for the first and last day often. I tried making my own reusable pads, but they don't stay in place.

Michelle said...

Diva Cup! I love it. Even my cramps love it - I swear that they're less crampy since I started using it several years ago.

I am facing up to impending puberty in my elder daughter, though... how is everyone else dealing with that for teens/tweens? I'm thinking unbleached pads for her, but ugh, the mess....

louisa @ TheReallyGoodLife said...

#10 for me - but no menstrual hut. I've got an IUS/Mirena so haven't had periods since I had my first coil inserted in 2002, when I was 23.

While it has its own issues as a (low level) hormonal contraceptive, getting it fitted was one of the best decisions I've ever made - nearly a decade without having to deal with periods, FHPs, condoms & the inevitable "am I? aren't I?" pregnancy scares.

Anonymous said...

4 females in our house, use #5 and #8. Well, the fourth girl hasn't yet, but is ready to! I've wondered if #2 would be a better choice, since it's not a piece of plastic, but I love not having this stuff on my shopping list!

LynnieBee said...

Mostly *green* tampons and pads, but I want to give the Diva Cup a try!

Prairiemom said...

I would SO go to the hut if it would mean 5 days of vacation for me every month. Until that becomes an option for me, I will continue to use my cloth pads. I supported a stay at home mom by buying some from her off ETSY. Win all around!

Stacey said...

I'm about to make some cloth pads, currently still using "green" pads and tampons. Friend has the diva cup and swears by it, wanna give it ago.

Judy T said...

My daughter and I both use the Diva and have for just over 2 years. Wish I had heard about it sooner. Cloth pads for 'back up' days. We do have some conventional pads and a few tampons around just in case. With teenage girls frequenting the house, you just never know.
Judy

ravenfeathers said...

#5 and #8. i'm trying to get my menarchal girl children to switch to a cup (no reasoning with 13 yos at present) and am always astounded to hear people griping about their disposables. cups just seem like a no-brainer to me these days.

Anonymous said...

I have a Keeper and I hate it. Extremely uncomfortable which makes me leery of purchasing a Diva. So I invested in cloth from Luna Pads. Grosses my husband out, but oh well!

MaddyG said...

I use the Diva Cup, after being converted by the Crunchy Chicken. ; )
I also made some of my own cloth pads.
But lucky lucky me...I was pregnant for the last 9 months and now I'm breastfeeding...so no period for awhile! Yippee!

Annie Jones said...

I've been using a Diva Cup for a couple of years and wish I had known about it years sooner.

For those finding it uncomfortable, try turning it inside out so that the little stem thingy is on the inside. You'll still be able to reach it to take it out, but the total length of the cup will be shorter. I find it uncomfortable right side out, but inside out it's just fine.

Marie said...

I use a Keeper, and do find it a bit uncomfortable, but, preferable to disposables. I've considered switching to a Diva since everyone says they are comfortable, but, reluctant to spend and then find out it feels the same as the Keeper.
I also use reusable cloth pads from Skoon Organics. Love them!

My period has definitely become more manageable since I've switched to cloth and the keeper. Shorter, lighter flow and milder cramps. I am a complete convert!

Pony said...

I've been using cloth pads for about 10 years (prior to that, the keeper), interspersed with a little while of conventional pads and occasionally now with green pads - when travelling, camping or feeling REALLY lazy. Mostly cloth, though.

I have to say, hopefully non-offensively!, that bleached out, conventional tampons scare the crap out of me! I just can't imagine putting one of them inside one of my most absorbant areas. Eek!

nomikins said...

I've been using my Keeper since 1998 and it keeps on rockin'!

Marci said...

I use a diva cup and love it, love it, love it.

Tara said...

I am currently surgically menopausal (mostly a big Yay!) However, I had tried the Diva cup a while ago. It didn't work well for me - lots of leaking. My SIL swears by hers, though.

My question is: my 11 y.o. daughter wants something insertable and environmentally friendly when she starts. I don't want to buy another Diva if it will be too big or uncomfortable for her. Does anyone have any suggestions or things that have worked for their young or small-framed girls?

Dea-chan said...

None of the above -- I have an IUD and it means I don't get to bleed for five years. If there's any leakage, I use some toilet paper, as it's RIGHT THERE.

Christina said...

I use 7 and 9. My daughter uses 9.

For Tara, I think the menstrual cups come in pre- and post-childbirth sizes - definitely research them. The reusable sponges come in different sizes too, and you can trim those down with a pair of scissors for additional comfort.

Cyndi said...

I've wanted to try a Diva Cup, but have been reluctant. My periods are very heavy after my second child. Pretty much have to set the alarm for every 2 hrs at night AND sleep on a waterproof pad those nights 'just in case'. Currently I use traditional pads, simply because I caught an awesome sale 4 years ago (yes 4!) and got enough pads to last to menopause for free, lol. still have 5 Rubbermaid tubs stuffed full, but would gladly donate them if a Diva Cup would actually work for me.

koadtoad said...

5: I have a mooncup (the US one) and 8: the reusable pads (gladrags) for backup. Sometimes backup is just a good idea.

Unknown said...

I seriously love my reusable cloth pads and I'm not sure how I endured 30 years in my hot and humid climate with disposables.

emmy said...

Instead Cups for the win! I feel weird about keeping a piece of plastic up in my business for the duration of my period but I've tried the Keeper and it's too "long" for me even with the little tail cut almost all of the way off.
The box recommends using one for up to 12 hours, throwing it out, and using another but I use one a month by just cleaning it between uses.

sara said...

I've been using a diva cup for over 7 yrs now. I finally quit counting up what I was saving by not buying tampons a few years ago. Yes, there was a transitional time for getting used to it, but now I would not do without it.

Anonymous said...

I use a diva cup and Luna pads and Luna panties for backup on heavy days. Diva cup took sone getting used to, but now I would never use anything else. I'm starting to discover in my "going natural" adventures that some things take time to get used to--time for both your body and your mind. But I've also realized that those things are most worth it. It's just really hard to convince people of this in our convenience/immediate gratification culture.

Leslie Richman said...

I've been using Gladrags for about 8 years now. I love them!!

Luisa said...

Glad rags and #5 The Moon Cup definitely will never go back to tampons. I think it's been over a year couldn't live without either. Before I got a moon cup I did some research via your blog. You did a post a while back and I went through the comments and it was very helpful. Thanks!

To anyone considering it after a few tries it does get more comfortable and it's easy to clean. In pinch just a use toilet paper if water is not handy.

nava said...

I made my own pads, and have been thinking of getting a divacup, but got sticker shock last week :) I'm just not willing/able to pay $30+ for something that I have heard a lot of people say is uncomfortable. Still wavering though.

Anonymous said...

I use a diaphragm. I was attracted to the idea of a DivaCup, but went with the diaphragm because it was a) free with my insurance, b)comes in several sizes and is professionally fitted for maximum comfort, and c) you can have sex with it in.

I also have some cloth pads that I use as back up when needed.

Stacy S said...

Diva Cup - love it! I convinced my friend to get one too, and after a month or 2 of getting used to it, she loves it too - she's telling everyone she knows about it!!

swiggett said...

I wish I could say I only used my Diva Cup.

But, a year or two ago, my cycle wasn't normalizing after going off of HBC. I was bleeding for 2-6 weeks at a time. My body just got tired of having something inserted in it constantly. Not the Cup, not tampons. I found myself back at pads very quickly.

Right now, I'm still using a combination of "green" and conventional pads (overnight ones b/c yeah, I bleed that much). About once a cycle, I try the Diva Cup again, just to see. (but other things have happened that have made it difficult lately)

I still love my Diva, and it certainly saved me tons of money in the years I was able to use only it!

Sandy said...

I don't have to worry about it. Mwahahahah!

Rosa said...

Diva cup. I preferred the shape of the Keeper (but it wore out eventually) but I don't hate the Diva so I'm not shelling out for a new Keeper yet.

Sandy J. said...

#5. Diva Cups are great. I always bled so heavy that I decided to get a second one to be able to make a quicker switch in a public restroom or the bathroom at work. As soon as I bought my second one, I was gifted with menopause. I knew I was close, but I never got the second one out of the package. Still have it new, unopened in the package. Tried to give it away free on craigslist, but people were too grossed out and flagged the ad twice. But I'm thinking a menstrual hut would've been nice.

Chile said...

Previously Keeper, now Diva cup. I've always had leaking problems, with both. Bought a large set of Luna pads but got tired of having to wash and change underwear and jeans three times a day due to bleed-through, so now I use one disposable liner per day underneath the cloth pads so any leakage from Diva cup that goes through the pads doesn't make it to the clothes.

Yes, I feel bad about the disposables but I was using a LOT of water having to wash extra laundry and getting very, very cranky. 'Course now that I cleaned up my eating, my PMS is non-existant but I think I'd still get cranky without the single disposable liner per day.

Bird Wicks said...

Cloth pads!

Carley said...

#5 I found it easy to get used to and very convenient. Recently I've had to supplement with a liner one or two days because, as they predict on the page, somewhere around 30 your hips will just open up and you'll have to upgrade. I haven't made the new purchase yet.

Anonymous said...

I use green tampons. I find this to be an environmentally good option, but also a sanitary option.

Q said...

Right now I'm hosting a tiny human in my uterus and have no need for lady products.

But when I don't have tiny people in me I use the diva cup. I didn't have any of these horrible learning curves people talk about so I found it to be the greatest invetion ever and I routinely convert people.

Emily Wilkins said...

#1. I tried the Diva Cup a couple years back when you first started talking about it, but it always leaked. I kept at it for a number of cycles, but eventually it became too much trouble to have to back it up with a pad or liner, so I went back to my toxic conventional tampons.

Natalie said...

I use a variation on the Diva cup (I think it's a Luna cup?) It did take a few cycles to get it right, but now it's great. Cut the stem all the way off; it's much more comfortable. And if it leaks a lot, it might not be fitting around your cervix right (you can check with a finger). I always spot with mine though, so I also use cloth pantyliners.

I love this system! I actually have a hard time believing now that women teach their daughters to use tampons (in that whole holier-than-though, now-i've-changed-my-paradigm-and-can't-remember-my-old-ways kind of way).

fragmentaerie said...

I use a Lunette cup and occasionally some cloth backup.

treehuggers kitchen said...

I tried the Diva Cup for a few months, and just couldn't get the hang of it. I kept it, and may give it another go someday. But for now I use regular old tampons and homemade reusable pads. I have a latex allergy and most of the pads and pantiliners in the store are not nice to me. I LOOOOVE my homemade pads and try to use them more than tampons. :)

Aydan said...

I use the Diva Cup, and conventional pads for backup when I need it.

Rachael said...

I use Party in My Pants Pads and I love them. I've used them for, oh, maybe three years now. LOVE THEM.

Anonymous said...

#2,4,8 trying to move more toward 8

Anonymous said...

#5

Mama Mama Quite Contrary said...

Diva cup has changed my life! (All thanks to you Crunchy!)

Anonymous said...

other - hysterectomy
before that natural sponge with conventional pads as back up

rosiemomma said...

I've been using the Diva Cup for 6 years and I would take it with me to that proverbial deserted island if I could. I LOVE IT!! After the second day I can sleep without underwear if I want. I have almost no cramps or achiness. I'm a huge proselytizer and have converted several friends. I use disposable pantyliners for everyday but plan to purchase some washables for that as soon as this box is gone. For those experiencing pain with the Diva Cup: I have found that if I get it in too far (too close to my cervix) it is REALLY uncomfortable. I just pull it out and reinsert and it is usually fine.

Jenette said...

I use cloth pads. I LOVE using Homestead Emporium http://hyenacart.com/HomesteadEmporium/

MamaLovey said...

Diva Cup! Diva Cup! Hooray!!!

Sandy J That is a great idea to have a second one for public changes. I am so gonna try that. If you still have the second one I would love to pay shipping for it. I'm near Chicago. Let me know. Tlkovacs@hotmail.com. Thanks!

Sandy J. said...

MamaLovey, I just sent you an e-mail. I thought I'd try to give my new-in-the-box Diva Cup #2 away again tonight, but something told me to check here first, just in case. I'll be glad to send it on it's way from Omaha to Chicago. I'm glad someone can use it. I loved my first one, but I'm lovin' menopause even more.

Hannah Elise said...

I use a variety of cloth pads that I have purchased from Etsy. I like different ones for different stages of my period, and unfortunately my favorite "brand" is no longer made. Le sigh.

It's one of those things that makes me think I really -should- learn to sew, and recreate the pattern for myself, since that particular Etsy shop is no more.

I was never a fan of tampons before I got away from disposables, so I never tried the Diva Cup or anything like that. I find the cloth pads to be quite comfy. In fact, cloth pads are what convinced me to use cloth diapers when my son came along. Ironic, considering that for most women it seems to be the other way around.

Sundays Child said...

#8 ... for about four years now. The only thing I regret is not starting using re-useables sooner. I purchased different styles on eBay, made by "work at home mums" and have made a couple of my own. More are in the works, just purchased hemp fleece and hemp / cotton jersey. :-)