When I was in college, I tried something called Instead. It was a disposible cup that you could use for up to 12 hours at a time. I can't honestly say what I thought of it because every time I used it I was so terrified of leakage that I was just constantly running to the bathroom and feeling on edge. I decided that it was too stressful to be convenient, and went back to my old familiar Kotex. Well now there are silicon menstrual cups that can be re-used for up to ten years. The one I've heard mentioned the most is the Diva Cup.
I am seriously intrigued by this notion because of the significant savings attached to it, but also the fact that you create so much less waste, you don't have a stinky bathroom trash can, and you don't have to worry about changing/carrying tampons all the time-- that's a win-win-win as far as I'm concerned. But it's also kind of weird, how would you get it as sterile as you'd like it to be and... it's just kind of weird.
So I'm curious, has anyone gone this route yet? I'm willing to try it for the sake of reporting back, but I'd rather not be the only one-- is anyone else willing to try it and report back to me? Just so we can get a good all-around view. Or is this just to personal to try out on a blog? I await your feedback, readers.
I'm also intrigued, but between baby having and nursing I won't have need of any feminine products for the forseeable future. See, procreation is frugal! Except for the working less/paying for childcare thing, hrrmph. You will have to be guinea pig on this one.
ReplyDeleteI have not tried it yet, but I have several friends who have and they love it. Read Cate Linden's review; I think you might be swayed to try it: http://catelinden.com/spc-giveaways/divacup-giveaway/
ReplyDeleteI use the cup and cloth pads. Love them both. Less cramping, less waste, less money. Both are easy to wash/clean. And with the exception of maybe day #2, the cup is only a morning & night thing. Took awhile to get insertion/fit correct, but well worth it! Once you have the cup figured out, you can't even feel it.
ReplyDeleteSnapper
I use the Diva Cup and looove it. It takes some getting used to, but once you get the hang of inserting/removing (and there's lots of tips on their website) it's actually way better than tampons or pads. Less leaks, you can leave it in longer, less odour, it's not drying... basically, great. And frugal!! They recommend boiling it once a month to sterilize, but I just use the Diva Wash and rinse it out and it works for me!
ReplyDeleteI have the Diva Cup but found it hard to insert and gave up. I need to try again maybe when I'm on the weekend and not stressing to get to work.
ReplyDeleteHowever I use cloth pads or old torn cloth nappies at home and at night. Less cost, less waste, easy to manage, less cramps, less odour and no more rubbing burns from synthetic pads.
I was trying to get the courage to blog about this. After your post I feel I can do it. It seems women are interested in saving a buck and the planet too.