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Warning TMI: But, MM nonetheless...Reusable Feminine Products

So, I am tired of buying disposable feminine products...mostly the monetary cost, but also due to the environmental impact. Also, if something ever happened in our country and my tampon/pad stash ran out, what would I do? LOL.

Anyway, I am trying reusable panty liners/pads and a menstrual cup. Anyone, here use one or both?

I've been reading Amazon reviews and visiting the retailer websites for additional product information, and sparing the gory details, I think I'm going to give this a try. I already have a ton of laundry to do with 3 kiddos, so I figure there won't be much added time to washing them. It looks like there are some great American companies to support too!


Re: Warning TMI: But, MM nonetheless...Reusable Feminine Products

  • smerkasmerka member
    Ancient Membership 250 Love Its 500 Comments Name Dropper
    I recently got one". I am still trying to make it work. I think I got one that is too long because it isn't very comfortable. It takes some getting used to, especially taking it out. I have only had it leak once. I would not suggest throwing out your disposable stuff until you get they hang of it.
  • smerka said:
    I recently got one". I am still trying to make it work. I think I got one that is too long because it isn't very comfortable. It takes some getting used to, especially taking it out. I have only had it leak once. I would not suggest throwing out your disposable stuff until you get they hang of it.
    Oh definitely, I won't toss them. If this all works, I may still keep a few boxes on hand.
  • I am very intruiged by the cup, more for environmental reasons than anything else. When you spend a lot of time at the ocean, it's really sad how many "feminine products" you encounter by the shore :( I just haven't gotten organized to buy one yet. Let us know what you think!

    The reusable liners I can't bring myself to do, but I've seen them on etsy.
  • maple2maple2 member
    Ninth Anniversary 500 Comments 25 Love Its Name Dropper
    I've used some version of a cup for almost 20 years now. I switched at the same time to cloth pads for over night and liners, but these days I just use disposable stuff for those things. I actually found it harder to deal with cloth since having kids both because my flow has increased and because the kids are really freaked out by the sight of blood. I have never had any discomfort while using a cup, but I do have frequent leaks, especially on heaver days, so I pretty much always wear a liner. I've never had any embarrassing situations as a result. I almost always have a water bottle on me for other reasons, but I find it especially useful while using public bathrooms. If you have specific questions, feel free to ask. I do love saving the money and the waste every month!
  • I've heard tons of great reviews on the cup, I plan to buy one after this pregnancy. We'll also be cloth diapering, so I've already accepted the fact that there will be lots more laundry, I'd never heard of reusable pads, but that makes a lot of sense!
    Me: 28 H: 30
    Married 07/14/2012
    TTC #1 January 2015
    BFP! 3/27/15 Baby Girl!! EDD:12/7/2015
  • Another advocate for the cup. It takes some getting used to, and some time to figure out the right fit and positioning.  But once you do, you will never go back.

    TTC since 1/13  DX:PCOS 5/13 (long, anovulatory cycles)
    Clomid 50mg 9/13 = BFP! EDD 6/7/14 M/C 5w6d Found 11/4/13
    1/14 PCOS / Gluten Free Diet to hopefully regulate my system. 
    Chemical Pregnancy 03/14
    Surprise BFP 6/14, Beta #1: 126 Beta #2: 340  Stick baby, stick! EDD 2/17/15
    Riley Elaine born 2/16/15

    TTC 2.0   6/15 
    Chemical Pregnancy 9/15 
    Chemical Pregnancy 6/16
    BFP 9/16  EDD 6/3/17
    Beta #1: 145 Beta #2: 376 Beta #3: 2,225 Beta #4: 4,548
    www.5yearstonever.blogspot.com 
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  • edited June 2015
    I made the switch a few years ago and absolutely love my re-usable cup. At the time, the brand that I chose had 2 sizes, large and regular and I remember debating between the two because my flow tends to be heavy. I went ahead with the regular size though and have never had a problem. It did take me a few tries to figure out how to use it without being uncomfortable (Like sometimes if I twisted it a certain way the suction would be a little uncomfortable, but nothing that a little re-adjustment couldn't fix). Overall I've been really happy with it.

    I don't have any experience with the re-usable panty liners as I've never really used panty liners but I'm interested to learn more about them now, just in case I do end up needing to use them at some point.

    Edited to add that the brand I use is Lunette. :)
  • I started using the disposable cups and love those.  So I got a Diva cup about a year ago, figuring it would be a better option.

    Unfortunately, I have a lot of trouble with it :(, even after using it many times.  Inserting it is fine, but I find it almost impossible to take out unless it is full.  I've wondered if I got a different brand or a smaller size if that would make a difference, but I hate to spend more money and still not have it work well for me.

    A couple tips.  When taking out the cup, use a medical glove.  It makes it a lot easier to grab hold of and keep from slipping.  Also, once it is full, it is FULL and no longer works at all.

    I've never heard of reusable panty liners.  I am intrigued.  I will need to go look those up. 

  • smerka said:
    I recently got one". I am still trying to make it work. I think I got one that is too long because it isn't very comfortable. It takes some getting used to, especially taking it out. I have only had it leak once. I would not suggest throwing out your disposable stuff until you get they hang of it.
    Oh definitely, I won't toss them. If this all works, I may still keep a few boxes on hand.

    I'm in menopause and I still kept a small stash of them in bathrooms company have access to because most of my friends still have to deal with that issue. This way if they need one, I can accomodate them.
  • Erikan73 said:
    smerka said:
    I recently got one". I am still trying to make it work. I think I got one that is too long because it isn't very comfortable. It takes some getting used to, especially taking it out. I have only had it leak once. I would not suggest throwing out your disposable stuff until you get they hang of it.
    Oh definitely, I won't toss them. If this all works, I may still keep a few boxes on hand.

    I'm in menopause and I still kept a small stash of them in bathrooms company have access to because most of my friends still have to deal with that issue. This way if they need one, I can accomodate them.
    A Hostess with the Mostess!!! I like that.
  • I made the switch a few years ago and absolutely love my re-usable cup. At the time, the brand that I chose had 2 sizes, large and regular and I remember debating between the two because my flow tends to be heavy. I went ahead with the regular size though and have never had a problem. It did take me a few tries to figure out how to use it without being uncomfortable (Like sometimes if I twisted it a certain way the suction would be a little uncomfortable, but nothing that a little re-adjustment couldn't fix). Overall I've been really happy with it.

    I don't have any experience with the re-usable panty liners as I've never really used panty liners but I'm interested to learn more about them now, just in case I do end up needing to use them at some point.

    Edited to add that the brand I use is Lunette. :)
    Right off the bat, I knew I wanted a cup with a solid tab. I've cleaned bottle nipples before and the idea of having to clean blood out of a little, narrow tab (like in the Diva Cup and others) wasn't appealing to me. I was going to buy either the Lunette or the Sckoon, both of which have solid tabs, and I decided to try the latter. It hasn't arrived yet. But everything I've read and watched on YouTube says to practice before your period comes.
  • smerkasmerka member
    Ancient Membership 250 Love Its 500 Comments Name Dropper
    Mine specifically says not to use it until you have your period.
  • I bought a diva cup about 5 months ago and I love it now. The first couple months can be frustrating until you figure out what works for you. But once you get the hang of it, it's so much easier.

    I went on vacation a couple weeks ago and knew I would have my period for a couple days at the beginning. I was so thankful that I didn't need to bring along a ton of disposables. Plus, you can safely leave it in for a lot longer! Which is nice when you're busy all day.
  • smerka said:
    Mine specifically says not to use it until you have your period.
    I know. I won't...just gonna practice getting it in and out...not going to leave it in.
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