(Part 3) Best menstrual cups according to redditors

I'd just like to add, the cup is NOT made for sex and is NOT recommended.

What is recommended for sex during your period is the Ziggy Cup (reusable) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079JYJBF2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_8lkmDbVPVEKVA or the Flex Discs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QHG6ZY8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_0nkmDbMTFDNNR

The ones that look like discs won't have that issue at all which are more often than not, the disposable ones like this style. The one I had settled on however was a reusable one that had incorporated a lot of holes in the design to avoid the issue of suction. My cervix naturally sits very low which makes it more vulnerable to getting sucked in. I'm assuming ladies who aren't like that would have a much lower risk of it happening.

if you already know a lot about your vag, something like this might be helpful: https://putacupinit.com/chart/

otherwise, I recommend one of the really cheap ones to start, something like: 1, 2, or 3. The first one was the first one I tried, it was shaped slightly wrong for me and made me feel like I needed to pee constantly, but after trying it I knew I preferred it to tampons and pads. Using a chart like the one above I found the (much more expensive, sadly) cup that fit me.

don't try and do a dry run, it's different and a lot easier to put in when you're on your period than when you're not.

I have a few thoughts/suggestions:

1. Reconsider an IUD. Not already having kids isn't a good reason to deny someone an IUD. There is a slightly bigger risk of the body rejecting the IUD, but it isn't big enough to stop you from trying. I got an IUD last November and it has been wonderful. I have never had kids. If your doctor's only reason to say no to the IUD is because you haven't had kids, go talk to another doctor. If you're in the US, I've heard good things about Planned Parenthood.
   
   
2. If you are having problems with tampons, you might want to consider alternatives. I personally use and love the Softcup. There are also other options, like the Diva cup, the Moon cup and Sea Sponge Tampons. I have heard good things about them, although I haven't tried them personally. I suspect one of the cups might be good for you since it doesn't absorb like tampons do, so it can't cause you problems from overuse.
   
   
3. If you're still having vaginal pain this long after the tampon problem, is it possible that you have a bad yeast infection or something?

I've seen several different brands that look pretty good. I'll admit that I was drawn toward this one.... http://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00MNJZDK8/ref=mp_s_a_1_16?qid=1418395732&sr=8-16&pi=AC_SY200_QL40
.....but I only like it because it's a pretty color. Realistically though, it's not like I'll be displaying it on a shelf so it doesn't have to be such a lovely shade of blue. So then I saw this one... http://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00CBT0WDS/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1418395895&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SY200_QL40 ...the ever popular diva cup which I have nothing against. Then there's this one.... http://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00DJU6EF8/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?qid=1418395946&sr=8-7&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70 .....which appears to be a bit smaller than the diva cup. Also this one... http://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001HB3F08/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?qid=1418395946&sr=8-9&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70 ... which looks about the same shape as a diva cup. There are a bunch of others but those are just the ones that sorta caught my eye. Few bits of info to consider. I work in an environment where I can easily go to the bathroom and empty out my cup. I don't want to say that cost is not an issue because it kinda is BUT I'd happily pay 50 bucks for one that is going to work well, fit comfortably and last me for a good few years. I now use regular unscented plastic applicator tampons. I don't want to have to buy three or more of these things to find one that's decent. Ya know, since I can't return it like a jacket or a hat or some shoes. So does anybody have any recommendations for these things?

Has anyone out there tried some of these brands and have some kinda input?

Help.

So many cups.

Will X post to trollx.

Here's a bunch of mostly solar heating stuff.
Sorry if any links are dead. They include links to purchasable items I narrowed down by value for the price.
Some links are other sustainable living stuff.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nGheClD-lY&feature=player_embedded#!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23kkZZN1ACs&feature=player_embedded
http://shop.ebay.com/greenpowerscience/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p4340
http://www.livingoffgrid.org/off-grid-self-sustaining-lifestyle-documentary-with-les-stroud/

http://www.edmundoptics.com/products/displayproduct.cfm?productid=2999

http://www.edmundoptics.com/products/displayproduct.cfm?productid=1364

http://greenpowerscience.com/SHOPARABLOICHOME.html

http://lights-china.com/goods-26-5m-SMD5050-60ledsm-waterproof.html

http://lights-china.com/goods-244-Waterproof-LED-Strip-Lights-SMD5050-12V30.html

http://www.firststreetonline.com/Home+Solutions/Lighting/Lighted+Full+Page+Magnifier.axd?sc=86678

http://www.seeitbigger.com/UltraOptix_Handi_Lens_Magnifier_Large_Pocket_Size_p/ubp-hl3p.htm

http://www.cd3wd.com/cd3wd_40/cd3wd/index.htm

http://www.fastonline.org/CD3WD_40/CD3WD/INDEX.HTM

http://books.google.com/books?id=VvyLShXydNgC&pg=PA128&dq=buckminster+fuller&as_brr=1&ei=o3eFS7yMA5mwywTaosC1Cw&client=firefox-a&cd=8

http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/bdxzx/im_the_guy_who_replied_to_the_anyone_ever_dream/

http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/c26p2/reddit_my_husband_and_i_want_to_live_off_grid/

http://www.herbach.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=HAR&Category_Code=SEC&Offset=40&Previous_Stack_Depth=4

http://www.amazon.com/HYBRID-POWERED-FLASHLIGHT-EMERGENCY-BATTERY/dp/B001NTT45Y/ref=pd_cp_hi_2

http://www.amazon.com/d-light-S10-Solar-LED-Lantern/dp/B004B924OG/ref=pd_sim_misc_4

http://greenpowerscience.com/PARABOLICDISHBIG.html

http://greenpowerscience.com/SOLARCOOKING.html

http://www.greenpowerscience.com/SHOPFRESNELHOME.html

http://www.edmundoptics.com/products/displayproduct.cfm?productid=2999

http://www.edmundoptics.com/products/displayproduct.cfm?productid=1364

http://greenpowerscience.com/SHOPARABLOICHOME.html

http://www.cd3wd.com/cd3wd_40/cd3wd/index.htm

http://shareable.net/blog/greener-pastures-with-lunatic-farmer-joel-salatin

http://www.skeptictank.org/hs/vanish.htm

http://www.animatedknots.com/indexclimbing.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com

http://www.cd3wd.com/cd3wd_40/cd3wd/index.htm

http://shareable.net/blog/greener-pastures-with-lunatic-farmer-joel-salatin

http://blog.modernmechanix.com/refrigerator-uses-solar-energy/

http://blog.cunysustainablecities.org/

http://www.animatedknots.com/indexclimbing.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com

http://www.amazon.com/HYBRID-POWERED-FLASHLIGHT-EMERGENCY-BATTERY/dp/B001NTT45Y/ref=pd_cp_hi_2

http://www.amazon.com/d-light-S10-Solar-LED-Lantern/dp/B004B924OG/ref=pd_sim_misc_4

http://willgadd.com/rappelling/

http://eartheasy.com/lifestraw

http://consciouslyfrugal.blogspot.com/

First, you need to know how high your cervix is. If it is super high, some cups won't work for you (you won't be able to reach them to break the seal, so you can pull them out) , the same is true if it's super low (they maybe sticking out and feel uncomfortable). It's easy: insert a finger and check how much of it is inside until you reach what some describe as the tip of a nose - that' s your cervix. Measure how much of your finger went in against measurement of various cups.

Second, you need to know your width (not precise width, just if you are too tight for a large cup -most brands offer various sizes, the larger, the wider, unfortunately.

To get you going, if your cervix is very high, you'd need the Lily cup or the Ultu cup or similar elongated shape.

If your cervix is neither high nor super low, you could try the Saalt - Target sells his one in stores, not sure about the retailers you listed,or similar shapes.

If your cervix is very low, you could either get away with cutting the stem of a Saalt or similarly shaped and sized cups or you may need something like a Femmycycle low cervix or a Meluna shorty (not available on Amazon - would take a while to get here)

Of the cups mentioned, I think I've only ever seen the Saalt in a store, in Target. If you have Prime, you can get cups in a day or two and you have more choices, I would urge you not to limit yourself to what you can find at retail stores, as the fit and comfort can make or break the experience. The ever present Diva is NOT a good choice for quite a few people -yet for a long time that was the only one available in stores. BTW, you can totally practice when you are not on your period.

I don't have experience with any of the above mentioned cups except the Meluna, and this is by no means a complete list. There is a putacupinit quiz that you can google, and there are lists, but they don't list all the cups and people miss out on great brands by using those tools, and the quiz is also off for me, so I assume for others as well. My very favorite set is completely unknown (Unicup from amazon), for instance and the quiz came back with a cup so wide it would NEVER fit me.

I've been looking for a while for an alternative to candles for backup lighting. Kerosene/oil lamps were high on the list as well as hand-crank lanterns and other solar flashlights...then I found these. They were designed for use in 3rd world settings. Perfect!

Amazon Reviews are here, but its a better price to buy them from www.dlightstore.com if you are in the U.S. (free shipping over $20). Oh...10% of the purchase price goes to supply these to the 3rd world.

First of all congrats on your new adventure! Sorry it has been so tough. :-/

You can trim some of the stem so it isn't so uncomfortable when you have it in just make sure to leave a little to grab hold of if

It is impossible to suction your uterus out pulling on the cup, so no worries there.

When taking the cup out you MUST release the suction before trying to pull on the stem. To release the suction you grab the very bottom of the cup(above the stem) and squeeze, from there it should easily come out. I know it seems like a good idea to practice while not on your period, but when you are on your period you have a lot more lubrication to help you and ease discomfort.

Don't give up! I found the diva cup can be hard for beginners as it is a stiffer silicone than other brands. I personally like the lunette brand
Amazon has a lot of cheaper brands read the reviews and see what you like.

You can also find a lot of YouTube videos that show techniques for putting in and removing the cup. Good luck!

I haven't used the Diva specifically, but I've used Lunette, and this generic one. The lunette is definitely a little nicer/softer material, but if you just want to try the concept, the cheap one might be a good entry point.

I LOVE THEM. I can't feel that it's in. On heavy days I may have to change it 3 times, but most of the time I change it once in the morning and once in the evening, and the other 23.75 hrs/day, its like I don't have a period.

It definitely took an adjustment period (hah) of 2-3 cycles for me to get used to the "ick factor". There was an adjustment of "holy shit look at all that coming out of me", and of getting ungrossed out by the process of inserting, removing, cleaning, etc.

But now? I can't imagine ever going back to pads or tampons, and tbh the idea of keeping used menstrual products just sitting in my trash now seems WAY grosser than emptying my cup and flushing away the content.

I mentioned a LOT of cups without providing links. I usually do, but there were so many ... Anyway, rather than go back and edit my posts, here is a list in case you want to check them out:

​

Cups with valves

Bassrose Cup (tried)

Aiwo Cup (tried and failed)

Old Victoria's Love

New Victoria's Love

Tulip Cup

Chinese Valve Cup

Chinese Valve Cup

Chinese Valve Cup with Stopper

Chinese Valve Cup With Stopper

​

Cups with anti-spill rims

Femmycycle (use)

Formoonsa (examined)

Lily Cup (examined)

Imari Rose Cup (use - my goldilocks)

Jieze Cup Blue (examined)

Jieze Cup Colored

​

Collapsible Cups

Lily Cup Compact (use, plan to switch to Lily Cup One)

Lily Cup One (examined, plan to use)

Formoonsa Cone Shape (examined)

Chinese Collapsibel Cup

Chinese Collapsibel Cup

Chinese Collapsibel Cup

Chinese Collapsibel Cup

Chinese Collapsible Cup

​

Cups with applicators

Amy Cup Original

Enna Cup

New Victoria's Love

​

Cups designed to easily break seal

Leona Air Flow

Flex Cup (just got one) - formerly Keela Cup

Lumma Easy Cup (not 100% sure those indentations are supposed to actually break the seal)

​

Cups designed to monitor your health

Loon Cup

​

Cups with round shapes

Femmycycle (use)

Formoonsa (examined)

Merula

Tieut Cup

Chinese Round Cup

​

Cups with vaginal shapes

Lily Cup (examined)

Fun Cup

AEIOU Cup

​

Discs

Softcup (tried)

Softcup Reusable

Softdisc

Flexdisc

Prudence Softcup

Ziggy Cup (tried)

Lumma Unique (use)

Nixit (examined)

​

The one run-of-the-mill cup I mentione

Peachlife (use)

​

I have also used or tried at one time or another (I'm sure I'm forgetting something)

Diva Cup

Lunette

OI Cup (The cup that I learned I don't like TPE.)

Hi! I don't have a lot of personal experience with longer cups, but I can discuss some that other people have loved.

The JuJu High Cervix cup is exactly the same length as the Lily but firmer. It's supposed to be a very easy cup to insert - the stem is quite soft but the cup body is long enough that you should always be able to reach it. A bit slippery though, not much grip on the stem or the base of the cup so if your Lily ever moved up high enough that it was hard to grab you might need to think twice about this one.

The Merula cup, (regular or XL, both 46mm wide) has a firm body and a long ladder-shaped stem. The regular is 6mm shorter than the Lily and the XL is 2mm shorter overall. The stem is soft which makes it easy to remove (hook your finger through and pull) but harder to insert. There are also no suction holes around the rim, which some people love because it's easier to clean but other people find interferes with forming a seal.

The Yuuki size 2 is 4mm shorter than the Lily and 47mm wide. I'd only recommend this one if you tried and were comfortable with the Diva size 2, otherwise it might be too wide for you. A lot of people do love it though!

The XO Flo is 86mm long for the regular size and 74mm long for the mini, so maybe not quite the right length but a decent cup and worth mentioning.

The Keeper cups (size A, size B) are 1mm longer than the Lily and as they are rubber rather than silicone they are very firm. Rubber cups have a reputation for degrading a bit faster than silicone ones though, and I'm not a fan of the ridges on the side.

The Luv Ur Body range is quite long - 65mm small, 82mm medium, 77mm large - but I've heard complaints that the grippy embossed pattern on the outside is uncomfortable.

Just for reference, the Lily cups are 78mm long and either 40mm (size A) or 44mm (B) wide. The Diva cups are 40 (size 0) 43 (1) or 46mm (2) wide. If your Diva was moving sideways inside you it may have been too narrow.

I've been exclusively using the same Lunette cup for 3.5 years now, and it's been fantastic! I've never had any problems while swimming for exercise with it in. I agree with everyone linking to that quiz. I chose the Lunette because it was much shorter than the Diva cup, and for someone who's never had kids and has a light flow (I literally only have to change it every 12 hours, meaning that I can usually do it at home both times) it is the best thing that's ever happened to my periods. The Lunette is also nice because you can trim the stem down so that it doesn't poke out of/chafe your labia.

Also, when I'm PMSing or emotional on my period, I seriously think about how much waste I've saved from a landfill... sounds funny but it genuinely cheers me up 100% of the time!

The last couple of cycles I've had trouble with my Femmecycle and my other cups not sealing, leaking, and just overall trouble getting them in. Started to wonder if I needed to replace them since they are several years old. Just got these today (2 cups for $11!) and it went in so easy and sealed immediately.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07QKPVFR4?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

My friends run a great site called Put a Cup in It. They built an awesome quiz to help anyone who menstruates to find the best cup for their needs.

I’m 40 and I’ve had two babies and this is my go-to. It was designed in a partnership with the PACII ladies!

Here's the Peachlife cup that I got from Amazon recently. I have a high cervix and a pretty snug opening (despite having had penetrative sex for the last 14 years!) and so far it's a good experience. They have several different firmnesses and the dang thing has a RING on the bottom - at last! I tried a different brand before but it was a stem design that would NOT BUDGE for removal if it had the right suction. I have surprisingly short fingers and a tummy, so it ended up being a slippery situation. I had to ask my husband for help, and that freed it (bless him lol). That was what got me to find the Peachlife cup.

I am new to this cup but because it is pretty comfy (I have the soft large version) I can say it's working pretty well so far. Not a lot of stress getting it out! That said, everybody is different and maybe looking into other designs might work a lot better for you. No shame in that! I hope various companies keep coming out with new options for snug people like us.

I refuse to believe that Diva Cups are strange. Or maybe I've just been a cup user for too long.

Keeper from 2005-2008, Diva Cup since 2008.

The Keeper is latex so it has the advantage of being biodegradable. But I felt like I was starting to become latex sensitive, so I switched to Diva.

This isn't quite free, if you're in the US, there are lots of low priced options on Amazon or Ebay. I just did an Amazon search & found this set for $5.99 & prime eligible. You just want to make sure the cup made of FDA approved silicone.

a menstrual cup. heres a link to amazon. But basically is a silicon little cup that you put up there and it catches your period. You empty it into the toilet, clean it off, and re-use it. Most are good for 5-10 years.

Since using them I've saved close to $20 a month, had wayyyyyyy less cramping, had a lighter flow every month, and a shorter period. My period use to last 6-7 days with spotting before and after now its max 5 days with a day or 2 of very light spotting before.

What about FemmyCycle? They have a low cervix model.

Or the Lunette? It is sold at a number of places online, and they ship to Canada from their site.

Same with the Mooncup.

The Keeper is another option.

Or may the Yuuki.

There are some comparison charts. 1, 2, 3, etc, out there so you can compare sizes and pick which one might work best for you.

Get yourself six more pounds of loot and you're good to go!

Or if you wanted to go with the Mooncup...!

Seconding this. It's great for starting out and getting more comfortable with the whole process.

Personally, my favorite long-term use cup is The Keeper. Thick silicone, so nothing leaks as long as it's regularly emptied (it does run small). But it's also incredibly difficult to start with. I wish I'd had something more friendly in the beginning!