Mooncup - Reusable menstrual cup

A menstrual cup is a type of cup or barrier worn inside the vagina during menstruation to collect menstrual fluid. Unlike tampons and pads, the cup collects menstrual fluid rather than absorbing it.

In the little, rather attractive box you will get:

One instruction book about half an inch thick in several languages. It gives you all the necessary information that you need to use, clean, remove and care for your Moon cup.

It even has a troubleshooting section - I've got to read this! What could possibly go wrong?

One little bag with the moon cup logo on and a coloured ribbon tie (mine's pink, BTW.)

Inside the bag, is your MoonCup - an off-clear cup-shaped device with a longish spout at the narrow end (you can trim this.) On the side of the MoonCup is measuring marks i.e. 1.5ml and 2.5 ml so that you can keep tabs on how much you bleed.

It's suitable for women with sensitive skin and/or allergies.

I bought my first (and only) Mooncup in October 2008.

The size I have bought is a Size A because:

a) I had two vaginal births

b) I'm over 30 years old.

As I've been feeling the usual signs of impending period, I decided to try the Moon cup out for the first time last night (October 11.) I'm always just a little apprehensive about inserting anything up inside myself due to the discomfort that usually follows. Despite my apprehension, I don't tend to have any problems with muscle clenching or spasms.

I made sure I followed the instructions to:

Fold the cup in half so that the two outer rims are together and then fold again in half so that it forms an S-shape.

Then lying down with my knees up, I gently but firmly pushed the Moon cup upwards. Part of the reason why I wanted to 'test it out' was to check to see if:

A) I could insert it okay and
B) The spout needed trimming.

Lying down it felt okay but just to make sure I stood up and yep, jumped around a bit! Of course, that triggered another problem I have off which has nothing to do with the Moon cup! Anyway, I couldn't feel it. I figured it was up far enough but, sure enough, there was no discomfort at all! Amazing!

I've not been using the MoonCup during the night. I find that my flow decreases in volume during this time and I prefer not to have the device fitted whilst I sleep. This is a personal decision, of course.

It's important that you read the instructions to ensure that the MoonCup is correctly inserted. Please, don't give up, though! Practice does make perfect. To prevent leakages make sure the seal is in place and that you haven't inserted it too far up. It needs to sit considerably lower than a tampon in your body.

I've recently changed to the mini pill which is progesterone only after using the combined pill for many years. This means that my periods are now non-existant and my use for the Mooncup has declined. However, I still keep the Mooncup available just in case I ever need it! I shall definitely be using the Natracare range of sanitary pads, also, whilst my body adjusts to the pill.

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Women have often been seen as harbingers of evil whilst menstruating and were considered dangerous. They were often banned from important rituals and events whilst menstruating.

In Roman times, menstruating women were thought to cause:
1. fruit to fall from trees
2. seeds to become infertile
3. the death of swarms of bees
4. the death of plants.

They blunted swords and dulled mirrors with just a look.

Meals should not be made by menstruating women as the food will become contaminated. Dough will not rise, jam will not set etc.

Menstruating women will also affect the luck of a hunting party.

Natracare Natural Ultra Pads with Wings, Regular, Case of 12- 14 Count Boxes
(168 Pads)

1 - Use another form of protection i.e. sanitary towel or panty liner whilst using the Moon cup for the first time. I recommend Natracare products as they're made from 100% Organic cotton with no Chlorine or bleach. It may be wise to continue using them until you feel confident with inserting the Moon cup.

2 - On the first day of your period especially whilst using the Moon cup for the first time, I recommend that you stay at home. Make sure you have a stock of sanitary towels to hand just in case of leakages or if you don't feel able to use it.

3 - If you're particularly squeamish or you just don't want to handle this device, I would advise you to try another alternative method. Using the Moon cup requires you to be 'hands on'; it can get extremely messy at times and you have to either swill the Moon cup with water or use a tissue to clean it out every time you check it.

4 - Whilst removing the Moon cup, you may feel some resistance; this is the seal. You need to use the stem to pull the device out and you need to release the seal before you can remove your MoonCup. To do this, just squeeze the base of the Moon cup gently and you should hear the seal release.

5 - To keep your Moon cup clean, use Sterilising Tablets to ensure your Moon cup stays free from Germs.

1. Sanitary Towels - Pads made out of material with various absorbency. Use in the same way as panty liners i.e. fixing via sticky strip(s) or with a sanitary belt. Change frequently or as needed.

Pros: Easy to use. Relatively cheap. Wide choice of brands, absorbencies, price and types.

Cons: Messy as hell! Makes you feel dirty and you have to wash every day. Can sometimes smell though scented ones are available but are not advisable for women who are sensitive.

2. Tampons - Absorbent 'plugs' of material that should be inserted internally. Change frequently.

Pros: Keeps you cleaner throughout your period. Is that all? Must be more Pros!

Cons: Uncomfortable to use especially if you're sensitive. May need additional lubrication. May need more than one attempts at insertion. If you insert it wrong, you can feel it! Can get lost 'up there' and has been linked with Toxic Shock Syndrome.