So, I want to "go green" for my monthly menstrual cycle...

[Anonymous]

I hate all the waste that tampons and pads produce. I've been using OB tampons for ages because I feel at least a little better because they don't have the wasteful applicator thing. But, I've decided I want to give a menstrual cup a try. Does anyone on here use them?

Which one do you recommend-there are quite a few different brands (and even sizes??)?

How long did it take you to "get the hang of it" - inserting them properly so they don't leak.

Are they hard to remove and empty?

I'd love any advice or tips please. TIA!

[Anonymous]

I use the "Instead" cups. They are not reusable, so maybe not green enough for you. But they are just like using a diaphragm. You fold it in half and just put it up there. There is really not much room for error.

[Anonymous]

I use lunette. I read amazon reviews and chose that one - can't remember why anymore. I could do it fine the first month, but after 3 or 4 it's more second nature. Not that hard, and the fact that it's a bit icky in a public restroom is no big deal because since you can keep it in up to 12 hours you can pretty much avoid that.

The only icky thing is keeping clean - when removing it tends to make things a little messy down there on very heavy days. Tampons have the benefit of keeping things a little cleaner on removal. You can always intersperse use of a tampon with a cup of you see the same issue. I love that between the cup and reusable washable pantiliners, my periods are free (except for the start-up costs)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I use lunette. I read amazon reviews and chose that one - can't remember why anymore. I could do it fine the first month, but after 3 or 4 it's more second nature. Not that hard, and the fact that it's a bit icky in a public restroom is no big deal because since you can keep it in up to 12 hours you can pretty much avoid that.

The only icky thing is keeping clean - when removing it tends to make things a little messy down there on very heavy days. Tampons have the benefit of keeping things a little cleaner on removal. You can always intersperse use of a tampon with a cup of you see the same issue. I love that between the cup and reusable washable pantiliners, my periods are free (except for the start-up costs)

OP here, thanks! Yeah, I'm definitely into the "free" angle also

[Anonymous]

The only proper green approach is to confine yourself in a menstrual hut. Get it rigged for wifi so you can "work from home" and remain productive during your menses.

[Anonymous]

I did all my research too and felt the Diva cup would be ideal. Took me a couple of cycles to get over the ick (so much liquid blood, not absorbed by anything!) but now, three or four years later, cannot imagine using anything else.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The only proper green approach is to confine yourself in a menstrual hut. Get it rigged for wifi so you can "work from home" and remain productive during your menses.

That would be pretty funny if it wasn't for the fact that in some cultures, women are still forced to do this. Crazy, isn't it?

[Anonymous]

Just have a stack of burgundy washcloths on hand.

[Anonymous]

I use a diva cup and have for years. Took me a few days to figure out how to insert it easily, but smooth sailing since then. I don't have crazy heavy periods, and I just empty it 2-3 times a day (usually 2) so I don't have to deal with it in public restrooms ever.

[Anonymous]

How do you know what size you need?

[Anonymous]

I've used a sponge too - not less messy exactly, but no spillage? You have to clean it out well.

[Anonymous]

Arlington and Fairfax incinerate all of their trash in WTE plants. No waste.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I use a diva cup and have for years. Took me a few days to figure out how to insert it easily, but smooth sailing since then. I don't have crazy heavy periods, and I just empty it 2-3 times a day (usually 2) so I don't have to deal with it in public restrooms ever.

How do you empty it 2-3 times a day without doing so in a public restroom? If I emptied 2-3 times a day that would put me at work for at least one of them. I've tried to use the Diva cup, but it always leaks the first couple days.

[Anonymous]

I also vote for burgundy washcloths!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Arlington and Fairfax incinerate all of their trash in WTE plants. No waste.

No psysical waste, but incinerating garbage creates smoke...