I love, love, love Softcups -- http://www.webvitamins.com/product.aspx?id=47597&utm_medium=shoppingengine&utm_source=googlebase&utm_campaign=acquisitions&gclid=CjwKEAjw9uypBRD5pMDYtsKxvXcSJACcb9AYmpMU8qVWp6gMKd4Xwcg2DUFnTTCBtVaalpNrG0HKQBoCCVnw_wcB

I use the disposable version because I haven't gotten up enough confidence to clean them out and feel comfortable with the safety of it yet, but they make both disposable and reusable (and I guess they are basically the same).

Even using disposables, I use WAY less than I would if I were using pads or tampons. You can wear them for 12 hours, and they are super comfortable and super clean. I feel like I'm not wearing anything (whereas tampons have always left me still aware that I'm wearing something). There's almost no mess except when I take it out (which isn't a big issue and goes into the toilet, not on me), so there's much less smell (not to be gross, but it can stink!).

You can apparently even have sex while wearing one if you want (though I've never tried).

Anyway, I think most of the reusable cups are probably similar. If you want to start off with a test and see what it's like using something other than a tampon or pad, the disposable Softcups might be a good choice to try for a month to see what you think (they are cheaper than some of the long-term-use products).

I just wanted to chime in because even if you aren't going "green" (which I applaud you for), I still strongly recommend the cups over tampons or pads!

I use a Lunette, and empty once every 24 hrs (never in a public restroom). Overall my flow is pretty light though.

Anonymous wrote:I don't think I will ever use the work bathroom again. I'm going to hurl.

Oh sweetie, this is far from the grossest thing that happens in work bathrooms.

Maybe it's because I'm from a family full of doctors/nurses/paramedics but this just doesn't seem that gross to me. By the time you're old enough to be on DCUM you should be comfortable with the fact that blood comes out of everyones vagina. I also don't understand why anyone would think a menstrual cup would make you smelly. Do you actually understand how they work?

I bought an Eva cup on amazon. Much cheaper than diva. Personally, I find it leaky at times and impossible to know if it's full so I pull it out every time I pee so my vag gets pretty sore from that on the last light day. For me, I find the stem is too short depending on the toilet. I have literally had to strip down and do some weird contortionist moves to get it out if the toilet is too low and puts the cup too high. Overall I like the green aspect but I give it a C-for functionality and execution. Maybe I got the wrong size or brand but I'm not going to keep shelling it money on this at age 42 with generally short, light periods. The first pads I've bought in literally 20 years were because this damn thing leaks, usually because it doesn't unfold after insertion.

Anonymous wrote:

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?

I would LOVE a menstrual hut where everyone left me the hell alone!

How do you know how often you should empty the cup?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm seriously jealous of you ladies who are able to use Diva cups and such. My flow is so heavy that even a superplus tampon and a large pad will only last me about 2 hours. I cannot imagine dealing with these reusable options and living a normal life. It's hard enough now. Anyway, if it works for you that's great.

I haven't used a Diva cup yet but I read a review from someone who had a super heavy flow. She said it helped because she could just pour out the diva cup after4 hours rather than change tampons every hour or whatever.

So at noon we can expect you to be rinsing it out in the break room sink

I rinsed mine out in my work's bathroom sink 4 times today, lol!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm seriously jealous of you ladies who are able to use Diva cups and such. My flow is so heavy that even a superplus tampon and a large pad will only last me about 2 hours. I cannot imagine dealing with these reusable options and living a normal life. It's hard enough now. Anyway, if it works for you that's great.

I haven't used a Diva cup yet but I read a review from someone who had a super heavy flow. She said it helped because she could just pour out the diva cup after4 hours rather than change tampons every hour or whatever.

So at noon we can expect you to be rinsing it out in the break room sink

Anonymous wrote:Gross and useless, waste is burned and it's paper

What about all the tampons that get flushed down the toilets?