| Archive for Downsizer For an ethical approach to consumption |
| Fee |
LADIES, do you use a Mooncup?And if not, WHY NOT?Once you have, you really will be amazed that every woman isn't using one, and there isn't a national campaign to make women more aware of them. You'll want to tell all your friends, too. I'm considering buying all my friends who don't use them one for Christmas this year...though I thought the same last year, and forgot! Apparently, every day in the UK, approximately 2.5 million tampons, 1.4 million sanitary towels and 0.7 million panty liners are flushed. THis is from a Brighton based environmental website, from 2004, I'd be interested in seeing other statistics, if anyone knows where to find them (I'm still searching). Tittch sells them, hopefully she'll be along soon with a link for you! |
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| sean |
Re: Do you use a Mooncup?
'Cos I'm a man. |
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| Fee |
How predictable. Though I thought Tahir or Jonnyboy would be first. |
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| Fee |
There, edited the title 
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| sean |
They're not around and someone's got to do it. I did feel guilty after posting though. | ||||||
| Fee |
Yeah, noticed that, just changed the title instead. | ||||||
| Beckyess |
I have one but have yet to use it as my periods are so light so how would you like me to answer lol!
Becky |
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| cinders |
yes,Great item Saves the environment and saves me flushing money down the toilet.The home made pantyliner article is how i found this site 
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| Fee |
Read that wrong. Tsk, you thought you better say it for the boys? |
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| Fee |
Not sure 
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| Chez |
No - haven't tried one - because I feel really weird with something shoved up inside me (Sean, put your sense of humour down and BACK AWAY!). Don't use tampons for the same reason.
Not needing anything in that department at the moment, obviously - but I am going to move over to reusable pads when I need them again I think - and I might give one a go then. |
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| 2steps |
don't use one at the moment but am going to when my periods start again (I'm breastfeeding) | ||||||
| Marionb |
Never heard of them till there was a thread going about them on here recently....
They sound a bit messy to me to be honest..... 
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| tahir |
My missus never got on with hers, she doesn't use it any more |
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| Fee |
I think if you use tampons already (more precisely, non-applicator tampons), then you'll not notice a difference.
They're not as messy as you think, or not as messy as I thought anyway, and definitely worth a go
You get better at it too 
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| Home on the Hill |
I love mine - wouldn't use anything else now. And I don't find it any more messy than tampons.
Beth 
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| Fee |
Me neither, I love it.
I lost mine last month (well, last cycle ), and I was gutted to have to use tampons again! I was really really gutted. Of course, as soon as I ordered another from tittch (who I highly recommend to buy from, of course), and it arrived, I found my old one!
So, now I've got two
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| Frewen Feltmaker |
Don't need one at the mo as I've been either pregnant or breastfeeding since Xmas day '94
Apart from in hospital when I used a packet of towels. I have used some surplus booster pads which seem to work just fine. I am going to need to think about it soon I suppose. |
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| Samantha |
Absolutley - been two years now and wouldn't dream of using anything else. Also use washable pads depending on what mood I'm in or what I'm doing during the day.
Went on a Study day (something mainstream) recently and discovered that out of 9 women 5 were mooncup users and by the time we met again 6 weeks later another 3 had joined us. I have chronic adhesions and used to suffer agonising pain requiring hospital and morphine to control. Since using my mooncup I haven't had single episode!!!!!!! |
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| Fee |
Tittch's website, where anyone who hasn't tried a Mooncup, can buy one: http://www.freedomfromtampons.co.uk | ||||||
| Tittch |
:Waves:
www.freedomfromtampons.co.uk aka www.fannyfunnels.co.uk 
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| Fee |
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| jocorless |
I don't use anything because I don't have periods due to having a Mirena coil which stopped them completely.
I do have a question about them though - My daughter is coming up to the age when we are going to have to start thinking about menstrual protection - how soon after starting her periods could she start using a Mooncup? - Obviously she's only 11 at the moment and it could be upto another 5 years before the issue comes up but I'd like to be in possession of all the facts before the matter arises and then can advise her accordingly |
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| Tittch |
Although Mooncup say immediately, I say not until she's comfortable with the idea of putting things inside herself. I say wait until she can at least put two fingers inside herself without discomfort. I have 15 and 16 year old customers who aren't quite ready yet, but who are 'working on it'. She needs to be able to fit the equivilent of a 'knob-end' up there..... |
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| Róisín |
I've voted no as I'm not comfortable with tampons in any way shape or form, so I doubt I could manage a mooncup  I am working on the reusable pads system though
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| Tittch |
Why is that, if you don't mind me asking? You could always PM me if you would rather? |
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| MarkS |
Can I ask what might be a silly question ?
How does a mooncup differ from a cap ? |
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| Tittch |
Not a silly question at all! A cap is a device used to stop sperm getting into the uterus and therefore it's worn up over the uterus and has nil capacity. A Mooncup has a large capacity and is worn low in the vaginal passage to catch menstrual blood.
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| Róisín |
Oh I don't mind! It's not an ethical thing really (although I do agree with you that tampons are wasteful etc) - it's a comfort thing... I'm with whoever posted above about not wanting things shoved up inside me all day long (my GOD that sounded dodgy). I wore a tampon once or twice before and it was just horrible - maybe they are more comfortable if you have a heavy flow? It felt just dry and uncomfortable to me anyway. Is the idea with a mooncup that you put it in like a tampon and then when it is full (how do you know when that is?) you take it out and empty it and rinse it out? And is it long and narrow like a tampon? |
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| Chez |
This is one of the reasons that I am a bit wigged about trying one - I used to use a cap and it felt really ODD to be constricting the flow when I left it in overnight (as per the instructions) whilst I was on. I am watching this thread with interest as I do like the principle of the mooncup. |
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| Fee |
One of the things I've found fantastic about the mooncup is that you can almost forget about it!
I'm usually very heavy, and I've never had a problem with it overflowing. I used to have to change a tampon during the night/wear a towel as well as a tampon during the heaviest part of my period, but I don't with the mooncup. Ever. It's been pretty full before, but only when I;ve forgotten about it for a day
In fact, I've forgotten about it even in the morning before now That would never happen with a tampon.
If you are light, you won't get that dryness you get with tampons, you just collect less
It's bigger than a tampon, but you fold it in half to insert it, so probably about the size of a tampon going in, but you don't feel it once it's in. I'm no expert though, just a user
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| Marionb |
I was wondering about "changing" it (although I realise you dont change it you take it out, empty it and put it back in) and wondered how you'd go about that if you were in work for example. From what you say, Fee, you can leave it in for quite a while without having to worry about leakages??? | ||||||
| Fee |
Yeah, I guess it depends on your flow really.
Definitely worth trying it! If it works for you, it's so liberating. |
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| cinders |
If your at work just give it a wipe out with tissue and wash it when you get home |
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| Tittch |
Tampons are horribly uncomfortable compared with a Mooncup. A Mooncup doesn't suck moisture out of you, it's not holding chemicals against your walls, and it doesn't chaff! It's the same shape and size as a willy-knob-end only it's turned up the other way. You get to know when it's full with a little practice. Typically you will need to remove and empty it half as often as a tampon or towel, but it's just a case of getting used to it. It's so much comfier than any other sanitary product on the market. It also helps reduce cramps too! |
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| Marionb |
Do you have to be really careful about cleaning it after your period is finished??? | ||||||
| Fee |
Mine goes in the dishwasher
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| Hweorfa |
I take a small bottle of water in with me to give it a quick rinse before I pop it back in - I find it easier to insert that way, too. I've used mine for 3 years, now, and wouldn't use anything else. I had such heavy periods after I had my last child, that tampons & pads were not up to the job, and were costing a mint! With the mooncup, I only have to bother about it 3-4 times a day. I did find, though, that for it to be comfy, I had to cut the stalk right off. I managed to lose mine out of my handbag last year (lord only knows where, and what the finder may have thought!!) and I had to use tampons for a couple of days - I found them dry, uncomfortable & leaky. Mooncups are the best! |
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| Marionb |
I dont think my OH would take too kindly to that.....
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| Hweorfa |
I boil it for 5 mins. Every couple of months (or if it has got discoloured, which they can do after a while) I stick it in some sterilising solution (cheapo supermarket brand for babies' bottles) for 20 mins, and then boil it to get the steriliser off. And hey presto, as new & ready to go again! I usually boil it for 5 mins at the start of a period, too, just in case. |
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| Fee |
Mine doesn't either. Funnily enough, I did write that in my previous post, but removed it
I just tell him to stop being silly...or more often just sneak it in without him noticing! |
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| Fee |
I've cut mine about half off for comfort, any more I think I might struggle to pull it out again. |
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| Róisín |
The stalk?! Where does the stalk go?
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| Fee |
It just dangles down so you can pull the mooncup out easily.
Maybe a piccie will help: 
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| Róisín |
Oh. Thanks for that. As a non-user of tampons this question is not as embarrassing as it might otherwise be - do you have to take out the mooncup to use the loo? | ||||||
| alison |
No. You can leave it in, and you won't touch the stem at all. | ||||||
| cinders |
i chopped the stem of completely too | ||||||
| Tittch |
Boil it for 5 minutes in an open pan of water. You can add a pinch of bicarb of soda if you like, but that's all there is to it. The only other thing you do is rinse it under the tap, with some bottled water or wipe it with tissue when you empty it during your period. |
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| Tittch |
Mooncup really don't advise dishwashing it as they are concerned about the gradual buildup of surfantants etc from the cleaners. |
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| Tittch |
I completely remove the stem as my vaginal passage goes really short during my period. It should sit inside you but you shouldn't be able to feel it. If you can feel it, it's too long and needs scissoring off! |
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| Tittch |
Thanks for posting that. It's a really good idea. As you can see without the stem the mooncup is actually very small. Well compared to a willy it is.... |
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| Nick |
Thin, too. | ||||||
| Tittch |
What are you suggesting Nick? |
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| hedgewitch |
I've voted no. I've always thought they look like a lot of hassle, but this thread is making me reconsider.
I also meant to say a big thanks to Tittch for advise in a previous thread a while ago. Tittch - I was wearing tampons (organic etc., but still tampons) and you were saying that they could aggravate period pains. I stopped using them and went on to pads (have worn tampons for years) and it has greatly reduced the aches and pains I was getting. THANKS!
You also mentioned that a mooncup might be even better, so I am seriously thinking about it for that reason too. I didn't have serious pain before, more niggling discomfort, but getting rid of the tampons has really helped with that. I hadn't really considered it, but when you mentioned it I went out and got some pads right away. Changing over, I felt my body was breathing out with relief, if that doesn't sound too barking? |
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| Tittch |
No it doesn't sound barking at all. Tampons draw everything out of you including the stuff that is there to protect and help you. A mooncup doesn't absorb anything, it just catches the blood and muscus from your os, and lets all your protective and arousal muscuses pass on naturally. It's almost odd to feel 'moist' but not leaking blood! |
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| cinders |
tittch
I'm still getting use to mine as it leaks a bit but wouldn't use anything else |
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| Fee |
Ooooh, didn't know that! |
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| dottyspots |
I've only ever heard good things about the Mooncup (although I use pads). I've been asked by someone in the local health authority to do a talk on 'greener' approaches to women's health (as part of a general meeting about women's health in either Sheffield or Leeds, haven't heard re. the final decision) in the autumn and have been sorting out a couple of women to come and talk about using the mooncup (as it's not something I use, I'll be talking about other things) - however, they are not sellers, so if I finally do do the talk (must check what's happening as I've not heard anything for a while) I'd be happy to bring any advertising bumpf along - but need to check first whether I'm still doing it. | ||||||
| Fee |
Why don't you try it yourself too, so you have a better understanding? |
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| dottyspots |
No thanks, I really am dippy enough to forget it's there (I used to forget tampons, although I haven't used one for over 10 years now).
Can't take pills or anything either as I never remember to take them regularly. Unless it's written in my diary or physically in front of me (i.e. able to bounce around - either human or not) then well, I'm a bit scatty
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| Fee |
I know the feeling about pills, I'm hopeless too. |
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| Tittch |
Have you trimmed the stem sufficiently? Are you wearing it low enough? Are the prick holes clear? Is it open properly? Are you emptying it often enough?
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| Tittch |
If you email me your snail-mail address, I'll send you some leaflets, but it would be worth you trying a Mooncup to get the feel of them. |
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| Tittch |
Sorry didn't see this post before I posted my reply to you! It wouldn't harm you if you did forget for a while. I have a customer who forgot hers was in situ for 3 weeks! She got checked out by the doctor who was amazed that she was fine. |
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| Hweorfa |
I sometimes forget I have it in too, realise it's been 8 hours+ and panic. It's always been fine - just rinse, wash and start again. In fact, on days I'm at work, I often don't check it at all while I'm there (unless its my heaviest day) and just do it as soon as I get home.
And I completely agree with the person who commented that it's weird to feel your normal level of moisture during a period, but have the blood kept out of the way, rather than the dryness I get with tampons. It also has the benefit of showing you how much blood you are actually losing during a period - new mooncups have measurements up the side so you can see! I was surprised to find how little it actually was, even though I'd been flooding with tampons. |
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| Fee |
Me too, actually! |
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| dottyspots |
LOL! But imagine what leaving a tampon there would do
There's a few articles knocking about about the level of chemicals ingested by women over the course of a year through toiletries and cosmetics, it doesn't make for very comfortable reading... |
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| alisjs |
don't use one.....but think I might get one after reading this thread and looking at Tittch's website....specially as it says you can use it while swimming | ||||||
| Tittch |
That's excellent! Please note that I can't send out between 20th July and 12th August though. Thank you! |
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| alisjs |
OK......I'll put a cheque in the post today then! | ||||||
| Tittch |
Great, thanks! Otherwise I'm happy to take Paypal if that's easier for you. |
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| alisjs |
s'ok....posting is fine! Assuming Jester boots is you and your address?! | ||||||
| Tittch |
Yes that's fine. Please make the cheque out for £17.50 to "Jester Boots" and send it to the address on the website. Please also remember to let know which size you need. After baby Or After 30, or Before 30 And Before Baby. Thank you! |
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| Aqui |
Hi
Newbie here - strange topic for my first post! Some of you may know me from other boards, though. I've been meaning for years to get a mooncup, but never got around to it. But I'm determined now. I'm not currently having visits from Aunt Flo as I'm breastfeeding my gorgeous 3-month-old son. I have a few questions: I see from your site that I should get the larger size as I had a vaginal birth and am over 30 (just!) However I did previously have a very strong pelvic floor from yoga and horse riding. Also I had an episteotomy (sp?) and am now (TMI) a bit tighter than before. So what size should I get? Can I test one? I won't be getting it just yet as I intend to b-feed my little man for as long as he wants it. Also - what about washable pads - where do you get them from and how do you wash them? Do they show through trousers? Do they last well? |
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| Treacodactyl |
Welcome to our site. This should be able to help: http://www.downsizer.net/Projects/A_sustainable_home/How_to_make_your_own_washable_menstrual_pads/ |
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| Tittch |
Hi Aqui, welcome to Downsizer and congratulations on the birth of your son! I'd say go with the smaller size. I stayed with the smaller B until I was 38 and I'd had a baby too! I breastfed my boy until he was just gone 2, but my periods returned when he was a year old. I trained as a breast feeding counsellor with the NCT for a year which was fun! |
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| cinders |
Aqui wrote
Hi I got my washable pads from this site but i also made my own http://www.weenotions.wahmall.co.uk/traderplus/ |
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| dottyspots |
Weenotions are just down the road from me (well, a few miles away), I've chatted to her on the phone about lobbying the local council re. a cloth nappy scheme. | ||||||
| Tittch |
Alisjs, cheque arrived today thanks. I've been on a school trip all day so it'll go out tomorrow if that's okay.
Thank you! |
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| alisjs |
excellent service......thanks!! | ||||||
| Tittch |
My pleasure! Any queries, please let me know. |
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| WeeNotions |
Hi Everyone, I am one half of Wee Notions, if you have any questions about reusable Cloth San Pro (or if anyone has babies and have questions about cloth nappies), then give me a shout
By the way I love my mooncup too! I normally only use it during the heavy part of my flow though and use pads for the last couple of days. Suzanne
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| WeeNotions |
ooo I have just noticed the link in Aqui's post is an old one, so you won't be able to find us from that
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| Jamanda |
Do you want to give us the new one so we can update things please?
Edited to add hello and welcome. |
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| WeeNotions |
Hi 
I didn't know whether I was allowed or whether it would be spamming
www.weenotions.co.uk |
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| Jamanda |
No, that all looks very in keeping with our ethos on here.
You might want to say hello on this thread too. |
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| WeeNotions |
ooo ta
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| Andrea |
I've never tried one. I'm sure you get used to them, but it sounds a bit of a palavar inserting it. I never got the hang of non-applicator tampons.
I use reusable pads which are fab. |
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| LynneA |
I know I should, but I'm prone to violent sneezing fits, and I fear things might get a bit Carrie....
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| woodsprite |
Tried one and hated it. Found it messy and quite revolting to be honest.
Different things work for different people. |
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| Tittch |
Most of my Mooncup customers get the hang of it within a month, but there are a few that it takes a little longer. I would say that of all the cups I've sold, I've only ever had a handful of customers who haven't got on with them who have then reverted to using other protection
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| Fee |
I still love mine
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| wizz |
didn't see this thread when it first started last year..
tried one two or three years ago and had to trim quite a bit of stalk off before it was comfortable... after which i couldn't retrieve it!!! ... after a bit of mild panic, resorted to asking for assistance from OH who finally was sucessful there seemed to have been quite a bit of suction to pull against if that's not TMI!) - but all in all the whole experience really put me off, so didn't pluck up the courage to try again before I got pregnant.
Only just started having regular periods again so considering having another try... but not sure I have the courage!!! wizz |
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| AnnaD |
They do sounds very tempting, but my main worry would be removing them again so I'm not too sure.
They do seem like a great idea though. |
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| WeeNotions |
I have never had a problem getting mine out, I sort of press the sides together to release the suction before pulling it out. OH that sounds gross heehee.
I haven't cut all the stalk off mine, but I don't use it to get it out anyway so I wouldn't have any worries about doing it. I am wondering whether you may have put it in a bit far up, I put mine in just far enough so I can't feel it from the outside, again is that TMI *blush*. |
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| cookie |
MOONCUPHaving decided t o give this a try, now find I'm confused:as I am over 30 but had ceasarians so which size do I go for?? |
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| judith |
I think you would want the smaller size. | ||||||
| Fee |
It's not the best of sounds, is it
I've cut the stalk to just over 1cm now, just enough left to get a grip to pull it out, and I've never had a problem getting it out. It might be worth leaving it a bit longer until you're used to taking it out, or perhaps try putting it in and taking it out a few times before the suction gets time to get hold as much. |
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| kiwirach |
love mine....only used it for one full period so far, but already see major improvements. i used to have awful cramps on days 2 and 3, and i didnt get them with the mooncup....i've had no pain!.
yes, the getting out takes a bit of practice, but i'm getting the hang of it now. i've had no leaks either, which wouldnt have happened with tampons. once the commercial 'surfboards' are finished i'll be moving to washable pads....still not ready to stop pads yet....to many accidents with 'plugs' to go cold turkey, plus i stop using plugs and only use pads on the last few days of my period. i can't recommend them enough!. |
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| cookie |
MOONCUPThankyou all, took the plunge purchased one and as I am working from home today, (also my heaviest period day) thought it the best time to try using it and also give me confidence and I can't believe how easy it is to use and not as messy as I has thought. |