So recently I mentioned that I had ordered a menstrual cup. I finally got to try it out on my last period with great success. My period decided to hit while I was at work so I did not have the cup with me and I only got home late. My first try I didn’t want to be a night time one so I waited till the next day. My concern was the insertion but actually this was not bad. After a couple of try’s with a couple of fold methods I found one that worked for me and in it went.

Before I went to work I thought it best to take it out dump and reinsert. This is when I discovered the part I would have trouble with – removal. It’s not an easy process because you don’t realize the suction that the cup creates. I was poking around for about 20-30 minutes don’t know for sure because I just could not break the suction it probably wasn’t even that long but it felt like it at the time. I eventually figured out that I had to bear down grab the stem with two fingers pull down so the stem was outside of me reach in with my other finger of my other hand while holding the stem and slide a finger up alongside to break the seal.

Once this was done then I could pull down and get it out. Messy yes first couple of times and have to make sure you don’t slip and it fall in the toilet. Once it was back it I don’t think it created the suction as I had to change pads twice at work but after I got home put it back in all went well the only amount on the pad from then on seemed to be excess from removal that toilet paper didn’t get. Tmi?
I found it exciting and that’s not something I really have ever felt about a menstrual product. I’m please it went well even better than I thought it would. I was thinking that after a few months of trying I would get the hang of it but my first cycle seems to have shown me what to expect and I believe the next one with the cup should be ok.

What I would like to do down the road is buy cloth pads and use these with the cup and move completely away from store bought pads and tampons.

The great girl Kelly who organized the group buy was kind enough to agree to an interview so below is that and if anyone reads this is interested in getting a cup of their own all they need to do is say so in the comments, include their email and I will forward them Kelly’s email address so they can make the arrangement between them. I for one plan on making another purchase through Kelly down the road. Just hard to decide on the color they all look so good.

All in all a success for me and I would recommend then to anyone. If you’re interested and open minded not some of those annoying people who wouldn’t even consider it then give it a shot. I would hope that most people would at least be open minded enough to say well that’s something I don’t know about maybe I should look into it.

1) Can you tell me a bit about yourself? Age, occupation etc.
My name’s Kelley and I live in New Orleans, Louisiana. I’m the oldest of 6 children and moved out of my parents house at 17. (Rebel!) I got pregnant my Senior year of high school and walked across the stage at 5 months. On October 14, 2008 I gave birth to my daughter Adalyn without any pain meds- au naturale! I have a passion for pregnancy and birth and am currently studying to be a homebirth midwife. =) Im a yoga junkie! On a nice day, Ill drag my mat outside and practice in my backyard. Im sure my neighbors get quite a sight… (Im quite flexible.)

2) How did you hear about the mentstrual cup?
I first ran across cups when I was 16, I had gone into Walgreens to buy tampons and ran across Insteads and decided to give them a try. After I bought the Insteads, I got on the internet and started reading up on them.

3) What was your first experience like with the cup?
Well, they look alot like a purple livestrong bracelet. It went in very easily and found its niche. I thought removal was a little messy… But it didnt bother me much.

4) How many do you have?
At the moment I have 2. I have a large Miacup and a small orange Ladycup.

5) Do you see yourself ever having enough?
Lol, I ‘know’ one is enough. Then again the colors…. theyre just so pretty….. =D I have my eye on the green large Meluna when it comes out!

6) What would you say to someone who hasn’t heard about menstual cups?
You’re missing out!

7) What can a new user expect?
SUCTION! On my first dry run it took my 10 minutes to pry my cup from my vagina! For me its just not as simple as pinching the bottom… =/

8) What should a first time buyer know when selecting their first cup?
I would HIGHLY recommend you be comfortable with your body before buying a cup. Your hands WILL get blood on them, and that has to be okay with you. =)

9) Do you use any other products with the cup on your cycle?
cloth liners.

10) If so which? Cloth pads or store bought items
Ive made my own. I like crafts so I bought some cute flannel and terry and fashioned my own.

11) Do you tell family and friends about the cup? Have you had any converts?
LOL- my mother in law says she wouldnt like them bc she thinks you could hear it dripping in… My friends are interested to an extent… I have one good friend who Ive converted.

12) What was this group order ( your first ) like?
Exciting. Im a stay at home mom so it was fun to have a little job for a few weeks. I liked doing the emails and sending them out.

13) Did you have any problems? Good moments
I had problems with payments. Many had told me theyd pay when I had enough to palce the order, I was okay with this but then once Im ready everyone made me wait a few days to pay me! Of course its not a big deal but it was irritating.

14) Would you do it again?
Oh definitely. Im in the middle of an order right now that Ive been holding for a while now. I feel bad its been so long but they took a holiday and now I have to double check all the orders to make sure Im ordering the right ones.

Anything else you’d like to add about yourself or menstrual cups in general?
Not that I can think of at the moment… =)