busybusymomma.com | Menstrual Cups

Menstrual Cups...

What are they?

L to R: Keeper, Mooncup, DivaCup (all after birth size)

Above photo: from left- the Keeper, Mooncup and DivaCup (please note the Mooncup UK now has grippers on the bottom of the cup like the DivaCup- tails have been trimmed to varying degrees)

L to R: Keeper Moon Cup size A, Keeper Moon Cup size B, DivaCup model 1 and DivaCup model 2.

I've found the perfect answer! I started my period when I was twelve years old and in the years since then I've used disposable pads and tampons, the disposable menstrual cups called Instead and three brands of reusable menstrual cups. Here are my personal experiences, and my recommendations.

I have personally used the DivaCup, the Mooncup UK, and the Keeper Moon Cup.

I first tried the DivaCup, but it did not work as well for me as I had hoped. Even though I didn't experience leaks with the DivaCup, it was a very uncomfortable fit because even when inserted with the top of the cup at my cervix and the tail trimmed completely, the bottom of the cup chafed my perineum- it was simply too long. Many, many women are quite happy with their DivaCups, it just wasn't the right fit for my anatomy.

Next, I tried the Mooncup UK. It was love at first try. I did have to trim the tail completely, but I have had no trouble with leaking or any problems getting a comfortable fit. If you have a low cervix, I highly recommend the Mooncup UK- I've recommended it to many women who have low cervix, and they too have reported getting a better fit with the Mooncup. Also, I prefer the Mooncup UK because it "pops" open easily.

Just last month, I decided to give the Keeper Moon Cup a try. Unfortunately, using the Keeper Moon Cup has not been as comfortable or as easy as using the Mooncup UK. I had to use a sterilized pin to finish poking through the tiny airholes in the cup that aid in achieving the needed seal. Even so, I do not get as comfortable of a fit. I plan to give the Moon Cup another try during my next cycle but I don't see myself switching over.

Other cups that are available for purchase include the Keeper and Lunette. I don't have or use these cups so I can't offer any personal experience but I will note the differences between the cups in the sidebar.

Last but not least, you could save your local landfill tons of waste by using a menstrual cup and/or cloth pads. The cups are intended to last 5-10 years, so the initial cost is definitely worth it!

If you have unsuccessfully tried one of the brands of menstrual cups, there are some things you can do to improve your chances of success. 1) Make sure you kegel! I can personally attest that this works
2) Try the various methods of folding and inserting (instructions and pictures of folds can be viewed at the "MoonKeeperDivas" yahoogroup)
3) Try another brand... for example if the DivaCup doesn't work then try the Mooncup and vice versa.

The pictures below compare some of the different brands of cups, as well as the differences between the sizes of each cup. The cups with two sizes have different sizing recommendations, please consult the sizing for the brand of cup you decide to purchase as the sizing guidelines may vary a bit (the Lunette comes in only one size).

L to R: Mooncup, Keeper, DivaCup (all after birth size)

Above photo: from left- the Mooncup, Keeper and DivaCup L to R: Mooncup, DivaCup (both after birth size

Above photo: on the left- the Mooncup, on the right the DivaCup, note the difference in shape (the Mooncup stem has been trimmed).


Where to go next? § Home § About bbm.com § Attachment Parenting § Breastfeeding § Cloth pads § My Birth Stories § My BLOG	Menstrual Cups... What are they? Above photo: from left- the Keeper, Mooncup and DivaCup (please note the Mooncup UK now has grippers on the bottom of the cup like the DivaCup- tails have been trimmed to varying degrees) L to R: Keeper Moon Cup size A, Keeper Moon Cup size B, DivaCup model 1 and DivaCup model 2. I've found the perfect answer! I started my period when I was twelve years old and in the years since then I've used disposable pads and tampons, the disposable menstrual cups called Instead and three brands of reusable menstrual cups. Here are my personal experiences, and my recommendations. I have personally used the DivaCup, the Mooncup UK, and the Keeper Moon Cup. I first tried the DivaCup, but it did not work as well for me as I had hoped. Even though I didn't experience leaks with the DivaCup, it was a very uncomfortable fit because even when inserted with the top of the cup at my cervix and the tail trimmed completely, the bottom of the cup chafed my perineum- it was simply too long. Many, many women are quite happy with their DivaCups, it just wasn't the right fit for my anatomy. Next, I tried the Mooncup UK. It was love at first try. I did have to trim the tail completely, but I have had no trouble with leaking or any problems getting a comfortable fit. If you have a low cervix, I highly recommend the Mooncup UK- I've recommended it to many women who have low cervix, and they too have reported getting a better fit with the Mooncup. Also, I prefer the Mooncup UK because it "pops" open easily. Just last month, I decided to give the Keeper Moon Cup a try. Unfortunately, using the Keeper Moon Cup has not been as comfortable or as easy as using the Mooncup UK. I had to use a sterilized pin to finish poking through the tiny airholes in the cup that aid in achieving the needed seal. Even so, I do not get as comfortable of a fit. I plan to give the Moon Cup another try during my next cycle but I don't see myself switching over. Other cups that are available for purchase include the Keeper and Lunette. I don't have or use these cups so I can't offer any personal experience but I will note the differences between the cups in the sidebar. Last but not least, you could save your local landfill tons of waste by using a menstrual cup and/or cloth pads. The cups are intended to last 5-10 years, so the initial cost is definitely worth it! If you have unsuccessfully tried one of the brands of menstrual cups, there are some things you can do to improve your chances of success. 1) Make sure you kegel! I can personally attest that this works 2) Try the various methods of folding and inserting (instructions and pictures of folds can be viewed at the "MoonKeeperDivas" yahoogroup) 3) Try another brand... for example if the DivaCup doesn't work then try the Mooncup and vice versa. The pictures below compare some of the different brands of cups, as well as the differences between the sizes of each cup. The cups with two sizes have different sizing recommendations, please consult the sizing for the brand of cup you decide to purchase as the sizing guidelines may vary a bit (the Lunette comes in only one size). Above photo: from left- the Mooncup, Keeper and DivaCup Above photo: on the left- the Mooncup, on the right the DivaCup, note the difference in shape (the Mooncup stem has been trimmed).	Scroll down the page to view pictures of the Mooncup, DivaCup, Keeper Moon Cup, and Keeper side-by-side. WHERE do I get them? ¤Mooncup ¤Something New Creations ¤DivaCup ¤Lunette ¤Keeper Moon Cup ¤Keeper ¤MotherandDaughters The Mooncup UK and the Keeper Moon Cup are two different cups. Click here for more info. TIP: If you need to trim the tail on your menstrual cup, use nail clippers to avoid sharp edges. (ouch!) ORIGINS: The Mooncup is made in the UK, DivaCup is made in Canada, the Lunette is made in Finland while the Keeper and Keeper Moon Cup are made in the USA. MATERIAL: All of the cups are made of medical-grade silicone, except for the Keeper which is made of natural gum rubber. If you have a latex sensitivity or allergy, do not use the Keeper. CLEANING: All of the cups except the Keeper may be boiled to sterilize. To clean the Keeper, you can soak it in 3:1 solution of water and vinegar. WARRANTIES: The DivaCup has a one year guarantee and the Keeper/Keeper Moon Cup carry a three month guarantee. Mooncup UK offers refunds at the discretion of Mooncup Ltd, so if you are having trouble with your Mooncup I recommend you contact their helpful staff or visit the MoonKeeperDivas yahoogroup. You will be required to post an intro with your request to join this group. SHAPE: The shape of the DivaCup differs slightly from the shape of the Mooncup UK and Keeper/Keeper Moon Cup (see pictures). I do not have a picture of the Lunette unfortunately, but the shape of it differs as well.