Menstrual Cup Journal: Day 6

Day 6

Well ladies, let’s grab a cup of tea and have a chat shall we? 🙂

It seems that my menstrual cup journaling has come to an end. From here on out, I’ll need to be checking for spotting the old fashioned way, with my old, trusty cloth panty liners.

But I do want to bring you up to speed with how everything panned out.

First of all the cramps were a non-issue after I reinserted. I have no idea why I had them, but it’s important to note that they were the only ones I had this entire period. Maybe that’s why they stood out so much. Now that is exciting!

Of course, the money the menstrual cup saves you is pretty exciting, too!

Image by Meluna

Today, I tried out the small Meluna cup with the “ball” bottom. The ball bottom is nice and easy to grab on to but Holy Goodness…If that teeny, tiny Meluna didn’t get up really high. It took some time to retrieve it. Definitely not going to use that one again. On the upside, there was only one drop of flow in the cup after a full day of wearing it…so, due to my religious requirements, my cup-using time has officially ended, at least for this month.

But here’s what I’ve learned; There is a learning curve with menstrual cups. The softer the cup, the more difficult they are to open but, generally speaking, you feel/notice them less and they more readily conform to the contours of your body.

The firmer menstrual cups open like a breeze and come out easily but because they conform less to your vaginal curves, they might be difficult to position or even begin to fall or slide out at times. This did happen to me once, during a bowel movement, with the “classic” cup (but was not a problem with the “soft” cup).

Success with a menstrual cup relies on your personal preferences, vaginal shape and length. If you have a longer vagina, you would best opt for a larger/longer cup. This also applies to those with a heavy menstrual flow (I’ve discussed this in a previous journal post). Women with a shorter vagina would do well with a shorter cup. And of course, a woman with a normal to light flow would do just fine with a smaller cup. I personally didn’t see the benefit in the small size Meluna. I can only assume that this was created to replace the panty liner that some women use daily. Perhaps it could be used with FAM, but I think it is a bit much. Also, I don’t believe it is healthy to wear something internally every day of the month, so I would recommend against that.

Though I obviously required a large capacity cup, I believe that the medium size Meluna is probably sufficient for an average flow, if changed frequently enough during the heaviest days.

I really liked having something additional to grab onto with the Meluna, and though they offer a Meluna without any sort of added bottom (picture here), I would recommend that a newcomer to menstrual cup use go ahead and buy one with the addition.

The long stem gave the most added length to the cup. The benefit is that it could be trimmed to the proper size, or taken off easily and completely if you find that you don’t like it. But the Meluna ring bottom, though not as lengthy as the stem, was the easiest to grab onto. For those that know for certain that they do not like a stem or any sort of protrusion, I would still recommend getting the ball bottom. It doesn’t add much in the way of length, but it definately makes removal a breeze, compared to not having anything at all.

The great thing about Meluna, compared to the other cups on the market, is that they have the absolute most variety in shape, size, color and style. For those that want a custom made cup, you practically have the option to do that at Meluna. I would love to have something to compare it to, because I am certain that the benefits of other cups made in other materials are equally as noteworthy.

Cyan Colored Menstrual Cup
Image by Meluna

As far as the colors go, as I said in the first post of the menstruation journal, I’m partial to the glitter but also loved the blue/cyan. The truth is that all of the colors were bright, vibrant and fun. For some, this might brighten up your period. 🙂

Lastly, I still recommend some cloth pads to use as back up or for those days when you would like to take a break from using your menstrual cup. I’ve seen cloth pads referred to as the “jelly” to the menstrual cup’s “peanut butter,” for this very reason.

Writing about something as personal as your “first time” using a menstrual cup is quite an interesting experience. I couldn’t have done it without your support and positive feedback. Knowing that I was able to help others by sharing my experiences and research has been very rewarding, so I’d like to thank you for reading and contributing your thoughs and suggestions both on the facebook page and the blogs. I hope that this journal encouraged you to try a menstrual cup, too. After all, if I can write about it for the whole internet to see, then certainly you can try it quietly, in the privacy of your own home. 🙂

And now…

It’s time to get a chance to try the Meluna Menstrual Cup for free!

The good folk over at Meluna have generously and kindly donated 5 of their soft, medium, glittery, ring bottom cups for Wise Woman Fertility to give away to our readers!

Image by Meluna

You will get the cup pictured above and a special Meluna storage bag with a Meluna instruction brochure. Wise Woman Fertility would like to, again, thank Meluna for generously donating these and six menstrual cups for personal testing and to use as demonstrations in Wise Woman Fertility programs.

But wait! That’s not all!!! Some of our lucky winners will also receive the “jelly;” absolutely fabulous and lush organic, cotton cloth pads made in Israel by Cottna! I love these locally made cloth pads! 

Image by Cottna

Four winners will be chosen in Israel and one will be chosen worldwide.

Here is what you need to do to win:

  1. First of all, this giveaway is only open to Wise Woman Fertility readers. If you are not a reader already, follow us here on the blogspot and “like” us on facebook.
  2. Then, share this link. It doesn’t matter where. It can be on your facebook, twitter, blog, my space or even as a mass email. Remember that there are more chances to win if you reside in Israel (for this giveaway), so let’s help to get the word out to the locals!
  3. Like our sponsors on facebook: Meluna and Cottna.
  4. Finally, leave a comment on this page: Let me know that you follow us both on the blog and on facebook and where you’ve shared the link. Mention that you’ve “liked” Meluna and Cottna on facebook. Don’t forget to say either “Israel” or “Worldwide” so that I can enter you in the proper catagory.

A winner will be chosen at random using random.org. NOTE: The Date of the Contest’s End Has Been Changed: Contest will close on the 3rd of May, 2011.

The Winners have been chosen! Head on over to our Facebook page to see if you’ve won. Congratulations to all the winners.

Comments

  1. I did the following:

    Leave a comment on this page: Let me know that you follow us both on the blog and on facebook and where you've shared the link. Mention that you've "liked" Meluna and Cottna on facebook. Please enter me in "Worldwide" so that I can enter you in the proper catagory.

    email is judith.anne.barnes AT g mail dot com

  3. Alright cous, gimme some cloth pads and soft cups! 😉

    1. I follow you on both blogspot and facebook.

    2. I've shared your link on my facebook numerous times, and to three friends in personal messages.

    3. I now like Meluna and Cottna on facebook.

    4. I'm worldwide. 🙂

    <3 x's and o's

  4. New follower and Facebook liker 😉
    Shared on Twitter (jodibzymom)
    Like Meluna and Cottna on FB
    Worldwide

    joditrinklein at gmail dot com

  6. 1. I follow both your blog and on facebook.

    2. I've shared your link on my facebook (many times).

    3. I liked Meluna and Cottna on facebook.

    4. Worldwide.

  7. 1. I follow you on fb and blog

    2. I shared this link with the blogger email form.

    3. I like Meluna and Cottna on fb.

    4. worldwide

  8. Hello,

    I follow you via Facebook /Blogspot and shared the link in my Facebook. And I already liked Meluna and Cottna.
    And finally, i'm worldwide!
    Many thanks and best wishes 🙂

  10. I am the world wide catagory. I Love what you had to say about peanut butter to jelly. I am the same. I liked both Meluna and Cottna on FB.

  11. Liked and linked, Worldwide. I find it hard to like the page I cant read but think I found MeLuna in english! LOL Im in Australia, So, Worldwide!! Crossing fingers! facebook; tania doula mcloughlin .

  13. I am a GFC follower and a Facebook follower.

    I shared this by email and on Facebook.

    I like both sponsors on FB.

    I'm a Worldwide person.

    obsessionsottw at gmail.com

  15. I am following your blog – and like you on fb. 🙂

    I am sharing this as an email via fb to my friends who are interested in cups.

    I like Meluna and Cottna on fb.

    I'm Worldwide. 🙂

  17. Followed you on google reader, shared the post on FB, liked both sites on FB and I'm here in Israel.

    I'm currently a Keeper user, but it sounds like the softer cups might be better for me. Thanks for the great review!

  18. 1. I like you on Facebook and follow you via GFC.

    2. I shared the link via email and on Facebook.

    3. I like Meluna and Cottna on Facebook.

    4. Worldwide.

  21. I've been seriously considering trying these, and this giveaway would be the perfect opportunity!

    I've followed you on both FB and the blog, and shared the link on FB. And of course I've "liked" Meluna and Cottna on FB as well.

    I'm located 'worldwide'.

    Thanks!

  22. 1 I like you on fb and follow the blog!

    2 I shared this link via fb on my news feed and with friends via private message.

    3 I 'liked' Meluna and Cottna on fb.

    4. I'm worldwide.

  26. 'Liked' all three FB pages and shared yours on FB too, plus subscribed to your blog in my RSS reader, where I'll actually read it. I don't know how to follow or whatever in Blogger/Blogspot, as I don't use that and it's not clear here. I'm in Israel.

  27. 1. I follow you on facebook
    2. I am a blog follower
    3. I liked Cottna on fb
    4. I liked MeLuna of fb
    5. I shared this link on my facebook page
    6. I would be worldwide

    I have a diva cup and love the job it does but its slightly uncomfy and at $30 each I simply cannot replace it with the other size right now. A soft one might be better!

  30. I am following you on Facebook. I am a blog follower. I liked Cottna and MeLuna on Facebook I also shared this link on my facebook page I would be worldwide

  32. Finally! Would love a free cup for me to try out or some free cloth pads for my pre-teen daughters who are building stashes :-).

    1) Followed your blog and already follow you on Facebook
    2) E-mailed the link to some friends and family
    3) Like and Like
    4) Commenting here!

    I'm in ISRAEL!

  34. 1. Follong on blogspot and "like" on Facebook
    2. I shared this link with my friends through email.
    3. I also like Meluna and Cottna on FB
    4. Worldwide category for me 🙂

  35. Let's see, I just followed you on here (which I'm excited about since I enjoyed reading these last few blog entries.)I am now following you on facebook as well.
    I shared your link with my friend who is interested in menstrual cups but has had a difficult time actually committing to trying one. I just Liked Meluna and Cottna and i would like to be entered into the worldwide giveaway. Thank you so much for hosting this giveaway I would absolutely LOVE to win such a great looking menstrual cup.

  36. Following. Sharing on Facebook. Israel. Like MeLuna and Cottna. Would prefer just Cottna so maybe you could give cup to someone else, if I win of course 🙂

  38. 1. I'm following you on the blog and on facebook

    2. I've "liked" Meluna and Cottna on facebook

    3. I shared the link on my facebook

    3. Worldwide

  39. 1. I follow you on fb and blog

    2. I shared this link with the blogger email form.

    3. I like Meluna and Cottna on fb.

    4. worldwide

  40. 1. I'm following you on the blog and on facebook

    2. I've "liked" Meluna and Cottna on facebook

    3. I shared the link on my facebook

    3. Worldwide

  41. OK, I "liked" Wise Woman Fertility, Meluna, and Cottna on facebook, and posted the blog link on my Facebook page. I'm "worldwide" (actually, I'm only in New York….)

  42. Worldwide, but REALLY hoping!

    1. Following your blog.
    2. "Liked" you, Meluna and Cottna on facebook
    3. Shared the link on my blog.
    4. I'm in Canada.

    Thanks for introducing me to these neat products!

  43. 1. Following you on your blog and on FB.
    2. "Liked" you, Melun and Cottna on FB.
    3. Linked to you on my blog.
    4. I'm in Israel.

    Reusable rules!

  44. I follow your blog, and follow you on FB. I "like" Meluna and Cottna on FB. and I shared your link on my FB page.
    (I'm in Israel)
    Thanks!

  45. I followed your blog, liked on FB, Liked both Meluna and Cottna, and posted a link on my FB page.

    Thank you so very much for having giveaway's for such amazing things!

    I'm in Israel!

  46. Hi there! I've LOVE to win this and try it out!!

    I've followed your blog
    Liked on FB
    Liked MeLune
    Liked Cottna
    Link posted on FB page to all my friends!

    I'm worldwide.

    Thanks!!!

  49. Following you on the blog and on facebook. Sent emails to all my close friends in Israel to share this link. Liked Meluna and Cottna on facebook. Israel :))) Sure hoping I win.
    Thanks!

  50. hi seems like a great product
    so i hope i win!
    liked u on fb
    like the sponsors meluna and cottna and shared the fb page

  52. Hello! I really hope I'm not too late, I only saw this today …

    So:
    I'm following your blog.
    I have "Liked" you, Meluna, and Cottna, all on Facebook.
    I have shared the link on Facebook.
    I'm in ISRAEL, and would love to get a free cup. Your blog is fabulous.

  53. 1) I like you on facebook, and I follow your Blog publicly.

    2) I shared this link on Facebook.

    3) I like Meluna and Cottna on Facebook.

    4) I live in Canada, so I would be worldwide.

  55. Ive done everything! And I shared via emailing friends. Please enter me in worldwide!! Thanks

  56. I follow the blog and like you on facebook. I shared the post on facebook, and I liked MeLune and Cottna.

    I'm worldwide. which sounds funny, and means I'm in the US.

  58. i wish i heard of this before
    i follow u on blogspot and facebok
    i have liked u and meluna and cottna and shared your link
    i'm in israel

  60. I've followed your blog and on Facebook and liked your sponsors. I've shared a link to your blog with some friends in a Facebook message.

    I'm not in Israel.

    Ruth

  61. 1. Following you now and liked you on Facebook!

    2. Tweeted about you 🙂

    3. Liked both sponsors!

    4. Worldwide!

  62. 1. I follow your blog and facebook.

    2. I've shared your link on my facebook.

    3. I liked Meluna and Cottna on facebook.

    4. Worldwide.

  65. I follow you via Facebook and shared the link via email. And I already liked Meluna and now like Cottna.
    And finally, i'm worldwide!
    Many thanks and best wishes 🙂

  66. I enjoy reading your blog-look forward to it, and follow you on FB! Of course I've shared your link on my page-and also 'like ' Meluna and Cottna!!
    Worldwide please!
    Thank you!!

  67. Would love to win, thanks! 🙂

    1. I follow on Facebook as Wildcatmeg and on Blogspot.

    2. I shared your link on my Facebook and Twitter.

    3. I like the sponsors Meluna and Cottna on facebook.

    4. I'm worldwide.

    Wildcatmeg at gmail dot com

  71. I am soooo happy to have won. this is something I am very eager to try out. what a nice rosh chodesh present! thank you rivka and i thank the sponsors too

    i have 4 daughters so hopefully they will be interested as well

  72. Thank you for posting your journal. I am 51 and entering menopause. I just bought a classic MeLuna cup in size medium. I tried a Diva Cup a couple of years ago and had a bad experience with inserting/removing it, so I bought the MeLuna with a ring stem so I can attach a string to it while I am learning to use it. I just received my cup and haven't had a cycle yet, but I have been practicing with it so that I am comfortable with it when it is time to actually use it. Again, thank you for posting your journal—I have read through the pages a couple of times and get more information each time.

Comments are closed.