Weekly Randoms w/o 5/25

kiki047

Jumping in on the menstrual cup convo (late, as usual) - @inthewoods23 @manillabar
I've used mine for years, and yes have had the same one for probably 8 years now. I honestly just rinse it with water when I change it twice daily (morning and night) then sanitize it in boiling water at the end of my cycle (or sometimes I'm gross and just rinse it really well, then leave it until AF shows again then have to go sanitize it). Boil it in a pot of water on the stove for 10 mins, or stick it in the microwave in a cup of water for 3 mins. Diva Cup also sells a cleaner for it but tbh I rarely use it. The cup might get a little discoloured after years of use but it's no worse for wear as long as the integrity of the cup itself isn't compromised (like any scratches or cracks where bacteria can hide, etc). I bought mine on Amazon way back when, don't even know what brand it is but I'm thinking it's time for a replacement. I cut the stem off because it bothered me and I could always feel it.

Otherwise I haven't had any issues with leakage unless I was in a rush and didn't insert right. Have never had it overflow even on heavy days, and *TMI* tampons and pads always gave off some kind of smell but since the contents of the cup aren't exposed to oxygen while it's inside you, it won't oxidize and give off any kind of smell so even though it's pretty 'hands on', it feels way cleaner and is SO much better for you than bleached/chemical-laded tampons and pads. 

Thank you for the link to that site. I had no idea how many different brands/types there were out there. Back when I bought mine there were like 3 options, the Diva Cup, the Luna Cup, and the relatively unknown no-name alternatives. 

inthewoods23

@kiki047 you're welcome! I had no idea there were so many either. 

FYI, for those interested in the Saalt brand one that I bought, Target has 20% off in their Target Circle app. It expires tomorrow though. There's also 20% off if you want their cup wash soap. I bought it and figured why not since I really wasn't sure if the antibacterial soap we have right now would be irritating to the vag.

Question: if I feel that it's slipping, is my only option really to pull it out and re-insert it? Or can you just sort of nudge it up with my finger?

kiki047

@inthewoods23 you can try repositioning it, I find gently twirling it works better than just trying to nudge/shove it directly upwards because it has to form a seal of sorts around your cervix. Once it's kinda suctioned in there it should stay. If you can feel it slipping it probably doesn't have enough suction so you want to break the seal and re-insert a little higher.