Question on "Instead" - pad/tampon alternative

[Reba67]

Yeah, there have been several threads on the Diva Cup and Keeper, and they're full of glowing reviews.

I might try the Diva Cup since there's a one year money back guarantee. My main concern is it not fitting correctly since I've had trouble with Instead, but I guess the worst that can happen is I have to get a different size or send it back.

Insteads didn't work for me, I leaked all the time and they were insanely messy to remove.

But, you can't compare the fit of insteads to the divacup or keeper. The diva sits low in the vagina (you can feel it when you wipe), where the instead sits up over the cervix much like a diaphragm. I also thought "Well, it's got a 1 year guarantee, so why not?"

Also, the two different sizes of divacups really aren't that much. Supposedly one size is for under 30 or before kids and the other is for over 30 or after kids. I'll be 30 next month and unless I start having issues with it, I don't intend on getting a new one.

I love my divacup. I also sometimes use cloth pads which are totally different than disposible pads. They are actually comfy.

 

[Noor]

I think Insteads are great. There are several old threads about them.

 

[Phaedre]

This, at least in theory, could cause nasties such as endometriosis.

Could being the operative word here and is solely your opinion.

Endometriosis is a poorly understood condition, thought to be connected to retrograde menstruation (blood backing up). When dealing with things were research has been scarce, there is place to use your own judgement, and perhaps to consider that the non-natural solution of keeping the menses inside your body might have unforeseen consequences.

Endometriosis is indeed poorly understood and there have been no studies that have conclusively proved that retrograde menstruation (aka Sampson's Theory) is the cause nor any other. Quite to the contrary medical opinion is divided but research is suggesting that there are multiple factors which could trigger the disease.

Should anyone which to educate themselves about this enigmatic disease I would recommend the following websites:
http://www.centerforendo.com/endoq&a.htm
http://www.endozone.org/ (free log in required but worth it)
http://www.endometriosisassn.org/endo.html
http://www.endo.org.uk/information.html

 

[Linyari]

I've used the Instead cups before and found them to be great. In fact, the only reason I don't use them now is because I have an IUD.

Which is something that REALLY ought to be mentioned. While Divacups/Mooncups don't cause any problems with IUDs, Instead's can cause you to expel your IUD.

There's something about how Insteads sit on your cervix as opposed to Divacups that causes them to kind of suction the IUD out a little bit.

And most women I know don't want to have to either pay for a new one or go through the insertion all over again.

So, if you have an IUD, Insteads aren't really an option for you. But I know many women who have Divacups and IUDs and have had no problems at all.

 

[SweetErika]

Could being the operative word here and is solely your opinion.
Endometriosis is indeed poorly understood and there have been no studies that have conclusively proved that retrograde menstruation (aka Sampson's Theory) is the cause nor any other. Quite to the contrary medical opinion is divided but research is suggesting that there are multiple factors which could trigger the disease.

Should anyone which to educate themselves about this enigmatic disease I would recommend the following websites:
http://www.centerforendo.com/endoq&a.htm
http://www.endozone.org/ (free log in required but worth it)
http://www.endometriosisassn.org/endo.html
http://www.endo.org.uk/information.html

Great post, Phaedre.

Tampons can cause TSS if left in too long. A car can cause severe injury or death if used improperly. Just about every medication and substance under the sun can be harmful if one doesn't use them responsibly or ingests too much.

It's really stupidity and irresponsibility that harm people, rather than the devices or substances themselves. If one is too stupid or forgetful to empty a menstrual cup or change a tampon, they should definitely stick to pads. For those of us who are used to using them safely, there's no problem.

 

[Raven6766]

I have never heard of this and think I will try it with my next period.
I get tired of wearing pads and can't use tampons due to the leg cramps and TSS systoms that start within an hour of inserting one.

Also Thanks to Phaedre for the great links and information, I believe there are a lot of conditons that women suffer from that are miss understood.

Have a gread day!!!

 

[SummerSun15]

The diva cup sounds pretty awesome. but isn't it a pain to clean?

 

[littlebitshe]

I got a sample of these when I was in Jr. High.... they have been around for a while! Anyhow, I tried them and I LOVED THEM! A Great alternative to tampons and pads! The only problem was that they were so expensive. At the time, my mom did not agree to purchasing them for me because they were so expensive. Now that I'm on my own and I buy my own things, I have often though about starting to use them. I just haven't done it yet.

When I did use Instead, I would remove the cup ever so often and clean it out then put it back in. I didn't ever have sex w/ the cup in, but I'm sure it would be great to be able to do anything during your period! It always sucks having to wait!

Well, hope this helps! Give it a shot! You will LOVE them!