How can I avoid period-related accidents?
March 25, 2012 6:09 AM Subscribe
Help me have leak-free periods please!
My periods are not horribly heavy, yet I seem to be unable to go through a cycle without having at least one or two embarrassing and demoralizing accidents. I use pads, but they often bunch up and I get leaks going through the sides. I've heard that the mirena is good for reducing the volume of flow by a lot, but other than getting an IUD, what suggestions do you have for making this a smoother monthly experience? Divacup users, how has your experience with the cup been leakage-wise? I've been menstruating for over a decade now so I feel like I should have it together more than I do now.
My periods are not horribly heavy, yet I seem to be unable to go through a cycle without having at least one or two embarrassing and demoralizing accidents. I use pads, but they often bunch up and I get leaks going through the sides. I've heard that the mirena is good for reducing the volume of flow by a lot, but other than getting an IUD, what suggestions do you have for making this a smoother monthly experience? Divacup users, how has your experience with the cup been leakage-wise? I've been menstruating for over a decade now so I feel like I should have it together more than I do now.
Divacup for ~5 years, no problems w/leaks ever. So much better than pads/tampons.
posted by headnsouth at 6:20 AM on March 25, 2012 [15 favorites]
posted by headnsouth at 6:20 AM on March 25, 2012 [15 favorites]
I have never had a single problem using a DivaCup, especially since you can pop it in before it comes so you're never caught off-guard. They're amazing. Get one.
posted by phunniemee at 6:21 AM on March 25, 2012
posted by phunniemee at 6:21 AM on March 25, 2012
Always Infinity.
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 6:25 AM on March 25, 2012 [12 favorites]
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 6:25 AM on March 25, 2012 [12 favorites]
My solution has been the NuvaRing (regularized things, so I'm never caught by surprise, and drastically reduced my gore rate) & the extra-long overnight pads with wings. Seriously, those wings are awesome, and while extra-longs initially make me feel like I'm walking around with a tail, they don't actually show from behind. I'm happy to plug the brand "Always:" Their "leak-guard" system does an awesome job of keeping wetness away from the pants. For what it's worth, I had my Mirena taken out 2 years early. Some ladies like it a lot. And some don't. If you try it & don't like it, getting it taken out is not the big scary I thought it would be.
posted by Ys at 6:26 AM on March 25, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by Ys at 6:26 AM on March 25, 2012 [1 favorite]
Seconding Always Infinity. I'm still working out how to get the Diva Cup comfortably in place. I have used the disposable Instead Cups and those were leak free and convenient for me, but I'll keep trying to get the reusable Diva in right.
posted by PorcineWithMe at 6:29 AM on March 25, 2012
posted by PorcineWithMe at 6:29 AM on March 25, 2012
I've always doubled up on heavy days - tampon plus pad or liner for years, and now divacup plus liner. I have a divacup mishap maybe once a year, but usually it's clear something's gone wrong before I leave the house.
posted by songs about trains at 6:32 AM on March 25, 2012
posted by songs about trains at 6:32 AM on March 25, 2012
Those wing things help a lot with this.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 6:38 AM on March 25, 2012 [5 favorites]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 6:38 AM on March 25, 2012 [5 favorites]
Divacup has been reliable for me with heavy flow that had previously overwhelmed maximum-strength tampons at inconvenient times. It's important to insert the cup correctly.
posted by thatdawnperson at 6:41 AM on March 25, 2012
posted by thatdawnperson at 6:41 AM on March 25, 2012
Switching to tampons was the best thing I ever did in life. I don't even know why they still continue to market pads, or why it took me so long to start using tampons.
posted by loriginedumonde at 6:42 AM on March 25, 2012 [7 favorites]
posted by loriginedumonde at 6:42 AM on March 25, 2012 [7 favorites]
When I was younger I used only pads and like you I had some embarrassing leak situations. Tampons are awesome - specifically o.b.
posted by bunderful at 6:54 AM on March 25, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by bunderful at 6:54 AM on March 25, 2012 [2 favorites]
I, for one, find tampons painful, so use pads. Always Infiniti, overnight size, worn backward works for me.
posted by Malla at 7:11 AM on March 25, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by Malla at 7:11 AM on March 25, 2012 [2 favorites]
I would rec what everyone else is saying: o.b. tampons, Always infinity, and Instead cups!
I never understood applicator tampons (bad experience as a tween when I accidentally left the applicator in and just kept thinking "tampons HURT!") and don't use them. I think non-tampon users end up really loving o.b. There are also ones from a different organic company called Natural Care I believe...but non-applicator, non-bleached, organic. It is worth trying out. I find I don't need a pantyliner if I change it every 4 hours.
Instead cups are disposable, and work differently from Diva cups. You don't have to boil or worry about washing if you have roommates/family you don't want knowing your period business :) They also can stay in for 12 hours, which is so convenient. They take a few tries to insert correctly. What helps me is to envision that it needs to be sitting up in your vagina in a straight line, like a cup on a shelf. (Weird, I don't know, works for me.) I use an Always pantyliner with these just in case. I have found their regular, purple box, liners more absorbent than other brands--I can actually get away with one of these for a few hours on my period in an emergency, so I feel confident using them as a back-up.
Also those new Always Infinity are crazy magic. Really. I haven't had any problems with leaking in those at all, and they somehow take all the period and suck it underneath the pad's top level. Which is good cause I never feel "wet," but bad because I sometimes forget to change my pad because I can't feel it!
I use a combination of those three depending on my mood. I would try out new methods at home for a day or a few hours until you feel comfortable.
And I'm sure it goes without saying...but wearing black jeans and a black hoodie you can tie around your waist is a decent emergency backup plan. Even though I 110% trust the methods I use, on heavy flow days I still feel better if I wear that outfit :)
posted by manicure12 at 7:13 AM on March 25, 2012 [4 favorites]
I never understood applicator tampons (bad experience as a tween when I accidentally left the applicator in and just kept thinking "tampons HURT!") and don't use them. I think non-tampon users end up really loving o.b. There are also ones from a different organic company called Natural Care I believe...but non-applicator, non-bleached, organic. It is worth trying out. I find I don't need a pantyliner if I change it every 4 hours.
Instead cups are disposable, and work differently from Diva cups. You don't have to boil or worry about washing if you have roommates/family you don't want knowing your period business :) They also can stay in for 12 hours, which is so convenient. They take a few tries to insert correctly. What helps me is to envision that it needs to be sitting up in your vagina in a straight line, like a cup on a shelf. (Weird, I don't know, works for me.) I use an Always pantyliner with these just in case. I have found their regular, purple box, liners more absorbent than other brands--I can actually get away with one of these for a few hours on my period in an emergency, so I feel confident using them as a back-up.
Also those new Always Infinity are crazy magic. Really. I haven't had any problems with leaking in those at all, and they somehow take all the period and suck it underneath the pad's top level. Which is good cause I never feel "wet," but bad because I sometimes forget to change my pad because I can't feel it!
I use a combination of those three depending on my mood. I would try out new methods at home for a day or a few hours until you feel comfortable.
And I'm sure it goes without saying...but wearing black jeans and a black hoodie you can tie around your waist is a decent emergency backup plan. Even though I 110% trust the methods I use, on heavy flow days I still feel better if I wear that outfit :)
posted by manicure12 at 7:13 AM on March 25, 2012 [4 favorites]
Agree completely with loriginedumonde. And as uncool as it is, I find ob's difficult and don't even want to think about diva cups, and I can't be the only one. (I hope.) I can't tell from your question, but if you're using pads b/c you've never tried to use tampons (or never had anything else...up there) before, they make very thin plastic applicator ones, marketed towards teens I think, that would be much easier to use at first.
posted by DestinationUnknown at 7:13 AM on March 25, 2012 [3 favorites]
posted by DestinationUnknown at 7:13 AM on March 25, 2012 [3 favorites]
I'm careful with what panties I wear with my pad- you really need a perfect fit. Victoria's Secret has great cotton panties, it's all I wear. I change my pad very often.
I read somewhere years ago that cinnamon can help reduce bleeding. Ever since then, I have made a point to eat cinnamon several times a day, 3 days before I start. It has really helped. Also, taking ibuprophen seems to reduce my flow.
If you smoke, then stop.
Also, increasing your physical activity a few days before your period will most times help ease the flow.
posted by myselfasme at 7:27 AM on March 25, 2012
I read somewhere years ago that cinnamon can help reduce bleeding. Ever since then, I have made a point to eat cinnamon several times a day, 3 days before I start. It has really helped. Also, taking ibuprophen seems to reduce my flow.
If you smoke, then stop.
Also, increasing your physical activity a few days before your period will most times help ease the flow.
posted by myselfasme at 7:27 AM on March 25, 2012
I started using tampons in my late 20s and I don't know why I waited so long or thought they weren't for me. I use them with an Always pantyliner and I've only had one problem in the last 15 years, which was all my fault.
I use the Tampax Pearl because I never got the hang of OB and DestinationUnknown is not alone w/r/t Diva Cups.
posted by ladygypsy at 7:28 AM on March 25, 2012 [1 favorite]
I use the Tampax Pearl because I never got the hang of OB and DestinationUnknown is not alone w/r/t Diva Cups.
posted by ladygypsy at 7:28 AM on March 25, 2012 [1 favorite]
Nthing tampons. (I also do not care for non-applicator tampons, DestinationUnknown.) I detest the cardboard applicators, though, and have been using Playtex with the smooth plastic applicator for 20 years. Maybe not as environmentally friendly, but menstruation is enough of a hassle and potential indignity that I stopped feeling guilty about it years ago.
posted by devinemissk at 7:29 AM on March 25, 2012
posted by devinemissk at 7:29 AM on March 25, 2012
They still make pads because some people can bleed through a tampon in an hour flat.
I've had good luck with Always Infinity.
posted by Jeanne at 7:30 AM on March 25, 2012 [8 favorites]
I've had good luck with Always Infinity.
posted by Jeanne at 7:30 AM on March 25, 2012 [8 favorites]
Re: the Diva cup. It's not the only one on the market, by a long shot, and I read that many users found it uncomfortable because it's one of the largest cups out there. Here's a chart for reference. If you're unsure, go for one of the models that is closer to medium or small in size if you've never had kids; worst case it has slightly lower capacity but you will still get many more hours out of even the smallest ones than a tampon.
posted by slow graffiti at 7:33 AM on March 25, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by slow graffiti at 7:33 AM on March 25, 2012 [2 favorites]
Also, increasing your physical activity a few days before your period will most times help ease the flow.
Agree- I've always had a very heavy period, and since I started exercising a lot, it's more manageable ( still heavy, but for less time).
I also don't use tampons and the always brand pads, extra long with wings work for me. Get the longest and the most absorbent. They also make them really thin (but absorbent) now ,so they aren't really that awkward.
posted by bearette at 7:35 AM on March 25, 2012 [1 favorite]
Agree- I've always had a very heavy period, and since I started exercising a lot, it's more manageable ( still heavy, but for less time).
I also don't use tampons and the always brand pads, extra long with wings work for me. Get the longest and the most absorbent. They also make them really thin (but absorbent) now ,so they aren't really that awkward.
posted by bearette at 7:35 AM on March 25, 2012 [1 favorite]
No to:
Tampax Compak. I buy them in bulk on Amazon, which makes the price not-too-bad. They're smaller to store--a few in my tiny purse, a few in my backpack, a few in my glove box.... The applicator is comfortable*. They come in unscented. I can go through one pretty quickly (3 hours) on my heaviest days, but it's so quick and easy to change them that it doesn't bother me. I do usually wear black undies on those days in case of the odd drop, but I never get real leakage as long as I just change the thing regularly.
*I always think of this. If these were available, I would totally switch.
posted by anaelith at 7:43 AM on March 25, 2012 [5 favorites]
- Pads. (I tried these a couple of times as a teenager and... they're crap. Bunching, leaks everywhere.)
- Cardboard applicators. (OWWWW.)
- Non-applicator tampons. (Never get them in right, also bloody fingers.)
- Cups. (Just too much effort when I'm already having a bad day.)
Tampax Compak. I buy them in bulk on Amazon, which makes the price not-too-bad. They're smaller to store--a few in my tiny purse, a few in my backpack, a few in my glove box.... The applicator is comfortable*. They come in unscented. I can go through one pretty quickly (3 hours) on my heaviest days, but it's so quick and easy to change them that it doesn't bother me. I do usually wear black undies on those days in case of the odd drop, but I never get real leakage as long as I just change the thing regularly.
*I always think of this. If these were available, I would totally switch.
posted by anaelith at 7:43 AM on March 25, 2012 [5 favorites]
I can't bear pads with wings. Moving to the Instead cup made all the difference for me. I like Instead as opposed to the Diva cup because it sits higher, more like a diaphragm; I can empty it without taking it out. (sit down on potty, bear down, cup empties, kegel REALLY HARD, cup pops back into place.) So I empty it every time I pee, and I've just never had a problem.
posted by KathrynT at 7:52 AM on March 25, 2012 [3 favorites]
posted by KathrynT at 7:52 AM on March 25, 2012 [3 favorites]
Since I started using the Mooncup (I don't think we have the Divacup here) I have gone from regular leaks when using super absorbent tampons combined with pads to never having leaks and never wearing pads. I have had accidents with the mooncup in the past, but that has always been when I haven't got it quite in the right place.
I can't imagine just using pads - it was such a problem for my quality of life and stopped me doing so many things. Having to sleep on a couple of towels and train myself not to roll onto my back during the night because that would soak through was awful. Even with tampons I had at least 45 minutes of safety.
If you do try a cup, give it at least a few months before you give up. It's a bit of a knack but I can't imagine going back.
posted by kadia_a at 8:03 AM on March 25, 2012 [3 favorites]
I can't imagine just using pads - it was such a problem for my quality of life and stopped me doing so many things. Having to sleep on a couple of towels and train myself not to roll onto my back during the night because that would soak through was awful. Even with tampons I had at least 45 minutes of safety.
If you do try a cup, give it at least a few months before you give up. It's a bit of a knack but I can't imagine going back.
posted by kadia_a at 8:03 AM on March 25, 2012 [3 favorites]
I don't even know why they still continue to market pads
Because, believe it or not, there are women out there who basically can't use internal protection. Tampons often aren't an option for women with pelvic floor/vulvar pain conditions.
Something that no one's mentioned yet is making sure that you are wearing panties with a wide enough gusset/crotch area/whatever that part's called for the wings to stick onto.
posted by thisjax at 8:07 AM on March 25, 2012 [1 favorite]
Because, believe it or not, there are women out there who basically can't use internal protection. Tampons often aren't an option for women with pelvic floor/vulvar pain conditions.
Something that no one's mentioned yet is making sure that you are wearing panties with a wide enough gusset/crotch area/whatever that part's called for the wings to stick onto.
posted by thisjax at 8:07 AM on March 25, 2012 [1 favorite]
There are these pads marketed as extra-long nighttime pads, sold in multiple brands, and they are thick, far longer than normal, have wings at the sides and sticky wide flaps at the bottom. They are as leak-proof as I think pads can get, and despite being thick, you can wear most clothing over without it being seen. Just not super thin clothing or really, really skin-tight stuff, but that's not what I'd want to be wearing those days anyway.
posted by vegartanipla at 8:16 AM on March 25, 2012
posted by vegartanipla at 8:16 AM on March 25, 2012
Here's my tutorial on pads from a previous thread on the subject (which is pretty great across the board).
posted by limeonaire at 8:21 AM on March 25, 2012
posted by limeonaire at 8:21 AM on March 25, 2012
Tampons + always pads with wings.
posted by leahwrenn at 8:29 AM on March 25, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by leahwrenn at 8:29 AM on March 25, 2012 [2 favorites]
Always Infiniti, overnight size, worn backward works for me.
I was about to say this exact thing, down to the "worn backward" part. This is exactly what I do, and the backward part is the key for making sure the widest part of the pad winds up in the place of the heaviest flow. No leaks that way, and the Infinity is the best I've ever used for its ability to suck up moisture and distribute it away from the surface so I don't feel gross.
I've tried tampons - they hurt me. I've tried the Diva cup - I couldn't get it inserted correctly, and messing around with it was starting to hurt as well. Finally I realized that I didn't want anything insertable. It's like...why was I trying to use something that made me uncomfortable, just because pads are seen as terminally uncool? Screw that. Pads rule.
Sometimes the endless Diva cup praise gets on my nerves. I'm glad it works for so many people, but I'm tired to hearing about how awesome it is. Yes, I tried it. No, I don't want to just keep practicing with it until it "works" for me, thank you very much.
posted by Salieri at 8:37 AM on March 25, 2012 [5 favorites]
I was about to say this exact thing, down to the "worn backward" part. This is exactly what I do, and the backward part is the key for making sure the widest part of the pad winds up in the place of the heaviest flow. No leaks that way, and the Infinity is the best I've ever used for its ability to suck up moisture and distribute it away from the surface so I don't feel gross.
I've tried tampons - they hurt me. I've tried the Diva cup - I couldn't get it inserted correctly, and messing around with it was starting to hurt as well. Finally I realized that I didn't want anything insertable. It's like...why was I trying to use something that made me uncomfortable, just because pads are seen as terminally uncool? Screw that. Pads rule.
Sometimes the endless Diva cup praise gets on my nerves. I'm glad it works for so many people, but I'm tired to hearing about how awesome it is. Yes, I tried it. No, I don't want to just keep practicing with it until it "works" for me, thank you very much.
posted by Salieri at 8:37 AM on March 25, 2012 [5 favorites]
Without going straight to the Mirena, have you tried any hormonal contraception at all? If you start taking the pill and running the packs together there should be some reduction of volume. Implanon is another form of long-acting contraception that can help with menstrual volume.
Personally, I also love menstrual cups. I did have a divacup and it was fabulous, but use a ladycup now since it's a little smaller. Gave one to my sister for her birthday one year, such is the extent of my love. It's not going to work for everyone, but you can't know until you try! Even if you've had trouble with tampons, I think it's still worth trying cups - they do sit differently. You might be able to find some sites which have a money-back guarantee if it's unhappy.
posted by chiquitita at 8:39 AM on March 25, 2012
Personally, I also love menstrual cups. I did have a divacup and it was fabulous, but use a ladycup now since it's a little smaller. Gave one to my sister for her birthday one year, such is the extent of my love. It's not going to work for everyone, but you can't know until you try! Even if you've had trouble with tampons, I think it's still worth trying cups - they do sit differently. You might be able to find some sites which have a money-back guarantee if it's unhappy.
posted by chiquitita at 8:39 AM on March 25, 2012
I have an Implanon (contraceptive) implant in my arm, which is a slow-release hormonal BC. I love it to bits (although I'm sure it's not for everyone). It makes my periods non-existent; I only occasionally need a pant liner thing and am never even close to accident territory.
Like one tampon user above I really wished I had discovered this thing years ago, like maybe when I was 12.
posted by emilyw at 8:39 AM on March 25, 2012
Like one tampon user above I really wished I had discovered this thing years ago, like maybe when I was 12.
posted by emilyw at 8:39 AM on March 25, 2012
I found Instead cups to be more difficult to seat correctly than Diva cups. I've had diva cups leak once or twice, but nothing compared to what happens when I switch back to tampons (though I agree that obs are better than most). They hold much more than tampons do.
The best thing you can do is to wear black panties. Seriously. Makes a huge difference and means you no longer have to worry about minor leaks. I wish my mom had gotten me a bunch of black underwear when I got my period when I was 11.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 8:46 AM on March 25, 2012
The best thing you can do is to wear black panties. Seriously. Makes a huge difference and means you no longer have to worry about minor leaks. I wish my mom had gotten me a bunch of black underwear when I got my period when I was 11.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 8:46 AM on March 25, 2012
Oh, and depending on how crunchy you are, you can make your own panty liners or buy ones that you can reuse and wash. I find that either an old sweatshirt cut up into pantyliner shape and pinned to your underwear with safety pins or lunapads are much more comfortable than the stick-on kind and stay in place better.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 8:49 AM on March 25, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 8:49 AM on March 25, 2012 [1 favorite]
I really, really, really hate pads.
I like OB tampons. It's actually not because of the lack of applicator that I like them; they're a little shorter than most other tampons and fit my anatomy better. Tampax tampons fit me particularly poorly.
If you've tried 1-2 brands of tampons and they were uncomfortable for you, I suggest trying OB first, and then another couple of brands of tampons. Tampons do actually vary a little bit in shape, and you may find a brand that is more comfortable for you.
posted by insectosaurus at 9:08 AM on March 25, 2012
I like OB tampons. It's actually not because of the lack of applicator that I like them; they're a little shorter than most other tampons and fit my anatomy better. Tampax tampons fit me particularly poorly.
If you've tried 1-2 brands of tampons and they were uncomfortable for you, I suggest trying OB first, and then another couple of brands of tampons. Tampons do actually vary a little bit in shape, and you may find a brand that is more comfortable for you.
posted by insectosaurus at 9:08 AM on March 25, 2012
Response by poster: Menstrual cup (I've used the DivaCup and MoonCup, I like both) + pad. Prior to that I used tampon + pad, the cup/pad combo works better and is more comfortably and sanitary. If you have a light period you can probably get away without the pad.
posted by Anonymous at 9:36 AM on March 25, 2012
posted by Anonymous at 9:36 AM on March 25, 2012
I do exactly the same as KathrynT (Instead cup plus kegel emptying on every bathroom stop), plus a liner just in case. Instead cup now has a reusable option, if you prefer that. I don't find Instead to be difficult to seat at all, but I have previously used a diaphragm and got used to dealing with seating it properly, so that may have given me an edge.
If you haven't tried tampons, give those a shot as well. I find the cup much more comfortable, but tampons (usually with liner) are generally a lot easier to use to prevent leaks during heavy flow times than pads alone. You just have to be conscious about changing them frequently enough, even if your bladder doesn't send you to the restroom.
posted by notashroom at 9:43 AM on March 25, 2012
If you haven't tried tampons, give those a shot as well. I find the cup much more comfortable, but tampons (usually with liner) are generally a lot easier to use to prevent leaks during heavy flow times than pads alone. You just have to be conscious about changing them frequently enough, even if your bladder doesn't send you to the restroom.
posted by notashroom at 9:43 AM on March 25, 2012
I used to always have problems with pads leaking overnight. Then I happened to be visiting a friend's family while I had my period and the bed was made with gleaming white sheets! The only thing I could think of to do was wear a couple extra pairs of underwear on top of the one with the pad. This worked great; it sort of kept everything tight fitting. Now I do this every time I have to sleep in a normal pad.
Normally what I do is use cloth pads at night and they very rarely leak. My other tip for the women above who are saying that tampons hurt is to use lube, both for inserting and taking it out.
posted by carolr at 10:01 AM on March 25, 2012
Normally what I do is use cloth pads at night and they very rarely leak. My other tip for the women above who are saying that tampons hurt is to use lube, both for inserting and taking it out.
posted by carolr at 10:01 AM on March 25, 2012
Limeonaire's pad tutorial is excellent! I also recommend wearing snug or too-small undies, so everything stays in place, but you have to make sure the gusset is wide enough to fit the pad.
I am also an Always Infinity fan. They are very thin, but very absorbent, and I like that they have a cottony cover instead of the sticky plastic of other Always pads.
Pads are also much better if you stick with name brands. I have tried getting store brand pads and they're awful--weak adhesive, super bunchy and annoying, and just crap.
I tried the Diva Cup once and it got completely stuck. After a day and a half of fruitless digging in my wuzza, and a trip to the gyno to get it removed, I haven't had the heart to try it again.
I kind of want to try the Instead emptying kegel trick now!
posted by apricot at 10:09 AM on March 25, 2012 [1 favorite]
I am also an Always Infinity fan. They are very thin, but very absorbent, and I like that they have a cottony cover instead of the sticky plastic of other Always pads.
Pads are also much better if you stick with name brands. I have tried getting store brand pads and they're awful--weak adhesive, super bunchy and annoying, and just crap.
I tried the Diva Cup once and it got completely stuck. After a day and a half of fruitless digging in my wuzza, and a trip to the gyno to get it removed, I haven't had the heart to try it again.
I kind of want to try the Instead emptying kegel trick now!
posted by apricot at 10:09 AM on March 25, 2012 [1 favorite]
Divacup FTW. I used to leak horribly as a teenager. I got my act together better post-high school, but the annoying thing is that I would always leak overnight and have blood stains on my sheets. With the Divacup, no more! I never leaked, even overnight. Everything felt so much cleaner because it contains the blood higher up, so there's no slimy blood further down. I have usually been doing the Divacup with a "just in case" panti-liner (but literally a pantiliner, not even a pad).
posted by DoubleLune at 10:10 AM on March 25, 2012
posted by DoubleLune at 10:10 AM on March 25, 2012
I don't use tampons because my flow is so heavy that I bleed through in an hour, and need pads as a backup anyway.
i came in to 100th Always Infinity. They are like magic.
Also, make sure your panties are not too big, especially at night.
posted by dpx.mfx at 10:12 AM on March 25, 2012
i came in to 100th Always Infinity. They are like magic.
Also, make sure your panties are not too big, especially at night.
posted by dpx.mfx at 10:12 AM on March 25, 2012
I found that going on the pill - no running packets together or anything, just the ordinary kind - reduced the amount of bleeding a lot. I'm not currently on the pill, and use a Mooncup (like a Divacup but this one's slightly smaller), which works really well for me, but my sister tried one and had like some of the people commenting here had some leakage issues, so obviously YMMV.
I used to use a combination of pads and Lil-Lets tampons - I think they're closest to the American OB ones - they're non-applicator and expand widthways for a better fit, I don't know if that's how OB tampons work; if not, and if you can use tampons I'd see if there are any kind of widthways-expanding tampons available where you are, and try them.
posted by Lebannen at 10:16 AM on March 25, 2012 [1 favorite]
I used to use a combination of pads and Lil-Lets tampons - I think they're closest to the American OB ones - they're non-applicator and expand widthways for a better fit, I don't know if that's how OB tampons work; if not, and if you can use tampons I'd see if there are any kind of widthways-expanding tampons available where you are, and try them.
posted by Lebannen at 10:16 AM on March 25, 2012 [1 favorite]
I have to put a word in for the pill! The pill helped tremendously in reducing my flow. I used to have to wear both a tampon and a pad, and the super-plus tampons would last maybe an hour on bad days. Now I can use tampons without the pad backup, and for all but maybe the first day, I only need pantyliners. I did have to try a few of them to find one that worked for me, but it was very much worth the time and effort.
When I had heavy flow the diva cup didn't work for me. It would overflow faster than a tampon it seemed like, and it was just kind of annoying to deal with. I liked the idea of it, but it just didn't work. However, it was useful in seeing just how much was there and it was handy to have around if I ran out of tampons. Honestly, seeing just how copious it was took me from "periods suck" to "maybe I should get this checked out" and that was a huge quality of life change for me! At least in my experience, it's not like anyone ever tells you just how much to expect, so I figured I was just in the upper range of normal. Actually -- not so much. I wonder if you might be in a similar situation.
Good luck to you!
posted by Arethusa at 10:46 AM on March 25, 2012
When I had heavy flow the diva cup didn't work for me. It would overflow faster than a tampon it seemed like, and it was just kind of annoying to deal with. I liked the idea of it, but it just didn't work. However, it was useful in seeing just how much was there and it was handy to have around if I ran out of tampons. Honestly, seeing just how copious it was took me from "periods suck" to "maybe I should get this checked out" and that was a huge quality of life change for me! At least in my experience, it's not like anyone ever tells you just how much to expect, so I figured I was just in the upper range of normal. Actually -- not so much. I wonder if you might be in a similar situation.
Good luck to you!
posted by Arethusa at 10:46 AM on March 25, 2012
I had the same problem with the diva cup as Arethusa. For me it overflowed faster than a super plus tampon. Then one day when I was boiling it I left it too long, the water boiled dry, and the cup got fried. I used to swear by OB applicatorless tampons but they went out of stock for a while and I switched to U by Kotex. Yes, they come in stupid neon colors, but they are shaped the same way and expand the same way as the OB ones, and hooray no more bloody fingers! So far I've been really happy with them, and as long as I change them regularly and use the right size tampon for rate of flow, I've had no issues with leaking.
posted by keep it under cover at 11:04 AM on March 25, 2012
posted by keep it under cover at 11:04 AM on March 25, 2012
My sister recommends the cup + tampon combo on truly heavy days.
posted by Dragonness at 11:27 AM on March 25, 2012
posted by Dragonness at 11:27 AM on March 25, 2012
Nthing Always Infinity. I have fibroids and am Of A Certain Age and my periods are freaking biblical in proportion now. The first two days I go through a super plus tampon (I've never tried a cup and because I keep thinking - for the past ten years - that my periods are going to end soon, I feel as if it's not worth the expense; this is dumb and I wish I'd tried them ten years ago) and a maxi pad every one to two hours. Always Infinity are the only ones that don't leak and don't bunch up. They are the best thing ever; they're slightly more expensive than the regular ones but WORTH IT.
posted by mygothlaundry at 1:34 PM on March 25, 2012
posted by mygothlaundry at 1:34 PM on March 25, 2012
The OB Ultra is coming back HOORAY!
I am someone for whom the Diva Cup, The Keeper, etc., never worked properly. OB Ultra plus a thin liner (usually Always--they really are good) was my go-to.
I would definitely try the Diva Cup or similar, but if it doesn't work for you you'll know.
I admire people who can use reusable cloth pads, because I get that it is a sound environmental choice, but my sensory defensiveness just made them intolerable for me.
posted by Sidhedevil at 1:42 PM on March 25, 2012 [1 favorite]
I am someone for whom the Diva Cup, The Keeper, etc., never worked properly. OB Ultra plus a thin liner (usually Always--they really are good) was my go-to.
I would definitely try the Diva Cup or similar, but if it doesn't work for you you'll know.
I admire people who can use reusable cloth pads, because I get that it is a sound environmental choice, but my sensory defensiveness just made them intolerable for me.
posted by Sidhedevil at 1:42 PM on March 25, 2012 [1 favorite]
I've been using the Diva cup for about three or four years now, and occasionally I have this problem where I can't get it in just right and it leaks all over the place. But maybe I'm shaped weird, I have no idea. Probably 95% of the time it works just fine though.
posted by rosethorn at 1:42 PM on March 25, 2012
posted by rosethorn at 1:42 PM on March 25, 2012
I have fibroids and am Of A Certain Age and my periods are freaking biblical in proportion now.
So my GYN put me on the NuvaRing and it has been magical. My freakishly profuse and horribly painful periods have dwindled away to these teensy-weensy withdrawal bleeds. Obviously this is not the right answer for everyone, but it might be something to ask your GYN about?
Oh, perimenopause. What a delightful life journey NOT.
posted by Sidhedevil at 1:44 PM on March 25, 2012
So my GYN put me on the NuvaRing and it has been magical. My freakishly profuse and horribly painful periods have dwindled away to these teensy-weensy withdrawal bleeds. Obviously this is not the right answer for everyone, but it might be something to ask your GYN about?
Oh, perimenopause. What a delightful life journey NOT.
posted by Sidhedevil at 1:44 PM on March 25, 2012
Wow, a lot of answers, so here is mine: two hospital sized pads, sightly layered to make an extra long pad. It it was a truly epically bloody time, I would also line my pants with a couple of thin pads with wings. Plus two tampons (at the same time). Damn, I am so happy I had a hysterectomy. As for Diva cups, I never tried one, but my sister did and could not get it to not leak.
posted by fifilaru at 2:14 PM on March 25, 2012
posted by fifilaru at 2:14 PM on March 25, 2012
One well-known side effect of the progestin-only mini pill is that for a considerable percentage of women it lightens or even zaps your period entirely. I was not wild about switching from the regular pill because you have to be way more careful about when you take it, but I had to so....whee, no periods at all! It is awesome. For me. YMMV.
posted by charmedimsure at 2:31 PM on March 25, 2012
posted by charmedimsure at 2:31 PM on March 25, 2012
I've been using a Keeper (the rubber version of the DivaCup; I have silicone sensitivities) for 9 years now. It is the best thing ever; I'll be buying a new one next year (they recommend every 10 years). I think about my period less now than ever -- I never have to buy pads or tampons, there's no trash from that to deal with, and I only have to empty the cup about every 8 hours. In between periods I give it a good soak in hydrogen peroxide and let it air-dry. There's a slight learning curve, but after the first 3 or so months I've had no problems, no leakage.
posted by fiercecupcake at 2:33 PM on March 25, 2012
posted by fiercecupcake at 2:33 PM on March 25, 2012
If menstrual cups don't work for particular women, it's generally not because they're doing something wrong--it's because their internal anatomy and the shape of the cup don't match well. Those of us on Team Tippy Cervix are often out of luck in this regard.
posted by Sidhedevil at 2:49 PM on March 25, 2012 [3 favorites]
posted by Sidhedevil at 2:49 PM on March 25, 2012 [3 favorites]
I am exactly the same as notashroom: I use the Instead Cup + a thin pad (because I'm paranoid!) with great success and happiness. I can't imagine ever ever ever going back to just pads. I find the Diva cup too much work (I have one, and don't use it). Also I'm irresponsible and kept losing them. Seconding the point that you can empty the Instead cup without taking it out.
posted by oranger at 5:00 PM on March 25, 2012
posted by oranger at 5:00 PM on March 25, 2012
I've used a Diva Cup for going on two years now with no leaks whatsoever. I usually forget I'm on my period at all so I set a cell phone alarm for morning and evening so I remember to empty it.
Menstrual cups are fucking awesome.
posted by shes_ajar at 5:02 PM on March 25, 2012
Menstrual cups are fucking awesome.
posted by shes_ajar at 5:02 PM on March 25, 2012
The Diva Cup is great! I trimmed the "stem" a bit for comfort. Also you know it's inserted properly if you can easily turn the cup by the base (it shows that you've got proper suction).
Additionally, I underwent a D&C procedure for polyps which seemed to make my periods wayyyy lighter.
The other trick? Hormonal birth control (Loestrin for me, which helps curb ye olde polyps).
My periods used to be painful and heavy and seemingly endless. Now they are 4 days long, super light and no worries about leaks with the Diva Cup. (Though it also worked great when my periods were wicked heavy :) )
posted by sleepykitties at 5:37 PM on March 25, 2012
Additionally, I underwent a D&C procedure for polyps which seemed to make my periods wayyyy lighter.
The other trick? Hormonal birth control (Loestrin for me, which helps curb ye olde polyps).
My periods used to be painful and heavy and seemingly endless. Now they are 4 days long, super light and no worries about leaks with the Diva Cup. (Though it also worked great when my periods were wicked heavy :) )
posted by sleepykitties at 5:37 PM on March 25, 2012
I tried the Diva Cup...it was pretty painful (even the smaller one) and I gave up. I tried the one-use cups and they were awful - messy and useless.
Seconding tampons (plastic applicators) and always pads (in a range of sizes, depending on the day).
posted by Lt. Bunny Wigglesworth at 6:24 PM on March 25, 2012
Seconding tampons (plastic applicators) and always pads (in a range of sizes, depending on the day).
posted by Lt. Bunny Wigglesworth at 6:24 PM on March 25, 2012
Another Infinity-backwards user here (Overnight, I don't bother with the little ones). You do need to wear underwear with a certain amount of real estate for them to hold their shape.
Diva cup invariably resulted in a situation that looked like I was processing livestock in the bathroom.
posted by Lyn Never at 6:49 PM on March 25, 2012
Diva cup invariably resulted in a situation that looked like I was processing livestock in the bathroom.
posted by Lyn Never at 6:49 PM on March 25, 2012
This part of your statement really stands out for me: I've been menstruating for over a decade now so I feel like I should have it together more than I do now. because I felt the same way. Every woman is built so differently and menstruates differently that it seems to be a matter of finding the product(s) that will work for you. I started using tampons + pad a couple of years ago and I don't know why I didn't use tampons earlier. Mom couldn't talk about periods at all and I think I was left with some sort of confused message from school health classes about tampons that persisted into adulthood. There are some great answers in this thread and I hope you find some new ideas that work!
posted by Calzephyr at 6:52 PM on March 25, 2012
posted by Calzephyr at 6:52 PM on March 25, 2012
I like so many women use a tampon/pad combo. (Tampax Pearl and Always Ultra Thin with Wings.) I used pads only for years, I guess just out of squeamishness.
I think timing may be partly to blame for the accidents you have experienced. Be sure to always carry TONS of extra tampons and pads with you, and check them frequently. I check once an hour on heavy days. You can't go wrong checking more often than you think might be necessary.
Change them whenever you see anything untoward. Don't skimp on the supplies! You can always make more! That's what they're for! Etc. Sometimes I'll even swap them out if they have simply gotten rumpled and squashed in a way that I can tell will leak if there's a Tampon Containment Breach.
I have a tendency to get wrapped up in what I'm doing, whether it's working on a project, watching a movie, reading a book, whatever. So on heavy days, I use the alarm function on my cell phone to remind me when an hour has passed.
And finally, please don't feel ashamed or embarrassed about your "accidents." It's just a thing that happens. And believe me, it happens to everyone eventually.
All those laundry detergent ads where they talk about how well their detergent removes blood stains? Yep! That's why. It's a common enough problem that it's a leading sales pitch for an entire segment of consumer products.
posted by ErikaB at 9:26 PM on March 25, 2012
I think timing may be partly to blame for the accidents you have experienced. Be sure to always carry TONS of extra tampons and pads with you, and check them frequently. I check once an hour on heavy days. You can't go wrong checking more often than you think might be necessary.
Change them whenever you see anything untoward. Don't skimp on the supplies! You can always make more! That's what they're for! Etc. Sometimes I'll even swap them out if they have simply gotten rumpled and squashed in a way that I can tell will leak if there's a Tampon Containment Breach.
I have a tendency to get wrapped up in what I'm doing, whether it's working on a project, watching a movie, reading a book, whatever. So on heavy days, I use the alarm function on my cell phone to remind me when an hour has passed.
And finally, please don't feel ashamed or embarrassed about your "accidents." It's just a thing that happens. And believe me, it happens to everyone eventually.
All those laundry detergent ads where they talk about how well their detergent removes blood stains? Yep! That's why. It's a common enough problem that it's a leading sales pitch for an entire segment of consumer products.
posted by ErikaB at 9:26 PM on March 25, 2012
Back when I used pads, I always wore the overnight giant ones - I never trtied backwards, but I always leaked towards the back so the layout of the pad worked well for me. I used a Divacup for a few years but had a baby and now I use a Meluna. Oddly enough it's smaller, but fits so much nicer than the divacup. It's soft, so it's not as much of a fiddle around to get it, and go in nicely when sitting on the toilet (I used to have to squat or stand for the divacup which is irritating in stockings at work).
Back in the day I also wore tampons to shower. God those days sucked - but I was at the end of my tether with the divacup. I don't know why my anatomy changed to make the small cup less comfortable after pregnancy, but it did.
posted by geek anachronism at 4:12 AM on March 26, 2012
Back in the day I also wore tampons to shower. God those days sucked - but I was at the end of my tether with the divacup. I don't know why my anatomy changed to make the small cup less comfortable after pregnancy, but it did.
posted by geek anachronism at 4:12 AM on March 26, 2012
Just to warn you, I have a copper IUD and my flow got a lot worse with it. A lot worse. I can't even tell you how embarrassing dealing with it can be (I try not to stay at other people's houses, or go running, or even wear jeans rather than a skirt at times). I also don't think you can use tampons with it, otherwise I'd go double protection too.
My tactic is to buy Bridget Jones style knickers - try a shop that markets to the older lady, mine are from Marks and Spencer - and use a pad with wings (I use Bodyform which I don't think you can get in the States). Don't be afraid to use the night-time ones during the day if you need to.
I want to go for the DivaCup, but I can't work out how you'd deal with it in public, or in those bathrooms where there's just a toilet and the sink etc. is in another room. If nothing else, I don't like the amount of waste having a period generates, then having to work out how to deal with it (I live in a shared house so it would be nasty to leave them in the bathroom).
posted by mippy at 6:35 AM on March 26, 2012
My tactic is to buy Bridget Jones style knickers - try a shop that markets to the older lady, mine are from Marks and Spencer - and use a pad with wings (I use Bodyform which I don't think you can get in the States). Don't be afraid to use the night-time ones during the day if you need to.
I want to go for the DivaCup, but I can't work out how you'd deal with it in public, or in those bathrooms where there's just a toilet and the sink etc. is in another room. If nothing else, I don't like the amount of waste having a period generates, then having to work out how to deal with it (I live in a shared house so it would be nasty to leave them in the bathroom).
posted by mippy at 6:35 AM on March 26, 2012
Just to warn you, I have a copper IUD ... I also don't think you can use tampons with it, otherwise I'd go double protection too.
Mippy, you can totally do tampons with a copper, or any other IUD. I was told not to use them for the period when I had it inserted, because of risk of infection, but have used them without issue since. A lot of US-based GYNs will recommend against using the Divacup, or other menstrual cups, due to the possibility of suction when removing the cup. Since the cups can go up to 12 hours, most people simply avoid changing in public. I can understand the fear with a heavy day though!
posted by kellyblah at 9:08 AM on March 26, 2012
Mippy, you can totally do tampons with a copper, or any other IUD. I was told not to use them for the period when I had it inserted, because of risk of infection, but have used them without issue since. A lot of US-based GYNs will recommend against using the Divacup, or other menstrual cups, due to the possibility of suction when removing the cup. Since the cups can go up to 12 hours, most people simply avoid changing in public. I can understand the fear with a heavy day though!
posted by kellyblah at 9:08 AM on March 26, 2012
You don't have to wash the cup every time you take it out... It's fine to take it out, empty it, and put it back in, as long as you're rinsing it some of the time (like, once or twice a day) and giving it a good wash between periods.
Most brands come with a little storage pouch, so on the last day you pull it out, sterilize it, and then put it in it's pouch which you can keep anywhere (if someone's fussed by you keeping it in the feminine hygiene drawer, sterilized, in a pouch, they need to get over it).
That said, it still was more work than tampons.
posted by anaelith at 9:10 AM on March 26, 2012
Most brands come with a little storage pouch, so on the last day you pull it out, sterilize it, and then put it in it's pouch which you can keep anywhere (if someone's fussed by you keeping it in the feminine hygiene drawer, sterilized, in a pouch, they need to get over it).
That said, it still was more work than tampons.
posted by anaelith at 9:10 AM on March 26, 2012
I also waited a ridiculously long time before I tried tampons -- at least 10 years of menstruating with only leaky pads. The first tampons I tried were cardboard and THEY HURT (I wonder why they make cardboard applicators the way some of you wonder why they still make pads) but then I found the world's greatest tampons: Kotex Security tampons. They are plastic, glide in easily, have a really nice lip to hook your fingernail under for easily removing the applicator, and the Super Plus kind last me at least a couple of hours on my heaviest flow days. I've started using OB Super Plus lately because I didn't like how much plastic I was throwing away, but it took me years & years of tampons to get comfortable with not using an applicator, and I find that sometimes inserting the OBs is painful. I use a pad (ultra thin kind with wings, not brand loyal) as a backup during my entire period, and alone on the last couple days when the flow is light.
posted by jabes at 2:48 PM on March 26, 2012
posted by jabes at 2:48 PM on March 26, 2012
This thread is closed to new comments.
I just had my Mirena removed a few months ago, prior to that I had no period, which was nice. I switched to the Paragard, which seems to put my flow back to "normal" levels. Not as nice, but managing with the above combo.
And now the Internet knows entirely too much about my feminine hygiene habits. Yay!
posted by kellyblah at 6:18 AM on March 25, 2012 [5 favorites]