– Mooncup Original Menstrual Cup - Medical-Grade Silicone Period Cup for Protection - Holds 3 Tampons Worth of Fluid - Toxin-Free, Eco-Friendly & Easy to Insert - Size A (for 30+ or Post-Childbirth)

As pads are irritating and tampons are not fun to remove when dry, and neither are good for the environment, I decided to get a Mooncup (B). I read all of the reviews across different sites, I checked out a few different brands and sizes and models, and decided to just invest in something with positive reviews and easily available in my country (as I know they vary internationally). They all warned that insertion and removal are awkward at first, and that if you aren't comfortable touching yourself or getting your fingers bloody, then this product is probably not for you. And they were right - it is a little awkward and messy at first, but it is totally worth it! It is SO much cleaner than a pad, and less itchy, and can stay in there longer than a tampon without the risk of toxic shock, all of which is a massive plus for me. The first couple of months were hit and miss, as I didn't always get the positioning right and so the seal might not be complete, or if I was particularly thick/heavy that day then a little would come out after re-insertion. It's still a bit hit and miss, but I feel confident enough to wear panty-liners instead of full-sized pads, which is so much more comfortable. And mentally, knowing that the liner is just there as a safety net and that I'll probably not have any blood in there by the time I have to empty the cup next, it's just such a relief. Relief is the overriding feeling that I get from this product. I still think that this is not a product for the squeamish, but if you can handle it, then it's worth it. Such peace of mind, and not at the expense of the environment for once! Just some advice though - experiment with the different insertion techniques to find the best one for you (they are in the instructions that come with it). Also, you will need to buy a small pan to boil-clean your cup once every month or two - I find that a milk pan works, but just make sure you store it AWAY from your kitchen/cooking pans! And when you're out and about, always carry a bottle of water - if you need to empty your cup while you're out, and you can't access a disabled toilet with a sink inside the cubicle, you can simply remove the cup in a normal cubicle as you usually would and use the water from the bottle to pour over the cup to clean it. Wipes may work too, though I wouldn't want to put those chemicals inside me, so only use those if you don't plan on re-inserting. Lastly, when choosing the size, remember that this one (B) is supposed to be for ladies who are young, small in that area, or who have not had children. This affects the width, depth and consequently the capacity of the cup. I'm under 25, average size and have not have kids, and am on the pill which gives me a light flow. I rarely fill more than half the cup in 8-12 hours. To give you an idea of what that means - I use 2*-3* absorbancy pads, changing every morning and night. And I have no problem whatsoever with the capacity of this product. So if you're naturally light/normal flow, then you'll be fine with this. Even with a heavy flow you may be alright just by changing a little more often, especially if you're heavy but have a small vagina. You'll need to use your judgement here, but I think the size up (A) is more for those with heavier flows, or wider-set vaginas. Anyone else will probably be fine with this one. In terms of the seller, I have no issues to report. Correct product delivered within the time-frame advertised. No problems. Hope this helps!!

It took me about a week to get used to it but once I had, I have never looked back since. It has never leaked unless too full which takes a lot and means I am obviously having a heavy period. I can't tell it's there once fitted and is more comfortable then tampons. I've used it so I can go and do water sports or go to the gym etc without worry. It's super easy to clean and between uses, I literally wash it under really hot water with some hand soap (I make sure the water is always to hot to use on my hands directly temp wise) and then i rub it down with alcohol gel for a minute before washing that off as its quicker to clean it this way then boiling it and this method will still steralise it. Just dont leave it in the alcohol gel or it will damage the silicone. I have a coil fitted and it doesn't cause me any problems. I've used the same Mooncup for 6 years and its still perfectly fine, so I've actually saved myself close to £300 by buying a mooncup instead of forking out £5 odd every month on tampons so you soon make your money back within one year minimum. So its easy to use, efficient and money saving. Is it a bit messy sometimes removing and emptying, yes but you get used to it surprisingly quick.

Wonderful product. I've used the same mooncup for 7 years and it's soooo much better than a tampon. It had life left in it but unfortunately I put it back in on auto-pilot when I'd come off my period and didn't realise, and I literally can't feel it so left it in for 6 days by mistake which was absolutely rank so I chucked it. Obviously not a recommended situation to get yourself in but luckily I was fine and I will not be doing it again. From day one I have found this easy to insert and remove and can't feel it. I'm very heavy and this lets me have more of a life than a tampon would. I also prefer when I get lighter that I don't have to take out a dry tampon and feel like I've wasted one, no drama with the cup. I love having a no waste period. I recently tried a menstrual disc as the capacity is even higher but I found it near impossible to get in and if I squatted in normal life the whole thing would empty which was pretty horrific, I perservered for 3 cycles but eventually gave up and went back to the trusty mooncup which was a breath of fresh air. Nothing like that has ever happened with the mooncup, it stays put until I take it out. I love it.

Fantastic. Would buy this over other cheaper brands. Game changer. Having tried other brands which were cheaper this was easier to put in as a complete beginner. Really good.

The first time you use a Mooncup (or any menstrual cup) can feel a) like you've been sucker-punched in the fanny and/or b) that a tiny, sharp-clawed alien has taken up residence in your hoochie. But - don't let this put you off! Come on - you've probably been through worse (gynae exams; cystitis; thrush; insensitive lovers; childbirth (for those using the larger size) - and, let's face it, nothing assaults your fandango quite like a baby punching its way out! So - go into this knowing YOU CAN DO IT. Or if you can't at least you gave it your best shot and it's a tale to tell your granddaughters some dark stormy night 20 years from now. Going forward, I'm going to refer to any menstrual cup - because there are tons out there (which I hadn't realised when I picked up my first Mooncup at Boots). So if one type doesn't suit you, another might. The reason I'm giving the Mooncup a 3 (any cup for that matter) is because they take time for a lot of people to adjust to. But if you can get used to them, the benefits are huge - putting them up to a 5. They work out a lot cheaper in the long run because they can be re-used for years (some of you will hit the menopause having not needed to buy a replacement!); they avoid the risk of toxic shock; they're environmentally friendly (if that's something you're concerned about); unlike tampons, they can be used before your period starts - so are a great safety barrier; they fantastic if you're travelling; and they do work. The reason I started using one (and stop reading if you aren't ready for a TMI moment!) is because my periods had become heavier for some reason and, of a night, I had had a bit of fallout. Since using a cup, this has never happened. So those are just some of the plus-points. The negative is that while many people love these in theory, they can't get on with them in practice - which would make them 1 star for those people. Out of all the products on Amazon, this is the one thing that's difficult to do an objective review on because it's so personal. So here are my tips (from my own learning curve) 1) Don't necessarily expect to get on with a cup immediately, It can take a bit of determination to find what works for you 2) If you are not comfortable touching your own privvies, then don't even think about one of these 3) If you can't handle seeing liquid blood in a cup - move on. You need to not be squeamish because there will come a point when you need to extract the cup, full of its contents, and wash it out. 4) If you can't get on with the Mooncup, try another brand. The Comfy Cup is actually a lot softer and more comfortable. It's also wayyyy cheaper - so if you can't get going with it, you've only spent about £7.99. If you're starting out, I'd recommend going with the Comfy Cup first (you can get them on Amazon too) 5) Experiment with trimming the end. Again, the Comfy Cup is good for this because if you ruin it (as I just did by eventually cutting a hole in mine!) you're not £20 down! Regarding the end, I actually think that trimming it could cause its own issues. When I first used the Comfy Cup, I thought it was much better than the Mooncup - I was sort of aware of the end though (which is a bit thick). I trimmed it and then found it chaffed. If the edge isn't exactly smooth (and it's difficult to ensure it is), then this can almost be more irritating. In a way, I wish they'd make them with two options - with a tab and without a tab. Some people might be afraid that if they cut the tab, they won't be able to pull their cup out - but don't worry. While it's true that you need to be okay putting your digits inside yourself to retrieve these, you'll still need to do this even with a tab (because you need to break the seal). It can't get lost either - if you're struggling to remove, just bear down - like giving birth or doing a poops! So, trimming might or might not work for you - but if you're going to experiment, do it on the cheapest cup first. 6) Use the punch-down fold - it's far easier. If you've done any research on these cups, you probably already know about the different ways of folding them prior to insertion - if not, a quick Youtube search will show you. 7) Now here's something I've only recently found out that MADE ALL THE DIFFERENCE ... after you've done your punch-down fold, make sure you insert the cup with the longer side upwards. You wouldn't think it ought to make a difference, as once it's inside you, it opens up into the same shape whatever. However, it does make a difference. I've used a cup for months now and always been vaguely aware of it. I've sort of put up with it because I like the security of it. However, it's been like a vague irritation (again, partly, I think, because of the jagged trimmed end). Recently though, I tried inserting it with the longer smooth edge of the punch-down fold upright and it just seemed to position it better and make it comfier. I now can't feel it. 8) If you can't get on with a cup during the day, don't necessarily give up on it for night time. Like I say, I was vaguely irritated with the cup mainly when walking - but couldn't feel it when sitting or lying down. In fact, the act of lying down can help it get into a better position (you could even try rotating your hips and lying on your front after inserting it for daytime use). So if you have a heavy flow and struggle going through tampons in the night, then maybe just use a cup of a bedtime. 9) Do your research - this is something new for most people. There are tons of different cups out there. A brilliant website is Menstrual Cup Reviews Net (http://menstrualcupreviews.net/) which compares all different types. The newest cup - The Lily Cup compact folds down for storage - so length can be adjusted. I haven't tried it but it looks very soft and really narrows at the tip; so less intrusive. Another great source of information is Precious Stars Pads (both site and youtube). She's only 16 but is a wealth of knowledge. 10) Don't give up first time! If you can get the hang of these, they're great. And I do rate the Mooncup - it's very reliable and a fantastic product. But if you don't like this one, then maybe experiment with the Comfy Cup too. Good luck with it!

After stumbling across this product on the internet and reading some of the reviews I felt I had to try it! I had suffered from over 10 years of menstrual cramps ever since starting my period, then more recently I found using tampons and pads increasingly uncomfortable, and due to an irregular flow could never quite predict what absorbency tampon to use on different days, meaning it was really uncomfortable...not good for 5-6 days out of every 30! I also liked the eco-friendly concept as well as the fact that it is a much healthier form of sanitary protection, not to mention the long term saving. I've been using my mooncup for about 4 cycles now. In my experience the positives are..... ~It is a lot more comfortable to wear once inserted ~It doesn't need emptying half as often as you would have to change a pad or tampon ~It doesn't fill up your bin with rubbish (which is not the most pleasant sort!) ~It is easy to clean with a little warm water or a wet wipe ~It doesn't leak very much at all - I have always and probably always will wear a pantyliner while I'm on even when using a tampon or the mooncup...I won't lie, I have had a little leakage from the cup but literally nothing that would go through a thin pantyliner over an entire day. And it doesn't always leak, just sometimes. Hopefully this will stop as I get more used to positioning it right! ~It is not causing uncomfortable dryness "down there" like pads and tampons were. ~No more wearing what feels like a nappy to bed!! ~I've also noticed I've had a lighter flow since using the mooncup and its less thick (yuk), also cramps have been reduced although sadly not gone away completely :( The downsides................ ~It is a bit hard to get to grips with the first couple of months/times that you use it, it is a skill to get it in and out easily....but practice makes perfect ~I would say everyone will certainly need to remove the stem, which is a scary thought at first, but its a must if you want it to be comfortable and not rub you ~As mentioned, it can leak a little in my experience, although if it leaks majorly its definitley not been inserted properly. ~It is a bit nauseating the first time you see an actual cup full of your own menstrual blood, but again, its something you soon get used to and really isn't much more gross than a skanky used pad or tampon! At least you can flush this away! ~If you are using a public toilet or a toilet where the basin is outside the cubicle then this makes it more difficult, and I would advise taking a small pack of wipes or bottle of water with you so you can clean your hands and the cup discreetly. ~My other half is a bit disgusted by it.....but this is the least important downside of it!! All things considered I think it's a great invention and I wish I'd heard of it sooner, and would definitely recommend it to people, even if you find it isn't for you, its worth a try!

I'd previously tried a 'rainbow style' menstrual cup that I bought on Amazon foolishly thinking that it'd be as good as the more well known ones and I save a few pounds but it turns out that I wasted my money as, despite trying various different methods of entry, it leaked every day. I disappointedly thought that maybe menstrual cups weren't for me but decided to try the Mooncup and am so glad I did. I've used my Mooncup for a few months now and not once has it leaked. It's made of much thicker silicone and has a firmer shape than the other one I bought which I think helps it to 'spring' open once inside if you get what I mean! Don't let that make you think that it's difficult to put it in because it's not, it's quick and easy and not uncomfortable at all. If you're ok with inserting tampons and you follow the instructions, you'll be absolutely fine. The Mooncup is so comfortable to wear that I regularly forget that I'm wearing it! I haven't trimmed the stem at all as I didn't want to make it difficult to get it out. With regards to how often you have to empty it and reinset, personally, I only change it twice a day (once in the morning, once at night) and it never gets full (often nowhere near) though admittedly my periods aren't particularly heavy. The only downside that I can see with the Mooncup is if you don't like blood because obviously you will see your own blood but it doesn't bother me at all. I will say however, that I can't imagine it would be very nice to empty and reinsert in a toilet without a sink directly in front of you as I like to wash it out before reinserting it and I don't imagine that just cleaning it with toilet paper would be too pleasant! It's also obviously very easy to get a little blood on your hands. Thankfully, I've never had to empty it in public as, I mentioned earlier, it never gets full. So if you don't mind seeing your own blood then don't hesistate, buy this. To summarise, it's easy to take out and reinsert, extremely comfortable to wear (way more so than tampons), doesn't leak, doesn't have to be changed as often as tampons/pads, is totally safe (no risk of TSS with this), good for the environment as you're not throwing away sanitary products every month and will save you money as it's well made and could easily last you a lifetime.

First of all I'm new to using menstrual cups - and as mentioned in another review there are websites out there that give you a lot of information and reviews about the different cups available. (There are WAY more cups available elsewhere than are for sale on Amazon). If I was reviewing menstrual cups in general then this would be a 5 star review. I've given it 4 stars as the Mooncup isn't the correct cup for me. PROs of cups: They are SO much more hygienic than tampons. I never thought I'd say this but my first time using a cup this month and I have felt a lot cleaner than usual with no odour or anything to remind me I'm having a period. Yes you have to get used to inserting them, removing them and emptying them - but once you've done this they are just so much better to use than pads or tampons. I don't have to constantly dispose of dirty tampons. I don't have to tolerate the horrible piece of string in my underwear. I'd say I had to change the cup every 4 hours on my heaviest day, but otherwise could leave it for 8 hours or so. Also when I found the correct cup for me it really wasn't very difficult to remove and insertion now is a piece of cake. For reviewers who've said the cup couldn't cope with their heavy flow - there are cups with higher capacity than this available on the market - maybe worth a try. The reason this particular cup didn't suit me that much was that it sits quite far in and as a result it was hard for me to remove - other people don't always have this issue because they are 'shorter' in there and the cup sits further out, with them having to cut off the stem. That wasn't the case for me. I've ended up using a cup that is longer in length - it has a long body and is soft and I have had very little difficulty removing it from first use. I feel really liberated that my monthly period is going to be less of a drag than usual. Apart from taking the thing out and emptying it - you really wouldn't know you had your period. You can't feel it when it's in and it's going to save me a fortune. So two fingers up to the council who are only collecting our bins every 2 weeks - I will no longer be filling the bin with my sanitary waste! I'd say if you're thinking about trying these out - look at other websites to do do more research. There's a lot of good advice out there as to the pros and cons of which cup to get. It may take a couple of cups to find the perfect one, or you may be lucky on the first try. I will never go back to using tampons or pads again - hooray!