Forget the Instead cup for this purpose; instead (heh), hie thee to a drug store and get a pack of Today contraceptive sponges. They are very effective for this purpose.
Unfortunately, they don’t seem to be effective for the purpose of contraception. At least in their first incarnation. It’s how I got my oldest daughter, who is now 20. 
Holy crap, they still make those? norinew, you’re like a genius. I’ll remember that for next time.
Just imagine how pleased he’d be to find out that he’s sponge-worthy! 
Thanks to everyone for your help! Even with several more efforts, I still couldn’t get the damned thing behind my pubic bone. It just does. not. fit. It’s too big, or too rigid, or I’m shaped funny or something. Oh well, nothing works for everyone.
Don’t feel alone, Diana, I have issues with that product and “fit” too. The only reason I tried them was that Aunt Flo always seemed to arrive when we planned a day of wakeboarding and water skiing. I think I’ve gotten that damn thing to “fit” and not pop out in maybe two out of five tries.
I’m not impressed at all.
Unfortunately, the Today sponge is not recommended for use during menstruation. I think it has to do with Toxic Shock Syndrome risk.
http://www.todaysponge.com/What-Is-Today-Sponge/Today-Sponge-FAQs.html#s1
I have no opinion on your dilemma, I just came to say I will use this phrase to describe my period from now on. Do I have to pay royalties?
Now that is something I don’t hear every day!
Actually, they had stopped making these for a number of years, and now they are back in production (erm, so to speak).
so i’m guessing anal isn’t gonna work for you? maybe you can convince him to settle for a blow job; provided you get some good clit rubbin in return, at least until next time?
otherwise, i’d say just throw down a couple layers of towels, fuck each others brains out, then share a shower. and make him help with tomorrow’s laundry.
All I’m going to say is that having seen the range of sizes that ring pessaries and diaphragms come in, I’d be rather surprised if Instead fitted everyone (hell, I’m surprised Divacup works so well with only two sizes).
Think about it, you’re trying to use a one-size-fits-all product when the only other thing like it (a contraceptive diaphragm) requires measurement, sizing and fitting. Of course there are going to be some women who can’t get it to work right for its secondary intention!
If you can’t find those contraceptive sponges, perhaps something like this might work?
Any information on TSS rates with natural sponges? My (limited) understanding is that TSS can occur when dry material is in contact with the vaginal wall - which is why it’s associated with tampons but not Diva Cups. Frankly, the idea of anything soft and full of holes (read: bacterial/viral breeding grounds) that’s meant to be reusable in a damp, warm internal environment just seems like a terrifying idea.
I’m not reassured much by folks who write that natural soap is okay to use for cleaning, but “harsh soap” shouldn’t be used because of pH concerns (the pH of “natural” soap is just the same as synthetic, otherwise it won’t set), and note that “We have no scientific evidence, but it is a fact that microwaving changes the molecular structure of matter, so we would not recommend it.”
I fully agree. I’m not surprised, or feeling like a freak of nature. I’m just bummed that what I’d hoped would be a simple solution isn’t.
I wouldn’t be worried about TSS using a sponge (contraceptive OR natural) for the length of time it takes to have sex, any more than I’d be concerned about wearing a tampon for that length of time. After all, the reason I don’t just use a tampon isn’t that I’m worried about infection, it’s that it tends to get lodged up in there sideways, with the string all wrapped around it, making it both uncomfortable and difficult to retrieve. I assume that this wouldn’t be the case with the Today sponge, since staying put during intercourse would seem to be its purpose.
I’m pretty sure I didn’t invent the reference, but I’ll PM you my paypal account info, just in case.
Anyway, just to wrap up… my friend and I went out, and when we got back to my place, the bleeding had just… stopped. It was like a slightly belated Christmas miracle. A good time was had by all. Thanks, everyone!
Well, that’s true. I’m more curious about the numbers for use as a menstrual device.
Glad to hear Moses parted the Red Sea for you! Thank Somebody for small miracles!
Insteads leak awfully for me. And when those things leak, THEY LEAK. No way am I trying them again.
I have to say, I don’t think I’d dare to use it as my primary method of protection. With a nod to zweisamkeit and **Zsofia **, when a tampon leaks you get the little bit of blood that was just too much for it. When Instead leaks, you get *hours * worth of blood pouring out of it (speaking of Carrie at the prom!). Not cool.
Which we can call Carrie in the shower in the opening scene.