I’ve been using Instead almost since they came out, and I love them. They can be a little messy to take out, but the fact that I never have to change it at the office makes up for it. (I hate that feeling of prowling around attempting to hide a tampon behind your arm while going to the restroom). They also smell much better than tampons.
I do not reuse them, except in emergencies. I have found that they sometimes leak during bowel movements, but that’s not a problem, since I’m already in the right place for that to happen. I use them despite the warning on the box not to use them with an IUD - you actually just have to be careful not to pull the string.
I’ve been using mine for… what, a year now?? I adore it. YES you will need to trim the stem (handle) because otherwise it pokes out and it’s uncomfortable. Also, a hint for removal: Keep your fingers pressed together when you go to grab the stem, so you don’t get them slippery. Then PUSH as you pull it out. This makes a big difference.
Anyway, I’m still very happy with mine! Tampons gave me cramps, too, but the Keeper doesn’t. I’ve still never had it leak.
Oh yeah! By the time I got used to using mine I forgot all about this thread, lol. The Keeper really does take a few months of getting used to, I had the hardest time getting it out until I read the tip at their site to break the suction by inserting the finger of the opposite hand. Cumbersome but I got pretty quick with it after a while. One of my minor troubles was that our house has a little “water closet” set up, meaning the toilet is in it’s own little room apart from the rest of the bathroom with the sink, etc. I didn’t think the Keeper was clean enough for my tastes with just a TP wiping so I got in the habit of cleaning it with a Tucks-type pad before reinsertion. When out of the house or on a trip I use those new Always hygiene wipes (which of course is just as big a waste as the pads, huh? Oh well.) The shower removal and reinsertion is the best way to go. It’s still a bit messy at times but nothing like the Instead cups.
I’ve found that I don’t have cramping as bad as when I wore tampons, but I also find that I have to wear a pad in addition to the Keeper because of seepage/overflow. So it’s sorta a toss up. It’s good, but it doesn’t entirely replace pads for me. I do use a lot less though, obviously. I do feel it at times like when I have a full bladder, etc, but I have a tilted uterus and I don’t know if that factors in at all in regards to the position of my other innards.
Oh and I’m not sure how to put this discreetly, but when you’re learning how to take it out, if you have a lot of hair in that area, you may want to shave it until you get the hang of removal. Hopefully I won’t have to elaborate on that.
No, the cramps weren’t nearly as bad with the Instead as with tampons. Of course, they weren’t any better than they normally were with pads either, but I guess that’s just asking too much.
I have been reading some of the posts about the Keeper, though, and it seems like it leaks less for some people than Instead does. I may give that a try and see how it works. For those that have it, can you have sex comfortablly with it in?
NOOOOO! Go take a look at the picture on the site. (www.keeper.com) It’s a firmer rubber (which may be why it fits better) and it’s longer and sits lower in the vagina. You might be able to have comfortable sex, but I can guarantee your partner won’t! I would get one anyway, but keep some Instead on hand for sex. (Not a problem for me, I don’t want anyone to lay a hand on me then, lol.)
You know … I really do want to try this thing, but I had such a bad experience the one time I tried Instead (couldn’t get it to seat right no matter what and MESSY as hell removing), I’m leery of ordering something even remotely like Instead.
However, I dislike tampons (uneven flow, makes me cramp more) and I despise pads (may as well wear a diaper). I’m so indecisive.
I can never resist an opportunity to link to the wonderful Museum of Menstruation. (Yes, I am a man with a healthy attitude towards menstruation.[sup]tm[/sup])
Thanks for reviving this Shirley Ujest for the simple fact I had never heard of it. It sounds way interesting to me but…how do you cope with changing in a public toilet? The reason I ask is because I have a very heavy flow (the first two days) and I might have to do this, besides that it sounds wonderful! Does it hold enough that you don’t have to change if your out in public, say morning till night? If so, I’m off to buy it!
Happy to revive a popular thread that benifits womankind.
To change the Keeper in a public bathroom, it is a good idea to take one or two paper towels in the john with you. (I’m a bit of a must-have-more-than-necessary in this department) and after emptying the Keeper into the toilet, wipe it with said towel and reinsert. Exit stall and wash hands.
Once you get the hang of it it is nothing.
I have a pretty heavy flow the first day or so and instead of several tampons used, I just empty the MC maybe once in the morning, again in the after noon and once before bed.
All I wear with it is a panty liner (as I would with a tampon)
Hmmm…I was under the impression that this usually only happens to old women. And cows.(James Herriot anyone?) <adds to my list of “why I never want to be pregnant”>
Put me in the anti/ewww camp for these things. If I spilled it on my hand I’d probably throw up, god I hate the sight of blood…
I haven’t used the Keeper, (and this may have been noted already, sorry if so), but I know a few women who do, and they all report that their formerly-severe menstrual cramps are much, much better with the Keeper. I think they noticed a real difference after a few months, so I’d give it some time if I were to use it for this reason.
Thanks Shirley Ujest, I’m defenitly up for trying this as I hate tampons as I almost always end up with thrush after my period (more TMI for the guys ) and pads feel like your wearing a nappy!
I just bought a pack of Instead, because I hate tampons. I opened one package and looked at it. I think I’m going to wait until I’m not a virgin anymore. Even tampons kind of hurt.
Just remember that things get better with practice.
(I’m of course referring to both the menstural appliances and the sex, heh heh. Don’t get put off at first if you have difficulties with either. Good luck!)
I am just *giddy * with delight that this thread has resurfaced again.
Back to the subject: I have found my cramps lessening since using the MC, but it could be that way because of having kids and getting older. Dunno, tough call.
I will have to say after all this time using the MC, I did have my first painful incident after inserting it too deep. ( I was day dreaming and well, just shoved it in in it’s folded in-half state) and when it opened up at the opening of my cervix. Well, mama, I will tell you, for about five minutes, getting off the toilet was near impssible, it was like a contraction in labor, but worse. (worse because it was totally unexpected. Like someone pulling your short hairs.)
Eventually I pushed down, broke the seal and re inserted it without a daydream going on.
I use them despite the warning on the box not to use them with an IUD - you actually just have to be careful not to pull the string.
I would get one anyway, but keep some Instead on hand for sex. (Not a problem for me, I don’t want anyone to lay a hand on me then, lol.)