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natural feminine hygiene solutions For the ladies only... This is a rather delicate topic, which is why I hadn’t addressed it until now.  To all you men – you may stop reading now… see you tomorrow!

I also had to consult with some friends, as I don’t have a lot of experience with natural solutions in this area, as I’ve been pregnant for so much of the last 6 years.

That being said, I’m glad I did ask my friends about this so I could write the post…. turns out there are a lot of natural feminine hygiene solutions that I didn’t know about (and will be ordering for when I need them). These are also the most eco-friendly options out there, and will save money in the long run.

Did you know? Each year, more than 12 BILLION sanitary pads and 7 BILLION tampons are dumped into landfills?

An average woman menstruates for over 40 years, leaving hundreds of pounds of disposable products in landfills. Fortunately, there are some great, organic and green alternatives to toxic, plastic containing disposables now. Most women shell out $5-14 per cycle on disposable products, so these options can save a lot of money!

Without further delay … these are the top recommended feminine products from my naturally minded friends:

The Diva Cup

Sad to say, I did not even know such a thing existed. As you may gather from its name, it is a silicon cup that is inserted vaginally and it takes the place of tampons and pads during your period. There are two sizes, one for pre-childbearing years and one for after you’ve had a child (or two or three…).

Unlike tampons, there is no danger of Toxic Shock Syndrome with the Diva Cup and it is completely re-usable. It can be boiled to sanitize or washed with drinking water. Many women also report that it is much more comfortable, and most only have to change it every 8-12 hours, which is more convenient.

If you’ve ever used one… please let me know what you thought in the comments…

Cloth Menstrual Pads

If a DivaCup is not your thing, there are also a lot of options for cloth menstrual pads. They can be bought individually, in kits, or as thinner panty liners for light days. (all of those are made from organic cotton). They are also much healthier, contain no chemicals and don’t contribute to landfill waste. There are even some fun patterns and colors if you want cute alternatives!

Organic Menstrual Pads

If the idea of a Diva cup or cloth pads is not your thing, it is possible to find organic disposable tampons or disposable pads so you can at least avoid the chemicals in the conventional versions.

Natural Pain Relief

Tylenol and other acetominophen based pain relief options are chemically based and emerging research is finding that they are toxic to your mitochondria (you need those little guys!). Luckily, there are a lot of natural options out that, and you can also address the underlying problem and not just mask the pain.

  • Vitex- A fertility aid that also helps ease menstrual cramps by balancing hormones. It is also used by herbalists for increasing fertility, though it should be discontinued when a woman becomes pregnant. When not pregnant, it can be taked daily.
  • Red Clover- Another herb that is supportive of menstrual health and function. It has been know to ease endometriosis and PCOS and is helpful for cramps. It should also be discontinued when a woman becomes pregnant. When not pregnant, it can be taked daily.
  • Progesterone Cream- A natural progesterone cream is perhaps the best remedy, long-term for many menstrual problems. I’ve had many clients conceive by adding progesterone to their regimen, and it also helps ease cramps. Many menstrual problems can be caused or exacerbated by too much estrogen in the body, and progesterone helps balance it out. If used, it should only be used in the second half of the cycle (ovulation until start of the period) and applied to the skin of fatty areas of the body like the thighs, buttocks, stomach, breasts and upper arms.
  • Taking magnesium regularly may also really help ease cramps (and there are a lot of other benefits to taking Magnesium too!)

Do you have any natural tips for dealing with feminine health? Ever used any of the suggestions above? Please let me know below!

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Wellness Mama is a full-time housewife with a background in nutrition, journalism and communications. Her passion is helping others achieve optimal health through a “Wellness Lifestyle.” She has helped hundreds of clients lose weight, increase athletic performance, improve fertility, and overcome numerous health problems and diseases. Connect with her on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, & Pinterest.

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  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=780449665 Jo Andrell

    I’ve been using a Mooncup (same thing as DivaCup) for about 10 years now and I love it.  I found the first couple of times I emptied it were a bit gross but it doesn’t bother me at all now.  It’s so easy to use and I find that the last few days of my period I only empty it once a day.  Heck of a lot cheaper and definitely more  eco-friendly!

  • Karen

    Red raspberry leaf tea has been a LIFESAVER for me in relieving terrible cramps.  I definitely recommend it!

  • Dflycove

    I have used the Diva cup and I loved it! They are a bit expensive at first but that by far is less than you’ll pay in six months or normal pads and tampons. They don’t smell or stain if properly cleaned and I had no trouble inserting or removing. A lot easier to throw in your purse or pack for a trip should you not want any surprises. It has been a couple of years since I had one but now that you brought it up, thinking about getting another

  • Virginia

    After many years of using a combination of the Diva cup and cloth pads (which I make myself), I find that I actually can’t use the commercial disposable products anymore. They…irritate me. Which makes me wonder how good all that processed paper and plastic are for that region. I love to contemplate the savings in waste and money!

  • Katie

    Love the Diva cup also.  I agree with the earlier comment, it is a little gross to empty it the first couple of times, but it is hands down way better than tampons.  I wish I would have discovered them years ago!

  • http://www.themiddlethatcounts.com/ Melissa

    Divacup = best invention known to man….or, more technically…woman.  Anyway, at the risk of being way TMI, I have awful menstrual cycles and have practically had to just stay at home 5 days/month for years & years.  And the Divacup has been a huge lifesaver for me.  It took about 2 months (cycles) to get used to it and get the insertion correct. 

    Funny story…last May, when we were in Russia adopting our youngest son, we were there for almost 30 days.  On our way TO Russia, I accidentally left my Divacup in the hotel bathroom and didn’t realize it till I needed it 3 weeks later (who knows what the hotel staff thought when they found it?).  Anyway, when I DID realize I needed it and that I had left it, I was beside myself, because I knew I would be traveling on a plane for 24 hours (including all layovers, etc.) with 2 small children.  I ended up doing some research and found a Russian company that manufactures a very similar product that – thank goodness! – was within 20 minutes of our hotel.  I fought through the language barrier and offered to pay double to get one delivered to me at our hotel (yes, I love these things that much) – they took pity on me and delivered it without my having to pay extra and my sanity on the plane ride(s) home was saved!

    Well, that was way longer than I thought it might be.  I haven’t shared that on my blog because I doubt my dad would appreciate reading about it – haha – but it’s been fun to share here. :)

    I have some red raspberry leaves and need to get serious about making a tea – but I do not like tea in the least bit, so I’ve been reluctant about trying it.  I do have AWFUL cramps, though, so maybe I need to just take one for the team and learn to down it for my body’s sake.

    And finally, that’s interesting about the progesterone.  Thirteen years (and plenty of infertility testing/treatments years ago), and I’ve never once been pregnant.  Although we have 2 beautiful children, I’m always still curious if there’s one thing I could change, in order to add to our family, what it might be.  So far, I haven’t found it (despite changing our diet radically and a host of other things).  We’ll see, I guess!

  • http://twitter.com/adustyframe adustyframe

    OK, I’m intrigued about the Vitex–do you take it all the time for pain relief (monthly…) or take it as needed like you would the chemical stuff?

    I’ve been taking Krill oil for a couple months and noticed my menstrual symptoms are considerably lessened. I read that’s one of the things it does for women.

  • Cathy

    Hmm, haven’t tried natural pain relief aside from using calcium and magnesium, probably should give it a shot, though.  Honestly, when using cloth, the cramps seem less…not sure how that’s possible but it sure feels that way.

    I do have and sometimes use the Diva cup, as well as cloth pads.  LOVE the cloth pads!  The Diva cup, well, I love the idea, but for some odd reason it seems to push on my bladder when it’s in which gets irritating.  I’ve tried different positions for inserting (sorry, TMI) and have had five children so am pretty comfortable with the area.  :P   It’s still useful for swimming or use on heavy days when I’d soak a pad too much.   Actually, I just bought my 11 YO one (she’s been cycling for 1.5 years now)…need to ask her if she’s tried it yet.  I plan to buy or make her cloth pads soon, too…she went to school this year but will be back to homeschooling next year so cloth will be easier for her to use when at home most days.

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    If you don’t like the tea, they actually make red raspberry leaf capsules: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000AR8PXW/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=herbkati-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000AR8PXW I’d definitely encourage the progesterone though. At the least, it should drastically help your cramps. Just a note: if you do conceive, do not stop using the cream!!! Use it until at least 3 months to keep your levels up so you don’t miscarry!

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    It helps acutely, but it is also good to take regularly (as long as you aren’t pregnant) to help prevent cramps all together.

  • Phil

    Hi  I have been using the Moon cup for about a year now.  It took me a while to get used to it especially on the heavy days as it is a bit gross and sometimes a bit messy.  i only use it when I am heavy, ie. the first 2 days.   The first time I came to empty it I panicked and couldn’t get it out!!!!  I had thoughts running through my head of my husband having to come to the rescue.  Luckily with lots of breathing I was able to do it…..
    It was a bit uncomfortable at first but it is like tampons your body has to get used to to.
    As one of the ladies has said that they can’t use commercial sanitary towels/tampons now.  I am the same as they tend to itch for me or I sweat more.  
    If I have to buy any then I will find the cotton ones which are eco and environmentally friendly.  
    I have only found the reusable pads recently, and they are on my wish list to buy over the next couple of months, as we have only just moved to a new country and I need to find the supplier…

    In respect to pain relief, I practice yoga 2 to 3 times a week.  If I haven’t done that or lots of walking during the month, I feel my period coming a week before I get it.  Otherwise no signs at all….  

    Philxxx

  • Angledance

    Hi, I hope it’s okay to chime in, but for cramping I have read that clarysage and basil rubbed on the abs and the back are amazing for feminine pain relief, including ovarian cysts. I would try to find doTerra essential oil, (it’s pure and organic). Best of luck to you and thank you for sharing.

  • AW

    I want to comment that after doing research I decided to switch to the Diva Cup, but was told by the salesperson they are NOT recommended for women with IUDs.  Apparently, the suction of taking it out can cause misplacement of an IUD.  Of course, I don’t know what the chances of this happening are, but apparently it has happened and is a possibility. 

  • Sara

    I’ve been using flannel pads that I invested in many years ago—-15?  17?  It was a huge investment at the time (maybe $45), but they’re still in great shape and I love them much more than the commercial stuff.  I even made a few more out of cloth diapers I was getting rid of.

  • Emma

    I’ve been using The Keeper (same thing as the Diva Cup) for 15 years.  I bought two at the time of my original purchase, but have yet to the use the second one as my first one is still holding up.  It’s just now beginning to show signs of needing to finally be replaced soon.  

  • Michelle_M

    I have used the Diva cup for a year now and LOVE IT. I would seriously never go back. I don’t find it to be gross or messy at all, but I have pretty normal/light periods. I also never had issues with it being uncomfortable or confusing to use. I read on their website to replace it every year or so.

    I don’t think I would like the reusable pads because of the wet feeling.

  • Martablock

    I love, love, love the DivaCup!  I first got one when I was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ghana.  They dispose of their trash mostly by burning it, and um, you can’t really burn used tampons (insert gagging noise here!)  =)  My fellow volunteer told me about The Keeper (a natural rubber cup similar to the Diva Cup). I went with the Diva because I liked that you could boil it to sanitize it.  I had my first one for 5 years – definitely a way to save money & the earth.  I ordered a size 2 after I had my son (I was also 30 at the time so thought it would be the right one). After several months, I realized it didn’t fit as well as I liked & went back to the size 1 – so if you don’t have the right fit, you may need to change! I tell all my friends about it!

  • Amanda L

    LOVE the Diva Cup. I have been using it for about 2 years now and absolutely love it. It took a little getting used to on the first cycle, but after that it has been so great. It’s true, I can go all day on an average day without emptying it and on heavy days have to empty once during the day. Otherwise it’s first thing in the morning and then again before bed. Saves a ton of money and no carrying around stupid disposables. I’ve even mastered it’s use while camping. Definitely a little interesting since you should rinse it when you empty it, but that can be substituted with other methods if necessary. So so great! 

  • Vjsprang

    I purchased a diva-cup about a year ago when we started becoming more eco-conscious.  It does take a little bit of getting used to when it comes to inserting it properly…I think it took me 3 cycles to get it down really well. Once you get the hang of it though, it is wonderful to use. Being able to go for 12 hours without even thinking about it is a definite plus. The only time it is a pain is when you have to do it in a public restroom and the toilet is not close to the sink. I typically don’t use it if I anticipate that happening, but I’ve heard some women carry a baby wipe for those occasions and just wipe it off. Now after using it for a year, I LOVE it and would never go back to using tampons.

  • http://crobinator.com/ crobinator

    I love my diva cup. I used it for 3 years before having my son (only one cup. It did not need replacing), and got the bigger size after birth, so I am on my sixth year. Best $60 I ever spent. I empty when I wake up and again before bed. You stay naturally lubricated, no chemicals to irritate ppd or pcos, easy to clean. The learning curve was made simpler by finding different folds for insertion and reading a great forum by menstrual cup users on livejournal. Run, do yoga….it is all good. So glad I learned about them.

  • http://crobinator.com/ crobinator

    Ive never heard of it happening, but if you don’t break the suction seal by running your finger along the side and slightly denting it, pulling it out can be painful and scary as suction is created when you insert it. As long as you bend it, its great. Never heard of an iud incident though. The cups are so awesome, it’s worth researching.

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  • Kalileko

    I’ve had my Diva cup for 5-6 years now and I love it! It’s not perfect but it’s by far the best solution for me of the ones that’s out there. I live in Scandinavia and at the time I purchased it it wasn’t available over here. So I bought one together with some cloth pads from canada. The best investment I’ve ever made!

    By now the cloth pads are worn out and I’ve made my own from worn out towels, fleece shirt and a pair of velour pants I wasn’t using. The cup is holding up perfect still – it gets a little discoloured but nobody is seeing it and I know it’s sanitary clean. I’ve also cut the stem of completely as it kept poking me and making insertion less flexible (much easier to find a comfortable position now).

    I have hypermobility issues in my pelvis and lover back so maybe my cramping issues are different from others as they are primarily in my lower back and I have lots of knots there and in my buttocks as well. But my cramping is lessened by using cloth for the first couple of days (they are super comfortable and help me relax my muscles of that whole region) together with an ibubrofene tablet and a nap. When things have settled down a little I stretch my backside muscles and switch to the cup – by this time I don’t feel a thing and can actually forget that I’m on my period. This is amazing as before I would get fevers and cold sweat from the pains and almost labour like contractions.

    I also find that a no grain and sugar eating regime helps keep me pain free!

    I have a friend who has mild vulvodynia issues and despite that she’s able to use tampons she thinks that the cup is to large for her after she saw mine. I don’t know if it is helping that you stay naturally lubricated with the cup and she’s a bit scared to try it out (and reluctant to pay for a cup if it turns out not to work).

  • http://fitformyfork.wordpress.com/ Sam

    I have a LadyCup, which is just like a DivaCup. I absolutely LOVE it and I could not imagine life without it anymore. It took about 6 months worth of periods to get totally confident with it, and I still won’t change it in public toilets. I only have to change it in the morning and once at night so this has never been a problem for me since I’m usually home then anyway. 

    If anyone hasn’t tried a cup, please, please do so. It won’t be easy right away, and it might gross you out, but the benefits you will have from using it (environmental and physical) will totally win you over to them within a few months. I can completely forget I am on my period!

  • http://kavulak.wordpress.com/ Kirsten

    I’ve been using a Moon Cup for the past few years, and the Diva Cup for a few years before that. I only wear it for about 3 days, and the rest of the days of my period I just wear black underwear. I have a small bladder so I end up using the restroom a lot anyway. :) Normally when the cup is in I can change it once a day (In the shower by preference!) though I’ve finally found the sweet spot in terms of comfort… unfortunately it’s so comfortable that I sometimes forget it’s in there until it’s completely full. D’oh.

    My ND put me on Vitex a few months ago since my estrogen/progesterone levels were a bit out of whack. (estrogen was too high compared to the progesterone) So far it hasn’t made a difference on the cramps, though mine have always been fairly light. I do generally get really bad mood swings the day before my period starts, but this past month my mood was so normal that I was actually surprised when my period started. Anyway, I guess we’ll see how things go after a few more months have passed with the Vitex…

  • SarahLeigh

    I got two Meluna cups (like Diva – I got one of each size) about a year and a half ago and love love love them too! Even though I’m younger and have no kids I got the size 2 for my heaviest days. Its less comfy than the correct size but totally worth it when I don’t want to be leaking at work. I use cloth panty liners as well, for the light days or backup to the cups. One big thing I noticed when I switched over was I cramped up a lot less using the cups and felt less cruddy in general during my periods.

  • Rockymtnkristen

    I am 40 and just learned about the diva cup last month!! I’m so disappointed that I just discovered it! It was about $40 at whole foods but considering it’s the only product I will ever need again and it is reusable I think it’s a steal! I thought it was extremely easy to use and comfortable and reliable. I also love that I’m not filling landfills anymore! I would highly recommend it and thanks for getting the word out I think more women would use it if they knew about it and if it was available more places!

  • http://twitter.com/bunny_warrior Bunny

    Prefold cloth diapers make awesome pads! I made pads that specifically fit into my different styles of underwear, so it doesn’t feel so bulky.  Prior to my pregnancy, I used sponges, and I look forward to getting a cup when my period resumes after birth. Sponges worked great for me, but it was a pain to have to boil them after every single use, and to have to carry around the dirties until I got home. I found that other women got REALLY grossed out when they found out I was using reusables, which seems so odd to me.

  • Guest

    I’ve used a Diva Cup for about 5 years now (the same one – that may sound gross but they clean up as good as new each time and I’ve not had any problems with the silicone degrading).  I will say that it took several months to get used to it and it was fairly uncomfortable at first but I was determined not to give up.  Now I don’t even notice it, only have to empty it once a day and never have to make emergency trips to the store.  I love it for travel and I love not contributing to the land fill.  I would never go back!

  • Kristy K

    I have never heard of such a thing!  I am so excited!  I just ordered a Moon Cup from a vendor on Amazon for $22 with free shipping.  Thank you all so much for the information!

  • Sarah

    on the bottle of vitex, it says to take “2 capsules two times daily”… do I really need to take 4 capsules in one day? I mean it just seems like so much… 

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    I’d start with one twice a day and go from there…

  • http://www.facebook.com/jasonphilsteeves Jason Steeves

    I have never used a Diva Cup but after reading this am very interested to try it! I have had much success with relief from menstrual pain with Magnesium or a Calcium/Magnesium (ratio 1:2) supplement. 

  • http://www.facebook.com/jasonphilsteeves Jason Steeves

    btw, my husband DID NOT post this…:-)

  • Katy

    are you sure that they[the Mooncup/DivaCup] don’t leak? – tampons never work great for me, but i’m a ballet dancer and so i don’t know what else to do during “that time” of the month! – any ideas?

  • http://www.pursuingjoy.blogspot.com/ Tracy

    quite by accident,  a few years ago, I discovered that taking a couple of garlic capsules several times a day GREATLY decreased both my flow and my cramping. If I start taking them a day before I start my period – even better….

  • Sarah

    I just started using the Diva Cup two months ago and I LOVE it! For me, tampons always became incredibly uncomfortable, and I don’t notice the Diva Cup at all. Plus, since starting to use the Diva Cup I have felt like a new woman during my period in only having to empty/clean the cup every 10-12 hours. Gone are the days of trying to get to the bathroom at work unnoticed with feminine products in tote :-) After the first few tries at inserting the cup, I found it very easy. And as long as I make sure the cup has opened all the way once it’s inserted I don’t have any issues with leaking, etc. I’ve been rambling on and on about all the positive aspects of my Diva Cup to my poor husband for weeks now…poor guy! Oh, and as others have already pointed out, I like not having the expense of feminine products every month. I also like not being in the position of having to make an emergency run for products if my cycle starts early – I’m always ready to go with my cup!

  • Laura

    Just got the Diva Cup and love it! I had always used tampons (never liked pads; always felt too much like having a piece of wet newspaper between my legs). Over the last couple of years, however, tampons had been giving me increasing discomfort, and after I had my first baby nine months ago, I couldn’t use them at all without intense pain. The DC is a great alternative- it keeps everything contained and clean, and I can can’t feel it at all (if you can feel it, it’s probably not in correctly). To each their own, of course, but if pads and tampons just aren’t doing it for you, you should definitely check out the Diva Cup.

  • Sugarplums2005

    I just bought my diva cup two months ago and so far I really like it. I am still having a little bit of trouble getting it in and out but once its set I completely forget about it. I have had some issues though, this is definitely going to be TMI just a fair warning but I want to share my issues and let ladies know that I still love this product. My first issue was that I had some minor leaking BUT that was entirely my fault. When I removed the cup I heard and felt that it had not opened up all the way. So now I double check to make sure but the for your first couple cycles you definitely want to use some type of backup pad just to save yourself some possible embarrassment. Once you are positive you have mastered “insertion” then you will be fine without backup. My second problem was that I got a yeast infection right after my cycle ended. I have had one in the past but this time I am fairly certain that it was the Diva Cup but again I blame myself. After reading many blogs I think what happened was that I maybe didn’t rinse the soap (the diva wash) completely off before reinserting. I have a very sensitive body, sensitive skin, sensitive digestion, the list goes on so maybe a little extra soap wouldn’t be irritating to someone else but for me it was awful. Once I figured out the proper insertion and made sure I double rinsed my cup everything went perfectly. I love this product and their is no way I am going back to tampons. I save money, I am not being wasteful and honestly I think a little string hanging between the legs is way worse than being initially grossed out during removal of the cup. So try one but be ready to get up close and personal with your lady bits! PS-definitely be sure to read through all the FAQS on the website if you do choose to go with a diva cup. Make sure you know everything about the diva cup so you don’t ruin it with the wrong soap or storage etc.

  • Lytlejoc

    Diva cup all the way! I haven’t needed feminine supplies in over a year now since I have a 5 month old, but the Diva is so much better than disposable pads or tampons that I don’t have trouble remembering how great it is. I had to get disposable pads for the lochia after my son was born and I loathed them. The Diva, as someone else mentioned above, was only a little bit icky to wash out the first few times, but I got over it quickly. It stays comfortably in place and I didn’t need to empty it more than once every twelve hours. Just boil it at the end of your cycle and it’s ready to go for the next month! SO worth your while.

  • Eliottisland

    I have been using a Diva Cup for over 2 years now and I love it! It is an initial investment but like the others have said it pays itself off in about 6 monthes. For overnight or backup I use my homemade pantyliners just in case, I find them both super comfortable and the amount of garbage that gets cut down especially when there are more than one on their cycle is amazing. A mark of difference. The cup is also nice to travel with or if you are in the bush as well.

  • Kirsten Martel

    I know this post is a few months old, but just wanted to add my two cents!  I’ve been using the Diva Cup for a few months now and love it.  Way better than pads and tampons.  I did cut the tip of mine a bit to make it a little shorter since it was poking me a bit and uncomfortable the first few times.   I plan on continuing with the Diva Cup for many years.  Great product!

  • Naomihaskins

    love my diva cup & mama cloth… There is a definate learning curve, so thank goodness for you tube videos to learn different folds… Watching insertion with a vase was super helpful!

  • Lauren

    I’ve been using a Diva Cup for 3 years and I absolutely love it! It is very comfortable and I only empty it twice a day even on my heaviest days. It takes some getting used to, but it is worth sticking out.

  • erin

    For cramps I’ve been using accupressure. The spot is called spleen six, its located four finger widths above the inner ankle bone. You can just press on it for about 30 seconds each side, or tape a small ball of paper or a grain of rice to it

  • persephoneenexile

    I wish I had tried this. Now there are bathrooms with sinks in the same stalls so it would be more convenient than ever to use.

  • lauren

    I have a divacup and its wonderful! It doesn’t interupt the moisture balance down there (I find tampons can do that) and I save soooo much money by not buying pads or tampons!

  • http://twitter.com/Nina_DiCrist Nina

    I’ve been using my diva cup for over 3 years now and it has never given me problems. I used cloth panty liners for a while with it since there was a learning curve, but I was OK with that. Other things that helped relieve me of my cramps: taking in enough iron, exercising regularly…especially during(!), sleeping a lot and not eating sugar/caffeine. The iron and sugar/caffeine I do during my period to ease cramps, the others I do all the time. An easy way to up regular iron intake is by taking a T of blackstrap molasses every day and drinking an iron rich tea (rasp leaf, nettles, etc), I’ve found.

  • http://twitter.com/Nina_DiCrist Nina

    I think it’s kind of awesome to be so connected to my cycle! Seeing how much I’m emptying is almost like a science experiment haha

  • Martie

    Totally agree about the Natural Bio Identical Progesterone. I’ve been suffering for the last 4 years with very heavy periods, actually more like hemorrhaging that lasts 6 days. Even with the Fabulous Diva Cup I still had to remove it every hour. It was all I could do to keep my health, I eat an excellent diet (Makers Diet) and take good supplements. I tried just about every herb without success. I found out that a lot of them contain estrogen and since my symptoms indicated estrogen dominance. they actually made it worse. I was just about at my wits end when I came across Dr John Lee’s books on hormonal balance and he mentioned Natural Bio Identical Progesterone, it not the same as the chemical based Progesterone that causes cancer. I ordered one of the brands (Emerita) that he recommended. It’s an absolute MIracle– no more flooding! Less cramps and other horrible pains!

    It takes at least two cycles to get you regulated so don’t be discouraged. Also be sure to read Dr Mercola’s informative article on natural progesterone. It explains the doses and when and where to apply the cream.

  • http://www.facebook.com/melissag28 Melissa Gingerich

    I love my diva cup. It is cost effective (tampax doesn’t get $5-10 of my money a month anymore). It leaks less (almost never unless you have it in wrong). It is great for swimming. You can almost forget that you have your period. I would never go back. It did take a month or two to get used to, but the freedom it is worth the effort.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=621971241 Kami McFarland Noland

    Hi Melissa! I had to go through infertility treatments to get pregnant with our little girl. My husband has a spinal cord injury so IVF was our only option. Although I had no fertility issues, it still took us two years and 7 embryos. On the last try with our last embryo, I didn’t use any drugs, only acupuncture. It worked! I had a friend struggling with infertility from no known cause. After a failed IVF cycle, I told her about acupuncture, and it work for her, too. If you haven’t tried it, may want to consider it. :)

  • http://www.facebook.com/bonny.sommertrambarran Bonny Sommert Rambarran

    my daughter uses a diva cup and loves it (don’t need one myself!) I used pregesterone cream for YEARS AND YEARS. It really did help!

  • http://twitter.com/NurturedBirth1 NurturedBirth

    Love my Diva Cup or Keeper with cloth pantiliner back up. I take cramp bark tincture for cramps, although they’re much less than they were when I used tampons. I also try to drink red clover, red raspberry leaf, nettle infusions throughout my cycle, at least seven days. The red clover seems to help balance my hormones (as does avoiding too much sugar and getting enough sleep) so that I don’t have spotting a few days before the actual bleeding starts. I don’t mind the heads up but since it’s an indicator of hormone imbalance I figure it’s best to manage it :) The red clover/RRL/nettles infusions are also very high in cal/mag which I’m sure helps with my cramping. I often have very little discomfort and don’t even need the cramp bark for it. Motherwort tincture is also very effective although it tastes awful.

  • sarah

    I like the cloth menstrual pads. I really wanted to like the Diva cup but I had so many problems with it. I am 30 and have given birth to a child so I ordered model 2 but it was so big I couldn’t fit it in my vagina. I then tried model 1 and it was still rather large, but I was able to fit it. I had a lot of pain removing the cup because it was so large. It made me really sore. And then, after using it for a few days, I contracted a yeast infection despite washing it carefully after each use. I love the idea of using something reusable like the Diva cup, and I was looking forward to saving money on tampons, but it just didn’t work. I don’t recommend it. :(

  • Rita

    Love, Love, Love it!! I will NEVER switch back. I’ve been using a Diva Cup for 6 years. I don’t cramp as bad and I don’t need to change as often. It does take a few cycles to get confident in the changing process and the product itself. I’ve only had one leakage problem (it was full) when I first started using it. I was happy to have had a light day on that day. Once you learn how your body flows, it’s worth the change.

  • Chelsea Pickard

    Ok, I tried to read through the comments to see if anyone had already answered my question, and didn’t see it, so here goes: I tried the NuvaRing a couple years ago (a birth control method in the form of a monthly insert that looks like a jelly bracelet,) and it caused chronic UTI’s that led to other bladder issues that are just now going away. I understand that you wash the cups between uses, but, like another woman said below, my body is just very, very sensitive, so I would even have to be careful of how I wash my cup should I choose to buy one. I also understand that you don’t use the cup for as many days consecutively as something like the NuvaRing, but you use it for a much longer period of time non-consecutively than disposable tampons. My sweet husband went out to buy tampons for me a few months ago, bought the type but not the brand I normally use, and I had a near instant reaction that caused me to have to wear pads for the rest of my period (and seemed to cause issues further into my cycle.) Has anyone had or heard of anyone having an issue with irritation or infection using any of the cups? (I’m doing my research to see which cup I think would work best for me.) I think may be less inclined to keep one cup for a long period of time (more than a year) because of my previous experiences with different inserts. Anyway, I’m just very cautious about feminine hygiene products – thanks!

  • Victoria Meyers

    I had a Diva cup and it never did fit just right, I kept trimming and trimming, and trimming! But I still preferred it to pads and tampons, which I also have trouble with. I used it with cloth pads that I make myself. Warning however, I dropped mine in the toilet while removing it, it was a nasty mess to reach in after it, but I could not catch it. It was like it was alive and running away from me and it finally went too far out of reach down the pipe. Then the same thing happened to my daughter’s diva cup just a couple months later! Funny I don’t see anybody complaining of anything like that! I want to get another but the cost is high…

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    I haven’t heard of anyone getting irritation, but maybe try one and see if it works for you, and if you make the switch, get a couple so you can boil/sterilize when you change them…

  • MomLady

    I used a Diva cup. I got the bigger one, because I had already had my first baby. It was too big and uncomfortable, so I got the smaller one. It was also too big and uncomfortable. I tried using it again after my second baby, and found it was still too big and uncomfortable. Wound up going back to regular pads, but have been told that there are other kinds of menstrual cups out there and they are not all created equal. I don’t have the money to buy and test any of them, so for right now I’m still using conventional products. Hopefully soon, though, I’ll be able to change that.

  • lili

    I got the DivaCup. Unfortunately I bleed a ridiculous amount, so I have to pair it with cloth pads as well for the first few days. I got the fuzzibunz brand and LOVE them! I like that I don’t have to go shopping for anything every month and that I don’t stain anything anymore. Even with the Instead cups I stained myself terribly a few times at work so I switched to the reusable Diva. I have noticed, too that I have way less cramps and have been at it with the Diva cup/cloth pads for about 5 months now.

  • http://twitter.com/carolap93 Carol Petersen

    I’ve been using cloth pads for 7 months now, and I love them!!! The mild to severe cramping I’ve had on the first day or so is GONE and it’s so much better for the world, and me! I’ve been wanting to try a diva cup, and will, eventually…

  • samiC

    I love my DivaCup. I was introduced to it years ago from a backpacking friend. At first I still had to use tampons on heavy days as I was cleaning out the cup every 1/2hr. After switching to a holistic doctor and starting iron, magnesium and vitex (chasteberry) supplements, my cycles are normal enough that I can use the DivaCup for my entire cycle. For backpacking I dig a cathole to empty contents, rinse and clean, and bear bag it when not in use.

  • Amanda

    are all the natural pain relief options safe to use while breastfeeding? i’m the 5% of women who get their menstrual cycle while breastfeeding, ugh.

  • Magan Skinner

    I love both the diva cup and my mama cloth. They’re so simple and make me feel so much better that I’m doing my part.

  • Wattsywoman13

    I am love the Diva Cup!! I have been using it for just over 1 year and my only regret is that I didn’t know about it sooner. It is extremely easy to use, and the directions even give a couple examples for different ways to insert it so, everyone can find the easiest way for themselves.

    I found out about if from a friend, and have been using it since.

    I would like to highlight a couple benefits that were not my initial reason for my purchase of this product.

    The length that it can be left in is a huge plus. I used to struggle with finding the right night pad and panties to keep leaks from happening (always had issues with leaks). Since it can be left in for more than 8 hours, I now wear it to bed after cleaning it out in the shower from the day use. No more night pads! Additionally, it keeps the blood from spreading onto the sensitive skin in that area.
    It works great for swimming -no chemicals in, and no blood out!

    It really works to keep leaks from happening, so I rarely need a panty liner like I did when I used tampons.
    The other nice thing about not having to worry about toxic shock, is because you aren’t changing it that frequently you no longer need to worry about getting blood on your hands/everywhere else in a public bathroom!
    And to finish, yes, I have saved soo much money since switching to this product!
    I would recommend this to every woman!!

  • resmc

    Oddly enough, for cramping, nothing works so effectively and instantly as smoking catnip. Seriously! I had thought it was just a treat for my kitty, but as soon as I exhale it, the pain + ickiness lessened a lot. Once the edge is taken off with the first inhalation, I like to visualize the tension/’bad energy’ leave my body as I exhale … quite centering. (:

    If your local health food store has a bulk herb section, it should be there; I recommend picking up a bit of mullein to add to it, to make it easier to smoke. [A teeny bit of lavender, if you're in an indulgent mood.] I ran out of dried catnip this cycle, and out of utter desperation, ate a leaf from the plant in my garden; it helped, but I find smoking way more effective … not to mention, more pleasant!

    One thing I’ve been meaning to do again is to fill a small pillowcase with rice (& sew or even knot it up). When heated up, it makes the cheapest + most effective heating pad. Even with my cramps taken care of with herbs/magnesium, I find the warmth so deeply soothing, when I shower I end up ‘accidently’ wasting ungodly amounts of time and hot water. Hopefully I’ll remember to make this rice-cozy before my next cycle!

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  • Heather

    Jade pearl Sea Sponges. Wonderful!

  • 4mommyglo

    I have a question that is slightly off-topic: Do you have any suggestions for natural feminine wash–for the outside area?

  • http://www.facebook.com/irene.tiger.5 Irene Tiger

    I find that a good pilates session with lots of core exercises is I find that

  • Stacey Springall

    I got my first Diva about 7 years ago. I replaced it just last year. Not because it was breaking down but because it started to get pretty nasty looking. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! I couldn’t imagine using anything else and best of all it was created by a mother daughter team here in my town. :) They also have a wash that you can use to wash your Diva and your yoni, and it is ph balanced so it shouldn’t affect anyone. I’m fairly sensitive in that area myself and haven’t had any issues yet. I actually empty mine a couple of times a day but mostly that is just my need for cleanliness. Can’t say enough about my Diva and if/when my daughter is ready to use one for her moon time – we’ll get her one too. :)