Instead (alternative female product)

[marksgirl2]

I have used it for the last two periods after a friend suggested it.

I love it! It is one size fits all and apparently does not fit everyone (especially if you have abnormal physiology like a titled uterus or a differently-shaped cervix). The first month was tough as, come to find out, I was taking it out wrong :rollseyes . The Instead website has a great FAQ that I found later and that you should check out too. Now I have no problems using the product. It is shaped like a diaphram with a thick ring and a cup like collection area. You insert it folded (like a taco - no pun intended ) and it snaps into place behind your pubic bone. It stays up and out of the way, and if it does not - if you can feel it at all internally or if you can insert a finger in there and move the cup around easily - then you have it in wrong or it doesn't fit you and you shouldn't use it.

It takes some getting used to - as someone mentioned, it is a cup and does not absorb the blood but only catches it. It also can leak a bit if you sneeze or cough real hard, but that is a momentary leak that can be cleaned up easily. Anyway, when you take it out it is messy so you should do so while sitting on the toilet. I let it drop immediately into the water (while holding it) and rinse it and my finger in the bowl and then throw the thing away, wash up, and insert another. I am diligent about having a clean toilet bowl btw. A bidet is awesome for the cleanup, but if you don't have one built in you can use a squeeze bottle just as well (just don't go squirting it in there unless you intend to douche). Once the new on is in, I do a finger douche with water only and then go on my merry way.

If your flow is very heavy at times, this product can be tough to use. When that happens for me, I just switch to a tampon for that day or two when I get solid matter.

I have yet to try this product during intercourse, but I will this weekend and would be happy to report back. My friend says she's worn it during vaginal sex and it's just like a diaphram - some guys feel it, some don't, and you won't feel it unless it gets dislodged by vigorous action. The product FAQs website is clear that if you nitend to do this, you should insert a fresh Instead immediately before having sex. I have used it for oral and my bf did not notice anything other than the slight difference in smell that comes with the hormone changes of having a period. Of course you can enjoy all sorts of anal action too without having to worry, though we have yet to try that (though maybe we will tonight facelick ).

Beware that none of this holds for the Diva Cup. That one is shaped like a cone and is not wearable during intercourse at all.

Hope all that info helps!

-marksgirl

[tracy1878]

Aunt Flo has interupted both of my last 2 playdates , so I thought I'd try Instead. Well.... long story short I wasn't comfortable. If I'm able to sit on the toilet and insert this, and still be able to feel it with my finger, won't my hubby or play partner be able to feel it during sex, or finger play? I decided I just wasn't comfortable enough to take the risk.

There is a little back story to this... Once upon a time I tried to use a Diaphragham (sp?). Went to the doc, they sized me for one, showed me how to use it and sent me home to practice. I practiced putting it in, but tried for 2 hours to take it back out. Hubby even tried to remove it for me, and he couldn't get it either. Went back to the doc, turned out they had given me the wrong size, and it took them some time to get it back out. I guess I'm just afraid of the darn thing getting pushed by a penis into the land of no return.

[sapphire68]

Originally Posted by essexcouple

U guys can't all be so horny that u can't have just a few days off! Ha ha. I find it makes the sex better because of the anticipation building up while I am on. Holding off for a bit makes it so much better after xx

I feel the same way. I always want sex more while I'm on it but can't wait to get off so I can actually do the deed.

[gatorvol64]

My husband convinced me that having sex while on my period was fine even before we were married (22 years ago). So, that has never been a problem. Which is good because I can get really horny during that time. <EG> I now use the birth control pill Seasonale. Only have four periods a year. Very nice.

Vol

[jsgal31]

I use the diva cup-- it's similar, but it's made of latex & you take it out, rinse & re-use. Very economical & good for the environment, etc., etc. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it. I highly recommend it. It does take some getting used to but it's so much easier than tampons or pads-- put it in, you're good to go for 12+ hours! I haven't had ANY problems with leaking or spotting while it's in. I'm not able to have vaginal intercourse with it in, but I can definitely play because it's so clean & anal is always on the menu!