Instead of ....

[FormerOstrich]

I know this is sorta weird topic but I thought I'd post it anyway.

About 4 years ago I discovered a product call "Insteads". They are instead of tampons or pads.

After I started using them I thought they were the greatest new product for women in my lifetime. I felt like I needed to let all my female friends know about them. I honestly thought everyone would want to know. So I first started with my sister and then another friend. They both were so negative about them (without ever even seeing or trying one) I thought maybe I didn't need to broadcast it like I had been thinking. I've told a few more women about them since. But that was met with something less than enthusasim or even interest.

However, I was just thinking again this week how I still think they are the greatest things. So I thought I'd post it here in case there are any other women out there that don't know about them and are a little more open minded (and I thought those I told were open minded).

There are only a couple of stores around my area that carry them. So I order them on-line sometimes.

Here is a link to the companies web site if you want to learn more about them: http://www.softcup.com/

[politicat]

1. I can use them on the later days, but day 1 and 2 ....

My cervix is slightly tipped, and the insteads tend to pop out of position after about two hours. I can't use any of the devices - keepers, instead, etc. I can't use a diaphragm either, for the same reasons.

Days 1 and 2 are the Tide o' Gore, so you can imagine what a pop out of position causes. I don't care for washing blood stains out of my clothing, thanks. But otherwise, I can use them later in the cycle.

[LizMoonstar]

2. these and other menstrual cups are awesome.

i've switched to a Keeper, but before I could afford one, I used Insteads. You know, even though they say that you have to dispose of them after each use, I always washed mine, and could use one per cycle before it lost its elasticity and would leak.

(I'm donating my extras to the local women's shelter, along with the tampons and disposable pads I don't use any more.)

In this area, pretty much all the big box stores carry them; where do you order from?

[FormerOstrich]

3. I order them from

Walgreen or drugstore.com.

I have never heard of keeper. I'll do some searching.

Thanks for the tip on reusing. I've considered it before because they are expensive and I thought with care there should be no problem.

Thanks!!

[NashVegas]

4. I Switched to a Diva Cup

It's similar to Keeper, but made of silicone.

When I used Insteads, like you, I would recycle, keeping an extra in my handbag to switch out with if I was out of the house.

I prefer the cup much more though, Insteads were much more messy for me.

Although I use a light pad for back-up, I love love love being free of tampons. Tampons are like a monthly tax on womanhood.