Menstrual cup, did you know there was such a thing?

I have been reading about Menstrual Cups. They are an alternative to tampons and pads, reusable, won't give you toxic shock, last 10 years, and claim to not leak. I opted for the Moon Cup from www.mooncupsandkeepers.com There are several brands to choose from, but this one had a good guarantee and I was a little afraid to commit. We are trying to "go green" over here and this seemed like as good a place to start as any. Honestly, I am so sick of shelling out the cash every month for tampons. They are expensive and there are other things I would rather spend that money on. The Moon Cup costs $35 which, if I like it and use it all the time, should save me money.

The Moon Cup is made of medical grade silicone, there is also latex option called The Keeper.

The directions looked a little difficult, but I have a college degree and could probably figure it out.
Here is the condensed version of the insertion directions:
1) wash your hands
2) fold up The Moon Cup oragami style
3) in a swift and decisive motion, shove it in
4) wait a few hours

For removal:
1) wash your hands
2) Reach up in there
3) pinch the cup
4) pray
5) yank it out

The first time I tried to use it, it was a little disconcerting. One has to be extremely familiar with one's body, if you know what I mean. I was practically elbow deep. Once it was in there, it was uncomfortable, so I had to get it out. During this part, I panicked a little and had to call Steve into the bathroom for moral support. (which he did not give, by the way)
The cup kind of stuck in there and had a pretty heavy suction going on. Despite his unsupportive fits of raucous laughter, Steve was able to bring me the directions, which I read one handed. I had forgotten to pinch the cup. Once I released the suction, smooth sailing.
I removed the cup and cut off a piece of the long end, handle thing, washed the whole thing off and tried again.
This time, everything was great. No problems putting it in or taking it out. It just has a learning curve. On another note, I didn't have any cramps with this cycle. Maybe those were caused by tampons? Not sure.

Pros:
1) low cost

2) lasts a really long time

3) good for the environment

4) don't have to empty it very often

5) made in America

Cons:

1) messy, might get less messy with more practice. Since nothing is absorbed, just collected, you get an intimate view of everything.

2) takes a while to learn how to use it

3) must be very comfortable touching your body

I will definitely use this again. It is very convenient to not have to carry supplies with me everywhere I go for a week.

My 15 year old daughter, Annalise, totally laughed when I offered to get her a menstrual cup. She is sticking with tampons and pads.