October 4 2007: The Keeper
Filed under Body
I’ve been contemplating the Keeper for awhile now.
As a stingy tightarse who doesn’t like to part with her money, it pains me to hand over about $10AUD every month on feminine products like tampons and sanitary pads - that’s $130AUD a year, or over the course of my probable menstruating years, about $5000AUD. Heck, I’ve been menstruating for almost a decade now (early starter, started when I was eleven), so I’ve already spent $1300AUD on feminine products.
The menstrual cup on the other hand, costs only $55AUD, and has a lifespan of ten years. It’s washable and reusable - and considering how many tampons I send to the landfill every year (multiple three a day by seven days, by thirteen times a year)…that’s a probable two kilograms of unrecyclable waste. So, it’s a financially sound investment (if I start now, I could save $4500AUD by the time I hit menopause), with the added benefit of helping the environment.
What makes me hesitant then? I don’t know anyone who uses it. I’ve spoken about it with my doctor and he’s cleared me for use, but I want to hear some first-hand accounts of people who have experience with the menstrual cup - not testimonials on the official website.
If you use it, or know anyone who does, can you please contact me? Thank you muchly.
And now, for another long weekend of being Internet-less. Possibly be back Monday. Have fun!
22 Responses to “The Keeper”
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Try his LJ community:
http://community.livejournal.com/menstrual_cups/
Noemi on October 4 2007 #
I don’t know anyone who uses it, but my mom told me that she used to in the olden days…
It seems like a good way to save a lot of money in the long run :/
Kaylee on October 4 2007 #
First time I’ve heard about this… no wonder you don’ t know anyone who uses it.
It’s weird how “technology” is both moving forward and backwards. This alternative makes sense both environmentally and economically…. I’d opt for it if I hear more testimonials or it becomes popularized.
Crystal on October 4 2007 #
Well, one option if you really wanted to save money would be a sex change (but, being a man, I would say that!)
Peter on October 4 2007 #
one word. ew.
don’t you reckon it’s more hygenic and comfortable to use sanitary pads? I have a philosophy that sticking foreign objects into the body increases the chances of infection, disease, cancer.. bla bla bla.. list goes on.. (don’t get me wrong I reckon food does that too!)
Mish on October 4 2007 #
The whole menstrual cycle is horrid. I wish I were a male. I don’t even like talking about it. I remember we had a thread on a MB about this and everybody just kept saying, “Ewwwwwwwww”. :P
Amber on October 4 2007 #
On one of the other forums I frequent - cockadoodledoobbs.com - some of the ladies there have mentioned using it, I’m sure.
Jem on October 4 2007 #
Why not opt for a form of birth control that postpones your period. The basic pill actually does this if you throw out the placebo pills and just continue on to the next pack. Then you can choose when you want your period. The only bad thing is, you then need more than 12 prescriptions. You could try that Yaz pill. I think that’s one that gives you four periods a year.
Kimmie on October 4 2007 #
@Kimmie
I’ve heard many, many bad things about the pills that make your period only a certain number of times per year. Actually horrific things.
As for this cup, I don’t think I could ever use it.
Jamie on October 5 2007 #
I use the Diva Cup, which is almost exactly like the keeper. I find that it is actually very useful and efficient. Easy to clean and you never have to worry about getting blood on your undies again. Ever. And you can wear white pants.
As for the fear of infection that Mish has, they are made (or at least mine is) of silicon and if you keep it clean then you will not get any infections. But that requires one to actually wash it which I really don’t see as being that big of a deal.
And you don’t have to worry about TSS because nothing is being absorbed, the fluid just collects in the cup and when you are full (and you’ll know), you just dump it into the toilet, clean off, and reinsert.
I’m sorry if this seems a bit graphic to you guys, but it really is a great product and is very beneficial to the environment. I’ve been using mine for over a year and a half and have been very pleased.
I think you ought to give one a try and then decide what you think.
Erin on October 5 2007 #
I forgot to put a link up. You can find out more about the Diva Cup here: http://www.divacup.com/
Erin on October 5 2007 #
Heh…I read about somebody’s experiences with these once (forgot where, it was in a magazine or something though), and apparently they’re REALLY HARD to get a hang of. Like, stuff spills everywhere. I can’t tell you much more than that…
Don’t they make washable tampons too or something?
Leila on October 5 2007 #
I wouldn’t say that “stopping” your period all together is very healthy, myself. I’ve used the Diva Cup also. Absolutely bloody fantastic.. Instead of feeling like you’re walking around with a big, noticeable piece of cardboard inbetwixt your thighs, it’s very comfortable. Takes a little practice to get it in right, but it’s not that difficult. I’ve had mine for two years so far, and it’s absolutely fine with me. In fact, I’ve not suffered from thrush or any other girly infections since I switched, and I used to suffer terribly from it (sorry if that’s too graphic :P). DivaCup’s web site is divacup.com.
At night, I still use pads, however. Personal choice I suppose. However, I use biodegradable pads that are pretty cheap as it goes. They biodegrade after about 12 months, so it makes me feel much better about everything. There’s loads of them on the market, but a couple of suppliers I’ve bought from online include herbsgardenshealth.com and http://www.spiritofnature.co.uk. Perhaps if you’re not completely ready to go for the cups you could try those. Or, for anyone else whose going “GROSS” and “EW” (very immature imo, it’s your body ladies, get used to it!) perhaps they’re an option, too.
Hope that helps :) (Sorry for the essay)
Kelly on October 5 2007 #
I use a menstrual cup. I have for about 4 years now. I read about The Keeper, but decided on the Diva Cup because it was made of silicone.
I love love LOVE it! I wouldn’t trade it for anything, and I have tried everything from readily available tampons and pads to sea sponges to washable cotton pads to throw away cups.
I love that I don’t have to keep stocked up on anything, I can’t feel it, I only have to empty it once or twice a day instead of three or four times. It’s simple to clean, and frankly I don’t have a single thing to list as a downside.
Lo on October 5 2007 #
I bought a mooncup months ago but haven’t tried it out yet…I’m too scared lol.
Maz on October 5 2007 #
If you do use it and it works out, lemme know. It seems interesting but kind of scary.
Question for those who have used it. I usually wear the super pads (bigger ones) because some days I am busy and at school and that kind of thing and don’t have the time or the chance to change pads. Would the cup be like the smaller pads where I would need to?
And, towards Kimmie. Is it safe to throw away the placebos and not have a period? I wouldn’t think that would be safe…
Skye on October 5 2007 #
Glad I’m a guy. I personally think it looks like a little plunger. And, um, that’s all I can really say about this topic.
Josh on October 5 2007 #
Another option are organic pads. I don’t know if they have them in Australia, but there are brands that are 95% biodegradable (or better) which makes them much mnore environmental than plastic-y tampons and pads; one problem though, is a lot of them tend to be kind of thin, so they might only work for some people on light days.
But if you prefer tampons, this might not really help.
Angela on October 7 2007 #
I’ve always wanted to try one of those, although having never used tampons either I am a bit afraid that I wouldn’t be able to figure it out. Anyway, the economic reasoning is a good one in my opinion, too. I wonder how many people think about all the money you’re spending on disposable products? It’s pretty crazy.
Stephanie on October 7 2007 #
I’ve never heard of it, but it sounds really interesting. I don’t think I’d use it though because you have to insert it, and I don’t even like inserting tampons.
Britney on October 8 2007 #
i use the keeper. it is amazing. it will take you a few months to get used to the differences, such as inserting it and carrying it around, and keeping it clean. it’s obviously financially great and environmentally, it is an unassailable option. in terms of convenience it is actually really great too. you might need to think about where you work/study/live and whether you will have enough privacy in a bathroom to clean it. i was concerned about the hygiene issue to begin with but logically if you are sterilising it with boiling water, cleaning it with soap (what doctors do to their hands between sick patients!) as the instructions say, then i can’t see why it would bring more infection than something like a tampon which has well-documented bacterial problems because of its fibres.
one thing i would say is that mine did leak a little bit at first but since my period is pretty regular it didn’t take me long to figure out exactly when and how many times to change it during the day so it wouldn’t leak. and putting it in takes a bit of getting used to.
anyway. a bit long, but i’m passionate about my keeper and i really think it’s worth it. gooooo keeper.
cou on October 24 2007 #
I have washable tampons I make and sell on Etsy.com
shop is 32708fl
Thanks for looking!
Robin on April 3 2008 #