Ya'll are so helpful

[majorfred.livejournal.com]

I want to start using reusable menstrual products, but I'm not leaning toward the diva cup. I was interested in the sea sponge, and wondered if anyone had any comments on it. I thought I could get it at the local TJs, but see it there sporadically. Since most seem to like the divacup, I was wondering if there was a drawback to the sponge.

Comments

[majorfred.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the insight. Things I would never have anticipated.

[inanna.livejournal.com]

i just love my sponges! although i haven't had a moontime for almost 2 years (pregnancy and extended breastfeeding) - i almost wish i did so that i could use mine again (i know, i am weird!)

Yes, you dampen them slightly when you put them in.. but you should squeese out all the moisture prior to insertion... you just don't want them dry and hard. i never had a problem with leakage - that is just me, i guess... and i have pretty darned heavy periods, but i don't generally use them on day 1. i never had a problem with getting them clean. A good rinse in cool water, followed with a soak in water with tea-tree oil and then a good rinse. For daytimes when i am out, i usually carry 2-3 - so i don't have to run out and rinse the one i was wearing - i just put the new one in and put the old one in a small ziplock baggie - rinse it then or later, depending.

i haven't tried the diva-cup - but i have an odd cervix and i couldn't use the instead cup, so i am rather hesitant to spend the money on something else i may not be able to use.

[ourika.livejournal.com]

The DivaCup has a one year warranty. It's really differently shaped than the Instead cup, so being able to use one really has no effect on how well the other will work.

I love my DivaCup. I also like sea sponges. I don't use them as often as my DivaCup because they have to be rinsed every three hours, and the DivaCup can stay in for longer periods of time. However, the sea sponge is the *easiest* insertable menstrual item I've ever used.

[majorfred.livejournal.com]

You can't like both, then I won't be able to decide! ;)

[ourika.livejournal.com]

*grins* I like both, but if I could only own one, I'd own the DivaCup. But it's nice to finish off a period with a softer sea sponge since I don't need to choose.

[maai.livejournal.com]

I would have to caution anyone seriously considering using sea sponges.

I and at lest one other woman I know have had serious, on-going health issues as a direct result of the use of sea sponges. And yes, all parties purported to have followed the cleaning instructions. If nothing else, I know I did.

The problem is, if you are even the slightest bit sensititive, the sponge can badly imbalance your vaginal flora.

They didn't leak for me, and were incredibly comfortable. I really wish I could have continued use, but with the pain, suffering and expense it cost me, I wish I had never tried them in the first place.

[efficientgumby.livejournal.com]

what happened?

[maai.livejournal.com]

The use of Sea Sponges resulted in BV (Bacterial Vaginosis) for both of us. Doctors almost always try to treat it with Flagyl, which in my case, just prolonged the infection for several months. It was an alternative remedy that finally worked for me. But by that time, I was so sick (and poor from the doctor visits/medicine, as I had no insurance at the time), the damage had been more than done.

[majorfred.livejournal.com]

Wow. Good to know. I'm not too sensitive, but I can imagine a bigger problem in that area with sponges than the cup.

[maiden-midwife.livejournal.com]

I really like sponges too. I have sensitive vaginal flora as well and don't have any problems with the sponge. My imbalance usually falls on the yeast side though. I have never had problems with leakage when laughing, sneezing, coughing etc. If you wring the sponge out really well before inserting it, that seems to help. Also, I have heard other women say that they have sex with the sponge in and as far as I know the only other product you can do that with is Instead, which is technically not reusable.

[majorfred.livejournal.com]

I didn't know about having sex with them in. Thanks!