Real embarrassing question

[coolbeansbikes]

...

I am lucky to only have two days of heavy flow. I have then 2-3 very light days. I am 32 so I have noticed my period has become lighter, but I know that could change. I like the idea of the Keeper, but I don't think it's for me. I like to know what my flow is doing and how much, etc. I practice fertility awareness method of birth control so I like to be in tune with my body...It's how I am, but I think the Keeper seems like a good option for many.
Lisa

Hi Lisa! I like to "know what is going on" to, and have actually found the keeper to be a lot more "informative" shall we say than the tampons or pads ... (also, if you really need to know, there *are* measurements on the side too LOL)

[singletrackmind]

Strippers just cut the string-as mentioned.

Terry-I know urine leaking women are quite common but I don't know about that urgent need to pee NOW thing. Kegels are recommended to help the first part (and it doesn't hurt your sex life either!)

I'm a 'heavy' for the first day, light the rest and I can't stand things up there when I'm riding so any but the first day I go without. As has been said, it does all come out in the wash.

Wow, this is a great thread!

[doc]

RoadRaven

I highly recommend you use the search function and read about the keeper and diva. You can order them online. They are FABULOUS (I'm a diva person). I first learned about it here too.

[RoadRaven]

Thanks Doc, I will...

Great thread!

[coolbeansbikes]

I like the idea of the Keeper, but I don't think it's for me. I like to know what my flow is doing and how much, etc.

Actually, now that I'm using it, I am much more aware than I used to be... and it's great even on those days when it's practically nothing ...

[MightyMitre]

I'd have to agree. I've used the keeper for 2 years and it's a lot easier to keep track of your flow because rather than being absorbed in to a pad etc, everything is collected so , should you really want to - !! you could actually measure the amount.

I was reading on one website about a woman who collects hers and uses it to fertilise her garden plants! Not sure thats for me though.

[Karen London]

I'd have to agree. I've used the keeper for 2 years and it's a lot easier to keep track of your flow because rather than being absorbed in to a pad etc, everything is collected so , should you really want to - !! you could actually measure the amount.

I was reading on one website about a woman who collects hers and uses it to fertilise her garden plants! Not sure thats for me though.

Hi MightyMitre

I'm also in England and wondering where you get your "keeper"? Is it sold in Superdrug or Boots or do you get yours by mail order?

I have an Irulan-type flow and if it's good enuf for Irulan it's good enuf for me....

thanks to all for wonderful feedback, this is definitely the 'best' biking board with very supportive ladies

[smurfalicious]

Wow, I can't believe that no one has mentioned sea sponges! I can't speak from experience, because the so called "natural" food store in town can't be bothered to keep them in stock, but from what I've been told, they rock. You just squeeze it out, give it a good rinse, and put it back. Every now and again it needs to be washed, and most places sell them in kits with tea tree oil for that purpose.

Now, I spent a year stripping and if you think I could afford a week off every month, you're nuts. What we gals did, was cut our strings all together. It's a little weird at first, but you just hook your finger around it and pull it out.

My problem is that I'm a little more uh, moist than most and my poor chamois is suffering. Is anyone else similarly afflicted? I was thinking about getting some Luna Pads, but that would kind of defeat the purpose of the wicking/cooling properties of my chamois.

Argh!

love and cookies
-smurf

[CorsairMac]

Holy Toledo what a wealth of information! I was amazed to hear about the Keeper!! News to me but thanks for the website link - went there right away and am going to try the Divacup. Like some of you - I'm in the mid-40s and my periods are very spastic now, anywhere from light to the Mississippi and who Knows when the next one will show up. I'm very excited about the keeper because I can keep one with me at all times now and never have to worry "gee, did I remember to leave some tampons at work?" etc etc. Once again - as I keep saying - you all ROCK! I LOVE this forum! As for the yeast infections, either try taking acidophulous (ok...I can't spell it) or increase it. It'll help to restore the "natural" bacteria in your body. Thanks again for all the awesome advice and the website.

a potentail keeper convert

[mandigreene]

Quite interesting, thanx for the info, I'm gonna post another "personal" question here (Tips/Tricks), thanx!

mandi

[SadieKate]

Ok, since we're asking embarrassing questions. Does anyone who uses the Keeper/Diva/Cup have problems with removal? I stopped using a diaphragm because it meant my hubby and I had to perform fantastic and mortifying feats of engineering to remove the thing so now I use tampons. But these irritate during a ride so I go without which is generally fine ("it all comes out in the wash). But I also go fishing all day when tampons are just . . . well you know. Can those of us with weird anatomies get the Keeper out without extra assistance?

[coolbeansbikes]

no trouble here ... just try it a few times before you decide to adjust the length of the end (you can shorten it by cutting it, but you can't make it longer afterwords ..)

[KSH]

Where else could I ask this?
Ok, over the weekend I had my period. I tried stuffing the string "up there" as much as possible, but after back-to-back rides (and I'm only talking 10-milers), I was sore and kind of swollen. I think it was from irritation from the string. Any suggestions?

The string can be tucked up between the lips down there. You pull it straight and toward your stomach (to give you reference on the direction) and it can be tucked very nicely, and layed flat, between the lips and the clit (sorry for the crass words, but I am too tired to think of the proper terms).

I have put it there for years... even swimming... and my string always stays put.

[mercury]

Hi,
I just came across this forum this evening... and in particular this thread. I couldn't help myself from mentioning a couple things that I didn't see posted.
A camping trick I learned (from climbers-- not cyclist) for cleaning hands and body-- including during your period-- is to use baby wipes. They're fantastic! Keep them in a ziplock or resealing packaging so they don't dry out. I've never used a keeper and don't think I would use wipes to clean anything that went inside me, but everything else goes. Now I like long trips because I no longer feel itchy and gross!!
For multi-day cycling, especially if you are just relying on your bike shorts during your period, is to have two pairs of shorts. Every evening the dirty one gets washed and then hung off the back of your bike to dry as you ride the next day.
Great discussion.
m

[Try-Chick]

After finding a bunch of posts about the Diva Cup I decided to try one. It took a couple of cycles until I got comfortable using it. It's is great for swimming and running as well. I put it in first thing in the morning the day I'm supposed to start and don't have to take it out until just before I go to bed. I clean it and put it back in for the night. It is great!