uh... developing latex sensitivity?

[dial_zero]

Hey cup-lovahs!  It's been a long time since I've been active in this community in any kind of way, but I am a longtime user of the Keeper (yes, the old school one that used to be the only cup available before all these newfangled silicone ones came out!).  I've been using it 7-8 years with no problems... definitely the best $35 I ever spent.

Anyway

Comments

[katrina_splat]

You might need a doc to check it out to confirm it's nothing else, but it does sound like it could be a latex allergy. Do you get in contact with latex condoms? If they are providing no problem it might not be a latex allergy.

You might want to look at a different brand rather than Keeper when you buy a new cup, as they've had some less than moral business practices. Hope you find something similar to your latex keeper!

[dial_zero]

Thanks, I may check with a doc. I haven't used condoms in a long time, so that's not providing any additional clues.

I do plan to buy a non-Keeper silicone cup. I'm sad about the Keeper company's shadiness. I even wrote them a letter (on paper!) expressing my disappointment about their choice of name for their silicone cup, and never heard anything back.

[griffinrose]

I also use to use the Keeper and developed a latex allergy. I agree you should check it out with a doctor first. I switched to a Lunette and find it even more comfortable to use then the Keeper was, and I don't have the rashes any more.

[dial_zero]

Ugh, sorry it happened to you too. :( It's a bummer.

[kuradi8]

The US Moon Cups are "identical" to Keepers but made of silicone instead of latex. So if you like your Keeper, the Moon Cup is a good substitute. Silicone is a little softer and squishier than latex.

Or, if you want to try something else, check out the size charts to see how your Keeper compares to the others: http://community.livejournal.com/menstrual_cups/1285963.html

As you probably already know, only the Keepers are made of latex. All the others except the Melunas are made of silicone. Melunas are TPE = thermoplastic elastomers (a soft rubber blend.)

[dial_zero]

Wow, that is a lot of info!! I'm not really concerned about the variations on the different cups--just looking for the cheapest, I guess. If I'm in the US, is Diva my best bet because the shipping will be lower?

[whimaway]

Not necessarily. You can find really cheap ones on ebay (just search menstrual cup) and used ones sold here. If you want a specific brand I'm sure people can recommend more specific sites with deals. :)

Here's another page about all the brands:
http://www.wikihow.com/Buy-a-Menstrual-Cup

[saraf3m]

I also live in the US.

You can get some really great deals on any of the USFDA approved cups (Diva, Lunette, Moon/Keeper) if you want to stay domestic, but that doesn't necessarily mean its the cheapest, even with shipping.

If you're looking for Cost only - LadyCup and Yuuki on ebay with shipping will be your cheapest and arrive in about a week, give or take a few days if you win the auction, (assuming you're not in a rush to win)

If you don't mind a used cup keep your eyes peeled on these boards, they are often very fair prices.

My experience from ordering direct from company is that MeLunas with shipping are the cheapest cups, and they often include extra cups free if there are seconds (marked/imperfect but perfectly functional)

Many of the shops will offer deals too, so it doesn't hurt to look at places like feminine wear, freedom store (i think this is it?) and luna pads, as well as other cloth pad sellers like domino pads. There's a co-op on facebook for MeLunas too, but no free extra cups.

So...yeah, shop around :) hth

[fitzbeew]

I hope you can figure it all out.

dang, I remember when I got my Diva, it and the traditional Keeper were more or less THE only cups around! my, how the times have changed! :D for the better, I think.