Little doubt that you have done this already, but anyway:
Collect English, and interesting translations from other languages, colloquial expressions for menstruating. Separate lists for women's and men's expressions - some overlap, of course.
A Canadian did not like Instead menstrual cup (Web site) - click back through these news pages for more comments on Instead and the Keeper, and here for older comments - but liked The Keeper:
I tried Instead [menstrual cup] and HATED it! The cup was too much like a diaphragm, which give me bladder infections. I had problems with leaking and it was uncomfortable.
I saw an ad for The Keeper in Ms. magazine, and thought it looked like a better option. I had used a cervical cap (for contraception) for years, and The Keeper looked quite similar. (I have used my cervical cap during my menses to have non-messy sex!!) I finally purchased a Keeper in a Canadian health food store. I have had great success with it and wouldn't trade it for anything. It is economical, environmentally smart, and easy to use.
Hail to the inventors of The Keeper!!!
This woman removes The Keeper menstrual cup with pliers, but loves hers none the less:
I just spent five minutes removing my Keeper. Using PLIERS. How on EARTH are you supposed to get these things out?? My fingers can't grip it because it slips . . . the little tab should be ridged or something for grip. Between the slipping and the suction, I'm amazed I got it out at all, or at least without yanking my uterus with it!
I love the idea, and I'm gonna keep using it, but I really hope it gets easier!
And I can answer this about The Keeper: What is the difference between the two sizes of The Keeper?
Greetings!
I'm hoping you might be able to help me with a question about The Keeper. I read through the letters page, but no one had the same question. The Keeper Web site does not say.
Do you know the difference between the two sizes of The Keeper? [As I measure them, the widest part of the after-childbirth cup, A, is about one-eighth inch - about three millimeters - more than the before-childbirth cup, B. Otherwise they seem to be identical.] I know one is supposed to be for before childbirth and one for after, but do you know the actual physical difference between them?
I ask because I've had a Keeper for about a year and a half, and cannot imagine ever going back to tampons, but I'm also pregnant, and wondering if I'll really have to buy another one (my inner cheapskate cringes at the thought), or if I can get away with using the before size. I'll probably give it a shot anyway, but I was hoping you might have some inside knowledge.
Thanks for the time, and keep up the good work.
I used INSTEAD last week. I had never tried internal protection before - always sticking with pads. But I had a scuba class that i just couldn't miss, so I went to Walgreen's [drug store] to buy Tampons. It was then that I chanced upon a box of Instead (had never heard of cups before) and decided to buy it too. I loved the concept of collection rather than absorption of menstrual blood. Then I went to my computer and did as much research on cups as I could; they did seem to be much safer than tampons, so I gave it a try. I was amazed at how easy it was to insert INSTEAD.
And you really don't feel it inside you after a few minutes of slight discomfort. I did go diving and there was NO leakage. The only time I had leakage problem was when passing urine (their Web site does say that that could happen). But that's not a big problem since you are in the restroom anyway. It is also a totally odorless experience. Removing INSTEAD is slightly messy, though, especially the first time.
All in all, I think INSTEAD is a good product -- very easy to use and very comfortable and also appears to be really safe.
Dear Mr. Finley,
I have visited your excellent Web site and wish to be included if possible.
We distribute natural Atlantic silk sponge tampons (Sea Pearls). They are dioxin and rayon free and a safe, reusable, renewable resource. Economical too! Visit our Web site at www.jadeandpearl.com. E-mail me your address for a sample for your museum [I received them - thank you!]. Keep up the great work!
Gloria
Here's my take on the mystery Kotex ad.
The woman on the right is the mistress; she's better dressed and is arranging flowers (a proper upper-class duty). The one glowering on the left is the laundress. The mistress is forced to do other work (like dusting and maybe other housework) just to keep the laundress, whom she needs to wash her pads.
Once she switches to Kotex, she'll no loner need unruly, sulking laundry servants (or maybe they won't be sulking any longer).
Please, may I post a letter on your letter page?
I'm researching a documentary for the BBC [British Broadcasting Corporation] about menstruation - myths and facts and blessing or curse.
I have much information about the curse and prejudice but I am finding scant information about the blessing! I was thrilled to find medical information linking surgery for breast cancer and the menstrual cycle and the New Scientist report about differing medication levels required during the 28-day cycle, and the research about eating requirements differing during the cycle etc., but I want to hear from women who have evidence of the cycle as a blessing, for example, artists, writers, etc., who are at their most creative whilst menstruating.
I also want to meet women who practice menstrual seclusion, as with menstrual huts of the past [and of the present; women still use menstrual huts].
And anything and everything to do with research into menstruation.
Next week I am interviewing Mr Peter Redgrove and Penelope Shuttle who wrote the first book on menstruation that offered positive information, The Wise Wound, 1978. I am very excited about asking many questions resulting from the book. If you have any questions for them pertaining to the book or their second book, Alchemy for Women, about the dream cycle corresponding to the menstrual cycle, I would be delighted to forward them to them on your behalf. They are not on the net so any questions would have to have addresses!
Thank you so much for this glorious Web site [many thanks to you for saying that!] and I look forward to hearing from visitors to your site.
Ali Kedge.
ali@shortkedge.freeserve.co.uk or fflic.zip@business.ntl.com
Irregular menses identify women at high risk for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which exists in 6-10% of women of reproductive age. PCOS is a major cause of infertility and is linked to diabetes.