i have heard that mensteral cups are great, is this true, and would you recemend them?

[Jay-Jay]

Yes, I recommend menstrual cups :-)

Personally I have used cups for around 10 years, I used tampons and pads for 10 years before that - with tampons I'd leak within 15 minutes on heavy days and I had constant vaginal infections, with cups I haven't had a single infection and I don't leak unless I leave my cup too long. Cups hold a lot more flow and have light suction so don't leak, most women can go 12 hours without leaking and they can even reduce flow.

Obviously with TSS there is no risk of TSS, vaginal infections, or dioxin - they don't prevent vaginal cleaning, harbour bacteria, effect pH, damage vaginal walls, or contain harmful ingredients like with tampons - thus unlike tampons they can be worn for 12 hours, with any flow, before your period, overnight, and no need to alternate with pads. You could stop using pads all together (once you've the hang of cups).

There is a learning curve for some women - the better you know your body and choosing the best brand for you helps (I suggest Ladycup or Meluna if you're young, and avoid Divacup as it's often the most problematic brand for some), also there's support online if you run into any problems, you can practice when not on your period or in the shower, and as they last 10 years you don't have to rush learning to use them. Once you know how they're easier to use than tampons, plus more comfortable to use too.

As for swimming, yup they're good there too...internal with not even a string showing outside your body, don't absorb water, don't increase cramps, can be worn even with light flow, and don't leak.

A few pages that might help you;
Menstrual Cup Support Community - http://menstrual-cups.livejournal.com
Menstrual cup page on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/135522973313456
How To Buy A Menstrual Cup - http://www.wikihow.com/Buy-a-Menstrual-Cup
Teens & Menstrual Cups: Tips for First Time Use - http://www.lunette.com/blog/2012/09/teen...-time-use/