Feminine Protection Usage

Started with pads, moved to tampons, and now use a combination of both. Lighter days I tend to use pads. Heavy period days, tampons, and sometimes pads as backup. I've never had any irritation from the adhesive and I've used just about every brand out there. The pads with wings are good (though sometimes a little hard to get on right), and I almost never get adhesive contact with them the way they wrap and attach under.

When I first started my period at age 11 I used maxi pads. I switched to tampons when I was 20. Then for roughly 4 years I did not have to use anything because I was using Depo-Provera which prevented my menstrual cycle. After giving up on Depo (really made me depressed) I began using tampons again. I tried using the Instead menstrual cup in early 2004 for about 2 days since my period was light. I really liked it due to no leakage, but when it was time to remove it was such a big mess! Any tips on how to remove properly? I might try the cup again! Since then I have been using tampons (Tampax pearl is my fave!) and pads. I guess when you get a little older your body becomes sensitive to certain things. I switch back and forth between pads and tampons now because on the first two days I seem to have stronger cramps if I use tampons. So I use pads the first two days and then tampons on the last 2 days.

When I started menstruating, I used a pad and belt as well as tampons. I threw away the belt that I was using, hoping never to need one again.
At some point, I changed to adhesive pads with tampons but I have been getting rashes which make me think that I am allergic to the adhesive. I am thinking of switching back to pad and belt and have located a source for the pads but not the belts. Does anyone know where I can find a belt source? I looked them up on the internet but found that I could only buy lots of 75 belts at a medical supply outlet.
Thanks
DanaL

I used disposable pads and tampons fpr a long time. Last Ocotber I switched to cloth pads because I was becoming sensitive to the disposables. I can not wear tampons anymore because I cramp up pretty bad. I LOVE my clothpads and wouldn't use any other form of protection. The are really comfortable and do not irritate me one bit.

I wish I had good results when it comes to the menstrual cup. I've heard "Oh you just put it in and forget about it all day...It's great!" But when I tried one it kept slipping and leaking all over and when I pulled it out it made was very messy. Tampons make me have unbearable cramps for the first and second day of my period so I'm confined to use pads....Maybe the Instead cup kept slipping because my vagina is stretched out from having a baby...Or maybe I'm not putting it in right...But I wish it worked.

I first started using pads and have tried tampons, and all the other products and now I am using the Intead feminine cup which is disposable. Switched to it about 6 months ago and I love it, I can go without having to worry about leakage all i wear is that and a pantiliner and I put it in and forget about it.