I use Instead cups and I really enjoy them. They look similar to a female condom. There is a flexible rubber ridge around the top that you squeeze together for insertion (when pinched together it is about the size of a tampon). Instead of inserting it up into the vagina, it is inserted back over the cervix. Once it is inserted, the rubber ridge warms to your body heat and conforms to the perfect personal fit. It takes some practice to get it in the right place, but the nice thing is, you don't have to be on your period to practice. The trickiest part is taking it out and disposing of it. This may take a while to get the hang of, but once you do, it's not messy at all. There are several benefits of using a menstrual cup. Mellamaphone went over them so I won't be redundant.