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how to insert your menstrual cup
Clean your Menstrual Cup before first use (see section entitled ‘cleaning &care’)
Find a comfortable sitting, squatting or half squatting
Wash your hands with warm water and soap and rinse them thoroughly with clean water
It is easier to insert your Menstrual Cup wet
CHOOSE THE FOLD THAT BEST SUITS YOU
Once folded, hold onto the Menstrual Cup firmly with your finger and thumb as low down the cup as possible whilst keeping it folded. With the other hand, part the labia (folds of skin around the vagina), find the entrance to the vagina and guide the Menstrual Cup up and towards your back.
Position of Menstrual Cup
Position of tampon
HOW TO REMOVE YORU MENSTRUAL CUP
A squatting position shortens the vagina and makes removal easier
Empty your Menstrual Cup every 8-12 hours
In order to remove the Menstrual Cup you must first release seal
Sit on the toilet or squat to remove your Menstrual Cup
Insert a finger alongside the Menstrual Cup to release the seal
If you cannot reach the base of the cup either pull gently on the stem, or 'push down’ with your vaginal muscles until you can grasp the base of the cup. For further information on using your vaginal muscles refer to the ‘troubleshooting’ section.
You may hear the seal release and the Menstrual Cup should then come easily away from the wall of your vagina.
When the base of the cup is almost out, angle the Menstrual Cup slightly sideways to remove half of the rim before angling it the other way to release the other half. This will ensure the Menstrual Cup slides out smoothly and remains upright with the fluid contained inside.
Empty the contents of your Menstrual Cup into the toilet, rinse and reinsert
HOW TO TRIM THE STEM OF YOUR MENSTRUAL CUP
No part of the stem should be outside your vagina
The end of the stem should sit just inside your vagina. Vaginal length varies from woman to woman, so the stem is designed to be trimmed as required. Remember the Menstrual Cup is designed to be worm as low as it will comfortably sit.
Some women need to remove the stem completely. It is best to practice removing your Menstrual Cup without using the stem before you do this (see section entitled ‘How to remove your Menstrual Cup’).
If you find that the Menstrual Cup is uncomfortable when sitting or walking, or pinches the vaginal opening, then you probably need to remove a little more of the stem.
It is important to take the time to get this right as the stem can make your vaginal entrance sore if is too long.
If the stem sits outside the vagina, you will need to trim the stem
REMOVE your Menstrual Cup from the vagina and use clean scissors or nail cutters to trim
Trim a little at a time and reinsert to check for comfort
CLEANING & CARE OF YOUR MENSTRUAL CUP
With the proper care, cleaning and storage your Menstrual Cup will last for years
It is very important to keep your Menstrual Cup clean. You can cover fully with water and boil it in an allocated pan for 5-7 minutes. Do not boil dry.
The tiny holes below the rim of your Menstrual Cup help to release the seal. Make sure you keep these clear.
If you are in a public toilet take a small bottle of water in with you to rinse your Menstrual Cup, or simply empty and reinsert. Ensure you wash your Menstrual Cup more thoroughly at the next convenient time. When travelling overseas always use drinking water to clean your Menstrual Cup.
Over time, your Menstrual Cup may become discoloured but this will not reduce its effectiveness.
If you notice any tears, splits or any other changes in the appearance or texture of your Menstrual Cup we recommend that your replace it.
NEVER use the following as they may damage your Menstrual Cup or cause vaginal irritation.
- Petrol based substances such as
- Vaseline Essential oils such as tea tree
- Harsh cleaners
- Strong or scented soaps
- Dishwasher
storing your menstrual cup
Dry your Menstrual Cup thoroughly and store in the cotton bag provided. Do not store in a plastic bag or sealed container.
Troubleshooting - Leakage Problems
POSITION
The most common reason for leakage is not wearing the Menstrual Cup low enough in the vagina (see section entitled ‘how to insert your Menstrual Cup’)
STEM
Check that you have trimmed the stem to the correct length for you (see section entitled ‘how to trim the stem of your Menstrual Cup’).
SEAL
Ensure that a seal has formed between the Menstrual Cup and your vaginal wall by:
Running your finger around the side of the Menstrual Cup to ensure it is fully open
OR
Pinching the base of the cup (not the stem) and rotating the Menstrual Cup
OR
Clenching your Menstrual Cup with your vaginal muscles
HOLES UNDER THE RIM
Check the tiny holes under the rim of the Menstrual Cup are clear as these help to make the sea, which prevents leakage.
SIZE OF YOUR MENSTRUAL CUPS
If you have the size S Menstrual Cup and it continually moves around or leaks, then you may need the size L. If you find that the size L leaks, pelvic floor exercises can be very effective at strengthening the muscles that hold the Menstrual Cup in place.
HEAVY FLOW
You may find that you need to use a washable pad in conjunction with your Menstrual Cup on your heaviest day. This is still a healthier choice and is better for the environment and your budget!
Troubleshooting - Removal Problems
If you are having problems removing your Menstrual Cup, try not to panic-whilst the Menstrual Cup is inside your vagina it is held in place by your vaginal muscles and being tense will only make it more difficult to remove.
The opening at the top of the vagina into your womb is very small so there is no possibility of the Menstrual Cup getting ‘lost’ inside the body.
Relaxing is key to removing the Menstrual Cup so take the time to relax and re-read the instructions in the section on ‘how to remove your Menstrual Cup’. It is much easier to remove or insert the Menstrual Cup if you are squatting.
If you cannot reach the Menstrual Cup you will need to use your vaginal muscles to ease the Menstrual Cup down. This is done through a sequence of slow, gentle downward pushes (rather than one long hard push). As each small push is released it may feel as though the Menstrual Cup is rising again but keep gently pushing down and after 5-8 gentle pushes the Menstrual Cup will move lower.
Cautionary Note
1. The Menstrual Cup will not protect you from pregnancy.
2. The Menstrual Cup will not protect against Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs.)
3. Remove your Menstrual Cup and contact your doctor if you experience symptoms such as general pain, burning, irritation, inflammation in the genital area or discomfort during urination.
4. There is not need to remove the Menstrual Cup for urination or bowel movements, but it must be removed before intercourse.
5. We do not recommend sharing your Menstrual Cup with another woman.
6. If you have, or suspect you have, a gynaecological condition consult your doctor before you use the Menstrual Cup.
7. In some instances an IUD/IUS may be dislodged when used in conjunction with a Menstrual Cup. If you choose to use the Menstrual Cup with an IUD/IUS and think your IUD/IUS is causing pain or suspect it has moved, use another form of contraception such as a condom and have your IUD/IUS checked by a medical professional.
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS)
TSS is considered a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by toxin producing strains of the staphylococcus aureus bacterium and has been linked to the high absorbency and prolonged use of tampons, Symptoms of TSS often mimic flu and can include sudden high fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, fainting, or a rash rather like sunburn during your period or some days after. If you experience these symptoms while using the Menstrual Cup remove it and contact your doctor. Do not use a Menstrual Cup if you have ever had TSS.