Cups
How to Use Menstrual Cups:
1. Fold and Hold
Always wash your hands with soap and water before you start.
Sit on the toilet and take a deep breathe- You’ve got this!
Fold your cup using a fold that works best for you. Many start with the C-fold (as shown in the picture).If that doesn’t work for you, try some of the other folds to make insertion easier. Every girl’s anatomy is unique, so find the fold that works for you.
2. Insert and ensure
At first it may feel uncomfortable to insert something into your vagina. Know that using a menstrual cup is safe and easy to use. Gently insert the folded cup into your vagina, tilting it back to the base of your spine. The cup should sit as low as it can comfortably sit inside your vagina, normally lower than a tampon but with the stem fully inside.
When the cup is inside, it will pop open, creating a light suction. The suction is how the cup prevents leaks, so use your finger to check if it is fully unfolded. Twist or rotate the cup if you need to.
Don’t rush, take your time – it takes practice and patience to get it right.
3. Use it up to twelve hours
One of the best parts of using a menstrual cup is that it can be used for up to twelve hours. How often you need to empty your cup depends on your body’s cycle and flow, though most menstrual cup users find they need to empty it only in the morning and again in the evening
4. Remove and empty
With clean hands, gently pull the stem of the cup downwards until you can reach and grip the base of the cup. Pinch the base to release the suction and take it out gently.
You may need to use your pelvic muscles to push your cup lower in the vagina to help you reach the base with your fingers.
When you have removed your cup, empty it into the toilet, and rinse it with water.
If you do not have access to water, you can wipe it with some tissue or simply reinsert it directly after emptying it. But make sure to rinse it at your next available opportunity.
5. Re-insert
When your cup is rinsed, you can reinsert it, and you are ready to go again!
6. Cleaning and Storage
To protect your cup and make sure it lasts as long as possible, once a month boil your cup on the stove or over a fire for 20 minutes. This will kill any germs or bacteria and get it ready to be used next month.
If you store your cup in your pouch and take good care of it, the cup should last up to 10 years.