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What is a menstrual cup?
What is a menstrual cup?
A menstrual cup is a flexible product worn inside the vagina during your period and is considered more environmentally friendly than tampons or sanitary towels.
Rather than absorbing, the cup collects and holds your period blood until ready to dispose of down the toilet.
FREE Menstrual cups are available from Learner Services.
FREE Menstrual cups are available from Learner Services.
What SIZE should i use ?
What SIZE should i use ?
Menstrual cups can come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit your body and age.
The cups available from Learners Services are the Hey Girls cup, who recommend trying a small cup if you are age under 25 and not given birth vaginally, or a large if you are over 25 or have given birth vaginally whatever your age.
CAN ANYONE WEAR ONE?
CAN ANYONE WEAR ONE?
Yes, and like any other period product you are free to use what you feel most comfortable with. However, we would advise maybe testing the cup before your period starts – so that you are familiar with how to use it.
If you have the coil or an IUD, always check with your doctor to make sure it’s safe for you to wear a cup.
HOW DO I REMOVE IT?
HOW DO I REMOVE IT?
Like with all period products it may take a little patience and practice to get familiar with it.
To remove the cup pinch the tip of the cup, and gently wiggle out until you can feel the pressure begin to release. The cup should move to the fit the shape of your body, but if you need a little extra support to remove in a more controlled motion, bring the cup low enough to pinch the base and encourage out with a fuller grip.
HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO CHANGE IT?
HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO CHANGE IT?
The general hygiene recommendation is to empty and clean your cup every 10-12 hours, but this of course depends on your flow.
How do I look after my cup?
How do I look after my cup?
Before inserting your cup always sterilise it in boiling water for 5 minutes or so. Between each change, rinse your cup with warm clean water, ensuring it's clean before wearing again (do not put it in the dishwasher).
Between your periods make sure your cup is clean and dry, store in a breathable bag or clean container.
CAN I WEAR A CUP DURING EXERCISE & SWIMMING?
CAN I WEAR A CUP DURING EXERCISE & SWIMMING?
Yes.
CAN I have sex whilst using a cup?
CAN I have sex whilst using a cup?
Most cups won’t allow you to have sex whilst you’re wearing them, however there are some available on the market that have been designed specifically for you to wear during intercourse.
TIPS ON HOW TO INSERT
TIPS ON HOW TO INSERT
These tips are taken from the Hey Girls Website.
Make sure your hands are clean, and prior to insertion your cup has been sterilised in boiling water for at least three minutes before use.
A good tip is to wet your cup before insertion as this makes it easier to use.
Find your Fold
Find your Fold
Gently insert your cup and guide inside your vagina until it reaches your cervix. Give your cup a twist to help it into place. Your cup will unfold naturally to morph to the shape of your body.
down fold
down fold
seven fold
seven fold
c fold
c fold
adjust
adjust
You can adjust the handle at the bottom so it sits comfortably. This tip should sit within reach, however you may need to readjust your size or placement if the cup sits too low. You can do this by snipping some of the tip if the cup if it is too long. You shouldn’t be able to feel when sitting or going about daily life.
taking it out
taking it out
As your cup moves further down, you can grasp the bottom for a better hold. You should begin to feel a release, and the cup will slip out.
As your cup moves further down, you can grasp the bottom for a better hold. You should begin to feel a release, and the cup will slip out.
Tip the contents into the toilet and if you are reinserting make sure to clean with water or a silicone friendly cleaner. If you’re in a public place, don’t worry – wipe it with some loo roll or simply reinsert.
Tip the contents into the toilet and if you are reinserting make sure to clean with water or a silicone friendly cleaner. If you’re in a public place, don’t worry – wipe it with some loo roll or simply reinsert.
If you’ve reached the end of your period or no longer need to use the cup, sterilise once again in boiling water and make sure the cup is thoroughly dry before being put away.
If you’ve reached the end of your period or no longer need to use the cup, sterilise once again in boiling water and make sure the cup is thoroughly dry before being put away.
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