Firstly, so there is no confusion the Menstrual Cup is also known as diva cup, silicone cup, period cup, rags cup, feminine hygiene device, moon cup and many more! This little menstrual cup will sit right next to your cervix and is designed to catch your period rather than absorb it like a tampon or pad does, and if inserted correctly, there will be no leakage and you won’t even feel it inside of you. It is made from 100% medical grade silicone, therefore, it will never break down on you or leech any nasty chemicals. We sell two different sizes – Princess and Queen, based on the size of your cervix. If you have a smaller cervix you will need a princess size. Most women who have NOT had kids yet will need a princess size too. Once you have had kids, or if you are over the age of 30, we recommend a queen size, as the size of your cervix tends to get a little bigger the older you get. Benefits of a Menstrual Cup: Money saved from not buying 16 years worth of tampons and pads. Less waste in landfill (An average of 12,000 disposable menstrual products end up in landfill per person) Controls odours You can leave your cup in for a longer time compared to tampons (Max 8 hours) Less chance of Toxic Shock Syndrome Pinch down method inserting a menstrual cupRoll method inserting a menstrual cupFold method inserting a menstrual cup Menstrual Cup Instructions How to use a Menstrual Cup? There are several folding techniques that can be used when inserting a Menstrual Cup. Firstly, make sure your hands are washed and clean. The Pinch Down Holding your cup with the opening facing up, push one side of the rim down with your thumb. Push both of the sides together so the opening of the cup is a lot smaller than the base. Insert the open end to your vagina and push it all the way in. The Roll Fold Roll up the cup as tightly as you can with the opening pointed up. While keeping a tight grip on the fold, insert the open end to your vagina and push it all the way in. The C Fold Holding the cup sideways between your thumb and index finger, fold the top part over to the opening forms a "c." Insert the open end to your vagina and push it all the way in. Once you have folded your cup, insert it inside your vagina with the little tail at the bottom end. Push the cup up as far as it will go, and once you feel the cup hit the top of your vagina, give it a little prod with your finger so the original fold loosens and the cup expands to fit around your cervix. You may hear suction sound, which is completely normal as more air enters the cup. You might have to give it a few prods with your fingers to make sure the top edge of the cup is completely opened up. Once you take your fingers out, if you can feel the cup at all, you have not got it in high enough or it isn't sitting properly inside you, so give it another push upwards with your fingers, or pull it out and try again. How long to leave a Menstrual Cup in for You should empty and reinsert your Menstrual Cup often, leaving it in for a maximum of 8-10 hours. The longer you leave your menstrual cup in, the higher the chance of bacterial building up and risk of infection. If your body is more prone to thrush, infection or bacterial vaginosis, we recommend using period underwear instead. They are a much safer option as they allow your body to excrete the toxins from your period naturally and not building up inside your vagina. How to remove a Menstrual Cup Pinch the base of the cup, not the stem, and gently move the cup from side to side while pulling down. Ensure you pinch the bottom of the cup and give it a wiggle so you can feel the suction seal break and air enter the cup. Carefully remove, keeping steady to avoid any spillage. It is extremely important to ensure you have broken the suction of the cup, or there is a small chance of your cervix being pulled lower into your vagina. If you feel a small bump at the top of your cervix after removing the cup, please consult your GP. Doing kegel exercises will help push your cervix back upwards. How to clean a Menstrual Cup So while you still have your period, after emptying your Menstrual Cup, rinse it with hot water and soap that is fragrance and oil free. Make sure you run the cup under hot water until all the soap completely rinses off before inserting it back inside you, because left over soap suds can change your vagina PH level increasing your risk of infection. At the end of your period, you will need to sterilize your menstrual cup. You can either boil your cup for a couple of minutes in a separate pot, or use a sterilizing solution (such as one used for baby bottles). Leave your menstrual cup to air dry upside down. Ready again for your next period! If your cup is stored somewhere that can be touched or collects dust inbetween your period, make sure you sterilize your Menstrual Cup again before using it again for your next period