Aarya’s Menstrual Cup

A menstrual cup is a bell-shaped, flexible device, which is designed for use inside the vagina during period. It is a reusable sanitary pad & tampon alternative worn inside the vagina that collects flow rather than absorbing it. Cups come in all sizes and shapes to fit the wearer best and are most often made from medical grade silicone. They are a safer, healthier, and more comfortable way to manage your period.

Initially for one or two cycles, inserting and removing a menstrual cup can be messy. It’s usually mess-free after practice. When you’re new to a cup it’s best to remove it in the shower. Reusable menstrual cup are far less messy than most imagine them to be. It is counted as more comfortable and easier period product in the later use.

STEP 1 - STERILIZE: Disinfect the period menstrual cup before every use by washing and keeping it in boiling water for 5 minutes.

STEP 2 - FOLD: Take the cup with clean hands and fold its rim. There are many ways of folding it, like the punch down fold, the C-fold or the 7-fold. Try whichever fold suits you best.

STEP 3 - INSERT: Gently separate the opening of the vagina with other hand and push the folded side in. Ensure that the cup is inserted completely inside the vagina. The stem may or may not stay: outside the vaginal opening depending upon the depth of your cervix. To facilitate smoother insertion, raise your one leg to an elevated position or squat down with your legs apart.

STEP 4 - PLACEMENT: Once properly inserted, ensure that the menstrual cup pops open fully inside. Run a finger around the side of the period cup. It should feel smooth, comfortable and unobtrusive. If you feel folds on the cup. it implies that it hasn't opened properly. Pinch the base of the cup (not the stem) and rotate it in the same position to let it unfold, thus creating a vacuum seal which ensures zero leakage.

STEP 5 - USE: Due to its design, the silicone menstrual cup is most suitable for an active lifestyle. Including sports like swimming, dance, hiking, running, travel etc. Depending upon individual flow, it can be used for up to 12 hours at a stretch. You do not have to remove your menstrual cup to urinate. Sometimes when you defecate, the position of the cup may change or it may fall out. Thus, you have to remove and reinsert it.

STEP 6 - REMOVAL: Wash your hands thoroughly. Sit on the toilet/squat down with your legs apart. Insert two fingers and a thumb to hold the stem. Pull the stem until you can touch the bottom of the cup. Pinch at the bottom of the cup to release the suction and pull the silicone menstrual cup out gently.

STEP 7 - EMPTY: Empty the cup in the toilet pot and rinse it with water thoroughly for reuse. Make sure the holes near the rim of the cup are cleaned and not clogged. Depending upon the flow, empty the cup 2-5 times daily.

STEP 8 - STERILIZE: Before keeping it away for use in the next cycle, sterilize and clean the period menstrual cup thoroughly.