Menstrual Cups
Menstrual cups are quite simply life changing and one of the most sustainable period products available. They are kind to your body and the planet. Finding the best size for your body type is crucial to becoming a successful cup user.
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CALL OUR VAGENIUS
Our in house Vagenius can help you find the right menstrual cup for your body type. Please call us on 0800 692 876 anytime between 9am - 2.30pm Monday to Friday - we can help!
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE DIFFERENT MENSTRUAL CUPS?
There are so many different menstrual cups to choose from - it can be quite overwhelming. Each menstrual cup has its own unique features and not all cups suit all body types.
If you are overwhelmed please give our Vagenius a call, they can help you find the best cup for your body type! Phone 0800 692 876 between 9am - 2.30pm Monday - Friday.
The best way to start is to find the location and height of your cervix first - please find some more information about this HERE. If you have this measurement before you call us this can make it even easier for us to help you!
HOW DO I FIND MY CERVIX HEIGHT?
Now, this is the BIG question! With so many different menstrual cups to choose from this can be overwhelming for a first-time cup user.
You can learn how to find your cervix here.
If you're still unsure, our in house Vagenius can help you find the right menstrual cup for your body type. Please call us on 0800 692 876 anytime between 9am-2.30pm Monday to Friday!
We can steer you in the right direction so that you can find the right size!
HOW DO I USE MY CUP?
Before you use your menstrual cup, you must sterilise it. You can use a sterilising tablet, sterilise your cup in the microwave or sterilise your cup on the stove. See the link below for further information about cup sterilisation.
Inserting the Cup:
It is super important to wash your hands with soap before and after you use any menstrual product.
To make the cup easier to insert, you can rinse it under warm water. When the cup is warm, it’s easier to manipulate.
To insert your cup into your vaginal canal, you must fold it. You can either fold in one side of the cup to make the mouth of the cup smaller, creating a tulip-like shape, or you can flatten the cup and fold it in half length-ways, making the mouth of the cup smaller.
To insert your cup, make sure you’re relaxed. Hold your cup in its folded position with your index finger and your thumb. Gently insert it into your vagina. Your cup will pop open. To make sure that it has popped open, feel the base of your cup and make sure that it’s rounded, soft and bouncy. If the cup hasn’t popped open, twist it to make it pop open properly or remove it and try again.
Your cup shouldn’t be too low that you can feel the stem poking out, but you should always be able to reach the stem, so it shouldn’t be too high. If your cup is in correctly, you won’t be able to feel it at all.
If your cup is in the right position but the stem still pokes out, use your scissors to trim your stem to a length that suits you.
Removing the Cup:
Once your cup is in, it’s recommended that you change it every 4 to 8 hours, depending on your flow. Never leave a menstrual product in your body for more than 8 hours as bacteria can build up.
To remove your cup, get into a comfortable sitting or standing position. Grab the stem and gently wriggle it until you can grab the base of the cup. Pinch the cup at the base to break the seal and gently remove it from your vagina, making sure that it’s upright the entire time. If the cup is tilted in any way, spillage can occur!
HOW DO I CARE FOR MY CUP?
Empty your cup and then rinse it or wash it with a gentle soap or menstrual cup wash before inserting it again. When washing your cup, you can scrub it with your fingers or a sterilised toothbrush. If you do not have access to a private basin where you can clean your cup, make sure that you bring a bottle of water into the bathroom with your so that you can rinse your cup over the toilet.
At the end of your period, sterilize your cup again. Place it out in the sun to dry then pop it into its storage bag or container.
I HAVE A PROLAPSE, CAN I USE A MENSTRUAL CUP?
Yes you can, but you might need our Vagenius to help you find the right menstrual cup. Depending on the type of prolapse you have you might need a firmer cup to ensure that your cup stays open. Or, you might need us to talk you through some techniques for getting your cup into the right place.
More information on prolapse can be found on our prolapse support page HERE
We are here to help you find the right menstrual cup for your body type. Please call us on 0800 692 876 anytime between 9am - 2.30pm Monday to Friday!
I HAVE A TILTED UTERUS. CAN I USE A MENSTRUAL CUP?
The uterus is the size and shape of a small pear, weighing around 113 grams. It is positioned upright, with the cervix at its base. The uterus sits between the bladder and the rectum and has enough room to swell up to twice its normal size during menstruation and can carry a baby without affecting its neighbours. The muscles and ligaments of the pelvis provide a safe environment for the uterus to perform its functions effectively. When this perfect environment is compromised the uterus can change in position. This can be caused by a number of things including stress, an accident or trauma, childbirth, etc.
The various possible positions of the uterus are as follows:
• Normal
• Retroflexed (tipped towards the rectum and folded over)
• Retroverted (tipped towards the Rectum)
• Anteflexed (tipped towards the bladder and folded over)
• Anteverted (tipped towards the bladder)
Some of the symptoms of a “tipped”, “tilted” Uterus can include:
• Painful menstruation and ovulation
• Irregular Menstrual Cycles
• Menstrual Cycles that contain clots and are dark in colour
• Hormone Imbalances
• Chronic lower back pain (especially during menstruation)
• Chronic Constipation
• Chronic Bladder or Yeast Infections
• Endometriosis, Ovarian Cysts and Polyps
• Fertility problems and miscarriages
• Unexplained pelvic pain
Some of these symptoms are considered “normal” but could be caused by having a “tipped” or “tilted” uterus. Most of the time it doesn’t matter where your uterus is, especially if you do not have any of the symptoms we have mentioned above. But for those who experience severe symptoms the knowledge of the position of the uterus is very important.
USING A MENSTRUAL CUP WITH YOUR "TILTED" UTERUS
Every person's body is different, so no one rule applies to all. Many people with a “tipped” or “tilted” uterus find using a cup easy. It really can depend on how much your uterus is tipped either forwards or backwards. Most people find that when they have a more severely tipped uterus, they will have to practice which angle will suit them most when the cup is inserted. This can take a few cycles to get used to.
When inserted correctly the cup should not cause any type of discomfort. If you insert the cup too deep the cup can position itself next to the cervix which will feel very uncomfortable. The menstrual cup needs to be sitting beneath the cervix for optimal comfort. You may need to remove the cup, rinse and re-insert to get it at the angle that suits you.
If the stem of the menstrual cup is hanging too low them you may want to consider trimming the stem to a more suitable length for your needs.
If you are unsure please contact your healthcare professional for more advice.
Period Briefs
Period Underwear is designed to absorb your menstrual flow and can be washed and reused again and again. Better for you and Muma Earth! They can be worn on their own, or as a backup with another period product. This depends on your flow!
Remember to keep a watchful eye over your briefs and change them before their capacity is reached.
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HOW DO THEY WORK?
Period underwear is designed to be worn like normal underwear, but with the ability to absorb menstrual flow, so you can wear it instead of tampons and pads, or as a backup measure to your usual menstrual product.
Our briefs feature four layers of protection. These four layers include:
SOFT COTTON LINING: On the inside closest to your skin for all day/night comfort.
ABSORBENT PADDING: Breathable layer to catch all those spills.
WATERPROOF LAYER: Protects your sheets and clothing, while preventing any possible awkward accidents.
SLEEK MICROFIBRE OR COTTON OUTER: On the outside depending on your choice of brief for an attractive and comfortable finish.
FIRST TIME USING PERIOD UNDERWEAR?
1. We recommend you try them on a lighter day of your period or when you are at home. This is your ‘experiment’ day when you can learn how your briefs work for you.
2. Remember period underwear hold different capacities, use that to gauge if you will need to change them if it is less than a day. Only you know your flow!
3. If you want to change them less often, then consider using them with a menstrual cup or tampon.
4. Now that you’re confident, you can wear your briefs anywhere you like, except for in water. If you wish to use a pair in water, then please check out Period Swim Full Brief, specifically designed to accommodate this purpose.
HOW MANY PAIRS OF PERIOD UNDERWEAR SHOULD I BUY FOR EACH CYCLE?
This really depends on you and your flow. If you use them exclusively, we would suggest 7-10 pairs of period underwear per cycle. If you use them in conjunction with a menstrual cup or tampons (as back-up), you might need around 3-5 pairs.
HOW LONG WILL MY PERIOD UNDERWEAR LAST?
If you follow all care instructions, during and after you use them, they will last around 9-12 months. Some last a lot longer if they are hand-washed or machine washed in a delicates bag.
Just remember, rinse after use, and wash in cold water only and line dry. Avoid bleaches, fabric softener and the dryer.