FAQs – Kartavya Charitable Trust

What is a 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.

Is wearing a cup messy?

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. Cups are far less messy than most imagine them to be. It is counted as more comfortable and easier period product in the later use.

How to use a Menstrual Cup?

STEP 1 – STERILIZE: Disinfect the 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 cup pops open fully inside. Run a finger around the side of the 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 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 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 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 cup thoroughly.

How to remove and empty the cup?

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 cup out gently.

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.

How to clean a Menstrual Cup?

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 clean and not clogged. Before keeping it away for use in the next cycle, sterilize (and keeping it in boiling water for 5 minutes) and store the cup in the breathable pouch.

How do I change my cup in a public toilet?

Wash your hands before going into the toilet.
Take a wet paper towel into the toilet and a water bottle with you, if available for rinsing and wiping the cup.
Rinse off your cup with a water bottle, use a menstrual cup wipe, or wipe it with clean toilet paper or paper towel. (Note: do not flush paper towels – dispose of them in the waste bin.)
Insert your cup and wipe your hands off with a wet wipe, toilet paper, or paper towel.
Wash your hands when you get out of the bathroom.
If water is not accessible, you may wipe the cup with a clean tissue or just re-insert directly, rinsing at the next opportunity.

How many cups do I need?

You need one cup at a time, simply use, remove, empty, wash and re-insert it.

You can keep two cups.

Do I need more than one size for different days of my cycle?

Generally, one cup (your perfect size) is sufficient for an entire cycle. During your heavy flow days you might need to empty your cup more frequently.

However, it is your personal choice to use a bigger cup than your usual size during your heavy flow days, provided you are comfortable with it.

Is there one cup that works for everyone?

No. There are women with different body types and with different flow.

Is it safe to use a used cup?

Yes, it is safe to use a used cup. Make sure it is sterilised properly before receiving it and using it. Check for the signs of deterioration in the cup like chalkiness, cracks or stickiness before use.

What are the holes in menstrual cups for?

The holes at the top of the cup play an important role in making sure that the cup is easy to remove by releasing the suction. These holes can get blood caught in them over time, so make sure to clean your cup thoroughly after every cycle.

Do I have to wear backup (liners or pads)?

If you find the perfect size, the users find no leakage with the menstrual cups. This makes the product outstanding and convenient. But we recommend you to wear liners in your initial stages of use to be carefree about leakage during the new learning process.

How often do I need to empty the cup?

Cups have an average capacity of holding the blood for 10 hours. However, it totally depends upon the flow. We recommend checking it after 4 hours or so when you first start using a cup. Within a few cycles you’ll have a better understanding of your flow and how often you need to empty it. Cups do hold 4 to 6 times more than a single tampon or pad so you will still get to wear it for longer stretches.

Is removal of the cup painful?

No, it is not painful. You ought to learn the correct way of removing it.

Can I go to the toilet with a cup in?

Yes! It's fine to pee and sit in a bowel position while wearing a cup. There are three output holes - urethra, vagina and anus. Cup is inserted in vagina; one pees through urethra and passes stool through anus. Thus, cups do not prohibit any normal functions — with exception to sex. If you find that your cup has moved a bit due to bowel movement, you can simply nudge it back in place. Do not forget to maintain your hand hygiene while doing so.

Can I put my cup in before my period starts?

If you are near to your period and you wish to wear your cup on a safe note, you can definitely do it. Cups are no harm to you.

However, during normal vaginal discharge (white discharge), we recommend you to use a lube for smoother insertion. The vaginal canal is less lubricated other than your period days and the cup will not glide in easily as compared to when it does during your period.

Can I use a cup with a tilted cervix/uterus?

Yes, you are good to wear a cup with a titled cervix/uterus. The cup sits below the cervical opening to catch flow.

Can I use a menstrual cup if I'm a virgin?

If you are a virgin, you can definitely use a menstrual cup. However, young teens and virgins might need to practice a bit more in the beginning because the vaginal muscles are tighter and insertion can be a challenge until your body has adapted to accommodate the cup. It takes a minimum of two period cycles to get accustomed to the menstrual cup. In fact, you can even use a menstrual cup when you get your period for the first time. The best suggestion we can give to our first time users while inserting the cup is to RELAX & GO FOR IT!!!

Using a menstrual cup can alter your hymen. However, by medical standards, virginity is not defined by the state of your hymen.

Will a menstrual cup break my hymen?

‘Breaking of hymen’ is a bit of myth. Hymen is a skin layer that stretches and heals. Apparently, your hymen gets altered during physical activities like sports, heavy workouts etc. Wearing a menstrual cup might also contribute in altering it. It has no relation to virginity.

When do I need to buy a new cup?

We opine you to buy a new one when you need a bigger size or when it shows signs of deterioration like becoming chalky, cracked or sticky.

How long do menstrual cups last?

If sterilised and stored properly cup can last up to 5 years easily.

How do I decide which size cup will fit in me?

The general size guidelines state three sizes in an order. The small one is used by first timers and teens. The medium one is used by women who are above 18 years and have given birth via C-section. And the large one is for the women who are above 30 years of age and have given birth Vaginally.

These guidelines are helpful but it’s important to note that you know your body best. We do believe that knowing your cervical height is the most important aspect of picking the size of the cup (one based on length) since the vagina can stretch but cannot create more length.

Can I feel the cup while wearing it?

When you have a perfect size for you, the cup fits in and it seems unnoticeable or nearly unnoticeable. You feel nothing! In fact, if you feel much from wearing a cup, you haven't inserted it correctly.

How do I know if the cup is inserted correctly?

When inserted in, you should hear a pop-up sound. This means it has formed a seal and fit in correctly. The cup can form to your shape a bit, so not being perfectly round is okay.

I have a small vaginal canal; can i use a menstrual cup?

Yes, Menstrual cups come in three sizes, namely, Small, medium and large. Small is designed for first timers and women having small canal.

Can the cup get stuck?

The cup cannot get stuck mostly but in case there is a situation you are unable to pull it out you can look up to this - After pulling the stem, pinch the bottom of the cup until you can feel the seal break and air enter the cup. If the cup still won't come out, try pressing the rim of the cup. It might have been inserted at an odd angle or have suctioned itself onto your cervix.

Can a cup get lost inside me?

No, the cup can never get lost in your body. It can never go ahead of the cervix.

Will the blood backflow?

No. The cervix is an exit only. Your flow cannot go back inside the uterus or other areas of the body.

Does a menstrual cup smell?

No. Blood only has an odour once it comes in contact with oxygen. If you wear a cup for more than 12 hours you may notice a scent once it is removed.

Can I trim the stem?

Yes, you can trim the stem as per your vaginal length. Make sure you cut it in a shallow 'U' to avoid the sharp corners.

Can I masturbate with a cup in?

YES!! External stimulation (Clitoral) of all types works great in relieving period cramps.

However, we do not recommend penetrative intercourse or toy play with a cup in.

BE CAREFUL GIRLS!!!

Can I use a menstrual cup if I pass large clots?

Yes. We recommend you to use menstrual cups as they have higher capacity than tampons /sanitary pads.

Will cups stop or reduce my cramps?

No. Your period cramps are natural while cup is just devised to collect your menstrual blood.

Can I swim with a cup in?

Definitely Yes. The cup will create a seal prohibiting menstrual flow from leaking out or water leaking in. It also holds more capacity than a tampon or a sanitary pad, so you'll be able to enjoy your swim for a longer time. Please make sure to empty your cup and re-insert it before going for a swim.

Can I wear the cup while running or exercise?

Yes, running and any other exercise can be practiced with a cup.

Can I use a cup for postpartum bleeding?

A BIG NO! There maybe tearing of muscles during labor and delivery. An internal device is a great risk for infection during these times. Besides it might pain a lot.

Can I use a menstrual cup when I have vaginismus?

Vaginismus is a condition where, the vaginal muscles involuntarily or persistently contract (squeeze or spasm) when they attempt vaginal penetration.

Can I use a menstrual cup when I have endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of your uterus and on other areas in your body where it doesn't belong like ovaries, fallopian tubes, tissues that hold uterus in place, outer surfaces of uterus etc.

It is always crucial to consult your GP or gynaecologist, who can offer you an advice as to whether it will be worth trying a menstrual cup or not.