Size
There are three sizes of Hygiene menstrual cups which fit best for the various physical features of the vagina based on anatomy and age:
- Size Small(S): For females with light to normal flow, low cervix height, up to 20 years of age, or before childbirth.
- Size Medium(M): For females with light to normal flow, low to medium cervix height, between 20 & 30 years of age, or before childbirth.
- Size Large(L): For females with normal to heavy flow, medium to the long cervix, above 25 years of age, or post childbirth.
How To Use
Sterilization: At the beginning of each menstrual cycle, sterilize the device in bubbling-hot water for 5 – 7 minutes and then use it. After the cycle is complete, sterilize the Feminal Cup once again as above and secure it inside the carry pouch. The cup is inserted into your vagina where it collects the menstrual flow. Once in 8 – 12 hours or as and when you feel it, remove and empty the cup, wash it out, pat dry, and then reinsert it. While those were the basics, there are more details on how to use a menstrual cup to help you be prepared for your first-time use.
Step 1: Cleanse, Fold, and Hold
Begin by washing your hands. Then take the walls of the cup together and fold it into the shape of a C. For most women, this C shape will make the menstrual cup easiest to insert. Keep in mind, however, that every woman has a slightly different anatomy, so there may be a different fold shape that is more comfortable for you.
Step 2: Keep the Pelvic Muscles Relaxed
If your pelvic muscles are tensed, you will find it more challenging to insert the cup, you may even find it painful. It can sometimes help to practice Kegel exercises as this lets you relax your pelvic muscles on the command which will be helpful while you are inserting the cup. Be patient and remember that the cup will be the hardest to insert the first time. If you become frustrated, take a break and try again.
Step 3: Get Comfortable
For how to use a Feminal Cup, you will want to find a comfortable position. Some women prefer to insert their menstrual cups while sitting on the toilet. Others prefer squatting in the shower or tub. You can also try standing with a leg resting up on the tub or toilet edge, squatting with your back against the wall, or lying down with your legs apart and knees up.
Step 4: Find the cervix
Next, you will want to put a finger inside the vagina to feel around for your cervix. This will feel like your nose’s tip, and it is a squishy, small nub that has an indentation right in the middle. It is helpful to find the cervix as this is where you want to aim your cup. This prevents you from accidentally poking your cervix or using up space within the cup by placing it on your cervix. If you don’t find your cervix, don’t worry. It is probably low and unlikely to cause issues. You can also skip this step and simply aim the menstrual cup toward your back.
Step 5: Insert the Cup
Now it is time to truly learn how to use Feminal Cup! You want to fold it and hold it in one hand with the stem facing downward. Spread your labia, using your other hand to find the vaginal opening. Push your cup in at a 45° C angle in the direction of the pubic bone as opposed to straightening up. Try to pull up the vaginal muscles as well. The cup will pop open, and you should keep pushing it until you are comfortable. The cup’s base shouldn’t clear the vaginal opening.
Step 6: Make Sure the Cup Is Open Completely
If you felt or heard a pop, this indicates that the cup has opened completely. If you haven’t noticed either of these things, you will need to reach up and feel the cup’s base, making sure it is oval or round. You can open the cup manually with your hand if necessary or do so by rotating the cup in a circle. Always make sure the vacuum is in place as that holds the cup.
Step 7: Use No More Than 12 Hours
A great thing about the Hygiene menstrual cup is that you can use it for twelve hours. Most women only need to empty their cups once in the morning and once again at night, but this varies by person. You may need to empty it more often depending on your flow.
Step 8: Remove Your Cup
To remove the menstrual cup, start by bearing down using your muscles as this pushes the cup down. Keep up this action until you can reach the stem at which point you can wiggle it back and forth as well as down. By grabbing the base of the cup, release the vacuum and gently pull it out. Many women find it easier to break the vacuum and get the cup out by pinching the base. Always remove the menstrual cup in an upright position as this reduces spillage. If you can’t comfortably remove the cup because the rim is too wide, you can fold the cup before removing it. Removing the cup over a toilet is ideal as you can let its contents spill.
Warning
- Always follow the instructions in the manual.
- The cup shall be used during the menstruation cycle only.
- Consult your doctor before using any internal feminine hygienic products.
- In case of any discomfort or adverse effect, discontinue the use and consult your gynaecologist.
- Always store the Feminal Cup in a clean, dry pouch. Never keep the cup in a plastic bag, or airtight container, or expose it to direct sunlight.
- Keep away from children and insects.
Disclaimer
- If you have any gynaecological problems, consult a physician before using the Feminal Cup. If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort while wearing your cup, discontinue the use and consult your physician.
- While inserting the menstrual cup, ensure that the upper silicone ring has been opened fully and the cup is fixed in the right position at the lower part of the vagina. Pull it back outwards a little or turn it around. If the vacuum gets to work properly, it will be harder to pull.
- The cup shall not be placed too high because, in case of accidental contact with the cervical part, the vacuum effect will not work effectively and may cause leakage of menstrual fluid outside the cup causing unwanted embarrassment and attention. The mouth of the cup shall be right under the cervical part to collect the menstrual flow without spills.
- If the silicone stem of the cup sticks out causing discomfort, shear them to the length which is suitable to your comfort, which will make you unconscious of the presence of the menstrual cup.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can pull the Feminal Cup out easily if it is not expanded completely. If it is totally expanded inside the vagina, you cannot pull down the product. Place the cup properly to avoid any leakage during its use.
Feminal Cup is made of medical-grade silicone. Such material is used to make stents, and baby pacifiers. One can adopt the same sterilization method as a baby pacifier. It is recommended to place the Feminal Cup in a professional sterilizer where possible or in boiled water for 5 minutes.
Review the usage steps of the Feminal Cup carefully. If you fail to place the cup in a proper position or fail to empty the cup at regular intervals in a heavy flow condition, there is a chance of sliding down or leakage. A horizontally positioned and easily rotational cup indicates you are in a proper fit. As the woman’s vaginal size changes after childbirth, it is difficult to pre-determine the vaginal size of an individual. Some women find it easy to L Size instead of S, though had never given childbirth. If still there is leakage with L size, she may practice Kegel Exercise to strengthen the pelvic floor.
At the beginning and end of your menstrual cycle, wash the Feminal Cup as you normally do with warm water and a mild unscented water-based soap, free from any oil. As needed, you can boil the Feminal Cup in an open pot of boiling water for 5–7 minutes with plenty of water. Do not leave the boiling pot unattended. If you accidentally burned your cup when the pot boiled dry, your cup may be ruined and needs to be replaced. Some may prefer to add 1 tbsp of baking soda and sterilize it in boiling water. It helps to deodorize the cup.
Feminal Cup is made of medical-grade silicone material. It is a long-lasting, eco-friendly material. The life span of the product is up to 10 years when used as per provided instructions. However, it is an individual’s choice to decide about their placement.
Feminal Cup is made of medical-grade silicone which is safe to use. However, using a menstrual cup may affect the hymen membrane. Some cultures and religions give importance to an intact hymen membrane before marriage. If you do not concern about those aspects/issues, you can comfortably use the Feminal Cup.
Many women with retroverted/tilted uterus use the menstrual cup with no concerns. Such women may work out with angles while inserting the cup so that the cervix is fully covered and does not cause leaks. After a few tries, you will be accustomed to the exact positioning.
Some women find the stem protruding from the vagina. It is due to the short vaginal opening/cervix position. The long stem may irritate the labia throughout the day. The product is designed with a medium cervix length. However, if you wish to cut the stem, you can choose to do so at your will.
Yes. Feminal Cup is made of medical grade silicone which is hypoallergenic, non-toxic, and safe in nature.
Menopause may be with light or heavy menstrual flow depending on the person. The Feminal Cup is generally used for heavy flow that keeps you away from knocking down to the toilet very often. If your flow is less or with spots, you can use the cup without any issues.
You will not feel its presence if it is placed correctly. You can use the finger gently to adjust the position.
The product suits every adult female. Every woman deserves to use the Feminal Cup which can keep them free and safe all over the menstrual cycle. School girls, College-teens, Working women, Sports persons, and others may use the product comfortably. However, if anyone has known gynaecological issues, it is better to seek advice from the doctor about the usage of this product.
Nidhi –
Extra soft and comfortable.
Meena –
No leakage issues. I like the pouch and the colour of the cup.
Lakshmi –
Easy to carry, clean the feminal cup. Doing my bit to the environment.
Kajal –
My freedom from rash and bad smell.