Cup Help

Finding the right cup
What are Menstrual Cups?

• A reusable cup to be worn internally, similar to a tampon. They can be reused for up to 10 years depending on the cup and how well you take care of it. They are made of rubber, silicone, and even plastic*.

* Do your research to find out what works best for you before choosing a cup.

Why a Menstrual Cup?

• They don't contain all the chemicals disposables do.

• Very low to no risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome.
• They can save you money and are better for the environment.
• They can hold more than disposable tampons and pads, so there is less changing that needs to be done.
• You don't have to worry about all the noise that comes with disposables such as packaging etc.

It seems gross...

• You do have to be comfortable with reaching in to pull the cup out, but it's your body (which you should fell comfortable with) and you don't have to reach very far. It will also help you understand what exactly is going on during your period and could help you realize if there is something wrong with your body that you need to go get checked out.  

Dangers of disposables

• http://naturallysavvy.com/care/conventional-feminine-hygiene-products-a-womens-issue-with-toxic-implications

Is there one cup that is right for me?

• There are several cups in different sizes, shapes, and colors. No one cup is perfect for everyone. If you end up getting one that you don't like, don't give up. It may take awhile to find the right one for you, but the journey is worth it.

The most important thing in choosing a cup is knowing your cervix height. 
...but companies say to choose by birth and pre-birth, not cervix height?

• This is a general guide and is not always accurate. Companies don't know your cervix, pelvic muscles, strength or anything else about your body. Only you do.

• Several ladies who have given birth can still use a small cup and vise versa.

What is your cervix height?

• Why do you need to find your cervix you may ask? Your cervix height determines how much room you have between your cervix and vagina opening. Since a cup sits below your cervix this determines the length of cup your body will allow. It can change during your period so keep that in mind. Low cervix's will mean you need a shorter cup. Exactly how short? It all depends on your body.
• You should check while on your period. Use your longest finger and reach until you touch your cervix. Make note of how far your finger went in and measure, then convert to mm. Then look at the dimensions of the cups interested in to determine which will work for you.
• The Diva Cup (Size 1 and 2) for example is 57mm without the stem and 70mm including stem. This cup would be good for those with a higher cervix. More info about sizes can be found below. Need help finding your cervix read below.

How do I know what firmness to get?

• Do you have a sensitive vagina or are tampons painful? If yes, then you'll need a softer cup

• Do you exercise a lot or plan to do lots of physical activities? If yes, then you'll need a firmer cup.

• Do you exercise occasionally or are tampons comfortable? If yes, then choose medium firmness cup.

• Do you loose suction while swimming with your current cup? If yes, then you need to choose a firmer cup.

• Do you find yourself leaking before your cup is full? If yes, it could be one of two things: either your muscles are crushing your cup (in which case you need to choose a firmer cup), or your cervix is taking up room in your cup (in which case you will need to change it sooner).

Which cup do I choose?

• Check the size chart and go by the Cup length section, since the stem can be trimmed.
• Here's the link to share the file: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5CBRJ_e2FLabTlfb1dqRDFQUVE/view?usp=sharing

What should I do if I buy a cup that's not right for me?

• You can always sell it in a buy, sell, trade group on Facebook. I'm sure there are other ladies looking for the perfect cup for them, and yours might be just what they're looking for. 

Cleaning your Cup
How do you clean them?

• Some allow you to boil them, and others advise you not to ever boil. *
• You can use sterilizing tablets that are safe for silicone. Ex: Milton tablets and other bottle safe ones. *
• Make sure you clean the air holes (if your cup has them); you can use the small interdental brushes made from many different companies.

Problems with stains?

• You can sun them, by letting them sit outside for a little while. *
• You may be able to use a peroxide and water mixture. *

*Every cup is different, so it's good to read any instructions that came with it. If your cup didn't have any, check the website.

Problems with leaking

• It's possible your cervix is taking up space in your cup, so you will need to dump it more often or get a larger cup. 
• Is your cervix being pushed to the side of your cup? Check all around your cup using a finger to see if it is pushed to the side of your cervix.
• Is your cup fully open? You need to feel around your cup to insure that it isn't collapsed and is fully open.
• You may need to choose a different firmness for your cup.
• Is your cup too small? You may need a bigger one. 
• Is the shape not working for you? You may need to try a different shape as some are bell shaped, and others are tapered etc. 

Still have questions?

• Feel free to join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/231067800432281/