Your menstrual cup questions, answered!
For Cup newbies, Menstrual Cups might seem a little daunting at first, but stress less, Moxette - this handy lil' FAQ will have you sorted in no time. Here are some helpful things to know...
WHAT IS A MENSTRUAL CUP?
A Menstrual Cup is a reusable and sustainable alternative to period disposables that is designed to be inserted inside the vagina during menstruation to collect menstrual fluid. They're reusable (for years and years if properly cared for), and can generally be worn for longer than tampons because they hold a greater capacity.
HOW ARE CUPS THEY DIFFERENT FROM PADS AND TAMPONS?
Unlike pads and tampons, menstrual cups collect menstrual fluid rather than absorb it. During your period, a cup can be inserted and removed as frequently as you might change a tampon or pad - but unlike tampons and pads, instead of throwing it away, you simply rinse it and re-insert that same menstrual cup throughout the duration of your cycle.
Similarly to tampons, cups are designed to sit inside the vagina, though they will generally sit lower than a tampon.
HOW DO MENSTRUAL CUPS WORK?
During your period, insert your cup to collect menstrual fluid. Since it's designed to be reused, it will need to be removed, emptied and re-inserted as you need to throughout your cycle.
When inserted correctly, a menstrual cup should sit underneath your cervix and will form a suction-like seal inside the vagina against the vaginal walls, which helps keep it in place (and prevent any leaks!).
WHAT ARE MENSTRUAL CUPS MADE FROM?
Cups come in various shapes, sizes and materials, but our Moxie Menstrual Cups are made with medical-grade silicone that's latex, plastic and BPA free. We chose medical-grade silicone because it's super soft, making it easier (in our profesh opinion, anyway) to insert and remove. They're temperature resistant (so you can boil them clean), non-porous and super durable.
Moxie cups are proudly made using a ZERO WASTE or scraps production process. We use an injected moulding technique which means that we only use the exact amount of silicone required to make your Cup (same goes for the outer carry Pod, too).
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A CUP?
As well as being re-usable, menstrual cups can last for YEARS if properly looked after. This means less waste and environmental impact that regular period disposables. You'll spend less in the long-run on period products, too, and you also won't have to remember to buy them as often. Huzzah!
PLUS, they're super convenient - you can wear a cup for up to 8 hours at a time, so you can go about your daily business, worry free, like it's no-one's business.
Moxie Cups come complete with a purse-worthy carry pod, which makes for super easy and hygienic storage in-between uses.
DO MENSTRUAL CUPS COME IN DIFFERENT SIZES?
Do they ever! You'll find a ton of different cups on the market and most will have sizing guides on their packs, but TBH, it's likely going to take a bit of trial and error to figure out which one is best for you, your needs, your flow and your body.
To keep things simple, Moxie Menstrual Cups are currently available in two sizes:
* Regular: for those with a medium flow, or those who are under 30, or those who have not given birth.
* Super: for those with a heavy flow, or those who are over 30, or those who have given birth.
Both our Moxie Menstrual Cups measure 70mm in length (the Super is just a little bit wider than the regular), including the little stem, so if you have a particularly short cervix, these may not be right for you).
HOW MUCH FLUID DOES A MENSTRUAL CUP HOLD?
Our Moxie Cups can hold around 2.5 tampons worth of fluid (of their respective sizes - i.e. a Regular cup holds 2.5 regular tampons worth of fluid).
Our Regular Cups hold around 26ml and our Super cups 32ml up to the holes (30ml and 40ml to the brim, respectively).
HOW DO I INSERT A MENSTRUAL CUP?
We've penned the ultimate go-to guide to easy(er) insertion and usage, from the 'C fold' to the 'punch-down' fold methods (with pics!) - check it out, HERE. (Hot tip: We love the 7 fold, or the triangle fold, as both of these make the entry point of the cup narrower and makes for easier insertion. You're welcome!).
DO MENSTRUAL CUPS HURT?
Using a menstrual cup can take a bit of practice and getting used to, we're not gonna lie... BUT, it certainly shouldn't be painful, if inserted correctly. You should feel as if you're not wearing anything at all. The trick is to 'fold' it as small as possible for insertion to avoid any discomfort a the vaginal opening.
WHY IS MY MENSTRUAL CUP GIVING ME CRAMPS?
It might be that your cup is touching or even suctioning against your cervix, which can cause some discomfort. Sometimes, during wear, the cup can ride itself up closer to your cervix, which isn't a fun experience. Remember - if inserted correctly, you shouldn't feel you're wearing your cup. If you feel like something's not quite right, we suggest removing and re-inserting. Sometimes, trying a different fold can help (and remember: your cup doesn't sit as high as a tampon would).
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I REMOVE A MENSTRUAL CUP?
Menstrual cups can be worn for up to 8 hours at a time - you can remove, empty, rinse and repeat more frequently if you need to, but never leave your cup in for more than 8 hours at a time.
CAN A MENSTRUAL CUP LEAK?
It CAN, but if your cup is the right size for you and if it's inserted correctly, it shouldn't. Some people like to wear a panty-liner as a back-up. Check out our post on reasons why your menstrual cup might be leaking (with tips on what to do about it).
CAN I SLEEP WITH A MENSTRUAL CUP IN?
Technically you can, but just like with tampons, we'd recommend not to wear your Cup to bed/whilst you're asleep. Menstrual Cups (and tampons) are only meant to be left in for 8hrs at a time, MAXIMUM - so if you happen to sleep longer than that, you MAY be increasing your risk of things like Toxic Shock Syndrome (also known as TSS). We'd recommend using an overnight pad instead.
CAN YOU HAVE SEX WITH A MENSTRUAL CUP IN?
We're all for sex whilst on your period, but you should definitely remove your cup if you're having any kind of penetrative sex.
CAN YOU USE A MENSTRUAL CUP WITH AN IUD?
The short answer is YES, you should be able to, as an IUD sits right up inside the uterus and a cup sits in the vagina, below the cervix, although if you do have an IUD, we strongly recommend seeing your Doctor or a trusted health professional prior to using a Menstrual Cup.
CAN TEENS OR FIRST TIMERS USE MENSTRUAL CUPS?
Generally speaking, yes - it just comes down to whether they're comfortable in doing so. The thought of inserting something into a vagina for a period first-timer might be a bit daunting and so we find that people tend to use pads until they become more familiar with their bodies and how to manage their period.
CAN YOU GET TSS FROM USING A MENSTRUAL CUP?
Although rarely associated with the use of menstrual cups, Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) can still occur and so it's important to use this product responsibly and use only as directed in the leaflet in pack. If you experience any symptoms like a high fever, faintness, vomiting and/or diarrhoea, remove your cup and seek medical attention immediately. For more information on TSS, visit toxicshock.org.au
HOW DO I CLEAN MY MENSTRUAL CUP?
Prior to use, you should sanitise your cup, as it won't be provided to you as sterile (and whilst your hands and vagina are also not sterile, we still need to practice good hygiene when it comes to handling anything in or around our bits!).
For our Moxie Cups, we suggest placing them in a pot of boiling water for 3 - 5 minutes and allowing to cool before removing and inserting.
During your cycle, you can simply empty your cup and rinse it - first with cold water, then with warm water or warm soapy water, but you should sanitise it again before your next cycle.
In between uses, you can keep it in its purse-worthy pod. Tip: make sure not to use super hot water when cleaning your Cup during usage - rinse in cold first, THEN hot, as hot water can set stains in and discolour your Cup.
If you're in public and cleaning isn't easy, either just rinse your Cup in cold water, or empty it and wipe it out with some loo paper and pop back in it's Moxie Pod for proper cleaning once you get home.
Read our complete guide to cleaning (and caring for) your menstrual cup, here.
CAN YOU USE A MENSTRUAL CUP WITH A TILTED UTERUS?
Absolutely! A menstrual cup sits lower in your vagina, underneath the cervix, and doesn't reach the uterus. That said, if you do have a tilted uterus, the degree to which it is tilted may also affect the position of your cervix - the key is to use the right size cup and ensure that it's sitting underneath your cervix.
HELP! I ACCIDENTALLY DROPPED MY CUP IN THE TOILET!
If you do accidentally drop your menstrual cup in the toilet, first thing to do is to fish it out - please don't try and flush it, as this can clog pipes and end up in our waterways. If you have some disposable gloves, pop these on and pull it out.
If you dropped your cup in a public toilet, we would recommend disposing of it - you don't know how frequently (or infrequently) that toilet has been cleaned, so you could be exposing yourself to a myriad of germs and potentially even viruses like hepatitis.
If you dropped the cup in your own toilet, then you need to make a tough decision, knowing how frequently (or infrequently!) you clean your own loo; do you turf it, or to you re-sterilie/sanitise it and re-use it?
Firstly, DO NOT re-insert your cup immediately after having dropped it in the toilet, or even on the floor for that matter. Both are FULL of germs like E.Coli and streptococcus, and so if you do intend to use your cup again, you need to boil it for 20 minutes in boiling water (make sure the water is boiling before you put the cup in). Make sure it is submerged in the water, but not touching the bottom of the pot (microwaving it in water won't cut it in our personal opinion, so best boil it in a pot on the stove).
It's really your choice as to whether you want to re-use it or not, bearing in mind that you could be exposing yourself to potentially harmful bacteria if you don't clean it properly - if in doubt, dispose and replace (our reco would be to replace, but we respect that cost and personal choice are considerations).
WHY HAS MY CUP DISCOLOURED?
This is not unusual, Moxette, and is actually quite common/normal. If your Cup discolours, it doesn't necessarily mean it's time to turf it. To keep your Cup in tip top, like-new condition, always follow the care instructions in pack and try rinsing in cold water upon removal first, in order to get the bulk of your 'flow' off the silicone. THEN wash in warm water (hot water can set stains in!).
If your Cup has discoloured, you can try soaking it in the sun for a few hours - this can be antibacterial and can also help break down any stains. You can also try an apple cider vinegar soak, which we talk more about HERE.
Hot tip: Opaque, darker-coloured silicone cups, like our Moxie ones, tend not to stain or discolour as easily as transparent or lighter coloured cups might.
CAN YOU GET THRUSH FROM USING A MENSTRUAL CUP?
Not directly, no. Thrush is caused by a fungus called 'candida'. This fungus is naturally occurring in the vagina and igenerally doesn't cause any issues. However sometimes, the natural balance of micro-organisms in the vagina is disrupted, causing candida to multiply - resulting in thrush (also often described as a yeast infection). Symptoms of vaginal thrush include itching or burning, stinging whilst peeing, thick white discharge, or swelling of the vulva/vagina.
Moxie cups are made with non-porous medical-grade silicone that won't disrupt the pH of your vagina and therefore won't cause thrush on their own, but you do want to make sure you keep your cup clean to avoid further infection.
If you are experiencing thrush, we suggest giving your vagina a bit of a break and not using anything insertable until it clears up (use a pad during your period, instead, or minimise your cup use if you can). Be sure to re-sanitise your cup thoroughly before you use it again after the thrush has cleared up.
CAN A MENSTRUAL CUP CAUSE A PROLAPSE?
For context, a pelvic organ prolapse happens when the pelvic floor muscles weaken, causing one or more of the pelvic organs to fall downward into or out of the vagina. This is more likely to occur during childbirth and whilst very (very) rare with a period cup, a pelvic prolapse can happen if you repeatedly pull on your cup whilst inserted, without releasing the suction seal first. But again, it's pretty unlikely as you'd need a lot of resistance for this to happen.
To reduce the likelihood of this happening, always break the suction seal before removing your cup (by pinching slightly at the base of the cup); don't pull on it to try and force it out. If you're having trouble reaching your cup, get into a squat position and push gently down on your pelvic floor to help lower your cup in the vaginal canal. Then squeeze the base to release.
Any more questions? Get in touch info@moxie.com.au
