YOUR 101 GUIDE TO... MENSTRUAL CUPS.
So, you've decided to try and live a less impactful lifestyle and are considering making (or have already made) the switch to menstrual period cups, for a more planet-friendly period - but it's all new and a little daunting and you have lots of questions, right? Moxette, you are not alone!
Here are a few basics you need to know about your new eco period pal, plus a few of your most FAQs.
WHAT IS A MENSTRUAL CUP?
A menstrual cup (sometimes known as a period cup) is a little reusable silicone cup-shaped device (though they're something made from other materials), often with a little stem or toggle on the end, that's designed to collect menstrual flow.
HOW DO MENSTRUAL CUPS WORK?
Menstrual cups are worn inside the vagina during your period to collect menstrual flow. If inserted correctly, your cup should sit underneath your cervix and will form a suction seal around the walls of the vagina - this is what helps to keep it in place (and helps prevent any leaks!). As cups are designed to be re-used, you'll need to remove, rinse and re-insert during your cycle.
WHAT'S SO GOOD ABOUT MENSTRUAL CUPS? WHY ALL THE HYPE?
Firstly, we want to acknowledge that periods are not a one-size-fits-all, and that goes for period products, too - everything periods differently and has different preferences, beliefs, budgets, and it's all ok by us! But back to cups...
Menstrual cups are a great because they're reusable for years and years (and years, literally - a Moxie cup will last you 5 - 10 years if you properly care for it. More on that later) - and so there's less impact on the environment, and your wallet.
Because cups have a higher capacity than most tampons and pads, you can usually wear them for longer, too (though never more than 8 hours at a time), which means less fuss of having to change regularly.
Not to mention, they're great for active lifestyles - you can hop, skip, jump, swim and yoga in them. If inserted correctly, you shouldn't even feel you're wearing it.
HOW MUCH MENSTRUAL FLUID DOES A MENSTRUAL CUP HOLD?
A Moxie Menstrual cup will hold approximately 2.5 tampons worth of its respective tampon size. Our Regular cups hold around 26ml and our Super cups 32ml up to the holes.
The larger capacity of cups (as compared to tampons) means that you may not have to change it as often. Bonus!
HOW TO CHOOSE A MENSTRUAL CUP SIZE
We've tried to keep things really simple and currently have two cups in the Moxie range.
- You have a light - medium flow
- You are under 30
- You have not given birth before (vaginally)
Choose Super (holds 40ml) if:
- You have a heavier flow
- You are over 30
- You have given birth before
Each of our cups holds around 2.5 tampons worth of its respective tampon size.
Note: The reason age and whether or not you've given birth comes into play is because as we age/give birth our pelvic floor can become weaker. If you have a particularly short cervix, Moxie cups may not be suited to you but a top tip, if you're game to try, is to turn your Moxie cup inside out - it shortens the length! (though please note this also hides the toggle and will reduce the cup's capacity - we only recommend this for experienced cup users). If you feel like your cup is slipping once inserted, try these handy tips.
HOW TO USE A MENSTRUAL CUP
We've penned a handy go-to guide, HERE with everything you need to know; from how to find the right size cup for you, to how to sanitise your cup before use, to finding the perfect fold, to how to insert and remove. Scroll on below for some handy basics.
HOW TO INSERT A MENSTRUAL CUP
- Wash your hands (and make sure you've sanitised your cup first - instructions in each Moxie cup pack, or HERE).
- Using two hands, fold your Cup in half so that either side is touching at around the centre of the rim.
- Bring one corner down towards the base of the Cup, so that the body of the Cup forms a triangle shape.
- To create a '7' fold instead, follow step 2, then instead of bringing the edge of the Cup all the way to the base, fold it to create the shape of a '7' instead of a triangle.
NEXT, INSERT:
- To insert, we recommend squatting or sitting over a toilet - this position helps to relax your pelvic floor.
- With your folded cup in one hand, user your free hand to gently part the labia, exposing the entry to the vagina.
- Gently insert your cup, tilting it slightly on an angle towards your lower back. Your cup won't sit as high as a tampon and will sit closer to the entry to the vagina.
- Your cup should pop open and create a suction seal, which helps to keep it in place. If you feel like it's sliding out, it's likely that it hasn't formed a seal. Insert your index finger and run it around the outer edge of the cup, or rotate it slightly until it feels like it's in place.
- Remove, rinse in water and re-insert throughout your cycle as you need (though be sure to remove it at least every 8 hours).
HOW LONG CAN YOU LEAVE A MENSTRUAL CUP IN FOR?
This is VERY IMPORTANT, Moxettes. A lot of brands will tell you that you can leave their cup in for 12 hours, but it's important to note that cup standards vary by country - the regulation for brands sold in Australia is that menstrual cups are wearable for up to 8 hours at time. This is likely to help reduce the risk of infections and more serious conditions like Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CHANGE MY CUP? HOW WILL I KNOW IT'S TIME TO REMOVE IT?
You can change your cup as often as you feel you need to, but never leave it in for more than 8 hours at a time. Much like with tampons, you might feel a 'full' or heavy sensation in your vagina, which can be a sign that it's time to change. Also, your cup might leak (here's what to do if that happens!).
HOW DO YOU REMOVE A MENSTRUAL CUP?
So we're gonna be upfront here and say that this can be a bit daunting at first - but you'll get it in no time with a bit of practice and patience. Here's how...
TOP TIP: If you're feeling a little resistance, this is normal - try 'rocking' the cup gently from side to side as you release it. Be sure to not squeeze it too tightly or else - you know, period drama.
HOW DO YOU CLEAN A MENSTRUAL CUP?
Cleaning your Moxie cup in between uses is easy - simply rinse in cold water first (helps prevent staining), then in warm water with a mild oil-free soap (if you don't have any soap, just water is fine). Be sure to re-sanitise your cup in between cycles (instructions in pack) and keep it in its pod when not in use.
Read our complete guide to cleaning and caring for your period cup, here.
