FAQs
Q: What is a menstrual Cup?
It's a small, flexible cup made of medical-grade silicone. It is inserted in the vagina and instead of absorbing your flow, like a tampon or pad, it collects it. After a couple of hours, you throw the menstrual blood collected, wash and resuse the cup again. Thus, one menstrual cup can be used for up to 10 years.
To know everything you need to know about a menstrual cup, watch these videos.
Q: Why I should use menstrual cup?
You should use a menstrual cup for the following reasons:
1. Since the cup is inserted in the vagina it does not cause rashes as regular sanitary pads do.
2. You can enjoy complete freedom of movement when wearing the cup even during activities like swimming and working out.
3. When inserted properly, there is no leakage. The cup can be left inside for up to 8 hours unlike pads and tampons that have to be changed more frequently.
4. Menstrual cups do not create an sanitary waste like pads and tampons which take over 500 years to decompose.
5. One cup can last you for up to 10 years helping you save on the monthly expenditure on pads/tampons.
Watch these videos to learn more about a menstrual cup.
Q: What cup should I buy if I'm _ years old?
Refer to the menstrual cup size quiz here. You can also watch this video.
Q: How can such a small cup take such huge amount of blood?
An average women bleeds anywhere between 30-80ml during one cycle. The cup can hold upto 15, 25 or 30 ml of blood, depending on the size of the cup (small, medium or large). Hence, the cup can easily hold the blood during your periods!
Q: How often should I change my menstrual cup?
Menstrual cup is not changed, but the same cup is removed and reinserted after rinsing off the collected flow. The frequency of which depends on the level of flow you experience on each day of your period. In general, no period product (pads/cloth/tampon included), should be used for longer than 8 hours at a stretch in single use.
Q: Is it safe to use a menstrual cup?
Yes, cups are made of medical grade silicone and are safe to be inserted inside the vagina.
Q: Can I still use a cup if I am a virgin?
Yes, you can.
Q: Can I sleep wearing a cup?
Yes, you can. Menstrual cups can be worn for up to 8 hours so you can sleep with one on. But keep in mind to empty it on time, as soon as you wake up and just before going to bed.
Q: Can I pee with the cup inside?
Yes, you can. Menstruators bleed from the vagina and pee from the urethral opening. The menstrual cup sits in the vagina and collects blood, allowing you to comfortably pee from the urethral opening.
Q: Can the cup get lost inside?
No, the cup cannot get lost inside. The cup is inserted into the vaginal canal which is like a tube that runs from the vaginal opening to the cervix. The cup cannot pass through your cervix and thus cannot get lost inside.
Q: Does it hurt to insert a menstrual cup?
No, insertion of cup should not cause any pain. If you experience any discomfort while inserting the size appropriate cup, try and use Sirona Lube-Tube (a water based lubricant) to make the insertion process more comfortable.
Q: What is the shelf life of your menstrual cups?
The Sirona Menstrual Cup lasts for up to 10 years (when maintained properly).
Q: Will there be any side effects?
There are no known side effects of using menstrual cups. They are safe to use.
Q: What is it made up of?
Sirona Menstrual Cup is made up of 100% medical grade silicone.
Q: How to remove the cup smoothly/without hassles?
Locate the stem of the cup with your fingers. Pinch the base of the cup to release the vacuum. Tug at it (the base, not the stem) while giving a poop-like push and slide the cup out with its mouth facing upwards to avoid spilling.
Watch this video to learn more about how to remove a menstrual cup.
Q: Which cup size works best for those with a low cervix?
Cups can be used by menstruators with low cervix. If need be, they may trim the stem of the cup. To find the right size, watch this video and take this quiz.
Q: How do you wash bloodstains on the cup?
Wash the cup with soap and warm water or Sirona Menstrual Cup Wash to remove stains and any residue. Watch this video to understand how to take care of your Sirona Menstrual Cup.
Q: How to maintain cup hygiene?
Wash the cup with just water or use Sirona Menstrual Cup Wash each time you remove, empty and reinsert the cup. At the end and beginning of your periods, sterilize the cup by putting it in boiling water for 3-5 mins. Dry it and keep it in a safe place. For hassle-free sterilization, you could use Sirona Menstrual Cup Sterilizer. Watch this video to get a better understanding on how to maintain the cup.
Q: What to do if one has trouble locating the stem of the cup?
Try changing positions, like sitting or squatting.
Increase your internal abdominal pressure (like you would to pass a bowel movement) to help move the menstrual cup down the vagina. It is important that you do not panic and or get stressed while trying to take out the cup. To understand how to remove the cup, watch this video.
Q: Will the menstrual cup stretch out my vagina?
No. The vagina is highly elastic and can expand to fit objects like menstrual cups. Once the object is removed, it goes back to its natural state.
Q: The cup is leaking. What should I do?
Firstly, ensure that the cup is positioned correctly.
Next, make sure the cup is fully open inside, you can check this by inserting your finger and making sure it opens up.
Lastly, if this is a persistent issue, check if the cup size you're using is suitable for your use. You can do so by taking this menstrual cup size quiz. Be sure to watch this video by our expert to understand how to use a menstrual cup.
Q: Can I have sex with a menstrual cup on?
You should not have penetrative sex with a cup on.
Q: Can Menstrual cups lead to TSS?
Here are a few conditions which can lead to Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS):
1. Presence of Staph (Staphylococcus Aureus) in the vaginal canal- it is normally not present there and can be introduced through our hands while inserting, hence washing hands before inserting is important
2. Presence of a cut or bruise inside the vaginal canal
3. Staph to release toxins
If any menstrual hygiene management product is used mindfully and changed/emptied every 6 to 8 hours, TSS should not happen. If used correctly as per the instructions, menstrual cups do not elevate the individual's risk of TSS.
Theoretically, since menstrual cups have blood on the inside and silicone forms a physical barrier between the blood and the vaginal walls, the odds are less in the favour of TSS.
Q: Can I use a cup will I have an IUD/copper T?
Although it is safe to use a cup with a IUD or a copper T, we suggest that you avoid using a cup and take advice from your gynecologist before doing so. The menstrual cup stays in its place due to the vacuum that is built around the rim. This vacuum might interfere with the thread of the IUD/copper T while we are sliding the cup downwards to empty it or remove it. This might result in the IUD being pulled out due to the vacuum. Keep in mind that this risk is purely theoretical.
Q: Can the cup be used if I have PCOD/PCOS?
Yes, you can.
Q: How can I clean the cup without a sterilizer?
Wash the cup with just water or use Sirona Menstrual Cup Wash each time you remove, empty and reinsert the cup. At the end and beginning of your periods, sterilize the cup by putting it in boiling water for 3-5 mins, dry it and keep it in a clean place. To provide hygienic and hassle-free periods, Sirona also offers menstrual cup wash and sterilizer. To know how to maintain the cup, watch this video by our expert.
Q: What are the four tiny holes in my cup?
The four holes are there to help release the vacuum while removing the cup. Ensure that the holes are not blocked when inserting the cup.
Q: Is your cup BPA-free and FDA-approved?
Yes, our cups are BPA-free and FDA-approved.
Q: Is your cup allergy free?
Yes, our cups are allergy-free.
Q: Is your cup toxin-free?
Yes, our cups are toxin-free.
Q: The cup is getting discoloured and becoming yellowish even if I sterilize it in boiling water. What should I do?
Some amount of discolouration is expected with use of cup, especially if you are boiling the cup for sterilization. Using menstrual cup wash and steam sterilization can help delay this discolouration. Make sure you store the cup in a dry place. Watch this video to know how to maintain your Sirona Cup.
Q: Can anyone who has had an abortion use the cup?
Yes, they can. However, we suggest you take your doctor's advice if using the cup for collecting post-abortion flow.
Q: I am facing leaking and spotting even with the cup on. What should I do?
Leaking associated with menstrual cups is most commonly attributed to your cup being positioned incorrectly, not creating a secure suction seal or not using the right size. Adjusting your insertion method using a different fold or placement height can improve your experience and ensure that your cup is inserted correctly and sealing completely.
Watch this video to understand most common problems associated with using cups. To find the right size, please take this quiz.
Q: The cup keeps moving up or down. What should I do?
The movement of the cup in the canal shows that it hasn't created a seal with the walls of the vagina. Usually, the cup is supposed to be positioned at the base of the vagina, but it is highly dependent on the user's anatomy.
Try using a different fold and reinsert. Make sure that the cup opens up fully too. Also make sure you are using the right cup size. Check your size here. Watch this video to understand how to use the cup.
Q: Can the cup lead to vaginal dryness?
No, the cup does not lead to vaginal dryness as the cup only collects the blood and doesn't absorb it.
Q: Is it safe using the washed cup for the skin in the long run?
Yes, it is absolutely safe considering that you follow hygiene and recommended cleaning instructions. Sirona Menstrual Cup contains no sulphates, no parabens, no formaldehyde and this prevents any harm on the skin. It is made of 100% medical grade silicone and is safe for use.
Q: Can i wear a cup if I have endometriosis?
YES! Depending on how heavy your flow is, you might have to empty your cup more often, but it is completely safe to use a period cup if you suffer from endometriosis. In case of execessive pain during insertion, please refer your gyane.
