How to Use
Using a menstrual cup properly is crucial for maximizing its effectiveness and ensuring a positive experience for the user. Here’s a description highlighting the importance:
Step 1: Wash
Sterilize your cup & wash your hands before insertion.
Tip: You only have to sterilize your cup once your menstrual cycle starts and then again when your cycle is finished.
Step 2: Fold
Fold your cup in your preferred method using the c-fold, 7-fold, punch down fold or shallow punch down fold.
Tip: If you are having trouble with your cup opening after insertion, try a different fold as a different fold may work better for your unique anatomy.
Step 3: Insert
Relax and get comfortable before you insert your cup sitting, standing or squatting. Holding your folded cup push the curved edge of the folded cup into your vagina aimed towards your tailbone until the stem is higher than your vaginal opening just under your cervix. Make sure your cup opened up completely by feeling the base of the cup for no dents.
Tip: If your cup didn’t fully open up it means that it didn’t create a seal. You can push the base of the cup and turn it 360 degrees, another method is to pull the stem slightly for it to open up and create a seal.
Step 4: Wear
This is the best part – you now get to wear your cup for up to 12 hours. You can wear it while sleeping as well.
Tip: If you have a heavy flow, you may empty your cup after 8 hours to see how much the cup has filled up and if there is still space for fluid. This will then give you a guideline of how often you will have to empty your cup.
Step 5: Remove
Wash your hands and get into a comfortable position sitting, standing or squatting. With your forefinger and thumb, gently pull on the stem until you can feel the base of your cup. Pinch the base of the cup to break the seal then gently move the cup from side to side and pull down. Now you can empty your cup, rinse it and reuse it.
Tip: Keep it simple when washing your cup, either rinse with water or wash it with a mild, unscented oil-free soap.
Step 6: Clean
The Sofia cup should be cleaned before and after each menstrual cycle. First rinse it with cold water to prevent odor and stains. Then wash with hot water.
Tip: To sterilize your cup, put your cup in a whisk in a pot of boiling water. This will prevent your cup from burning when the water level drops.