How to Use
What is a menstrual disc?
The Sofia Menstrual Disc is a variant of the menstrual cup. It is a flexible hygiene disc made from medical-grade silicone which is inserted into your vagina during your menstrual cycle to collect the menstrual fluid instead of absorbing it. The Sofia disc gives you a period up to 12 hours that is comfortable, odourless, and good for your body and the environment. It’s reusable for up to 5 years which saves you time, money and effort.
Step 1: Wash
Sterilize your cup & wash your hands before insertion.
Tip: You only have to sterilize your disc once your menstrual cycle starts and then again when your cycle is finished.
Step 2: Fold
There is only one way to fold and insert your menstrual disc. You simply pinch it in the middle to make a long fold in the shape of a figure-8 and hold it with the rim facing up.
Tip: You can wear your disc two ways:
Tucked: The ring is tucked underneath the disc and out of the way Or Dropped: The length of the ring is free and drops down
Step 3: Insert
Relax and get comfortable before you insert your disc sitting, standing or squatting. Pinch your disc together with your other hand and slowly insert it into your vaginal opening with the ring being inserted last in a horizontal angle. When your disc is inserted, use your index finger or thumb to push up on the rim of the disc and secure it behind your pubic bone.
Tip:
Don’t be afraid to push up higher, this is what positions the disc correctly and holds it in place.
It may take some practice to find your best insertion technique, so keep trying small adjustments until you find what works best for you! It's totally normal for the disc to not open all the way and remained a little crumpled. This just means it has opened to match the natural shape of your vagina.
Step 4: Wear
This is the best part – you now get to wear your disc for up to 12 hours. You can wear it while sleeping as well.
Tip: If you have a heavy flow, you may empty your disc after 8 hours to see how much the disc 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 disc.
Another alternative is Auto-dumping:
Unique to a menstrual disc is that you can empty the disc without taking it out. A game changer for those women who menstruate heavily instead of emptying the cup every 8 hours.
It works during urination, where your posture and the tension of your muscles, shift the disc slightly, and in the process the contents drain out. It then looks like your disc is leaking, but it then pops right back up on its own when you're done. You can also tilt the disc back with your finger if it doesn’t automatically work for you.
Step 5: Remove
Wash your hands and get into a comfortable position sitting, standing or squatting. With your index finger, hook onto the ring of the disc and gently pull it out. 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 – always in cold water to prevent from staining.
Step 6: Clean
The Sofia disc should be cleaned before and after each menstrual cycle. First rinse it with cold water to prevent odour and stains. Then sterilize it with boiling 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. Or look out for our Sterilizers which you can use in the microwave to sterilize your disc.