Before you use your Femino Cup

Your Femino Cup comes to you packed with love, but it does need its own TLC first. Prior to using it for the first time, immerse it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes in a stainless-steel pot. Ensure that your menstrual cup doesn’t touch the bottom or side of the pot, as this may melt the silicone.

To keep your menstrual cup as clean as possible, we recommend you sterilise it every month. To keep things comfortable for you, ensure you wait until it has properly cooled before inserting it.

How to use your Femino Cup

There are two golden rules for making your Femino experience as great as possible, and they are: 

Golden Rule #1: Get Clean

Before inserting or removing your Femino Cup, always wash your hands. 

Golden Rule #2: Take a Chill

Chill! Stress can tighten your muscles and make the Femino experience not, err, as great as it should be. A little relaxation can make all the difference.

Once you’ve got clean and chill mastered, here’s how to use your Femino Cup:

 

1. How to fold your Femino Cup

First things first, let’s master the fold! There are two ways you can fold your menstrual cup:

• U-fold: This handy fold is achieved by pressing the sides of the cup between your fingers and folding the cup in half to create a U shape. 
• Push-down fold: Just like the name suggests, this fold is achieved through holding the top rim of the cup, and then with your index finger on the top rim, pushing the rim down into the centre to create a triangle-like shape.  

2. How to insert your Femino Cup

Here’s where you need to remember golden rule #2: Chill! Get comfortable before you insert your menstrual cup. After you have, do the following: 

• Get prepared: While holding your menstrual cup, gently separate your labia. You can do this while sitting on the toilet, or standing with one leg up on a bath or stool. 
• Insert: Hold your folded menstrual cup between your thumb and forefinger. Push the cup into your vagina. 
• Rotate: Once your menstrual cup is inserted, hold the base of the cup, and turn it for one complete rotation (360 degrees).
• Check the rim: After you’ve rotated your menstrual cup, check that the rim is fully popped open. You can check this by running your finger along the rim. Your menstrual cup is designed to pop open on its own, but it always pays to double check. This will be your last hurrah! Turning the cup creates a seal and your cup will be ready for action.
• Enjoy: Once inserted and rotated, your Femino Cup will provide safe, clean and environmentally sound  protection for you for up to 8 hours. 

3. How to remove your Femino Cup

When removing your Femino Cup, you know it … Golden Rule #1 and #2 apply. After that: 

• Get prepared: Gently separate your labia while sitting on the toilet, or with one leg on the bath or on a stool.
• Pinch and pull: Pinch the base of the cup to break the seal. Once the seal is broken, pull it out. (not the stem), and gently wiggle it while pulling down.
• Remember your hygiene rules: Your cup will be slippery, so be careful not to drop it in the toilet. If the inevitable happens, though, we recommend purchasing a new Femino Cup or at the very least sterilising it to ensure it stays clean.
• Bye, flow: You’re all done! Say goodbye to your flow. 

How to clean your Femino Cup

1. Sterilising it is always best

Because, let’s face it, no one wants their lady parts irritated, it’s best to sterilise your menstrual cup every month (see instructions above). Ensure that the tiny holes around the rim stay clean.

2. Keep it away from…

Your menstrual cup should not come into contact with: bleach, anti bacterial soap, vinegar, oil-based soap, rubbing alcohol, dishwashing soap, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide. 

3. Store well

The best home for your menstrual cup is within its organic cotton bag in order to keep it dry and clean. Do not store it in any type of air-tight bag as this may lead to bacterial development.

FAQS

1. How long can I wear my menstrual cup?

Your Femino Cup can be worn for up to 8 hours. It should be cleaned and emptied a minimum of three times in a 24 hour period.

2. How much blood can my Femino Cup hold?

Your menstrual cup can hold up to 15ml of menstrual flow. 

3. Can I wear my Femino Cup when I’m doing any activity?

If it is any activity other than vaginal intercourse, then the answer is yes! Your menstrual cup can be used when doing any water-based activity, when doing any form of exercise, and also while sleeping. If you’ve inserted your menstrual cup correctly, it should not leak, no matter what. 

4. Can I wash my Femino Cup in a public toilet?

Absolutely! But if that is something you’re not comfortable with, empty your cup into the toilet, dry it, and then when you are somewhere that you feel comfortable, clean it properly. 

Always wash your cup using potable water that is safe to drink. 

5. Can I have sex wearing my Femino Cup?

Unfortunately not. As it sits low in your vaginal canal, it isn’t possible to have sex while it is inserted. 

6. I have an IUD. Can I still use a Femino Cup?

Your menstrual cup is worn low in your vagina and away from your cervix, so it should not interfere with your IUD. However, please be cautious when using your menstrual cup as there is still a chance that it could dislodge your IUD. 

Please consult with your health care provider if you have concerns or questions about using a menstrual cup in combination with your IUD.

 

7. Can my Femino Cup be used as contraception?

Nope! Your Femino Cup is not a form of contraception and should only be used for the purpose of menstrual care. 

8. Could I be allergic to my Femino Cup?

It is extremely rare to be allergic to silicone, the product used to create your menstrual cup. Silicone has been used in healthcare for over half a century, and is shown to be biocompatible with the body. However, if you do notice some sensitivity, see your healthcare provider.

9. What is Toxic Shock Syndrome?

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a rare, but serious disease caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacterium. In extremely rare cases, TSS may occur due to the use of internal menstrual care products. Symptoms of TSS include: sudden vomiting, diarrhea, fever, headache, a sunburn-like rash, muscle aches, confusion or seizures. 

If you experience these, immediately see your healthcare professional.

At all times, ensure you follow the instructions detailed here for caring for your Femino Cup. 

10. How often should I replace my Femino Cup?

Looking after your menstrual cup ensures it will last longer. But even then, you should regularly inspect it for signs of deterioration, including if it discolours, develops an odour, or becomes covered by a sticky or powdery film. If you notice any of these signs, or if you experience irritation, replace your menstrual cup

Typically, we’d recommend replacing your cup at least once a year. 

11. I’ve bought a new Femino Cup. What should I do with my old one?

To dispose of your menstrual cup, wash it and cut it up into small pieces. Unfortunately, silicon recycling facilities are not well set up in most regions. However, given that silicon is made from sand, it will start to break down.