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Click on a topic below for detailed information.
Practicing insertion and removal while in the shower can be a great idea! No need to worry about blood spilling, or losing your cup to an automatic toilet (it's happened before). After you become familiar with your cup and your cycle you won't have to think about it for hours at a time. As you build confidence with your cup, wearing period underwear or a liner as backup can be helpful. It can take users 1 day to 3+ cycles to get the technique and feel what works best for their bodies. And remember, we're here to support your success!
Once you become more familiar with your cup and cycle, you will begin to recognize when it’s time to empty your cup. Some people can feel the additional weight as their cup gets close to filling, feel a bubbling sensation, or notice a few drops of menstrual fluids when urinating.
You don't need to remove the cup when going to the bathroom. However, some individuals find it’s more comfortable to remove the cup since similar muscles are used to hold the cup in place and when bearing down with your pelvic muscles for a bowel movement.
Pulling straight down on the removal stem will just elongate the stem. Add a little side to side wiggle while pulling down and it will help shimmy the cup down and into reach. Be sure to hold on to cup base to avoid potential spills. To minimize splashing of fluids in the toilet bowl, empty cup contents onto 1-2 squares of toilet paper placed into the toilet bowl.
Keep in mind that there may be a learning curve as you become more familiar with your body and cycle while using Kind Cup. We suggest making sure that the KIND CUP logo, on the inner back wall of the cup, is closest to your backbone, and the shorter, front wall, is facing forward. Also, feel the cup base to be sure it is fully opened, not folded, and has created a seal against your vaginal wall after insertion. Unlike some other cups where you might have to manually check by feeling with your index finger if the upper ring has fully opened, Kind Cup is designed so you shouldn’t need to. In fact, sometimes doing the bare minimum during insertion to get your full pop-open and seal leads to the greatest success with this unique design. Many of us have developed habits and techniques with previous cups that might not be necessary when using Kind Cup. So, if you haven't done LESS yet, give that a try. :)
Many users have success with our suggested fold, but you may find that the punch down fold, seven fold, or other fold options work best for your body. (Click here for a video tutorial on cup folds from Put A Cup In It.)
If you prefer your cup to feel more firm to assist the pop-open during insertion, simply run it under cold water prior to collapsing for insertion. It will soften again with your body temperature within a minute or two after placement. Similarly, if you prefer your cup to feel softer during insertion, simply run your cup under warm water prior to collapsing for insertion.
Since menstrual cups collect rather than absorb fluids, it is normal if you notice a small amount of menstrual fluids after placing the cup. That's typically because the upper ring creates a seal that collects fluids from the cervix, but any fluids that were already in the vagina and below the upper ring may cause some spotting. Simply wiping with toilet paper after placing your cup is often enough. Another way to minimize spotting is changing your cup while in the shower where you can easily wash your cup, vulva, and opening of your vagina with water. You can also carefully and gently use your finger to remove some of the menstrual fluids already in the vagina. Be careful not to scratch yourself, and make sure your hands are washed properly with soap and water both before and after.
We love camping and know that there’s not always access to running water, so we specifically designed Kind Cup so that it doesn’t require the use of both hands! You can wear your cup for up to 12 hours, but if you need to empty it while away from home, first step is to clean your hands, for example with water from a bottle. Then remove the cup and empty contents. You can wipe the cup with toilet paper or rinse with water from your bottle and reinsert. Be sure to clean the cup thoroughly once you are back at home or have access to clean running water. We don't suggest using a hand wipe on the cup itself since certain chemicals in the wipe could damage the cup. Failure to remove and empty cup contents at least every 12 hours, or as needed during heavier days of your cycle, could result in leakage, discomfort, or infection.
Yes, when used correctly.
There are no known negative long-term effects on the body. However, there are long-term savings and reusable cups avoid waste from single use products!
No. However, if you have a yeast infection before or during your menstrual cycle, please do not use your menstrual cup as that may cause additional irritation to your already irritated vagina. If you notice that you have a yeast infection while using your menstrual cup, remove your cup until the infection has cleared and boil your cup in water to ensure it is disinfected prior to your next cycle. (See “Cleaning & Storage” on the Instructions for Use page.)
Douching is not necessary. Our bodies are incredible – and our vulva and vagina are no exception! Vaginas naturally maintain lubrication and pH, and also slough off cells regularly. In fact, just washing with water is usually all you need to do.
To be completely sure, it's always best to check with your doctor.
No. Cramps are caused by the release of prostaglandins and other inflammatory substances in your body that make the uterus contract.
Cups do not cause gastrointestinal infections. However, cups that aren’t flexible enough or have stiff upper rings can cause discomfort for some people. That said, our unique design is intended to minimize potential pressure and discomfort.
This is a good question to ask your doctor since it might not be a good option for those with prolapse issues.
With proper care, cups can be reused for years. That helps save you money in the long run, while minimizing waste from one-time use products like pads or tampons. That's a win for you and the environment! And unlike pads, tampons, or menstrual underwear, users notice there's little or no smell with cups. Further, with Kind Cup, you get to experience true product innovation with our ergonomic design that is comfortable, effective, and intuitive to use.
These are general suggestions to help guide you – you know your body and needs best and can always reach out for more support.
Everyone's body is different (for example, some have a higher or lower cervix) and different cup sizes can work better for different people. Some people might do well with both sizes and find that our Size Regular is ideal on some days, but prefer our Size Small on days when their body feels more sensitive, bloated, or just needs a smaller cup.
In general,
It’s the lowermost part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. During menstruation, the cervix opens a small amount to allow menstrual fluids to flow out. It's small, circular, and has a small opening in the middle. It can feel soft like your lips, or firmer like the tip of your nose.
Keep in mind that your cervix tends to be at its lowest position during menstruation. Make sure you don't have long nails as that might cut or scratch your cervix or vaginal walls. You can squat down and then insert a finger into your vagina to gently feel for your cervix. While not an exact measurement, but to get an idea and then measure against a ruler, if you can feel it near your vaginal opening with just the first knuckle of your index finger inside your vagina, then that's considered a low cervix (1.6" or lower). Between your middle & highest knuckle inside your vagina, then that's considered a medium height cervix (1.8" - 2.25"), and your full index finger inside your vagina, then that's considered a high cervix (2.25" or higher). Can't even reach your cervix? Then you'll definitely be glad for our unique, elongated stem! For a video demonstration from the Put A Cup In It folks and more details and tips on measurement, please click here.
Yes. (We think the concept of "virginity" is problematic and dated, but that's a whole other discussion.) If you menstruate, and have a medium to high cervix, then you can use a cup. Younger users might need a little more time to get comfortable and familiar with their anatomy, and their muscles might be a little tighter or tense at first, so be sure to give yourself time, be patient, and try to relax. If you become tense, it will be more difficult, so it's okay to take a break and try again another time. A warm shower or a bath to help relax your body can be a great idea.
Note: Younger people who menstruate may still have their hymen intact. The hymen is different for everyone, but it's a thin, fleshy tissue that is often shaped like a half moon and covers a small part of the vaginal opening. For some, it can be barely noticeable. For those where the hymen covers a larger amount of the vaginal opening, using a cup for the first time may rupture their hymen. Again, in strictly medical terms, the hymen itself has nothing to do with whether or not someone is considered a virgin. If you are unable to insert the cup without discomfort, discontinue use. You may wish to consult your physician if you are unable to insert cups or tampons without pain.