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How to use your Eco Period Menstrual Cup

HOW TO USE YOUR ECO PERIOD MENSTRUAL CUP

WHAT IS A MENSTRUAL CUP? 

The Eco Period Menstrual Cup is a bell-shaped cup, which collects menstrual fluid. Menstrual cups are reusable and a single menstrual cup has a lifespan of many years. 

HOW DOES A MENSTRUAL CUP WORK?

Menstrual cups are folded then inserted like a tampon into the vagina. The cup then opens and forms a secure seal with the vaginal walls. It collects menstrual fluid, in contrast to conventional disposable sanitary products, which perform the function of absorbing the fluid. After 8 hours, or more regularly for a heavy flow, it is emptied, washed and reused. 

HOW TO INSERT YOUR MENSTRUAL CUP

The easiest way to put in a menstrual cup, and to remove it, is when you’re relaxed. It only takes a few seconds to insert or remove your Eco Period Cup. While it may take some practice, it will become easier as you become better acquainted with this product. Have a look at some first-time tips for menstrual cup usage to get better acquainted with your Eco Period cup.

Give yourself a few cycles to become comfortable with the menstrual cup insertion and removal process. Remember to experiment with a different fold until you find an insertion technique which suits you. Using a menstrual cup is different for everybody so what works for one person's anatomy may not work for another's. 

BEFORE YOU START

Our Eco Period Cup is easier to insert and remove when you are relaxed.

To make your transition to using a cup easier, practice inserting and removing your cup in the shower a few times a week before your cycle starts.

Disinfect your Eco Period Cup as per the instructions in the Cleaning your Eco Period Cup section prior to using it for the first time.

INSERTING YOUR ECO PERIOD CUP

1. Wash your hands

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Wash your hands with warm water and mild soap. To make insertions easier; you can use water, a water-based lubricant, or insert your Eco Period Cup in the shower.

2. "Punch down" fold

 

Fold your Eco Period Cup by pressing down one edge with your index finger. 

Note: If you prefer a softer cup, run your cup under warm water prior to inserting.

3. Hold

Hold your Eco Period Cup firmly in your dominant hand, below the upper rim. Find a comfortable position - sitting, squatting or standing with one leg raised. Gently part your labia (skin around the vagina) with your free hand.

4. Insert

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Insert your Eco Period Cup slowly into the vaginal opening. Direct it back towards the base of your spine, at a 45% angle, not directly upward. Allow your cup to open just inside the vaginal opening, then slide it into position. Your cup should be completely internal and will generally sit lower than a tampon but it is not abnormal for it to sit high depending on your anatomy or the location of your cervix.

5. Check the seal

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Check that the cup has opened, as this is what forms a suction seal with the vaginal walls and prevents leaking. Swirl your index finger around the outside of the cup. If you feel any indentations in the circumference of the cup, the cup has not opened correctly. If your cup has not opened, use the stem to wiggle the cup or try a few pelvic floor exercises to help open it. Wash your hands.

Our Eco Period Cup can be worn for a maximum of 8 hours. We suggest emptying and cleaning your Eco Period Cup before bed, and again when you wake. Depending on your flow, Eco Period Cup may need to be emptied more often.

REMOVING YOUR MENSTRUAL CUP

We recommend that you remove, empty and wash your Eco Period Cup before going to bed and again in the morning after waking up. With every cycle, you will become more familiar with your own rhythm and know when you need to empty your Eco Period Cup.

For first time users learning to use the Eco Period Cup, we recommend removing and emptying your Eco Period Cup in the shower, if possible.

1. Wash

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Wash your hands with warm water and mild soap. Removal is easier if you are relaxed. Find a comfortable position. If your cup sits high, squatting or tucking your tailbone under whilst sitting will help shorten the vaginal canal.

2. Remove

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Remove your Eco Period Cup by pinching the base with your index finger and thumb to break the suction seal. Bearing down lightly will help move your cup lower. Tilt the cup from side to side as you move it toward the vaginal opening. Take out the top edge of the rim then tilt it upright and remove the bottom edge of the rim keeping it upright.

Do not remove your  Eco Period Cup by pulling on the stem without breaking the suction seal first as this will increase the suction seal, make removal more difficult and may cause the stem to break.

3. Empty & Clean

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Empty the contents into the toilet. Wash your Eco Period Cup in the sink with soap and warm water and mild soap, then rinse it thoroughly.

4. Re-insert

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Re-insert your Eco Period Cup and wash your hands.

 

CLEANING AND STORING YOUR MENSTRUAL CUP

Before the first use and at the end of each cycle wash and disinfect your Eco Period cup. 

In situations where you do not have access to clean water, for example when travelling, use bottled drinking water to clean and disinfect your cup.  

Clean

You can easily clean Eco Period Cup by using soap and warm water. Use a soft cloth or brush to remove any residual build up.

Ensure that the tiny holes at the top of the Eco Period Cup cup are clear and contain no blockages as they help form the suction seal which keeps your cup in place. The holes can be cleaned by squirting water through them or carefully use a toothpick to remove any debris. Discard the toothpick after use or sterilise a reusable one.

Always thoroughly rinse your cup after washing to ensure no soap residue remains on the cup as this can disrupt your vaginal pH levels.

Disinfect

After your cycle, regular disinfection of your Eco Period Cup is recommended. You can do this by placing in our microwaveable sterilisers or a pot of boiling water for 3–5 minutes. Never boil for more than 5 minutes as this can cause it to get damaged. It’s a good idea to set a timer when boiling your menstrual cup to ensure you don’t forget to remove it from the cooktop.

Storage

Rinse and dry your Eco Period Cup before putting it back in its own carry-bag until your next period. Always store in a ventilated area; never keep in a plastic bag or airtight container as moisture cannot evaporate without airflow and your cup will not dry properly. Storing your menstrual cup in an air-tight container may cause your menstrual cup change colour or develop an unpleasant odour.

Over time, you might notice some discolouration of your Eco Period Cup. This is normal and does not indicate the cup needs to be replaced. If the slight discolouration concerns you, you can use isopropyl rubbing alcohol and a soft cloth to remove some of the staining. Thoroughly rinse your cup and set it out in the sun (out of the reach of pets) for a few days as UV rays are a great natural solution to sterilise and remove stains.

If you notice any rips, tears or changes in the texture of your Cup, it’s time to replace it.

 

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Eco Period cups are for individual use and should never be shared!

Eco Period cups can be used in conjunction with the oral pill.

Do not use the Lotus cup as a contraceptive or during intercourse. A menstrual cup will not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Our Menstrual Cup must not be used for postpartum bleeding, following a miscarriage or a termination due to the risk of infection.

If you have previously suffered from Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) it is recommended that no internal sanitary products, including tampons and menstrual cups, be used unless under the direction of your medical practitioner.

If you have any gynaecological concerns or questions regarding the suitability of a cup in your particular situation, please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional.

Always read the label. Use only as directed.