Congratulations on purchasing your Sea + Flo cup and starting the game changing journey of using a cup.

Inserting and removing your menstrual cup the first few times can require a little practise, even if you have used tampons before. It may be helpful to try it out when you are not on your period to get some confidence, this is a great way to learn how to use it when you’re feeling calm and confident and are free from menstrual cramps. If you choose to do this, remember to remove it after a few hours, it can be easy to forget when you're not on your period so perhaps set yourself a reminder to remove it. 

  • Relax

    Your body will tense if you are feeling stressed, anxious or rushed. Take a few deep breaths and be kind to yourself. Find a position that's comfortable for you to be able to reach your vagina but still feel relaxed. We often suggest trialing your cup in the shower where you're naturally more calm and comfortable and you don't have to worry about spillages.

  • Clean

    It's important to wash your hands and your cup before inserting or removing. Use a mild unscented soap and make sure you rinse the cup well once it's clean, any soapy residue may lead to irritation. We recommend leaving your cup wet or applying some water-based lubricant to help with inserting.

  • Fold

    Fold your cup into your chosen fold for first time users we recommend the punch down fold, it's the easiest to hold and creates a slim tip for insertion.

    Like everything this is personal and may take a few attempts to find the fold for you.

  • Clean Your Cup

    It is important to sterilise your cup before your first use and after use (between periods).

    This can be done by placing it in a pan of boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes, by microwaving in a cup of boiling water, or by using a steriliser.

  • Folds

    There are many different folds you can choose from to help you insert your cup.

    We recommend the push/punch down fold shown here for first time users as it gives the cup a narrow tip to glide in and allows the cup to pop open easily when inside.

Inserting Your Cup

Insert the cup into your vagina towards your tailbone. Once the entire cup is inserted, push it in as far as you can and then let go and allow it to open up.

Using the toggle on the stem you can give the cup a gentle twist to encourage the cup to open. Then with your finger feel around the base of the cup to check it is completely round and open. The cup works by forming a seal against your vaginal wall and will stay snugly in place, so it's important that it has opened fully. If the cup hasn't opened you can twist it again to see if this helps. 

If you're struggling to get your cup to open up, that's completely ok. Take your time. You can remove (see removal instructions) and try again, or maybe try a different fold.

Once your cup is inserted correctly you shouldn't be able to feel it. The stem should not be hanging out like a tampon string, if this is the case, remove and insert it higher up.

You can keep your cup in for up to 12 hours depending on how heavy your period is. If you're not sure when it needs emptying, some signs that the cup is full are that the cup starts to move down your vagina as it is getting heavy, or you might feel a bubbling sensation which is usually just before it starts to leak. 

If you’re unsure, remove and replace more frequently until you get to know your period and what works best for you. What's great is that you can see how full the cup is when you remove it so you know (potentially for the first time ever) how much you actually bleed, you may be surprised at how little that really is! 

MASTERING

The Position

Once your cup is inserted you shouldn't be able to feel it and it shouldn't be uncomfortable at all.

If you experience any leaking this may be because the cup might not be fully open creating that suction tight film, or you might not have the right size for your body. If you are having trouble with this please do get in touch with us.

If you experience any abnormal pain or discomfort please remove the cup, if the pain is ongoing and then please seek advise from a medical professional.

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Removing Your Cup

With your thumb and index finger find the little toggle on the stem and give a gentle wiggle downwards until you can grab the base of the cup. Once you can reach the base, squeeze it between your thumb and index finger releasing the seal, you might feel or hear the seal release. If you don't, that's totally ok, you should be able to feel that the cup between your fingers is not fully round. Alternatively, you can insert your index finger up alongside the cup and push against it to release the seal that way.

Gently pull the cup down and out of your vagina to remove, holding it upright until you are ready to empty it.

Empty the contents of your cup into the toilet, basin or shower. You can rinse it with just water, or with mild soap and water and re-insert. If you’re in a public toilet without a basin, you can clean it with toilet paper and re-insert, just make sure that you clean it the next time. 

Once your period is over, sterilise it and store it away for next time.

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