Name: Flo Menstrual Cup (A)
Brand: Sea and Flo 2.0
SKU: CUPSMALL
Price: 25.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

Our Teen Cups

Hey! We love that you're here and thinking about a menstrual cup for your period. We always suggest discussing the switch with your parent or guardian before doing so.

A menstrual cup is a reusable, internal menstrual product . It is similar to a tampon because it sits inside the vagina, but different because it collects blood instead of absorbing it like a tampon does. It can be emptied when needed and then put back in.

Because they are reusable they are so much better for the environment than other products which are thrown away after use and often end up in our oceans.

Our teen cups are best for under 18 years olds. There is no perfect age to start using a cup, as long as you feel ready.

They can stay in for up to 12 hours providing you with protection to enjoy life without having to worry about uncomfortable pads, tampon strings and leaks. They hold more than 2x than a tampon (18ml). They last up to 10 years or until you're ready to “graduate” to our adult sized cups.

Our cups are made from 100% medical grade silicone so no plastics or nasties here. See below for full instructions on how to use your cup including how to insert, remove and clean it.

Size; Diameter 38mm, length 56.5mm

Got questions? We've got you.....

When can you start using a menstrual cup?

You can start using a menstrual cup whenever you feel ready. Some people start from their first ever period, and some people like to start using pads or period pants for a while before feeling ready to try an internal product like a cup. It's a personal preference and there's no specific age, just as long as you feel comfortable inserting and removing it.

Does it affect my virginity?

No, absolutely not. A virgin is referring to not having had sex for the first time. Tampons or menstrual cups don't change that.

What about using a public/school toilet?

You can leave a menstrual cup in for up to 12 hours, so you will probably need to change less, depending on your period flow you may be able to pop it in in the morning and leave it until you get home. But if you do need to change your cup you can empty it in the toilet, give it a little wipe with toilet roll and pop it back in. Then when you get home or in a toilet with a wash basin you can give it a good wash before putting it back in.

Can I swim/do sports with a menstrual cup in?

Yes! They are actually fantastic for those with active lives. You should be able to feel your cup when it's in so it's much more comfortable. Also no tampon string, no leaks, no fuss. Beach days with friends, holidays, swimming, sports.....no problem for the cup.

What about Toxic Shock Syndrome?

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a very rare condition that most people associate with tampons. It is actually caused by bacteria and can happen to anyone. TSS is associated with tampons as inserting them can cause abrasions (tiny cuts) to the vagina that allows the bacteria to enter the bloodstream.

Our Sea + Flo Menstrual cups are made of 100% medical grade silicone and are very gentle and unlikely to cause abrasions. Cases of TSS and menstrual cup use are extremely rare, especially if you use your cup as advised and take proper care in cleaning it.

We do recommend setting an alarm to remind you to take it out/empty it, especially if you're a bit forgetful at times. this way you are less likely to leave it in too long.

Now a little about how to use our cups...

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.

Get in touch

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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