A new item in your bathroom, the menstrual cup is becoming a monthly must-have for more and more women.
How to use it, how to position it, how to clean it, we answer all your questions for an easy use of your Claricup menstrual cup.
FAQ – Your 14 questions about the menstrual cup
Here we answer all the questions you may have about the menstrual cup. If you have others, please do not hesitate to contact us.
How old can I wear a cup?
From the beginning of periods 🙂
Which size to choose?
We recommend choosing the size according to the flow.
Very light flow = Size 0
Light to normal flow = Size 1
Abundant flow = Size 2
Very abundant flow = Size 3
Claricup Size 0 is also recommended for young girls, especially for the first period. Its small size makes it easier to use and insert for young girls who are not yet used to inserting hygienic protections in their vagina or for young virgin women. But it turns out that this Mini Claricup is also suitable for sportswomen or women with very small flows.
We have drawn up a sizing guide to help you see more clearly.
At Claripharm we are aware that it is not easy to choose the right size the first time. So, if the chosen size is not the right one, we will send one back to you free of charge.
Is it painful to insert the Claricup?
The Claricup inserts like a tampon. Don’t be afraid! By folding it correctly you will have no trouble inserting it. If you suffer from vaginal dryness, we recommend that you moisten it with water.
Can I use my cup with an IUD?
Some will tell you that they had a disastrous experience and others will tell you that they had a super successful experience!
But then what is the bottom line for those who have had a bad experience?
There are two important parameters:
- The length of the threads of your IUD.
When inserting the IUD, do not hesitate to mention to your healthcare professional that you are a user of the menstrual cup. So ask him to cut the IUD wires very short. This is the only risk of IUD expulsion with a cup. The risk is not to aspirate your IUD by unscrewing your cup, no. There is a risk of catching the threads of your IUD and therefore removing it! Therefore, take the necessary precautions at the time of installation.
If you have already inserted your IUD, don’t panic, don’t hesitate to talk about it with your healthcare professional at your next visit.
- The removal of your menstrual cup.
La chose la plus importante est de ne pas ventiler votre coupe menstruelle avant de l’enlever. To do this, pinch the base of your cup, then once you feel that it no longer adheres to the walls of your vagina, you can gently remove it by pulling on the base. The stem serves as a guide to find the base of the menstrual cup. (Yes, according to some people, and according to some vaginas, the cup goes up more or less high. But don’t worry, it’s impossible for it to get stuck in there ;))).
If you respect these two parameters then long life to the cup!
Can I use a lubricant to make insertion easier?
It is possible to moisten the Claricup with water or insert the cup in the shower. The Claricup is made of medical grade silicone, which is a porous material that can retain components of the lubricant that you may not want to have in prolonged contact with your vaginal mucous membranes. We do not recommend the use of silicone-based lubricants or oils.
How long can I wear my menstrual cup?
You can wear the Claricup for up to 6 hours. After 6 hours, it is possible for some bacteria to grow inside the vagina.
We have carried out tests to prove that this wearing time ensures maximum safety.
And at night, can I wear my cup?
The recommended wearing time is 6 hours. Therefore, if your night is 6 o’clock, you can wear it. Otherwise we advise you to put a towel on.
Problem of leaks, how to do it?
Note that it is normal to observe leaks during the first few uses. It usually takes 1 to 2 cycles to get used to it.
- Menstrual cup size
A leak is created because the sealing effect is not achieved.
Either because the cup is too small and does not adhere to the vaginal walls, or because it is too big and does not unfold well.
How do you know whether to go up or down?
It’s very simple: once you have inserted your menstrual cup, grasp the base and try to rotate the cup on itself. If it rotates and you still have leaks: it is unfolded and therefore it is too small. If it doesn’t turn: it doesn’t unfold properly, so it’s too big.
Discomfort or leaks, it’s the same problem in the end, it’s the size of your cup.
- The cup is full!
You have the right cup size, you feel it is well positioned, but you still have leaks? The cup is probably full. All you have to do is see it when you remove your cup. We recommend changing your cup every 6 hours. If your cup is full before the recommended 6 hours, you may need to change your cup size. Our largest size is size 3 for very heavy flows. To find out if you have a very abundant flow, don’t hesitate to read our article here.
How do I clean my cup?
Cleaning the menstrual cup with water is not enough. In order to remove all traces of blood, the following must be done a mechanical action and therefore rub the menstrual cup with a gentle cleanser. Silicone is a porous material.This means that by using an unsuitable cleanser, the components present in your cleanser (dyes, perfumes, endocrine disruptors…) can leave residues on the surface of your menstrual cup and then remain in prolonged contact with your vaginal mucosa.
This is why we have created the Clarigynaintimate shower gel (available soon) which respects your vaginal flora but which can also clean the menstrual cup. There is no alcohol, perfume, dye or parabens, our formula is as neutral as possible.
How do you clean your menstrual cup when you don’t have a water point available?
Cleaning your cup awayfrom home could sometimes be complicated. So we thought of the DuoPack.
As a reminder, we recommend cleaning and disinfecting the cup before each insertion. So how do you clean your cup with soap and water if you don’t have a washbasin? And above all, how do you disinfect your cup when you’re at the office and you don’t have a microwave at your fingertips?!
The solution may seem a little too easy to you but we haven’t found a better one; it’s best to have two of them.
The Claricup is supplied with its transport and disinfection box, this small and discreet black box. The idea of the Duopack is therefore to have two menstrual cups and two boxes. Ainsi, vous partez le matin avec votre deuxième tasse propre dans sa boîte et après 6 heures d’utilisation, vous pouvez échanger vos tasses avec facilité. You clean everything up when you arrive home, once you are at ease with your washbasin and microwave.
How often should I disinfect my cup?
Every time you use it. Before each insertion, it is important to disinfect your cup to remove any bacteria.
Can I cut the stem of my cup?
If the stem of your cup bothers you, you can cut it off. If it doesn’t bother you and you feel comfortable, you don’t need to cut it.
If necessary, remember to remove your cup and then cut the stem on a flat surface with a clean pair of scissors.
Can I play sports with my menstrual cup?
Of course! You can swim, dance, do yoga, run, in short you can do whatever you want!
Can I urinate with my cup?
Absolutely. It is not the same orifice, so you can go to the toilet when you need to, without having to remove your menstrual cup.
Can you use a menstrual cup when you are a virgin?
There is no contraindication to wearing the menstrual cup when you are a virgin.
However, the menstrual cup may seem imposing for a first insertion into the vagina.
For this reason, we have created a smaller menstrual cup, the Mini Claricup, which allows for easier insertion and use. If you have any questions about the use of the Claricup cup, please do not hesitate to read our article here.
The most important thing :
- First of all, you have to feel comfortable with your body because to insert and remove a menstrual cup, you have to put your fingers in your vagina. It is important to know all parts of your body well. Don’t hesitate to learn about your anatomy, familiarise yourself with your vagina and explore it. He deserves it.
What about the hymen in all this?
When we talk about virginity, we talk a lot about hymen. But from an anatomical point of view, what exactly is the hymen?
At birth, the lower opening of the vagina is partly closed by a thin membrane, this is the hymen.
At puberty, the hymen becomes elastic and gradually widens. It is therefore possible to widen it enough to fit a menstrual cup.
- Cup and Hymen, the risk: there can be a tear in the hymen when inserting a menstrual cup (as can happen when using a menstrual tampon, or when practising certain sports such as cycling, yoga, or following a bad fall), so if it is important for you to keep your hymen intact, it is best to wait before using a menstrual cup.
There, now you know more about it. If you need further information, please do not hesitate to contact us. You can contact us via our website or on our social networks.
Discomfort with the menstrual cup: size, infection, positioning?
You’re a fan of themenstrual cup, you’ve finally passed the milestone! But sometimes you feel some discomfort when you wear it? The advantage of the menstrual cup is that it doesn’t leak and is very comfortable, so much so that you almost forget it! Feeling discomfort is therefore not normal, you should not feel your Claricup. Don’t give up, a few small changes and everything should fall into place.
Positioning
The first thing to check if you feel any discomfort with your menstrual cup is its positioning.
Afterfolding and inserting your menstrual cup, check its correct positioning.
As a reminder, the menstrual cup is worn low, just at the entrance to the vagina, no further than an inserted phalanx. It is not worn as high as a tampon.
Once you have this in mind, you will be able to check with a few simple gestures that your menstrual cup is in place and that the suction cup effect has been achieved.
- Run a finger around the Claricup menstrual cup to check that it is wide open in your vagina. If you notice that the menstrual cup is not open, it does not have room to unfold, so it is too big. Don’t hesitate to consult our sizing guideto help you.
- Pinch the base of the Claricup menstrual cup to rotate it into your vagina. This will help the cup to position itself well and unfold if it hasn’t already done so!
Stem
If, in spite of this, you still experience discomfort, it is possible that the problem lies with the stem. Our vaginas are all different, depending on the tone of the perineum, the cup will not be positioned in the same place for everyone, for some it will tend to rise and for others to remain low.
If you feel a small burn at the entrance of your vagina, if you fall on the stem of your cup, it’s really the stem that is bothering you!
If the stem of your cup protrudes from your lips, this can also be uncomfortable.
In this case, remember to remove your cup and then cut the stem on a flat surface with a clean pair of scissors.
If the discomfort persists, do not hesitate to contact us via our site or our social networks. Please be aware that if the discomfort comes from a wrong choice of size, we will send you back a cup free of charge!
This discomfort may also be due to a small inflammation or vaginal infection. You can also talk to your healthcare professional who will be able to help you.
Menstrual cup and odour
Have you been using the menstrual cupfor some time and have you noticed a bad smell on your cup, despite the daily cleaning you give it? We agree this is not the most pleasant thing. We go around the subject so that you don’t have to wonder whether that fishy smell is normal or not!
Menstrual cup and smell, is this normal?
No, it is not normal to smell a bad smell on your menstrual cup.
Your menstrual blood may have a peculiar metal smell, but in this case, don’t panic, it’s normal because the blood contains a lot of iron.
On the other hand, if you smell a fishy smell directly on your cup, it is not normal.
But… doesn’t that kind of smell mean anything to you? These are smells that you may have already smelled if you have had avaginal infectionor too much and foul-smelling vaginal discharge. So you make the connection?
Where can this smell come from?
A vaginal infection
Indeed, most of our clients who observed a bad smell with their cup had unknowingly had a vaginal infection.
If you have been using Claripharm for some time, you know that we recommend that you clean and disinfect your cup before each use. However, if a germ, yeast or parasite has settled in your vagina and therefore on your cup, this cleaning + disinfection step will not be enough.
The cleaning will remove traces of blood from the menstrual cup and the disinfection will eliminate bacteria.
But the smell (the scent molecules produced by the micro-organism causing the infection) can stay on your menstrual cup and also in your vagina if you don’t treat the infection.
This is why we recommend that you change your menstrual cup if you have a vaginal infection and that you do not use a cup if you have a vaginal infection.
Cleaning a little too quickly
Cleaning + disinfection is the essential step, as you can see. Think of it as a real routine when you use your cup.
If this step is not carried out correctly, residue or bacteria will stick to your cup and cause a potential odour.
In addition, remember to let your cup dry thoroughly after disinfection. If you put your cup back in its transport box when it is not completely dry, a “musty” odour may occur. All the more so as your cup is then stored there for 3 to 4 weeks, while waiting for your next period to return.
The choice of cleanser for your menstrual cup is important.
As silicone is a porous material, not just any detergent can be used. Cleaners with perfume or alcohol are not recommended as they leave traces on the surface of the cup. However, the cup must be pure and free of any trace of ingredients that could disturb the mucous membrane and vaginal flora and, by domino effect, cause a bad smell.
This is why we recommend cleaning your menstrual cup with an intimate shower gel formulated without perfume, dyes, alcohol or parabens to leave as little residue as possible on the menstrual cup.
How to get rid of this unpleasant smell?
At the risk of disappointing you, we do not yet have a miracle recipe to get rid of this smell.
If it does not disappear after a cleaning and disinfection cycle, the best thing to do is to change your menstrual cup.
What not to do
We were able to observe practices that are not validated. So as a reminder, don’t :
- Use white vinegar
- Using Betadine
- Use Sanytol
- Use disinfectant tablets such as Milton.
- Various oils
- Baking soda is also not validated by our tests, so we do not recommend it.
Honestly, how would you like to have these products in your vagina? Because that would be the case. Once again, silicone is a porous material, it retains everything!
Now you know where that bad smell on your menstrual cup can come from. The most common cause is still vaginal infection. As a reminder, we do not always recognize or feel the effects of an infection, so be sure to seek the advice of your healthcare professional.
Menstrual cup and leaks, what to do?
Oops, you have leaks? Don’t panic, the solution is not far away. Note that it is normal to observe leaks during the first few uses. It usually takes 1 to 2 cycles to become familiar with the use of the menstrual cup.
However, there are a number of causes that can cause leakage, such as a poor positioning of your menstrual cup or the wrong cup size.
Positioning and insertion of the menstrual cup
First of all, you have to relax. If you stress, the muscles of your perineum will contract, and then insertion will be more difficult, which can cause the cup to be badly positioned and therefore leak!
Good bending is important and prevents possible leaks. If your Claricup menstrual cup is not folded correctly, the insertion and unfolding of the cup will not go well. There are several bending methods, each with its own preference. For more information on how to fold the cup, click here.
The menstrual cup is worn low, just at the entrance to the vagina, no further than an inserted phalanx. It is not worn as high as a tampon.
This is because if the cup is placed too high in your vagina, the suction effect with the vaginal walls will not take place and you may find… leaks.
To check its correct positioning, you can grab the base of the menstrual cup and rotate it on itself. If it turns, it is well placed and unfolded. Alternatively, you can move it up and down or left and right, still holding the base of the cup, to unfold it.
Then you can run a finger along the cup and pull it up to the neck of the cup to check that the menstrual cup is properly deployed.
Menstrual cup size
A leak is created because the sealing effect is not achieved.
Either because the cup is too small and does not adhere to the vaginal walls, or because it is too big and does not unfold well.
How do you know whether to go up or down?
It’s very easy : once you have inserted your menstrual cup, grasp the base and try to rotate the Claricup on itself. If it rotates and you still have leaks: it is unfolded and therefore it is too small. If it doesn’t turn despite all your efforts: it doesn’t unfold properly, it’s too big.
More advice on how to choose your Claricup size here.
The cup is full
You have the right cup size, you feel it is well positioned, but you still have leaks? The cup is probably full. All you have to do is see it when you remove your cup. We recommend changing your cup every 6 hours. If your cup is full before the recommended 6 hours, you may need to change your cup size. Our largest size is size 3 for very heavy flows. To find out if you have a very abundant flow, don’t hesitate to read our article here.
In short, if you have leaks with your menstrual cup :
- Check the correct positioning of your cup
- If the cup is well positioned and you notice leaks, then it is probably the wrong size. Then go back to our “Menstrual cup size” paragraph to find out which size you need.
- The cup may be full, take the size above.
Don’t be discouraged, once the first cycles are over, you’ll get the hang of it and become the queen of the cup!
Do you have further questions about the daily use of your menstrual cup? Write on social networks or by email to: contact@claripharm.fr
