Femmecup Frequently Asked Questions
>1. How do I know when to empty Femmecup?
There is no hard and fast rule here except that it must be emptied every 12 hours minimum. By monitoring the fullness of the cup when you first begin using it you will quickly learn how often to empty it according to your flow. Usually you will find that you only need to empty it once in the morning and then again in the evening, this depends on your flow on different days of your period and it can be emptied as often as you feel comfortable with.
2. How do I insert and remove Femmecup?
3. How do I manage in a public toilet?
Most women find that they do not need to empty Femmecup very often and so this situation is not a common occurrence.
However, if you do need to empty Femmecup in a public toilet simply remove and empty as usual and use toilet paper or paper towel to wipe the cup and reinsert. Rinse the cup with water at the next convenient removal.
4. Is the silicone Femmecup is made of safe?
Femmecup is made from medical grade silicone, this is a solid stable piece of silicone (with the feel of soft rubber) that cannot leak or release molecules into the body. The same silicone used to make Femmecup is also widely used in the medical industry for internal valves and tubing as well as baby bottle teats and breast pumps.
It is a totally different silicone to the type used on the early breast implants, these were made from a bag filled with silicone gel some of which leaked and caused the health issues now associated with silicone gel.
5. If it's so good why haven't I heard of it?
Different types of menstrual cups date back to 1896 but disposable products have overshadowed them. Femmecup is only now starting to become more popular and widely known. This is because women are becoming more ecologically aware and are realising how much damage disposable products are doing to the environment.
The health benefits are also starting to lead women to look for an alternative to tampons that have been linked with Toxic Shock Syndrome in recent years.
This is something to share with as many women as possible; it really is a simple yet revolutionary product!
6. What about Toxic Shock Syndrome?
Femmecup unlike tampons has never been linked with TSS. This serious and sometimes fatal condition has been linked to prolonged use of tampons.
Since Femmecup is simply a receptacle and does not interfere with the natural vaginal moisture levels and self-cleansing processes it has no link with TSS. However, remember to observe the 12 hour rule.
7. Does Femmecup leak?
Femmecup is a highly reliable form of sanitary protection.
When inserted correctly Femmecup will not leak at all, in fact most women find it is much more reliable than tampons and towels. Just as with tampons, it can take one or two periods to perfect the correct insertion technique for you but it is well worth the effort as many women find that they have no need for backup towels or panty liners, even when used at night.
8. Is Femmecup hygienic?
Femmecup is made from medical grade silicone, which is easy to clean and sterilise, it can be boiled in water or rinsed in sterilising fluid in between periods and need only be rinsed at least twice daily with water during use.
The silicone used to make Femmecup is antibacterial and does not support the growth of bacteria like tampons and pads can. It is not absorbent and does not upset the acidic environment in the vagina and therefore does not increase the risk of infection and has never been linked to Toxic Shock Syndrome as tampons have.
9. Can Femmecup get stuck?
Femmecup cannot get stuck. It sits much lower in the vaginal canal (not high like a tampon) this makes it quick and easy to remove.
If you find that is has ridden up and is difficult to reach simply bear down with your stomach muscles and pull on the stem until you can reach the base of the cup. You can then pinch the base of the cup to release the seal and remove.
10. How long can I use the same Femmecup?
Femmecup can be used for a number of years before it needs replacing. It is really up to personal preference how often you do this, some women may want to replace it every couple of years while others may be confident to use it for up to 10 years before purchasing a new cup.
11. I have just started my periods can I use Femmecup?
Yes, is it perfectly safe to use Femmecup from your very first period although teenagers may find it easier to insert the cup using some water based lubricant to begin with.
12. Can I use Femmecup when I have a light flow?
Femmecup is great for light flow, insertion and removal are easy, it is not absorbent so will not cause dryness.
13. Can I leave my Femmecup in during sexual intercourse?
No, Femmecup should be removed before intercourse, it sits very low inside the vaginal cavity so would cause an obstruction. It is not a contraceptive and will not give protection from sexually transmitted diseases.
14. Can I use lubricant to insert my Femmecup?
Yes, water based lubricants such as KY jelly can be used very effectively with Femmecup. Oil based lubricants should be avoided as this can damage the silicone.
15. I have recently had a baby, can I use Femmecup?
It is not recommended to use any form of internal protection for post-natal bleeding, although you can start to use Femmecup from six weeks after giving birth.
16. I have an IUD fitted can I use Femmecup?
Yes, you can use Femmecup with an IUD (coil). Take care to position your cup correctly and have you IUD strings checked periodically by your GP.
17. I have very heavy periods, is Femmecup suitable for me?
Femmecup is great for heavy period sufferers, it holds three times the amount that one tampon or pad can absorb so you can go longer between emptying. You can even measure your flow and some women find that cramps are eased when using Femmecup.
18. Can I swim and play sports when I'm using Femmecup?
Femmecup is brilliant for an active lifestyle and can be used while swimming, cycling, running, camping and traveling, along with all outdoor pursuits and sports.
There are no bulky spares to pack and you cannot run out of supplies. Since Femmecup can be left in for longer than tampons you can enjoy your whole day and forget about your period completely, so long as you remember the 12 hour rule.
19. How do I know that my Femmecup is in the right position and is fully open?
Some women find that their cup is easy to insert but does not always open up once it is inside them. This is a simple issue to resolve; simply grasp the base of the cup and gently rotate the cup, this will make it open up and the seal will form.
The base of the cup should be easy to reach, it sits just inside you much lower than a tampon and the stem should be outside your body, you will need to trim this to a length that is comfortable for you; some women even remove it altogether.
21. How do I fold my cup to insert it?
There is more than one way to fold Femmecup for insertion. We have put together a series of photographs which show the different ways you can fold it. Many women find one fold is much easier than another. Click here to view.
21. Does Femmecup contain any phthalates or Bisphenol A (BPA) like some silicones and plastics do?
Femmecup contains no BPA or phthalates.