All you need to know about MermaidCup® Menstrual Cup
Menstrual Cup FAQ
Q1. What is a menstrual cup?
A: A menstrual cup is a type of reusable menstrual hygiene product which is usually made of flexible medical grade silicone, worn inside the vagina during menstruation to catch menstrual fluid (blood containing uterine lining).
Q2. How often do I need to empty a menstrual cup?
A: You should empty your menstrual cup at least once every 12 hours to make sure that the fluid is not kept inside your body for too long. However, you should empty more often on heavier days or when it is full.
Q3. Does it hurt?
A: You should not feel the cup at all if it is inserted correctly, if you feel uncomfortable for a long time after the cup is inserted, try to remove and re-insert.
Q4. How does MermaidCup's customizable stem work?
A: Just snip off the excess length if you have a shorter cervix. (Learn how to measure your cervix -> here if you are unsure of)
Q5. Which size should I use?
- Size 1 - general guideline, for women below 30 and has not given birth through the vagina
Volume 16 ML diameter 42 mm, cup + stem 76 mm, stem length 24 mm
- Size 2 - general guideline, for women above 30 and/or has given birth through the vagina
Volume 20 ML diameter 46 mm, cup + stem 80mm, stem length 24 mm
Q6. Can I use a menstrual cup while using an IUD?
We have customers who are using both at the same time and have no issue with it. However, we suggest that you check with your doctor before using a menstrual cup.
Q7. Where can I purchase a MermaidCup®?
You can get it directly on our website and we ship internationally. https://cottonmermaid.com/menstrual-cup/
Q8. Any other questions, please email us at hello@cottonmermaid.com
Instructional Manual for First Time User
- Wash your hands with mild soap and water. Relax yourself, it is best to do it at the comfort of your own bathroom. Be mentally prepared that you may not succeed on the first attempt. If you can’t do it, it is alright, you can always try again the next time.
- Explore, touch and play with your cup. You need to feel comfortable at the idea of it inside your body. There are many different ways to fold a menstrual cup, try experimenting with different folds, you can proceed to the next step once you are confident.
- Insertion - wet or lubricate your cup with water or water-based lubricant. Find a comfortable position like squatting down, half squat, sitting on the toilet, standing with one leg up, leaning against your bed. Place the folded cup at the opening of your vagina, slowly slide it in and release to allow the cup to open up in your vagina.
- Lightly rotate the cup and pull the stem to make sure that the cup is opened up and you can feel the suction, this is very important as this seal prevents leakage.
- Removal – wash your hands with soap and water, find a comfortable position like squat or sitting on the toilet, try to reach the stem or the bottom of the cup. Once you get to the bottom of the cup, pinch the base and rotate to release the suction and break the seal. With a steady hand, pull the cup out and tip the content into the toilet bowl.
- Wash and clean – Wash your cup with mild soap and warm water and reinsert it back. If you are using the public restrooms, bring a bottle of clean water to rinse the cup.
- Sterilization and keeping your cup– At the end of your cycle, you need to sterilize your menstrual cup by boiling it or soaking it in hot boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Air dry it completely and keep it in your wet bag for the next cycle. If you have not been using it for more than three months, sterilize it again before using.
- Travelling – A menstrual cup is a great travel companion, however, there are a few points to note when you are travelling. Always make sure you have access to clean water by bringing a bottle of clean/boiled water with you. Bring a few more pantyliners just in case.
Having problems with your MermaidCup? Fret not! We are here to help.
It is no secret that there is a learning curve for using a menstrual cup, some people take longer than the other, so do not give up easily and keep on trying, and you will be rewarded in hundred folds.
Common problem and troubleshooting guide
1. Can’t get my cup in
Always relax. Relax your mind, relax your vagina. Trust me, this is the key! Make sure you are doing it at a very comfortable place knowing that there will be no interruption. Make sure you wet your cup with water or water-based lubricant if you want, do it slowly and gently, trust your body. If you fail, don’t give up, try again the next time when you feel ready.2.Can’t get my cup to open
Try twisting and rotating your cup slowly and check again, if it is still not opened, remove and re-insert, try other type of fold and find one that works for you. I personally think that removing and re-inserting is easier than adjusting or trying to open it when it is inside.
2. Leaking
Usually a pantyliner is enough to absorb any residue of your menstrual blood when you are using a cup, however, if the leak is more than what a pantyliner can handle, you need to check the following:
- Cup not open – Run your finger around the rim of the cup and see if there is any creases or folds. Lightly pull the stem to check if you feel any suction.
- Cup is overflowing – if you are a new cup user, you may need sometime to learn your flow and rhythm, and on some days, your flow maybe heavier, remove your cup and check.
- If all are checked, the leakage maybe due to the wrong sizing, or other issues, please email us at hello@cottonmermaid.com, we will try to work this out together.
3. The stem is bothering me
You maybe having a shorter cervix. If you are unsure of your cervix height, measure it with your finger.
What is a cervix and how to measure your own cervix height?
In short, the cervix is a cylinder-shaped neck of tissue that connects the vagina and uterus. Located at the lowermost portion of the uterus, the cervix is composed primarily of fibromuscular tissue. It is approximately two inches long
This is how you can measure your cervix height:
• Wash your hands thoroughly
• Place a leg on the top of your toilet seat lid or side of bath
• Using either your middle or index finger, slowly insert it inside of your vagina. Insert your finger as far as you can until you reach your cervix (or never reaching your cervix if you have high cervix)
• Take note of how far your finger was inserted
Official links
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Website |
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Facebook Page |
https://www.facebook.com/cottonmermaid |
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Facebook Group |
https://www.facebook.com/groups/646835165511981/ |
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@cottonmermaid_mermaidcup |