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A menstrual cup is a reusable period product, alternative to sanitary pads, tampons, etc. Ivy cup is a funnel-shaped cup made from medical grade silicone, a soft and flexible material for a comfortable experience. It is inserted into the vagina where it sits, creates a seal, and collects blood rather than absorbs it.
They are a safer, hygienic, and more comfortable way to deal with your periods.
Menstrual cups are not one-size fits-all. They come in different sizes to cater to different bodies and flows. They hold more than tampons and pads.
You use a menstrual cup by folding it using one of the folding techniques which you can learn here. After folding your cup, you insert it into the vaginal opening and into the vaginal canal. When the cup is in, you remove your fingers, allow the cup to pop open, and leave it to do its job! The cup sits in the vagina under the cervix catching the period blood for up to 12 hours (this will depend on how heavy your flow is and how fast it fills your cup).
when the cup is full or when it’s time to emove it, you take out the cup and empty it into the toilet or in the bathroom. Find more on removal here.
You clean the cup with a mild soap and water before reinserting. One menstrual cup is reusable for up to 5 years and can even serve you for 10 years with proper care and maintenance.
Yes! Menstrual cups are as safe as pads and tampons and often much safer, in fact. Unlike pads and tampons, menstrual cups do not absorb blood and as such, they do not provide a moist breeding ground for bacteria and infection-causing bacteria. Tampons also absorb your body’s natural moisture and cause microabrasions in the skin and vaginal walls which could cause infections.
You keep the cup sanitary by cleaning and sterilizing it properly. find more info on cleaning your cup here.
The Ivy Cup comes in two sizes – the model A and the model B. There are many factors to consider when picking a cup size. We have a sizing quide here and a sizing quiz here to help you figure it out. You can talk to us as well if you need a little more guidance.
Yes! Having sexual intercourse is not required to be able to use a menstrual cup. Virgins can use menstrual cups just fine. You may experience a challenge with learning about your body so take it easy and learn. Watch this video on virginity and menstrual cups.
At first, learning how to use your menstrual cup can be messy. With practice, you’ll be able to have mess-free cup use and removal. Here are tips on how to use your menstrual cup without a mess.
The Ivy Cup can last for up to 5 years and with proper care and maintenance, you can use it for up to 10 years.
No. The vaginal canal which is where the cup is lies under the cervic (the opening to the uterus). The cervix can’t let anything past…except sperm. As such, your cup can’t get lost inside you. It has nowhere to go!
If you’re having a little troble reaching your cup, it’s simply sitting higher in your vagina. All you need to do is push down with your abdominal muscles (like you’re trying to poop). When the cup slides down the menstrual cup, pinch the base to break the seal and remove it.
When you have the cup of the right size, your cup shuld be entirely undetectable. You won’t feel the cup while wearing it, allowing you to have a simple, free period.
If you do feel your cup, check if your cup is properly positioned and make sure you have the right cup size.
You can leave your menstrual cup in for up to 12 hours. Depending on how heavy your flow is, you may need to change or empty your cup sooner than that.
No. As long as your cup is correctly positioned, it creates a leak-proof seal that prevents staining or leaking. You’re guaranteed leak-free period.
There’s no age limit for using a menstrual cup. As long as you have a period and you’re comfortable, you can use a menstrual cup.
No, a menstrual cup cannot get stuck inside you becasue it has no way to go but out thanks to the cervix. If you can’t reach your menstrual cup for a moment, push it down with your abdominal muscles like you’re trying to poop until you can reach the stem.
No. As we already described, your cervix doesn’t let anything pass thrugh and into your body except stem. Your flow can’t go back into your uterus or to anywhere else in your body.
Not unless you tell them. No one can tell if you’re wearing a menstrual cup.
Seeing as your body isn’t transparent, you can’t magically tell when your cup is full. We recommend that you check your cup every 4-6 hours on your first try with your menstrual cup. In a few cycles, you’ll be able to tell how long your cup takes before you need to empty it.
It shouldn’t be. With the right cup size and proper use, using your menstrual cup shouldn’t be painful. If you’re just figuring it out, you might feel weird or experience some discomfort until you get the hang of it.
Top Tip: Lubricate your cup with water or a water-based lube and innsert your cup at an angle.
Try different folds and positions so that you find what works for you. Remember, all bodies are unique so take the time to understand yours!
No. We do not recommend having sexual intercourse with your menstrual cup. If you would like to have sex on your period, you can remove your cup and set it outside until after.
Yes. There are 3 openings in the female intimate area. The urethra, the vagina, and the anus. You pee through the urethra, menstruate through the vagina, and poop through the anus.
The menstrual cup goes in the vagina and as such, it doesn’t interfere with peeing.
Yes. Menstrual cups collect period blood instead of absorbing it like tampons and pads. This measn that it catches the blood as is, including the clots.
While there aren’t a lot of studies to back this, many Ivy Cup users have said that their periods have become shorter since switching to the menstrual cup.
Many menstrual cup users have noted that their cramps have reduced since switching to a menstrual cup. There aren’t enough studies to back this though.
Yes. Many people who have been unable to use tampons can use menstrual cups just fine. Cups are smoother and more flexible than tampons, making use potentially easier.
Yes! You can swim with your cup since there’s no string hanging out. It remains comfortable and undetectable.
Yes. The cup creates a leak-proof seal allowing you to have a peaceful night’s rest without worrying about staining. You get to save your sheets.
Absolutely! You can run and do many other types of exercise with your menstrual cup and it stays in place.
You can use a menstrual cup with an IUD. It’s however important to break the seal of your cup while removing so the suction doesn’t dislodge your IUD. You can also speak to your healthcare provider and ask them to cut the IUD strings shorter to avoid any risks of dislodging the IUD.
Yes! Menstrual cups are super comfortable and are capable of giving you easy, stress-free periods. It’s almost like you’re not even on your period.
Yes. In fact, we encourage trying out your cup before your period starts so you know how to use your cup when the time comes.
When you’re just starting out with your cup, we recommend using backup such as a pad or pantyliner in case you make a mistake with your cup. Once you get the hang of it though, there’s no need for using a pad ever again.
All you need to clean your menstrual cup between use is soap and water. That’s all! When you empty your cup, wash it with a mild soap and water before reinserting. We have a mild soap recommended for washing your cup here.
Before and after each cycle (before the first and on the last day of your period), you may sterilize your cup using hot water.
To sterilize your cup, you can place it in a oiling pot of water for 5 to 10 minutes. If you’d rather not use an item in your home, you can use the Ivy Sterilizer.
Ideally, you can boil your Ivy Cup before and after your cycle starts. However, boiling it at least once a month is just fine too.
As long as you’re cleaning and sanitizing your menstrual cup as recommended, staining can be normal! it doesn’t mean your cup is unclean or ready to be thrown away. it’s a normal reaction that occurs when blood comes in contact with medical grade silicone over a long time and it doesn’t negatively affect you or your body.
Tips: How to prevent and remove stains on menstrual cup
You can prevent menstrual cup stains by rinsing with cold water when you remove and empty your cup.
If you notice stains or discoloration on your cup, its a normal reaction and doesn’t affect you in any way. However, you can make your cup lok as good as new by soaking it in a mix of hydrogen peroxide and water. Find out more on removing menstrual cup stains here.
While it may be unlikely that you’ll need to empty it while you’re out, you can also comfortably do so. Remove your cup in a public toilet, empty the contents, and wipe with feminine wipes or toilet paper if you don’t have access to water. If you don’t have toilet paper or wipes either, you can simply reinsert as is, wash your hands, and go about your day.
Yes! Menstrual cups are 100% safe for wear and reusability.
Yes. Menstrual cups are medically approved and considered a medical device.
Infections caused by a menstrual cup are highly rare and unlikely. The Ivy Cup is made of a bodysafe non-porous material, meaning it doesn’t provide a suitable breeding ground for bacteria. It’s unlikely that you get an infection from the cup itself but it is possible to do so from dirty hands, dirty underwear, poor hygiene, etc.
Theres no harm in keeping your cup in for 12 hours. However, after that mark, it’s important that you remove it, clean it, and then reinsert. Nothing drastic will happen to you but it’s a good hygienic practice to clean it at most, every 12 hours.
There is no known evidence of menstrual cups damaging cervixes or causing prolapse. in the event that it does happen during use, it is often as a result of other underlying conditions including an already impending prolapse, a weak pelvic floor, etc. If you are noticing any signs of a prolapse, please consult with your doctor.
If you are currently having a yeast infection, we do not recommend using your menstrual cup or any other internal period products like tampons. You can switch to pads until your infection has cleared out. After which, sterilize your menstrual cup and then use as usual.
Yes. If you used your cup while you had the infection (not recommended) thoroughly sterilize your cup for 10-20 minutes before your first post-infection use.
Yes. You can use your menstrual cup for discharge. Don’t forget to remove and clean it out every 12 hours. Discharge is a normal function of the vagina unless it has an unusual odor or appearance. Check out this article on vaginal discharge and what it means.
Yes. Menstrual cups are hygienic and you can keep things clean by cleaning and sterilizing your cup as recommended.
The Ivy Cup is made of medical grade silicone, a reusable material. All you need to do is clean it and it’s good for reuse.
No. TSS is closely related to the absorbent nature of tampons and it’s very unlikely to get TSS from a menstrual cup. To avoid any risks, clean your cup as recommended and keep it inserted as recommended as well.
The Ivy Cup comes in 2 sizes, the model A and B. We have a sizing guide to help you pick a size, as well as a sizing quiz that you can take in under 5 minutes.
The Ivy Cup is made of high-quality medical grade silicone and it is designed to be reusable for several years. As such, it costs more to ensure that this product which goes inside you is as safe and comfortable as possible.
You ideally only need one menstrual cup as each cup is reusable for several years. If you’d like to have more than once cup though, go for it!
Did you know we offer a 10% discount on multiple cup purchases?
No you don’t. If you’d prefer to have more than one cup, just make sure to keep them all clean.
We do not recommend sharing a menstrual cup with anyone.
Your cup will show a few signs when it’s time to toss it out. These include tearing, cracking, and residue on the cup. Read this article to learn how to know when it’s time to change your menstrual cup.
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