+ WHAT SIZE BETTERCUP MENSTRUAL CUP?

Size A is for those under 25.

Size B is for those over 25 and for those of any age that have given birth vaginally.

Our size guide is just a -guide- though. Our bodies are all different so if you're not sure which size will suit you get in touch, we'd love to help!

+ WHAT ARE THE DIMENSIONS OF THE SIZES?

Size A is 43mm in width x 68mm in length, including the stem.

Size B is 46mm in width x 73mm in length, including the stem.

+ WHY ARE THERE DIFFERENT SIZES?

The sizes are not to do with menstrual flow. The sizes are based on child birth and age as these affect your pelvic floor tone. The sizes only differ by a few millimetres, but they make a difference.

+ HOW LONG CAN I LEAVE IT IN FOR?

A bettercup holds the equivalent of around 3 tampons and can be kept in for up to 8-12 hours, depending on your menstrual flow. It is the perfect menstrual product to allow you the freedom to enjoy your day with out needing to be near a toilet. Depending on how heavy your period is you can just pop it in each morning and not worry about changing it until the evening, allowing you total freedom and peace of mind. Some customers find they need to change closer to 3-6 hours on their heavier days.

+ CAN THE BETTERCUP GET LOST INSIDE ME?

No, it can’t get lost or stuck inside you, although it can sometimes move upwards out of reach. If this happens, don’t panic, there is no immediate need to take it out and it can’t get lost. To remove, if you can’t feel the base of the cup, push downwards with your vaginal muscles until you can reach it with your fingers, then pinch the cup to break the seal and slowly ease it out. If you can't get a good grip with both fingers, insert your index finger alongside the cup to break the seal before removing.

+ CAN A VIRGIN USE A BETTERCUP?

Yes, you can use a bettercup if you are a virgin. If you are under 18 we suggest you chat it through with a parent/teacher/guardian before using, to make sure you feel comfortable and have the support you need.

+ MY BETTERCUP IS UNCOMFORTABLE WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Firstly, it’s best to identify what is causing you discomfort. If it's the stem, then you can trim it. If it's the cup itself, check it is properly inserted and fully opened to form a seal. If you’re not sure then remove the cup, give it a rinse and try inserting again.

If your bettercup is causing stomach cramps it might be that your cup has moved too high and has formed a seal around the cervix. Remove your cup and try reinserting lower down.

Don’t panic - it can take a few cycles to get into the swing of using your cup. But we promise you, it's worth it!

+ HOW DO I KNOW I’VE INSERTED IT CORRECTLY?

You can usually feel, or even hear(!) the cup pop open once inserted. If you’re not sure, then feel around the base of the cup to check for any folds. If the base feels like a smooth, full circle then it has formed the seal. It can sometimes take some time to find the right angle (similar to when you first try using a tampon) the most important thing is to keep relaxed, remove your cup and try inserting from a different position for best access. For example, if you were sitting on the toilet, perhaps try standing with one leg slightly raised instead.

+ WILL THE CUP LEAK IF I LIE DOWN OR DO A HANDSTAND?

No, it won’t leak if you move around. The cup, when inserted properly, forms a perfect seal so you can move, jump and roll to your heart’s content!

+ CAN YOU SWIM WITH A MENSTRUAL CUP?

Yes! A bettercup is perfect for swimming. It is also much more discreet with a tampon as there is no string to worry about.

+ CAN I TRIM THE STEM?

Yes you can. The bettercup stem is designed to be trimmed to fit all body types. The cup is designed to be fully inserted, including the stem. But our bodies are all different. If you find the stem sticks out slightly and is causing you discomfort and either potruding out or poking you when you walk/move around, then feel free to trim. Never trim while the cup is inserted. Remove cup, and trim the stem with scissors, trim small amounts at a time and insert the cup again to find the perfect length for you.

+ IS A MENSTRUAL CUP MESSY TO REMOVE?

We think you'll be surprised how un-messy it is to remove! You pinch the base of the cup to break the seal it's formed and slowly ease it out and then tip it straight into the toilet. The outside of the cup is relatively clean, the vast majority of the blood is in the cup. If you're nervous at first we suggest removing it in the shower whilst you get used to it.

+ HOW DO I CLEAN MY MENSTRUAL CUP?

Before first use and at the beginning and end of each period you need to sterilise your cup. To sterilse you fully immmerse the cup in boiling water for at least 3 minutes. You can also use sterilising solution or tablets. These are commonly used to sterilise baby equipment. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for dilution and soak for the minimum recommended time. Then rinse thoroughly with clean water.

During your period each time you remove and empty the cup wash it with water or mild, non perfumed soap. If you use soap make sure you throuroughly rinse the cup after so that there is no soap reisdue left before re inserting as this can cause irritation.

+ HOW DO I CLEAN MY MENSTRUAL CUP IF I'M OUT IN PUBLIC?

One of the great things about the bettercup is that it holds around 3 times as much as a regular tampon, so you shouldn't need to change it as frequently. If you do need to change it and you are using a public/office toilet: You can empty the cup into the toilet and then just wipe clean with toilet paper and re insert. Then give the cup a rinse at your next convenience. Or if you have a bottle of water you can pour a little of that over the cup for a quick rinse.

+ CAN I USE MY BETTERCUP AT NIGHT?

Yes, bettercup is perfect for the night as you can leave it in for longer than a tampon. If you have very heavy periods we'd suggest you use a pad as well at first.

+ CAN YOU FEEL IT/DOES IT MOVE WHEN YOU'RE RUNNING?

At first, whilst you get used to your cup and find the right position for you, you might feel aware of it inside you but once you are in the swing of things you'll forget it's there.

+ I CAN FEEL MY MENSTRUAL CUP WHEN I WALK

You might be aware of your bettercup when you first insert it. If you continue to feel it: Take your bettercup out and try re inserting. Once inserted give your cup a little twist to encourage it to make full contact with the vaginal walls. Feel around the base of the cup with your finger, your bettercup should feel like a smooth circle with no creases.

+ DOES A BETTERCUP WORK IF I HAVE LIGHT PERIODS?

Yes, definetely. bettercup is made from 100% medical grade silicone and so is much kinder to your body than regular tampons and pads. It collects your menstrual fluid rather than absorbing so you can use it for a light period without it leaving you feeling dry or causing any irritation.

+ I'M WORRIED ABOUT IT GETTING STUCK.

You can't lose the cup so don't panic, but it can move up slightly. If this happens it's important to relax, if you feel tense or stressed your muscles will naturally tense making it more difficult to remove. There is no immediate need to take your cup out so take some time to make sure you're relaxed and comfortable before trying to remove it. Try raising a leg to get a better reach and push down with your pelvic floor muscles (as if you are trying to poo) this should bring the cup down slightly for you to be able to pinch the base and break the seal, if you still can't get a good grip with two fingers, insert your index finger alongside the cup to break the seal before removing.

+ CAN I USE A BETTERCUP IF I'VE HAD A PROLAPSE?

The severity of a prolapse can vary vastly so we recommend you chat it through with your doctor before using a bettercup.

+ CAN A BETTERCUP CAUSE A PROLAPSE?

There is no scientific evidence to suggest that a menstrual cup can cause prolapse as long as you are using your cup correctly. It is essential that you read through our instructions and our How To Use guide thoroughly before using your bettercup for the first time. A menstrual cup works by forming a seal, if you remove the cup without breaking the seal the cup will act as a suction and can cause you pain and injury hence why it is essential that your bettercup is inserted and removed with care.

+ HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE A HIGH CERVIX?

A recent study showed that the average length of a vagina (the canal between the Vulva and the Cervix is 6cm but can vary from 4cm to 10cm. It's very straight foward to work out where your cervix sits. Firstly, thoroughly wash your hands, then insert your index finger into the vagina, the cervix is a donut like shape with a very small opening in the middle, it will feel like your finger has reached the 'roof' of the vagina and you won't be able to push past it, that is your cervix. If your finger is fully or almost fully inserted you have a higher cervix if your finger is only partially inserted your cervix sits much lower.

+ HOW LONG TO BOIL MENSTRUAL CUP

You need to sterilse your bettercup at the beginning of your period before using it and then at the end of your period before storing it in the organic cotton bag. Sterilise your bettercup in boiling water for 3-5 minutes. Then air dry before putting in the cotton bag.

+ SHOULD I WORK OUT ON THE FIRST DAY OF MY PERIOD?

A bettercup forms a comfy seal and so is the perfect period product for exercising. -When- you exercise is totally up to you though! Listen to your body and do what feels right for you! Some people find that energy can dip at the beginning of your period, so a relaxing yoga flow might feel better than throwing on your running trainers.