When should the product be replaced, and how should it be disposed of?

It can last 10 years with proper care. Replace when visible damage such as cracks, splits, chalkiness, stickiness, residues that do not wash away, or persistent severe odor. Staining alone is not enough reason to replace most products.

What about menopause and perimenopause?

Reusable products can still be useful in perimenopause if comfortable, but water-based lubricant is often helpful, and any postmenopausal bleeding should trigger a clinician visit rather than product troubleshooting.

What about postpartum use?

Internal menstrual products should generally be avoided during postpartum bleeding until medical clearance. NHS postpartum guidance says not to use tampons until after the 6-week postnatal check because of infection risk, and specifically notes that internal products like tampons and menstrual cups before healing can increase that risk. Both cup and disc use are not recommended during postpartum bleeding. For a reusable-product FAQ, the prudent answer is: wait until postpartum bleeding is over and a clinician says internal products are okay, then expect that fit may have changed from pre-pregnancy. 

Can they be used for spotting, very light flow, or irregular cycles?

Yes, both can be used on light days or spotting days if comfortable, but the 12-hour wear limit still applies. 

Can users have sex with these products in place?

For penetrative vaginal sex, cups should be removed first. Disc can often be worn for penetrative period sex because of their high, low-profile position in the fornix. Both cups and discs aren’t contraceptives and don’t protect against STIs. 

Can a cup or disc be used with an IUD?

Often yes, but not casually. The evidence base does not support a simple “always safe” or “always unsafe” answer. There are reports of IUD expulsion associated with cup removal, especially where strings were inadvertently pulled, and official brand guidance consistently advises clinician consultation. Discs may reduce suction-related concern because they do not seal the same way cups do, but they still carry a string-traction risk during removal. The safest public guidance is: talk with the clinician who manages the IUD, learn where the strings sit, never rush removal, and if using a cup, always break the seal completely before pulling down. 

Is silicone safe? What about allergies?

Yes. 

Which soaps or cleansers should users avoid?

Don’t use harsh, strongly scented, oil-based, or antibacterial cleansers. Don’t use bleach, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, antibacterial soaps, oil-based soaps, glycerin, and scented soaps for routine cleansing.  Because they can irritate the skin or degrade silicone. A safe summary for a general FAQ is: use plain water or a mild, fragrance-free, product-safe cleanser.

How do cups and discs differ anatomically?

A menstrual cup sits lower in the vaginal canal and opens fully to create a gentle seal around or below the cervix. A menstrual disc sits higher, with the back of the disc resting beneath the cervix and the front tucked behind the pubic bone. Discs don’t rely on suction the way cups do, which is why many people find them feel different during insertion and removal. Understanding this difference early makes the learning process feel much simpler and less overwhelming.

How should someone choose size and fit?

The best fit is about your body and comfort — not just capacity. Things like cervix height, sensitivity, pelvic floor tone, anatomy, and personal comfort all play a role. Some people prefer a softer feel, while others need something firmer that opens more easily. If you have a lower cervix or feel pressure easily, a smaller or shorter option is often more comfortable. Finding the right fit can make a huge difference in comfort, confidence, and leak protection.

How do I measure cervix height, and why does it matter?

Your cervix usually feels similar to the tip of a nose. During your period, insert a clean finger and notice how far it travels before you feel it. This helps you choose a product that fits your anatomy more comfortably. A lower cervix often pairs better with shorter cups or smaller discs, while a higher cervix may feel easier with longer or more reachable options. Because the cervix can move throughout your cycle, measuring during menstruation is usually most helpful.

Which fold should a beginner start with?

For cups, the punch-down fold is often the easiest place to start because it creates a smaller insertion point. The C-fold and 7-fold are also common beginner options. For discs, simply pinch the rim together lengthwise so it becomes narrow like a tampon before insertion. There’s no “perfect” fold — it’s about finding what feels easiest and most comfortable for your body.

How do I insert a cup correctly?

Wash your hands, fold the cup, and guide it in angled toward your tailbone rather than straight upward. Once inside, let it open fully. You can gently rotate the base or run a finger around it to check for folds. When positioned correctly, the cup should feel comfortable and secure, and you usually shouldn’t notice it during daily movement.

How do I insert a disc correctly?

Wash your hands, spread labia with one hand. With other hand, pinch the disc into a narrow shape, and guide it as far as you can comfortably back and downward toward your tailbone. Once the back of the disc is deep enough, tuck the front rim upward behind the pubic bone. The cervix should sit inside the basin of the disc. If the disc feels low or uncomfortable, it usually just needs to be repositioned — and that’s completely normal while learning. Wipe or rinse labia after insertion to prevent spotting. Spotting can also be caused by blood left in the vagina after insertion. 

Don’t use a damaged disc

It is safe to use with most contraceptives but check with doctor first

If you drop in toilet, no need to replace. Just sanitize and reinsert.

1. Position
   1. Push rim with finger to tuck disc behind pubic bone

• To find your pubic bone, feel towards your belly for a firmer part of the vaginal wall that doesn’t move and tuck the disc up and behind it. The vagina is only 2-3 inches deep when not aroused. Its normal if you can reach the disc with your finger. 
• Wipe

How do I know it’s positioned correctly?

With a cup, signs of a good fit are:

• The cup feels fully opened
• It feels comfortable
• You feel gentle resistance if you lightly tug the stem
• You don’t notice it during movement

With a disc, signs include:

• The front rim stays tucked securely behind the pubic bone
• The cervix sits inside the basin
• The disc doesn’t feel low or noticeable

If you experience leaking, it usually means the positioning needs a small adjustment — not that you’re doing anything wrong.

How do I remove a cup safely?

1. Wash hands
2. Relax – this makes it easiest to remove
   1. Get in most comfortable position – eg Squat over toilet or in shower
3. Nice to have running water to rinse but not necessary
4. Insert finger to feel rim of disc. Find the loop
5. Gently pull cup out. It helps to gently wiggle the cup side to side while keeping it upright.
6. Keep upright so it doesn’t spill
7. Empty in toilet or sink
8. If you cant find your cup, don’t worry. Relax and bear down like you’re trying to poop to push it lower where you can reach it.

How do I remove a disc with less mess?

Relax your muscles and hook a finger under the rim. Gently untuck the front rim from behind the pubic bone and keep the disc level as you remove it. Discs can feel messier than cups at first because they don’t stay sealed shut during removal, but with practice, most people become much more comfortable and confident with the process.

Why does a cup leak?

Leaks are usually caused by positioning or fit — not because your body is “wrong” or because you failed. Common causes include:

• The cup not opening fully
• The cervix sitting outside the cup
• Air holes needing cleaning
• The cup becoming too full
• A shape or firmness mismatch

Most leaking issues can be solved with small adjustments and a little patience while learning.

Why does a disc leak?

Disc leaks usually happen because:

• The cervix isn’t fully inside the basin
• The rim isn’t tucked securely
• The size isn’t ideal for your anatomy
• The disc is auto-dumping during bathroom use

A little troubleshooting is completely normal in the beginning, and often just a small positioning adjustment makes a big difference.

What is disc auto-dumping, and is it normal?

Auto-dumping (sometimes called self-emptying) happens when the disc briefly releases some fluid during a bowel movement or while urinating because of pelvic floor pressure changes. Many people experience this, and is completely normal and it should stay secure. If you’re unsure if it stayed secure, you can retuck it afterwards. 

What if it causes cramps, bladder pressure, or the urge to pee?

Pressure symptoms usually mean the fit needs adjusting. A softer or smaller option often feels more comfortable for people who are sensitive to pressure or notice bladder discomfort. Your body is giving helpful feedback — it doesn’t mean cups or discs “aren’t for you.”

How long can I wear a cup or disc, including overnight?

Cups and discs can be worn for up to 12 hours, depending on your flow. On heavier days, you may need to empty sooner. Overnight wear is usually completely fine within that timeframe if the fit is comfortable and secure.

Can I use them for sports, swimming, and exercise?

Yes. Cups and discs are popular for swimming, running, lifting, traveling, and other active lifestyles because they collect fluid internally rather than absorbing it. If you notice leaks during activity, it’s usually a fit or positioning issue rather than an activity limitation.

How should I clean, sanitize, and store them?

Wash your hands before handling your product. During your cycle, empty and rinse it regularly and wash with water or a gentle cleanser if desired. Between cycles, sanitize according to the instructions provided. Store it somewhere dry and breathable, such as in the pouch it came with, rather than an airtight container.

Do I need to sanitize after every emptying?

Usually no. During your cycle, rinsing and reinserting is generally enough. Full sanitizing is typically done before first use and between cycles. In public restrooms, many people simply empty and reinsert or use water or product-safe wipes until they can wash more thoroughly later.

What about staining, discoloration, and odor?

Some staining over time is completely normal and doesn’t mean the product is unsafe. Mild odor can also happen occasionally from prolonged wear or incomplete washing. However, strong fishy odor, irritation, unusual discharge, or discomfort may point to something unrelated to the product and could be worth discussing with a healthcare provider.