FAQS - Menstrual Cup

General Use

  • 1.Will I be able to feel the cup inside me?
    • No - if your cup is the right size you shouldn’t feel it at all. Just like how you would with a tampon! If you can, simply double-check it is inserted correctly.

  • 2.Is a cup cheaper than using pads and tampons?
    • Absolutely! While initially, a Menstrual Cup is more expensive than pads or tampons, if cleaned and stored correctly, they can last for up to a decade! You can check out how much waste and money you save with our Cup Calculator.

  • 3.Is this a Mooncup?
  • 4.How long can I wear the cup for?
    • It is possible to wear your cup for up to 12 consecutive hours (longer than a tampon!) however we advise changing and cleaning it every 4-8 hours to make the most of your Cup.

  • 5.Is removing the cup painful?
    • Removing your cup shouldn't cause you any pain, but it may feel a little strange at first as it isn’t folded the same way it was when you inserted it.

  • 6.What makes the BeYou Menstrual Cup different to others?
    • After consulting our cup focus group, we found out they often struggled with firmer menstrual cups. That’s why we made our Cup extra soft and squidgy so it’s great for all cup users, not just the experts. You can see what some of our focus group members had to say here

  • 7.What is the cup made from?
    • The cup is made from super-soft and flexible medical grade silicone. We chose to use medical grade silicone as it is a safe material to be inserted inside the vagina and it is kind to all skin types.

  • 8.Is using a menstrual cup messy?
    • Using a cup is no more messy than any other form of sanitary wear such as pads and tampons, but we always recommend removing over the toilet or shower.

  • 9.Can the cup get stuck or lost?
    • It is impossible for the cup to become lost or stuck inside you as it cannot travel than your cervix. If you go to remove the cup and it feels stuck, remain calm (as panicking may tense the muscles) and pinch the base of the cup to break any suction then pull out.

  • 10.Can I use the cup during the night and/or during exercise?
    • Absolutely! You can wear your Cup anytime, including overnight and during exercise.

  • 11.I worry about odour – does this happen when you use a cup?
    • No - this only happens when blood comes into contact with oxygen i.e when it drips onto a sanitary pad. The only time blood will come into contact with the air while wearing a Cup is when you remove it, so no need to worry about odour!

  • 12.How do I insert the cup?
  • 13.It feels like my Menstrual Cup hasn't opened out correctly inside me.
    • It can take up to 3 cycles to fully get used to using a cup, with successful insertion being something many people find tricky when they first start off. As well as trying the different folds you’ve already experimented with, we’d recommend trying out the following tips. 

      - Experiment with different positions when inserting your cup - from squatting, to sitting on the toilet, to propping one leg up on the toilet or bath, everyone is different! Once inserted, try to reach inside and run your finger along the cup and once you find the rim, push up which should help it open. 

      - Another method some people find useful is to, once the cup is inserted, use the stem of the cup to slightly pull the cup down then push back up unto place (almost like opening out an umbrella!).

      - You could also try the ‘Grip and Twist’ - a firm grip and a gentle twist at the base of your cup will ensure to make your cup pop completely open. Holding it with loose grip may end up your cup losing its fold slightly which can makes things a little more difficult. Just maintain a firm grip until you reach the inside of your vagina. Once the cup is completely inside, give it a twist, and wait for it to pop open while turning it by one full rotation.

      - It's important to remember too that  the idea of using a new cup can be a little nerve-wracking but this can cause the vaginal muscles to tense which might make insertion a little harder - try to relax and remain calm while you’re inserting your cup with no distractions, it’s definitely practice makes perfect with cups!

  • 14.The cup is leaking - what could be causing this?
    • You shouldn’t be experiencing any discomfort or leaks while using a cup. If you do, it is likely positioned incorrectly, so please consult the User Guide which came in the box alongside your Cup, for guidance on how to insert correctly.

  • 15.I'm finding it hard to remove to my Menstrual Cup - is this normal?
    • It can take about 2 to 3 cycles to fully get the hang of using your cup, and removal is the most common area where people have difficulty at first so don’t worry! When it comes to removing the cup, it can be a bit daunting at first, and if you are nervous or panicked, this can cause the vaginal muscles to tense which makes removing your cup harder. Try to take deep breaths and relax. We find it really useful to remind ourselves that the cup can’t get lost as it can’t travel past your cervix. Next, really try to bear down with these muscles to help the cup travel down if it has risen slightly - pushing down should help the cup travel down and be a little easier to reach.

      In terms of how to break the seal, try to squeeze the base to release or insert a finger alongside the cup to gently release the seal if this easier. Alternatively, you can also gently pull on the stem of the cup to release, which you may find easier if you are struggling to release the base. As well as the leg up on the toilet, you may also want to experiment with your position like squatting down fully or sitting on the toilet - everyone is different so keep experimenting until you find the right position for you! 

Medical and Health Queries

  • 1.I am concerned about Toxic Shock Syndrome, is this still a risk with menstrual cups?
    • Though rare, TSS, is a serious, and in some cases, fatal, disease caused by toxin-producing strains of the staphylococcus aureus bacterium. In order to prevent TSS, or any other infection, ensure you follow the below cleaning hygiene advice when using your cup;

      - Clean your cup thoroughly using the tips in the User Guide

      - Though it can be worn for up to 12 hours without leaks, we advise removing and washing your cup at least every 4-8 during your period 

      - Ensure you always handle your cup with freshly washed hands 

      Never use a menstrual cup if you have had TSS before.

  • 2.I have a pre-existing gynaecological condition - can I use a cup?
    • We would always recommend if you have any gynaecological condition to consult a doctor to check if a cup is suitable for you. We have read lots of feedback from lots of girls who find using a cup really useful as it holds more blood than a tampon and can be used to roughly measure your blood loss.

Sizing

  • 1.Why are there two sizes of cup available?
    • Your age and birthing history will determine how well the cup fits you, hence the need to create different size cups! While everyone is slightly different, using the guide below should give you a good idea of which BeYou Menstrual Cup to purchase.

  • 2.Which size should I choose?
    • In order to determine the right size menstrual cup for you, follow the handy guide below:

      - If you haven't had children its very easy. If you're under 25 years old, get the medium cup, and if you're older than 25 get a large menstrual cup.

      - If you've had a vaginal birth then get the large menstrual cup.

      - If you've had a caesarean and under 25 years old, get the medium cup, and if you're older than 25 get a large menstrual cup.

Cleaning your menstrual cup

  • 1.How frequently should I empty the cup?
    • Though it can be worn for up to 12 hours without leaks, we advise removing and washing your cup at least every 4-8 during your period.

  • 2.How do I clean the cup?
    • Before you use your BeYou Menstrual Cup, you must sanitise it by boiling it in a saucepan for 5-10 minutes or in a microwave, submerged in water, for 5 minutes. In between uses, there are a number of different cleaning methods you can use;

      - Use our BeYou Menstrual Cup Foaming Cleanser.

      - Boil in an allocated pan 5 -10 minutes.

      - In a public toilet; use a small bottle of water or simply empty and reinsert ready to wash at a more convenient time. 

      Further information on all cleaning methods can be found in the handy how-to-use guide which comes with the Cup.

      Never use the following to clean your menstrual cup as they may damage the cup or cause vaginal irritation;

      - Petrol based substances e.g Vaseline

      - Essential oils

      - Harsh cleaners

      - Strong or scented soaps

      - Dishwasher

  • 3.My menstrual cup seems to be discoloured - is this normal?
    • Yes, over time your menstrual cup may become discoloured but do not worry, this will not reduce its effectiveness. Discolouration can be removed by soaking in sterilising solution.

  • 4.Where should I store the cup?
    • After washing, dry your menstrual cup thoroughly and store in the cotton bag provided. Do not store in a plastic bag or sealed container.

  • 5.How long will the cup last?
    • If following the proper care and storage instructions, your menstrual cup can last up to a decade, however if you notice any tears, splits or any changes in the appearance your cup, we recommend that you replace it.

Question not answered here?

Added to cart

SPEND £20.00 MORE TO GET FREE SHIPPING!