WELCOME TO
CUPLINGS 101
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CUPLINGS
Cuplings menstrual cups are reusable soft silicone cups that collect, rather than absorb your periods. They are worn internally like a tampon. They sit low in the vaginal canal, and are a healthier alternative to traditional disposable period products.
LASTS UP TO
10 YEARS
ECO
FRIENDLY
COMFY &
SUSTAINABLE
UP TO 12-HR
PROTECTION
FDA REGISTERED
& CE CERTIFIED
ORGANIC & NON-TOXIC
MEDICAL GRADE
SILICONE
EASY TO USE &
ODOURLESS
WHAT IS A CUPLINGS CUP?
A Cuplings cup is a flexible cup that is designed for use inside the vagina, to collect blood during your period. It is a small, flexible, foldable, and reusable device, made from silicone, rubber or plastic. Silicone cups are advantageous for those allergic to latex. The cup does not absorb your menstrual flow like tampons or pads do, instead, they collect the blood. Most cups are bell-shaped and are designed to sit low in the vagina. Cuplings cups can be used for up to 12 hours, depending on the heaviness of the menstrual flow. This gives a female the ability to have a hassle-free day at school, in the workplace, and a full night’s sleep without having to change their cup often. It may take time and some practice to get used to using a Cuplings cup, but Cuplings cups are extremely comfortable, eco-friendly, and a highly sanitary way of dealing with your period.
Cuplings cups are a healthy and convenient alternative to tampons and pads. They are designed to last for years, which means the menstrual cup saves you money. It is also an easy way to dramatically reduce the waste you produce with disposable sanitary products. Cups are also great to use when swimming and during other sports. With the right care, one cup can be used for up to ten years.
HOW CUPLINGS WORK?
Once the cup is inside, it opens up and forms a light suction with the vaginal wall which holds it in place. It sits lower than a tampon and works by collecting the menstrual blood, not absorbing it. The cup is held in place by the vaginal muscles and can be emptied, rinsed, and reinserted every 2 - 12hrs depending on flow. It can be used safely when travelling, swimming, or exercising. Cups come in different shapes and sizes. In general, most companies have the extra small size, small size (regular standard size), large size and extra-large size cup.
The '3 CUP KIT' SIZES EXPLAINED!
EXTRA SMALL
In most cases, those who have not had a vaginal birth or have a light flow, or have a low cervix, will go for an extra small or a small size.
Equivalent to:
7 mini tampons
4 regular tampons
4 regular pads
2 super tampons
2 super night pads
SMALL
Small is a middle ground cup, for those with normal flow, and who have not had a vaginal birth.
Equivalent to:
8 mini tampons
5 regular tampons
5 regular pads
2.5 super tampons
2.5 super night pads
LARGE
Large is recommended for those who have a heavy flow, or those that had a vaginal birth, or high cervix.
Equivalent to:
9 mini tampons
6 regular tampons
6 regular pads
3 super tampons
3 super night pads
Choosing which size you need can be tricky since we are all unique. We recommend choosing your size based on flow and body anatomy. It is better to use a cup based on fit, rather than based on your flow. It is better to change the cup more often than to wear a cup that is too big or too small.
Cuplings Smart Shape and Design:
- Air holes at top create a vacuum seal to prevent leaks and to release the suction during removal.
- Smart shape allows cup to stay securely in place, hold its shape, gives uncompromised comfort and greater capacity.
- Firm rim to help cup hold its shape. Comfortable rim for easy insertion and removal.
- Soft grip ridges for easy grip and secure removal.
- Circular, smooth round stem for easy removal and ultimate comfort.
CUPLINGS HEALTH BENEFITS
NO MORE ODORS
Since the menstrual fluid is not exposed to air like with pads and tampons, you won’t have to worry about any embarrassing odours with menstrual cups. Another plus is that there is no wet tampon string after urinating, or blood coming down the string like when you use a tampon.
VAGINAL HEALTH
Vaginal pH and beneficial bacteria are uninterrupted and stay balanced when using menstrual cups. The cup does not dry you out like tampons do. Cups are very safe and chemical free. When using a tampon, your vaginal fluid is absorbed along with the menstrual blood, which may disturb the vagina’s delicate pH and bacterial balance, unlike when you use a menstrual cup.
LASTS UP TO 10 YEARS
Having such a long life cycle, Cuplings Provide significant cost savings over tampons and pads due to their reusability. Depending on size of the menstrual cup, they can hold up to 3-4 tampons worth of blood and menstrual fluid.
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY AND REMOVES LANDFILL WASTE
Most cups are designed to be used for up to 10 years and are reusable. Since they are reusable, there is less landfill waste created, and the number of pads and tampons that end up in landfills is reduced, as women make the switch to menstrual cups.
EASY TO USE
When inserted properly, menstrual cups are comfortable, and you should not even feel it inside of you. It is easy to use, and there should be no trouble with inserting a menstrual cup.
MORE TIME BETWEEN CHANGES
Depending on flow, you can use a menstrual cup for up to 12 hours without having to empty it. A menstrual cup can hold three-five times as much fluid than a regular size tampon. Tampons need to be changed every 4-6 hours. More time between changes gives more freedom in your daily life.
DID YOU KNOW?
Cuplings kits come in a box that comprises of:
- 3x Menstrual cups – XS, S, L
- 1x Menstrual cup steriliser (foldable)
- 1x Storage bag/pouch
- 1x Instructions
CUPLINGS
FAQ'S
HOW LONG CAN I WEAR A CUPLING FOR?
A Cuplings cup can be changed every 4-12 hours. It can be worn for up to a maximum of 12 hours at a time.
CAN YOU FEEL THE CUPLING?
When the cup is inserted correctly you shouldn’t be able to feel it at all.
HOW MANY TIMES A DAY SHOULD YOU EMPTY YOUR CUPLING?
Just like with tampons, your flow will determine how often you empty your cup. This can be between 4-12 hours depending on your flow. Cuplings, depending on their size, can hold four times as much fluid as a regular tampon, so the frequency of emptying your cup will be less than the amount of times you changed your tampon in a day.
SHOULD YOU USE HOT OR COLD WATER WHEN RINSING?
Cold water to rinse the cup when there is blood on it as cold water will prevent stains. Hot water is recommended but not essential to use to clean the cup before inserting the cup again. Boiling water is recommended to sterilize the cup before each cycle.
HOW LONG WILL ONE CUPLING LAST?
Each Cuplings cup is designed to last up to 10 years. It is important to always take good care of the menstrual cups when cleaning and storing them, as this will ensure that they last their maximum time.
CAN I URINATE WHILE WEARING MY CUPLING?
Yes! It is fine to wear your cup while urinating as the cup sits in the vaginal canal and not the urethra. You can also pass bowel movements while wearing a cup too, there is no need to remove the cup and reinsert it.
CAN I USE MY CUPLING EVEN WHEN IM NOT ON MY PERIOD?
You can use your Cuplings cup when not on your period if you would like to practice using it, and to see how it feels. You can also use the cup if you think that your period is about to start, and you want to be prepared for it. Be sure not to leave it in for longer than 12 hours, even when not on your period.
CAN I WEAR MY CUPLINGS WHILE I SLEEP?
Yes! You can use a Cuplings when you go to sleep, as it can be safely worn for up to 12 hours. It is comfortable to sleep while using a menstrual cup as you can sleep in any position without worrying about leaks or mess in bed.
CAN A VIRGIN USE A CUPLING CUP?
Yes, virgins can use a Cuplings cup as soon as they get their period. Using a menstrual cup does not change the status of a virgin, as a menstrual cup does not break one’s virginity.
WILL USING A CUPLING MAKE ME LOSE MY VIRGINITY?
Virginity is only lost when you have sex. You cannot lose or break your virginity to a menstrual cup. The hymen can be stretched by using a menstrual cup, just like when using a tampon, but the hymen can also be stretched when riding a bicycle, doing gymnastics, or even horse riding.
CAN I WEAR MY CUPLING DURING INTERCOURSE?
Cups should not be used during intercourse, and they should not be used as a form of contraception. Cuplings cups should be removed prior to sexual intercourse.
CAN I USE MY CUPLING WITH A TILTED UTERUS?
You can try the cup with a tilted uterus as it all depends on your body and if the suction will work or not. There are women who cannot get the suction to work with a tilted uterus, and there are other women who can easily use a cup and don’t have any problems at all. You will have to experiment with the cup and see what works for you.
CAN I USE A CUPLING DURING MENOPAUSE?
Yes! A lot of women who are beginning to experience menopause find it helpful to use a menstrual cup, as their cycle becomes irregular. It is useful to have a menstrual cup as the cup allows you to be prepared during this unpredictable time with varying flow amounts.
CAN WEAR A CUPLING WHEN I SWIM?
Yes! How amazing is it to be able to swim when on your period! Be sure to properly insert the Cuplings, and you will have a leak-free, mess-free, stress-free swimming experience.
HOW SHOULD YOU STORE YOUR CUPLINGS?
When you are not using your Cuplings cups, it is important to store them out of reach of children and animals. Store your cups in a breathable pouch. A breathable cotton pouch is provided in our Cuplings Menstrual Cup Kit. Do not store your menstrual cup in a plastic bag or sealed container.
DO CUPLINGS HURT?
You should not be able to feel your cup when it is inserted correctly. Cuplings are made of soft, flexible material, and are comfortable to use. When inserted correctly, it can be a very comfortable experience. If you feel some discomfort, you may need to take your Cuplings out and reinsert it as it may be sitting in the wrong position inside the vagina and may not have been inserted correctly. You may need to try a different cup size if it is still a little uncomfortable.
CAN A CUPLING GET STUCK DURING USE?
Menstrual cups cannot get lost inside of you. A cup can only go as far up your vaginal canal and then it reaches your cervix. It cannot go any further once it has reached your cervix. If you can’t reach or feel your cup, it may have suctioned onto your cervix, which makes it a little harder than usual to remove. It is important that you stay calm and ensure that you do not pull on the stem. To remove a cup correctly, the suction always has to be released. Try and use a finger to release the suction at the rim, or try and pinch the cup to release suction. Once suction is released, you can pull the cup down with the stem.
CAN I USE MY CUPLING IN A PUBLIC TOILET?
Yes you can. It’s not as difficult as it seems. The most important step, is to first wash your hands as you would when using a tampon. If there is no private basin in the public toilet cubicle and there are only shared basins, then we recommend that you take a small bottle of water into the toilet cubicle with you or fill up your sterilizing container with water. When removing your cup, carefully empty the contents into the toilet bowl, rinse the cup inside the sterilizing container or with a small amount of water from your bottle, and then re-insert.
HOW DO I MEASURE MY CERVIX?
Wash your hands before you measure, to avoid the risk of vaginal infections. Stand or squat in position, and then slide your index finger into your vagina. Feel for your cervix, which should feel like the tip of your nose. If you can feel your cervix at the depth of your first knuckle from your fingernail, your cervix is low. If you feel your cervix at the second knuckle depth, then you have a normal height cervix. If you cannot reach your cervix, or it is at your third knuckle depth, then you have a high cervix. Refer to the size guide to ascertain your cup size. Please note that cervix height is not the only factor when choosing a cup size.
I HAVE AN IUD, CAN I STILL WEAR A CUPLING?
Yes, it is possible to safely wear a Cuplings with an IUD. It is always important to consult with a Healthcare Professional when using a cup with an IUD as there is always a possibility that the IUD can become dislodged. Some healthcare professionals will recommend that the strings of the IUD are trimmed.
CAN I EXERCISE, PLAY SPORTS, AND DO YOGA WITH MY CUPLING?
Yes! You can run, hike, dance, cycle, and even do yoga inversions while wearing a Cuplings. Cuplings are designed to give you a leak-free and enjoyable experience, even during exercise time.
TSS TOXIC SHOCK SYNDROME (TSS) AND MENSTRUAL CUPS?
TSS is serious but extremely rare complication that can result from certain bacterial infections. TSS because of tampon use is rare and it is even more rare when using menstrual cups. Menstrual cup users should be aware of TSS but they do not need to worry about it. It is important to adhere to the usage guidelines of menstrual cups and avoid leaving them in for long periods of time and longer than 12hrs. To reduce your already rare and low risk for TSS, always wash/clean your cup as recommended by the menstrual cup manufacturer, and always wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap before removing or inserting your cup. The two known cases of TSS with menstrual cup use were due to the menstrual cups being worn for over 12 hours. Always consult a health care professional if you have any symptoms of TSS while using your menstrual cup.
INFECTIONS WHEN USING A MENSTRUAL CUP?
Infection is a very rare complication of menstrual cup use. Infections that may occur when using a menstrual cup are often from the result of having bacteria on your hands, and not from menstrual cup use. If your vaginal pH and vaginal bacteria become imbalanced, yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis can occur. This cannot be from your menstrual cup but either from bacteria on your hands, or from using a cup that has bacteria on it. It is recommended to always wash your hands before insertion and removal, and to keep your cup clean and wash it as per your Cuplings guidelines. Always consult a health care professional before use, or if you develop any infections while using your menstrual cup.
DO MENSTRUAL CUPS SMELL/HAVE STRONG ODOURS?
Menstrual cups should not smell. It is important to ensure that the Cuplings is worn for up to 12 hours and not any longer. If there is a smell present, then it is important that you consult a health professional as you may have a vaginal infection that is causing the odor.
BRIEF HISTORY OF MENSTRUAL CUPS
While it might seem like menstrual cups popped up overnight, they’ve actually been around since the 1800’s. The first commercial menstrual cup, made from rubber, was invented in 1937, by an American woman named Leona Chalmers. She called her creation the “Tass-ette” and claimed that it made her monthly struggle more of a carefree experience. Unfortunately for Chalmers, a wartime rationing of rubber during World War II impacted the production of her menstrual cup.
Perhaps ahead of its time, the idea was shelved due to the rise in the popularity of disposables and the invention of the applicator tampon. Due to the tampon’s greater commercial potential, tampons were aggressively marketed, which is thought to be the reason behind their much greater uptake. Thankfully, the concept has gained more widespread popularity and recognition since the early 2000s when the first silicone menstrual cup was invented.
Growing concern about the environmental impact of disposable tampons and sanitary pads, as well as the need to offer more options for menstrual management in low- and middle-income countries, has led to a resurgence of menstrual cups. Today, more and more women are using menstrual cups. They’ve been proven to be safe and very effective. Another benefit of using them — they’re more eco-friendly than pads and tampons. And while sales didn’t take off when they were first introduced commercially, the global market for menstrual cups is now expected to hit $1.89 billion by 2026.
