Wash your hands and relax. Sit on the toilet with your knees apart. Hold Softcup so the bottom of the cup hangs down. Squeeze the opposite sides of the rim together. Keeping the rim squeezed together, slide Softcup into your vaginal canal, aiming it back and down toward your tailbone. Be sure to push the cup as far back as it will go. Softcup will slide into place under the cervix and behind the pubic bone. Watch a video on insertion and removal.

When Softcup is inserted properly, you shouldn’t feel it. If you feel something in the vaginal canal, Softcup is probably not far enough inside you. Just remove it and try again, sliding it back and tilted slightly downward. Remember, it will be much easier if you are relaxed. If you are still unable to insert it until it slides comfortably into place, Softcup may be too large for you. This may be true for a small percentage of women. If you want to double check on the fit or size of the Softcup, take one with you the next time you visit your doctor or nurse practitioner. They can check it for you

Like tampons, it will take some time to determine how long you can wear Softcup, depending on your flow. Softcup can safely be worn for up to 12 hours. On heavy flow days you may need to change it more frequently. The first time you try Softcup, we recommend trying it on a lighter flow day, or when you go to bed. You’ll soon get accustomed to it and learn how frequently you need to change Softcup. You may notice some leakage when going to the bathroom. This is normal—when you urinate or have a bowel movement, your muscles “bear down” and can push the rim slightly forward, allowing some fluid to leak out and into the toilet. When you are finished, Softcup moves back into position and the leaking stops; or to be sure, you can use a clean finger to reposition the Softcup. If you experience leakage during heavy exercise or during intercourse, you may have waited too long to change Softcup. We recommend that you insert a clean Softcup before intercourse or before engaging in strenuous physical activity. And of course, as a reminder, Softcup is NOT a contraceptive and does not protect against pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease (STD’s).

Yes, you can urinate or have a bowel movement while wearing Softcup. You may notice slight leakage during this time, which is completely normal. When your muscles “bear down”, they can push the rim slightly forward, allowing some fluid to leak out into the toilet. When you are finished, Softcup moves back into position and the leakage stops. If this is the only time you observe leakage, it is normal and Softcup is inserted correctly.

No, you cannot insert Softcup too far. When properly inserted, the rim of the cup is lodged between the pubic bone (which is just inside the vagina) and the very back of the vagina, and the cup should cover the cervix. The cervix is a fleshy knob that feels like the tip of your nose. The cervix is another name for the bottom of your uterus. The menstrual flow comes out of the uterus through a very small opening in the cervix. The Softcup cannot get lost inside the body since this opening is much too narrow.

No, Softcup is “one size fits most.” This single size was chosen after significant design research showed that it fit almost all women comfortably and securely. Maybe Mom Softcup is designed in such a way that once inserted and warmed up by your body heat it completely forms you your unique shape and offers a perfect fit every time. A small minority of women may find the cup does not fit.

Softcup is an alternative to tampons. It’s a soft, flexible cup that is worn around the cervix to collect, rather than absorb, menstrual fluid. Softcup can be worn for up to 12 hours and is so comfortable you can’t feel it.

We recommend that women using an intrauterine device or IUD talk to their doctor before using Softcup as there is a risk of dislodging or removing the IUD by pulling on the IUD string while removing Softcup. Your doctor may be able to help you determine whether there are steps you may take to safely use Softcup and your IUD simultaneously, such as trimming the IUD string. Women who have had recent gynecologic surgery (such as Leep, Laser, cone biopsy for dysplasia of the cervix) and have been advised not to use tampons, should also avoid use of Softcup for the recommended time. Women who have ever had TSS should not use any internal sanitary protection product, including Softcup. Women who have just had a child, miscarriage or abortion, or have been told they have a tilted uterus, should consult with a physician before using Softcup. There are no age limitations on the use of Softcup and it can be worn by virgins.

Here are some of the benefits of Softcup that our customers rave about: Softcup can be worn for up to 12 hours Softcup cannot be felt while wearing Softcup is great for busy women or women who just don’t want to think about changing a tampon every few hours Softcup can be worn during sexual intercourse Softcup can be worn during any physical activity—including swimming, sports and sex Softcup can be worn overnight Softcup eliminates menstrual odor, as menstrual flow isn’t exposed to air Softcup is comfortable and does not cause irritation or dryness Softcup is not linked to Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) You can wear one reusable Softcup through the duration of your period, saving you money and the environment

To remove Softcup, we recommend sitting on the toilet with your knees apart. Insert your finger into the vagina. Feel your pubic bone—the Softcup rim will be right behind it. Hook your finger under the rim. If you have trouble hooking your finger, just bear or push down with your pelvic muscles. Slowly pull Softcup out of your body keeping it horizontal and level. Empty the contents into the toilet bowl, rinse and reinsert.  It is not unusual for first time users to make more than one attempt to remove Softcup. The most important thing is to relax. You may want to practice removing Softcup for the first time when you are not on your period and when you are in the privacy of your own bathroom. Softcup cannot be lost inside your body, and it can be worn safely up to twelve hours. DO NOT flush Softcup.

Remember the first time you used a tampon? Well, Softcup is just as simple once you understand the steps. At first it may seem awkward to insert or remove. That’s OK—most women experience that. Start your trial on a lighter flow day or at bedtime as you get to know how your body works with Softcup. You may want to wear a pantyliner or pad to protect against leakage the first few times until you feel comfortable placing Softcup. After a few uses you’ll understand how your body and Softcup work together, and how often you need to change Softcup. Remember, Softcup must be changed after 12 hours. Unlike a tampon, when inserting Softcup, push BACK and DOWN, not up, for proper placement. When removing Softcup, it helps to bear down using your pelvic muscles. This will make Softcup easier to reach with your finger. Keep Softcup level as you pull it out. It can be a bit messy your first few times, so remove Softcup while sitting over a toilet, or you can try removal in the shower. As you practice, removal becomes easier and cleaner. Stick with it. The benefits of Softcup more than make up for the initial time it may take to learn how to use it. If you have any questions, please email us info@maybemom.co.za. We’d be happy to walk you through the process. Or, you can read our Info page for first time Softcup users here

You can wear Softcup whenever you need feminine protection. If your periods are regular, you can insert Softcup just before you get your period to help prevent accidents or staining clothes. You can also wear Softcup any day of the month that you experience normal irregular bleeding; for example, due to hormonal birth control or peri-menopause. We encourage our first time Softcup users to practise inserting and removing Softcup when they are not even on their period, it is completely safe to do so.

Softcup differs from other menstrual cups in both its design and its features. Softcup can be rinsed and reused throughout the duration of your menstrual cycle for three months in a row. Each cup is designed to last up to 12 hours of wear time before it should be removed and washed. If you are using Softcup, after 12 hours the cup will need to be emptied, rinsed and reinserted. Softcup is worn in a different position than other menstrual cups. Softcup sits high up in the vagina, just below the cervix and behind the pubic bone. Other menstrual cups sit lower, suspended in the vaginal canal where a tampon would sit. Softcup can be worn during intercourse for mess-free sex on your period. Other menstrual cups, due to their placement in the vaginal canal, do not allow for intercourse while they are being used. Softcup is made of medical grade silicone. Most other menstrual cups are made of either latex or rubber, with the exception of a few made of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

If you can feel Softcup after you have inserted it, it has either been inserted incorrectly or it may be too large. We recommend you fully read the instructions, and check our FAQs to insert Softcup properly. If Softcup is too large for you, it will not stay in place behind your pubic bone. If after insertion Softcup tends to slide out or you cannot get the rim behind the pubic bone, it’s likely too large

Most women with a tilted uterus can use Softcup safely and effectively, if you have any questions or have improper fitting, you may want to take it to your Doctor to access your fit.

No, DO NOT flush Softcup or the wrapper, as this can damage plumbing. To dispose Softcup, empty the menstrual fluid into a toilet, and put it into the wrapper or wrap it in toilet tissues, and throw it into the trash.

Softcup is designed to be used throughout three entire menstrual cycles, and can be worn up to 12 hours before being removed, rinsed and reinserted. Once the cup is full, or if you have reached the 12-hour maximum wear time, it will need to be removed, emptied, rinsed and reinserted. You may wash Softcup with lukewarm water. To store for an extended period of time, wash it with warm soapy water and then boil your cup before use on your next period. Do not microwave Softcup. DO NOT store it in a sealable plastic bag or airtight container.

No, Softcup has no effect on virginity. The vagina (and virginity) is not altered by use of a Softcup, tampon, or other vaginal device. There are no age restrictions to using Softcup.

If you experience discomfort after inserting Softcup, it may be inserted incorrectly (see question on fit). It’s important to read the directions fully to learn how to insert Softcup, as it’s slightly different from inserting a tampon. For a small percentage of women, Softcup may be too large. If so, it will protrude slightly from the vaginal opening and you may experience difficulty in getting it behind your pubic bone. If you normally experience menstrual cramps, Softcup will probably not change the cramping that you experience.

No. Softcup is NOT a contraceptive. Softcup is for period protection. Softcup cannot be used as a contraceptive nor to prevent sexually transmitted disease (STD’s)

When Softcup is inserted correctly, you should not feel it. If you feel discomfort after inserting Softcup, remove and try inserting it again. It should stay in place behind your pubic bone.

Yes, teenage girls can wear Softcup. There are no age restrictions. Teens should thoroughly review instructions on fit and insertion before trying Softcup. Successful placement and removal of Softcup requires knowledge and a level of comfort with your body.

Softcup is a flexible disc shaped “cup” that is worn internally, around your cervix to collect, rather than absorb, menstrual flow. It’s made from non-toxic, hypo-allergenic, medical grade silicone and is completely safe when used as recommended.

No, Softcup does not have an expiration date.

Laboratory studies show that Softcup does not promote growth of the bacterium Staphylococcus Aureus, the bacterium believed to cause Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). To date, we have not had any reported cases of TSS. Although TSS can occur in men, children and women, it is a disease that mostly affects menstruating women who use tampons. Population studies suggest that the risk of TSS is related to tampon absorbency; the higher the tampon absorbency, the higher the risk of contracting TSS; the lower the absorbency, the lower the risk of TSS. Unlike tampons, Softcup is non-absorbent; it holds rather than absorbs menstrual fluid. However, consumer usage of Softcup has not been extensive enough to date to quantify the risk of TSS, if any, while using Softcup. As a precaution, users must change Softcup after 12 hours maximum wear time. TSS is a rare but serious disease that may cause death. The warning signs include a sudden high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, a rash that looks like sunburn, dizziness, fainting or near fainting and muscle aches. TSS can progress rapidly from flu-like symptoms to a serious illness that can be fatal. If you have any of these signs and you are using Softcup, remove it and immediately contact your physician for medical care.

We recommend that women using an intrauterine device or IUD talk to their doctor before using Softcup. There is a risk of accidently dislodging or removing the IUD by pulling on the IUD string while removing Softcup. Your doctor may be able to help you determine whether there are steps you may take to safely use the Softcup and your IUD simultaneously, such as trimming the IUD string.

No, there is absolutely no latex in Softcup, and it is safe and comfortable for use by women that have latex allergies or sensitivities.

No, Softcup cannot be recycled—nor can other feminine hygiene products.