Fair Squared Period Cup - Large

The Fair Squared Period Cup is a menstruation cup made from fairly traded natural rubber. It doesn`t absorb the blood but holds it back. This cup is reusable and once you know how to use it, you won`t even feel it!

Fair Squared Large Period Cup is for use by women over 30 and all who have had a vaginal birth.

• 100% Fair Trade natural rubber (biodegradable)
• From FSC­® certified plantations
• Protection for up to 12 hours; ideal during the night
• No feelings of dryness, no residues like fluff
• The fair and environmentally friendly alternative to sanitary pads and tampons
• Vegan-friendly

Under Fair Trade conditions, small scale farmers and workers in the country of origin are able to invest in a sustainable future. The producers receive a Fair Trade premium that can only be used for the improvement of their living and working conditions and that of their families.

What`s the right size? The Fair Squared Period Cup comes in two sizes. The cup that best suits you can be found in the below table:

About Fair Squared

Fair Squared are trusted experts in providing specialised products for intimate care - for both men and women.

Fair Squared cosmetic products were among the first in the world to achieve Fairtrade certification and carry the now famous Fairtrade logo.

100% Fair Trade natural rubber (biodegradable).

• 1 x Large Size Period Cup
• 1 x Cloth bag made of certified organic cotton for storage
• 1 x Usage instructions

Before the First Use

Before you use your Period Cup for the first time, you should disinfect it by immersing it in boiling water for about 10 minutes. Make sure to fill the kettle with enough water so as not to damage the Period Cup: it should never touch the bottom of the cooking vessel. The Period Cup creates a tight seal against the vaginal wall which keeps it in place. The tiny holes in the rim of the Period Cup makes it easier to remove. Make sure that none of these holes are blocked.

Before Use

Before you insert the Period Cup, always wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap. To insert the cup, get into a comfortable, relaxed position.

Folding

There are a number of folding techniques that make it easy to insert the Period Cup. To start with, try the C-fold (see images for examples).

Inserting

You can insert the Period Cup while you are standing, sitting, kneeling or squatting. It`s easier to insert the Period Cup when it`s wet. Make sure it is still folded and insert it gently upwards and towards your back. To check whether the Period Cup is placed correctly, run your finger around the cup to make sure it is unfolded or try a very gentle pull on the stem: if you feel a slight resistance, the cup is sitting in the correct position.

Position

You will easily find the right position for the Period Cup just by trying it out. Some women prefer to position the cup close to the cervix while others place it away from the cervix. Make sure the cup is not sticking out of the vagina, as this will make sitting uncomfortable.

Removing the Period Cup

You can wear the Period Cup day and night and you don`t have to remove it to use the toilet. Usually it suffices to remove and empty it every 4-12 hours. The frequency will depend on what phase of your cycle you are in, the size of the cup and how heavy or light the flow is.

Once you`ve used it a few times, you will have a pretty good idea of how often you need to empty your cup. At the start you may want to do so about as you would change a tampon. You will get a better sense of how heavy the menstrual flow is and how often you actually have to empty the Period Cup.

Before you remove the Period Cup, wash your hands with warm water and soap, making sure to rinse them well. To remove the cup you will have to overcome the seal-effect that keeps the cup in place. To do so, gently squeeze the base of the cup or insert a finger alongside the Period Cup, gently nudging it sideways. Now you can remove it. It`s easiest in a squatting position or sitting on the toilet. If you can`t reach the cup, use your pelvic muscles to gently press it down until you can reach the bottom of the cup with your fingers. Don`t just pull on the baubles of the stem as it may cause pain.

Removing the Period Cup may take some practice. In the beginning, just take your time and practice.

Empty the menstrual fluid into the toilet and rinse the Period Cup (see below section on cleaning and care). You can now reinsert your cup.

Adjusting the Length of the Stem

The stem of the Period Cup should be completely inside of the vagina. Should the baubles of the stem cause you any discomfort while walking or sitting, you can shorten the stem. You can simply cut off one or two of the baubles. Remove the Period Cup from the vagina and use a clean pair of scissors to shorten the stem.

Before you reinsert the Period Cup, you should thoroughly clean it (see below section on cleaning and care). Initially only cut off one bauble, insert the cup and see how that feels. Cut off the second bauble if necessary. Before you shorten the stem you should be well practised in inserting and removing the Period Cup in order not to accidentally shorten the stem too much.

Cleaning and Care

Cleaning and care of your Period Cup is very important. While cleaning make sure the small holes are clear. During your menstrual cycle, you just need to clean the cup with warm water and a mild oil-free soap. Rinse the cup well to remove and soap residue which could lead to skin irritation in the vagina. Should you be travelling in countries where the tap water ins unavailable, make sure to use bottled drinking water for cleaning.

Before and after your menstrual cycle, you should disinfect your Period Cup in boiling water. Boil the cup for 5 minutes at 100°C. Make sure to fill the kettle with enough water in order not to damage the cup: it should never touch the bottom of the boiling vessel. The cotton bag that comes with your Period Cup is ideal for storage. It should then be stored in a dark, clean and dry place.

Cautions:

• The Period Cup is made from natural rubber which in rare cases can lead to allergic reactions
• Make sure the tiny holes in the cup are clear before use
• Before using the cup for the very first time, boil it for about 10 minutes; make sure to have enough water in the kettle in order not to damage the cup
• The Period Cup is not a contraceptive and should not be worn during intercourse
• The Period Cup does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases
• Should you have gynaecological problems or issues please consult your physician/GP before using a Period Cup
• Always wash your hands with warm water and soap before use
• Never wear the cup for more than 12 hours without giving it a thorough clean
• If you are wearing as contraceptive IUD please consult your physician/GP before use. Wearing a Period Cup may change the alignment of an IUD or IUs (coil). If the IUD causes you pain or seems to have moved, use an alternative form of contraception (e.g. condoms) and ask your physician/GP to check your IUD/IUs
• Should you experience pain, skin irritation, a burning sensation or inflammation of the vagina or genital area, or should passing urine be painful, remove the cup immediately. If you experience one or more of these symptoms, see your physician/GP immediately
• Do not clean your Period Cup in a dishwasher as the detergents can damage the material
• The Period Cup should not get in contact with oily substances
• Store your cup in a dark, clean and dry place
• Keep your cup away from children and animals
• Should you notice small cracks, fissures or other changes in your cup, it is recommended that you replace it with a new one
• Do not share a Period Cup with another woman
• Over time the cup may change colour slightly: this has no impact on the cup`s functionality
• Do not use the Period Cup right after having given birth. Vaginal discharge (lochia) has to end first

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)

Toxic Shock Syndrome is an infection caused by certain bacteria and the poisonous substances they produce. These can entre the body through open wounds and mucous membranes.

TSS Symptoms

Sudden high fever, spells of unconsciousness, muscle pain, increased heart rate, nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea, drowsiness, loss of blood pressure, general reading of the skin like a sun burn with subsequent peeling of the skin, in particular on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.

Should you experience one or more of these symptoms during your period, immediately remove the Period Cup and see your physician/GP. Tell your doctor that you are suspecting TSS. If you have experienced TSS in the past, do not use a Period Cup.