Aisle Cup

How are menstrual cups different from tampons?

Aside from being reusable, menstrual cups work by collecting your flow, rather than absorbing it. As a result, they can be left in for longer than tampons and don’t leave you feeling as dried out.

Which size should I choose?

Most folks can wear either size, but you might prefer size A if you’re new to cups, or if you have trouble inserting tampons. Choose size B if you’ve given birth or have a weak pelvic floor.

What's the best way to clean my cup after use?

Clean the cup with warm water and a mild, unscented and oil-free soap, making sure the tiny holes under the rim are clear. Dry the cup completely before storing in the breathable cotton bag provided.

What if I need to empty it in a public bathroom?

While unlikely, you may need to empty in public (especially if you have heavy flow). If you're uncomfortable exiting the stall to wash your cup, simply remove & empty as usual, then wipe it with toilet paper before reinserting.

When should I replace my cup?

Inspect your cup regularly for signs of deterioration such as a sticky or powdery film, severe discoloration or odor, etc. If you detect any of these signs, or if you experience irritation, it's time to replace it! Once a year is a good rule of thumb.

How do I insert my cup?

Step 1: Prior to insertion, thoroughly wash your hands and the menstrual cup for 15-20 seconds.

Step 2: Hold the cup with the stem pointing down.

Fold the cup by pressing the sides of the cup together and then fold it in half again forming a tight “U” shape

OR

Place a finger on the top rim of the cup and press it down towards the inside of the cup to form a triangle. This makes the top rim much smaller to insert.

With one hand, hold the folded sides firmly together with your fingers just below the top rim of the cup.

Step 3: Take a comfortable position standing, sitting on the toilet, or squatting. Relax your vaginal muscles. Gently separate your labia with your opposite, free hand. Insert the cup into the vagina, aiming it horizontally towards your tailbone (located at the base of your spine). The menstrual cup will open before it is completely inserted; however, continue to insert towards the tailbone until the stem is even with the vaginal opening and does not protrude.

Don’t push the tip of the stem further than 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) into the vagina. Inserting the menstrual cup too high may cause leaks and may also make removal more difficult.

Step 4: Grip the base of the cup (not the stem) and turn the cup one full rotation (360 degrees) in either direction or insert the cup about halfway, turn the cup one full rotation and then push it in the rest of the way. It must rotate easily as this ensures that it is fully open and that it is positioned properly.

You can also make sure the cup is completely open by inserting a finger into the vagina and gently pressing on one side of the cup for the cup to fully open. If the stem irritates the vaginal opening once it is positioned correctly, you may remove the cup and trim the stem slightly, but no shorter than 1/4 inch (0.6 cm). Cutting the stem completely may make removal difficult.

How long can I leave my menstrual cup in?

The Aisle cup can be safely left in for 12 hours, but - depending on your flow - you may find that you need to empty it more frequently on certain days of your period.

How do I remove it?

First, thoroughly wash your hands.

In a comfortable position, either standing or sitting on the toilet, bear down in a series of gentle downward pushes with your abdominal/pelvic floor muscles (as if you are having a bowel movement).

Insert your thumb and index finger until you can reach the stem.

Gently pull the stem horizontally until you can feel the base of the cup.

Firmly pinch the base of the cup to release the seal. As you remove it, angle it sideways while moving it from side to side.

Once removed, hold the cup upright so the contents remain inside the cup.

Simply empty the contents into the toilet.

Wash it thoroughly as directed and reinsert.

How often do I need to empty my cup?

The Aisle cup holds one ounce (30 ml) of fluid. For reference, the entire average period is approx 1-2 ounces (30-60 ml). You can wear your Aisle Cup for up to 12 consecutive hours - including overnight - before removing, washing and reinserting. By monitoring the fullness of the cup, you'll learn how often to empty it according to your personal needs. 

It's not necessary to remove your menstrual cup before urinating or having a bowel movement. Make sure that you urinate often and that you empty your bladder completely each time.

How often should I replace my cup?

Since the Aisle cup is a personal hygiene product, we recommend you inspect it regularly for signs of deterioration such as a sticky or powdery film, severe discoloration or odor, etc. If you detect any of these signs, or you experience irritation, we recommend you replace it with a new one.

Depending on factors like vaginal pH, how well and often the cup is cleaned, what cleansing agents are used, etc., the lifespan of your cup may vary. Our general guideline is to replace it once a year, but ultimately, it's up to you to decide when you feel it's necessary. 

Can I use the Aisle Cup if I have an IUD?

The Aisle Cup is worn low at the base of the vagina and away from the cervix, which means that it should not interfere with an internal birth control device. 

Always use caution when using any internal menstrual care product with an IUD, as there is the possibility that the IUD can become dislodged, depending on how recently your IUD was implanted. However, studies have shown that the risk of your IUD becoming dislodged is no higher with menstrual cups than it is when using tampons or any other menstrual device.

What’s the best way to clean my cup after use?

Clean your menstrual cup with warm water and a mild, unscented and oil-free soap.

The tiny holes located below the rim must be kept clear and clean at all times. Gently stretch each hole under warm running water to remove any debris. At the end of your cycle, thoroughly wash, rinse and dry the cup completely. Store it in the cotton bag provided, not in a plastic bag or airtight container.

Can I recycle my cup at the end of its life?

 

While silicone recycling facilities do exist, they aren’t widespread and don’t often accept materials from consumers.  Additionally, since menstrual cups are considered medical devices, there are additional challenges when it comes to recycling. 

For now, the best way to dispose of your cup is to put it in your household trash. Better one cup than a thousand tampons!

While used cups aren’t yet recyclable, the industrial scraps from the manufacture of our cups are recycled into silicone lubricant for medical devices and adhesives.