Viv Menstrual Cup Pro Tips

A Comprehensive Guide to the Viv Menstrual Cup

This is for the menstruators looking at their new cups wondering HOW the heck they work.

Will it fit? How do I clean it? What size do I get?

Buckle up, babe. Viv has you covered.

Part 1: Who can use menstrual cups?

Picking the right kind of cup depends on several factors. Smaller menstrual cups are intended for users under the age of 30 who ideally have not delivered vaginally. These users tend to have a lighter flow. As for larger cup users? You guessed it. These users tend to be above the age of 30 who have given birth vaginally and/or have heavier flows. If you are unsure of the right fit for you, contact either your menstrual cup company or your gynecologist for more information. If you use an intrauterine device (IUD)- no sweat! Menstrual cups are harmless to an IUD.

Part 2: Insertion and removal (*insert intense music*)

Trust me, it’s way less intimidating than it looks. Here’s a list of steps for a quick and painless cup insertion.

1. Make sure your hands are clean.
2. Get into a comfortable squatting or standing position with your legs spread.
3. Fold the menstrual cup to form a C-shape.
4. (Optional Viv Tip) Put a vagina-friendly lubricant on the rim of the C-shape to help the cup slide in!
5. Find your vaginal opening, and slowly insert your menstrual cup in the direction of your tailbone.
6. Breathe! This isn’t so bad right?
7. Once you can no longer hold the cup in a folded position, let it go in your vagina. You should feel it open up! If you want it to go deeper, push the menstrual cup gently so you no longer feel the stem in your vaginal opening.
8. Rotate the menstrual cup to ensure that it is sealed and secured and you are set for up to 12 hours!

12 hours are up? Here’s how to remove your menstrual cup.

1. Get those hands clean again!
2. Get into a comfortable squatting or standing position with your legs spread.
3. For Viv menstrual cups, find the ring stem and gently pull until the cup is fully removed. For other menstrual cups, grab the sides just above the stem and pull gently to avoid spillage.
4. Empty the blood out of the cup.
5. Wash your cup with warm water and soap.

Part 3: Sterilizing vs intermittent cleaning (yes, there’s a difference!)

Intermittent cleaning is used to maintain your menstrual cup by using warm water and a gentle soap between insertions. Sterilizing, however, is a very different process.

When to sterilize:

1. Before using a brand new menstrual cup for the first time.
2. Between menstrual cycles (once a month)

How to sterilize:

1. Wash cup with warm water and a gentle soap.
2. Place in boiling water for no more than 10 minutes. Make sure the cup does not stick to the bottom of the pot and burn!

Part 4: When is it time to get a new menstrual cup?

 Eventually, it’ll be time to part with your menstrual cup. You’ll have to look it in the eye and say that you need time apart. It’s not you, it’s me.

With good care, the cup was made to last 5-10 years, however, gynecologists recommend replacing menstrual cups every 1-2 years. If you experience any tearing, holes, or other issues then you can replace it even sooner!