M-Cup is made of medical grade silicone. Tampons and pads, on the other hand, donotgenerallydisclosethematerialsandchemicalsusedtoproducethem.Because M-Cups collect fluids instead of absorbing them as is done by tampons and pads, M- Cups will not interfere with the body’s delicate pH balance, good bacteria, or natural lubricants. Tampons may leave behind fibres and/or cause micro-tears upon removal, which may increase risk of infection.

M-Cup is folded and inserted into the vaginal canal. Once inserted, the cup opens below or around the cervix to collect menstrual flow instead of absorbing it. The cup can be emptied every 6–12hours,depending on the rate off low and washed in water to use again. Sterilization of M-Cup in boiling water is not needed after every use.

It is not difficult to use M-Cup. Like any other product, one needs to get familiar with M-Cup and get comfortable to fit the M-Cup right and remove it easily. After a few trials,itcanactuallybequickandsimple.Generally3or4cyclesisconsideredasthe learning curve of M-Cup.

• Wash your hands with soap and clean water. Also wash the M-Cup in running water as instructed in the userleaflet.
• Find a comfortable position. Sit on the toilet, place a foot on the toilet or the side of the tub, or squatdown.
• Fold the menstrual cupproperly.
• Inserted in to thevagina.
• Release the cup and allow it tounfold.

Most people only realize that the cup isn’t properly placed when they experience leaking.However,therearecertainthingsthatyoucandotoensurethatitwillnotleak while you go about your daily activities. After the cup is positioned, insert a fingerand swipe around the body of the cup to make sure that the cup has unfolded. You can also give the cup a gentle tug to check if it has created aseal.

M-Cup cannot get stuck inside because there is no way it can travel upwards or to other areas within the body. Cervix is a narrow passage just above the vaginal canal. So M-Cup cannot go beyond the vaginal canal.

Yes. You can use M-Cup while having an Intra Uterine Devices (IUD). It is advised to use it in consultation with your doctor.

No. You can go to the toilet as you normally do even if you are wearing M-Cup. After a bowel movement, you might want to check that the M-Cup is still placed properly.

Yes, you can. The M-Cup is a good choice if you want to do any kind of sport while you are on your period. If it is inserted and used correctly, it will not leak or cause any

discomfortinyourday-to-dayactivities.Duetoitslongerprotection(durationof12hrs) one can safely use M-Cup even whilesleeping.

• Avoid using harsh chemicals to clean your cup, such asbleach.
• Avoid soaps and cleansers that containoils.
• Never use an antibacterial soap to wash thecup.
• Store the cup in the provided pouch or in a container with goodairflow.
• Keep out of the reach of children andpets.
• Inspect your cup regularly for any rips, tears, pitting, or a tackyfeeling.
• Boil M-Cup for 5 minutes in water before the start of and after the end of every menstrual cycle. During a menstrual period, the cup can be washed in normal running water after each time it is emptied and then re-inserted. Boiling it before every time it is inserted during a menstrual period is notneeded.

Sitting on the toilet with knees apart is one of the most common ways to remove and empty M-Cup. The user can empty the contents directly into the toilet. Also, squatting position is a simple option. Squatting involuntarily causes the user to bear downwiththeirmuscles,whichbringsthecupclosertothevaginalopening.Ifyouare havingdifficultiesreachingthecup,thisisagoodoptionandthenyoucaneasilyempty the contents down the drain. New users might prefer this technique because there is no worry about dropping the cup into the toilet and it helps for easyclean-up.

If a woman does not have access to running water, how to clean the M-Cup?

Depending on your flow, M-Cup can be safely worn for up to 12 hours before it needs to be removed and rinsed.

• If you are in an area without running water, the cup can be emptied and immediatelyre-inserted.Whenyouhaveaccesstoaprivatefacility,washyourcup well.Ifyouknowthatyou’llbewithoutwater,youcanplantocarryabottleofwater or some wipes for on the goclean-up.
• You can also use tissue / toilet paper to wipe off the remaining blood after emptying. Wash the cup well at your earliestconvenience.

Most M-Cups are accompanied by a fabric pouch and / or a storage container. Wherever you store it, make sure that the cup has good airflow. Never store it in an airtight container. Moisture needs to evaporate off to prevent bacterial and resultant odours.

There are mainly three different sizes of M-Cups available in market, Small, Medium and Large. Small M-Cups are usually recommended for adolescents and young women in early youth. Medium size M-Cups are usually recommended for youngwomenwhohaven’tdeliveredvaginally.Largesizeareoftenrecommendedfor womenwhoareover30yearsold,havegivenbirthvaginally,orhaveaheavyperiod. However, depending on the body structure and menstrual flow, this can vary from persontoperson.FindingtherightM-Cupscantakesometrialanderrorasisthecase with most accessories and devices used on thebody.

To figure out the right M-Cup size for you, you may consider:

• Yourage
• Length of your cervix
• Whether or not you have a heavyflow
• Firmness and flexibility of thecup
• Cup capacity
• Strength of your pelvic floor muscles
• If you’ve given birth vaginally

M-Cupcanbeuncomfortableifapersondoesnotinsertitproperlyoritisthewrong size. In addition, a person with a very heavy flow or who frequently get clots in their menstrual blood may experience someleaks.

In India, M-Cups are not regulated currently. Therefore is it important to use M- Cups provided by authentic suppliers, M-Cups provided by HLL uses FDA approved, medical-grade, toxic-free, durable, hypoallergenic silicone as raw material and conforms to following compliance standards:

HLL’s M-Cup complies with:

• ISO 10993-10 (MucosalIrritation)
• ISO 10993-10(Sensitization)
• ISO 10993-5(Cytotoxicity)
• ISO 10993-6 (Intra muscularimplantation)
• Directive 2011/65/EU-(ROHS)
• USPCLASS VI tests Acute systemictoxicity

M-Cups cannot cause infections if used properly. However, poor personal hygiene can cause infections. Wash your hands with soap or use a sanitizer before and after inserting and removing the M-Cup. Empty the cup at least every 10 to 12 hours and boil it for 5–10 minutes when your menstruation is over. Keep it in a cotton bag as instructed.