Blog posts of '2014' 'September'

Silky Cup can be left in place safely for up to 12 hours and most women find it sufficient to empty it only once in the morning and once in the evening before bed. This varies on your individual cycle and flow level. You will become more accustomed to your flow after a few months of use. Wash your hands with warm water and soap.

From a comfortable position (squatting is the easiest), relax your vaginal muscles and feel for the base of your cup. Gently tug on the stem to release the seal, and then pinch slightly to remove one side first and then the other. Hold the cup upright to avoid spillage.

When removed the contents can be discarded into the toilet. Then you may rinse your Silky Cup under warm water. If water is not available then you can either wipe it with toilet paper or use bottled water. Reinsert Silky Cup. Wash your hands after with soap and warm water.

Being relaxed in a distraction-free environment is important and will give you the privacy required to insert at your own pace and with care. If you are not relaxed, the vaginal muscles will tighten and make it uncomfortable, if not impossible, for insertion. Taking the time to locate the tip of your cervix (it feels like the tip of your nose) is also a good idea – all you need to do is insert a finger in your vaginal opening. Knowing where this is will help you position your cup properly. You can either practice inserting the cup during your period when the vagina is more flexible and the blood works as a lubricant, or you can take a ‘dry run’ before your period by using water based lubricants. This may make you comfortable before your menstruation actually begins so you won’t get frustrated upon first ‘real’ use. While most women use the typical “C” fold, it is important to practice your folds until you find one that works for you.

As for insertion itself, the Silky Cup should be inserted toward the small of your back and not inserted straight up. Patience is key as it may take several attempts before getting it right. It will relax you to practice without the expectation of perfection so that you don’t frustrate yourself. After you insert the Silky Cup, you will need to determine whether the stem is necessary for you or if it requires a trim. No part of the stem should be outside of the vagina. The stem may be necessary for removal, so keep this in mind when making your decision.
Do not worry about making your cup’s position match a picture or diagram. What’s most important is comfort and not leaking. Every woman is different and therefore it may sit differently with everyone.