User Guide
Folding
You're doing awesome!
The next step is teaching you how to fold your cup.
The Twistie Cup folds before insertion. Here are a few folds that you can use to insert your cup:
The C Fold
Fold the cup into a C-shape by flattening the cup and bending it in the middle.
The Punch Down Fold
Use your index finger to push one side of the rim towards the base of the cup. Then remove your index finger as you squeeze the edges together.
The 7 Fold
Fold the cup into a 7-Shape by flattening the cup then folding one side over and down into a 7 shape.
Insertion
You've made it this far. High five - way to go!
Now that you've sanitized your cup and learned how to fold, you're ready for insertion.
Insert
Use water as a natural lubricant to insert your cup.
Sit on the toilet with legs apart or get in a squatting position. Optional: Use a finger to check the positioning of your cervix for your current menstrual cycle.
Hold your folded Twistie Cup in one hand and gently separate the labia with the other hand. Gently insert the cup into your vagina in the direction of your cervix. This will ensure that the cup fully covers the cervix, thereby preventing leakage.
Pop Open
Place the cup inside the vagina until you can feel only the tip of the stem from the opening of the vaginal canal. Note: Depending on the height of your cervix, the cup may be comfortable at different heights for each person.
Allow the cup to pop open from the shape of the fold.
Note: It is okay for the cup to pop open inside the vaginal opening before it is fully inserted.
3. Once the cup is fully inserted, pinch and twist the base of the cup in a clockwise motion to ensure that fully pops open fully and creates a suction against the vaginal wall. Note: If your cup does not pop open fully, this can cause leakage.
Double Check
Now it's time to double check your work.
Run a finger along the lower outside portion of the cup to feel for dents.
If you feel a dent, rotate the cup again until it fully pops open. If there are no dents, skip this step.
That's it - you did it! Now, go live your best life for the next 12 hours.
Removal
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Wash your hands with a mild soap. Note: You can use the Twistie Menstrual Cup Wash to wash your hands and the cup.
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Sit on the toilet or get in a squatting position.
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Pinch the base of the cup with your index finger and thumb to break the suction seal. Note: Do not pull on the stem to remove the cup. This can cause the blood to spill.
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While you are pinching the base, rock the cup back and forth while gently pulling it out to avoid spilling.
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Empty the cup into the toilet, shower drain or sink.
That's it - easy peasy!
Cleaning After Each Use
After each 12 hr time period, this is how you clean your cup for reinsertion:
Rinse your Twistie Cup in cold water after use. This prevents staining.
Wash the cup using warm water and the Twistie Menstrual Cup Wash. Avoid harsh soaps with chemicals that can cause irritation.
Rinse the cup thoroughly and ensure that the air holes are not clogged.
Tip: Fill the cup with water, place a hand flat over the top of the filled cup and squeeze the sides of the cup together so that the water can escape through the air holes.
Sanitizing Between Cycles
So you're done with your cup for this menstrual cycle. Here is how you can sanitize it for the next cycle:
Place a pot full of water on the stove at medium high heat.
Once the water begins to boil, place the cup inside the pot, making sure that it doesn't touch the bottom of the pot, but gently floats above it.
Let it boil for 10 mins.
Remove the cup, pat dry and store in the Twistie Pouch for your next period.
Alternatively, you can sanitize the Twistie Cup between cycles by wiping it clean with isopropyl alcohol and then rinsing it with water.
Replacing Your Menstrual Cup
You can safely use the Twistie Cup for 5+ years, however the US FDA recommends replacing all menstrual cups every 2-3 years. As we all know, blood creates some pretty strong stains, so as the Twistie Cup ages, some persons may choose to replace it because of discoloration. To avoid discoloration or stains, we recommend washing your cup with the Twistie Menstrual Cup Wash after every use. Also, sanitize your cup between cycles for the best long term care.