I. Before Buying
We offer two sizes for the Sinaya Cup:
Large (76 mm in length, 46 mm in diameter, 23 ml capacity)
This is recommended for women:
- over the age of 30
- have given vaginal birth
- experience heavy flows at any point during their periods
Small (73 mm in length, 43 mmm in diameter, 18 ml capacity)
This is the recommended size unless you fall into any of the categories described above.
There aren’t really studies linking menstrual cups to increased risk of getting bacterial infections. As long as you wash your Sinaya Cup properly before insertion or after removal, you should be okay.
Toxic Shock Syndrome or TSS is caused by toxin-producing strains aureus bacterium, something that is often associated with high absorbency and prolonged use of tampons. It’s a rare case, really. However, to be sure, we advise you to keep the following in mind to lower your risk of getting TSS:
- Avoid internal vaginal devices if you have been diagnosed with TSS
- Clean your Sinaya Cup thoroughly before first use
- Remove and empty your Sinaya Cup after not more than 12 hours of use
- Wash hands properly before and after insertion and removal of your Sinaya Cup
No, you should not worry about allergic reactions when using Sinaya Cup. After all, it is made from medical grade silicone. It is hypo-allergenic.
You have to wait until the first six weeks after giving birth before you can use it because the risk of infection is actually higher when there are tiny wounds on the vaginal tissues. It’s also best to consult a doctor if you are a new mother and you feel like you’re ready to use a Sinaya Cup.
We already have customers who have retroverted/tipped uterus. Most of them don’t encounter problems when using a Sinaya Cup. But of course, it’s important to understand that each woman has a different body. This means that it still depends on how severely tilted your uterus is. What you can do is practice, so you can eventually master how to insert it in such a way that it covers your cervix. This way, you can avoid leaks and at the same time feel more comfortable when using your Sinaya Cup. It may be challenging at first, but rest assured that after some time, you will eventually get the hang of it and do it perfectly.
Sinaya Cup is a menstrual management device. It is not a form of birth control, so it can’t keep you from contracting sexually transmitted infections or getting pregnant. In line with this, you have to remove your Sinaya Cup before vaginal intercourse and then use a condom.
Yes, you can. However, inserting the menstrual cup can be challenging for those who have never inserted anything into their vagina before. To make things easier for you, make sure that you read insertion instructions carefully. Please keep in mind that using a Sinaya Cup may stretch the hymen, something that may also happen by doing rigorous physical activities like riding a bicycle or doing splits.
It is also worth noting that hymens come in different forms. There are also some who are born without it. To know more about menstrual cups, hymens, and the so-called “virginity,” you may check out our blog post here.
Prolapse is a case when one or more pelvic organs have moved down, pushing your vaginal walls and changing vagina’s shape. Weak pelvic floor muscles are said to be the cause of it. If you have this condition, we advise that you see a doctor first.
We also have customers who are also using IUD and they don’t really encounter problems. Although, of course, your IUD can be affected or be moved out of position as you try to remove your Sinaya Cup. While the risk is just small, it would also be best to discuss it with your doctor first.
Yes, it is! Sinaya Cup is made from top quality medical-grade silicone. It’s non-toxic and non-allergenic. And since it is a non-absorbent device that only collects your menstrual blood, it does not really interfere with the vagina’s natural balance. Unlike tampons, it does not absorb protective fluids that are produced to flush the vagina. It also does not contain chemicals.
No, there won’t be any foul odor or smell down there when you use a menstrual cup. Blood only begins to smell when exposed to air and since the Sinaya Cup collects menstrual blood while it’s still inside the vagina, it should not produce any odor. However, in case you notice a foul odor in your vagina, make sure that you see a doctor immediately as it can be an indication of infection.
Thrush is caused by a yeast fungus called Candida. It is produced when the natural balance of the vagina is altered. Since menstrual cups don’t mess with your vagina’s natural balance, you don’t have to worry about getting thrush.
Not at all. It’s actually one of the wonders of menstrual cups. Since it collects blood while it’s inside your body, expect no leaks.
II. Usage (Insertion and Removal)
Kindly follow these steps:
- Wash your hands.
- Do your preferred fold.
- Gently push the folded cup into your vagina, just like what you do with a tampon. It should be fully inside your body.
- The cup should open once it is inside your body. To check whether it has completely opened or not, run your finger around the cup’s outside edge. A suction should be created for you to ensure that there isn’t going to be any leak.
You are not supposed to feel that it’s there, so if it feels weird inside, it might have not been inserted properly. To reposition it, use a finger to push your cup higher or lower. You may also twist it until it gets to its proper position.
It actually depends on your menstrual flow. However, you can empty your cup every four to 12 hours. If your flow is heavy, you might have to empty your cup more often.
When removing your Sinaya Cup, please follow these instructions:
- Wash your hands.
- Hold your menstrual cup’s stem. While doing this, let your pelvic floor muscles push the Sinaya Cup gently downwards, until the base of the cup is reachable by your fingers.
- Release the suction seal of the Sinaya Cup by squeezing its sides. Then, gently remove your cup, holding the base of it in between your fingers.
It’s just easy, since inserting it is similar to inserting a tampon. However, you might have to give yourself some time to get used to it. You should also choose a relaxing setting, so you can practice inserting and removing it until you find the most comfortable way. It may be challenging at first, but rest assured that you’ll eventually get the hang of it after a few attempts. If you want, practice inserting and removing it while you are not yet on your period.
We recommend that you remove it after not more than 12 hours. If you have a heavy flow, you might have to check it more often.
First of all, relax! Calm yourself down because tensed muscles will just make the removal process more challenging for you. Then, try following these steps:
- Sit in a squatting position.
- Allow your pelvic floor muscles to gently push the menstrual cup downwards.
- Once it’s low enough, reach for its walls and squeeze them together to release the suction. You may shove your finger in between the cup and your vaginal walls if you are still having a hard time breaking the suction seal. Then, remove the Sinaya Cup.
Don’t worry; you are not alone. While using Sinaya Cup is truly beneficial, it usually requires a lot of patience and practice. Instead of worrying, why don’t you take your time and try various insertion and removal techniques until you find one that suits you? Practice in a place where you are most comfortable in. You may also try wetting your cup as it may facilitate a smoother insertion.
No, so don’t worry. Sinaya Cup is designed in such a way that it perfectly complements with your cleverly designed anatomy. If you ever feel the cup moving higher in your vagina or if you suddenly have a hard time reaching for it, relax and push it down using your pelvic floor muscles. These muscles are the ones you use when you start and stop peeing and they can control the upward and the downward movement of your Sinaya Cup. Once you get a grip of the stem, pull it gently down with your fingers and press walls to break suction seal. Finally pull the cup out and empty it.
If your cervix is low, it is possible for your Sinaya Cup’s stem to protrude out of your vagina’s opening. Since it will make you very uncomfortable, it is recommended that you trim it.
Two of the most common folding methods are the C-Fold and Punch Down.
- C-Fold is done by squeezing the sides of the cup together then folding it in half until its rim forms a C shape.
- Punch Down is done by pushing the rum of the cup with one finger and then squeezing the sides of the cup together. The base of the cup is held until it is inserted.
Your Sinaya Cup should sit lower than where a tampon would usually stay. Since every woman is different, its angle of position may vary, too. To find out which angle works for you, try different positions first.
No, you are not supposed to feel it if it’s inserted properly. That’s why you should be able to find out which position or angle is most comfortable for you. Practice will help you figure things out, eventually.
It will not leak, as long as it is inserted properly. To avoid such a thing from happening, always make sure that the cup has fully opened after insertion and that it has created a suction seal to prevent leaks.
III. Cleaning and Maintenance
We recommend that you use an oil-free mild soap when washing your Sinaya Cup. Harsh chemicals, including oil and artificial fragrance might react with the cup’s material. Constant exposure to them will speed up your Sinaya Cup’s deterioration. Also, soaps with perfume and other harsh chemicals can also cause irritation to your vagina and alter its natural balance.
Absolutely not! Detergents used in dishwashers are too harsh for your Sinaya Cup. What you can do is boil your menstrual cup in water for five minutes.
Sterilize your Sinaya Cup by boiling it in water for five minutes and store in the pouch provided.
After washing your hands, remove and empty your Sinaya Cup. Then, rinse it with clean water. If clean water is not available, simply use tissue paper to wipe your cup before reinserting it.
IV. Lifestyle
Yes, you can! Sinaya Cup is a great choice for modern Filipinas with active lifestyles. It can hold more menstrual blood than what a tampon or a sanitary pad can, so you can check it less often. It is comfortable and leak-free, too.
The debate on whether or not it is safe for women to do inverted postures during menstruation is still ongoing. Inverted yoga positions, such as shoulder stands, are said to alleviate menstrual cramps. Others say that it makes back flow possible. It hasn’t been proven by research yet, though. So yes, it is still up to you.
Yes, you can go swimming while wearing a Sinaya Cup. In fact, you can be carefree during the activity with the help of this product because it’s leak-free and you can barely feel it inside.
Absolutely, yes! You can use your Sinaya Cup wherever you are, granted that you wash your hands thoroughly before inserting or removing it.
Absolutely. Since it can hold more menstrual blood than a tampon or a pad, it is ideal to be worn during sleep. You can wear it for up to 12 hours straight, so no need to set alarms and wake up in the middle of the night just to empty it. However, if your flow is really heavy, you might have to empty it more often.
No. You have to remove it if you are going to have sex. Remember, this is not a form of contraception.
Your period usually comes every 28 days or so. You may use a period calculator or an app that tracks your cycle. This way, you will have an idea when to expect your period.
Yes, it is. If you are a Sinaya Cup user, you no longer have to pack pads or tampons that usually take a lot of space. A Sinaya Cup is also reusable, so no need to worry about having period wherever you are. No need to think about how you will dispose of used sanitary pads and tampons, too. Plus it’s comfortable to wear. You won’t even feel it is in there as you move.