GENERAL
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Will I feel the menstrual cup inside me?
You may feel the cup, or slight discomfort, during the first time you use the product. If discomfort continues beyond the
second or third time you use the cup, the cup’s size may be incorrect. Discomfort is often caused from using a cup which
is too large for the body. During ordinary use after the body has acclimated, you generally should not feel the menstrual
cup. However, once the cup has filled, you may feel the weight of the liquid. -
Do I need to remove the menstrual cup before using the bathroom?
No; the menstrual cup can be left in place during both bowel movements and urination.
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Can I use a menstrual cup overnight?
Yes; Leia Menstrual Cups can be used for up to 12 hours at a time, including overnight.
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Can I use the menstrual cup while swimming or participating in other athletic activities?
Yes; Leia products are designed for stability during active use, including swimming, biking, running, and other sports and physical activities.
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Do I need to remove the menstrual cup prior to sexual intercourse?
Yes; you should remove the cup prior to intercourse. Additionally, it is important to note that menstrual cups are not contraceptives, and will not prevent pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases.
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Can I use a menstrual cup if I have not had vaginal intercourse?
Yes; you can use a menstrual cup regardless of whether you have had vaginal intercourse or not. Menstrual cups can be safely used from the start of your first period.
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Can I use a menstrual cup for prenatal or postpartum bleeding?
No; you should not use a menstrual cup for these purposes. Menstrual cups are specifically designed for use during the menstrual cycle only; for bleeding relating to pregnancy, you should consult with your doctor.
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Can I use the menstrual cup if I have a prolapsed uterus?
You can safely use a menstrual cup if you have a stage 1 or stage 2 prolapsed uterus. People with a stage 1 or stage prolapse may especially benefit from using a menstrual cup, as the cup can help maintain the shape of the vaginal wall. However, individuals with a stage 3 or stage 4 prolapsed uterus should not use menstrual cup products.
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Do I need to use lubrication to insert the menstrual cup?
Although a lubricant may be helpful to people who are new to using menstrual cups, it is not required for insertion.
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Why is the liquid capacity of the Size M and Size L cups the same?
We have engineered our cups for the most secure and comfortable fit within the vagina, and the overall shape of the menstrual cup is designed to remain stable with the natural flexing of the pelvis during movement. The main difference between the Size M and Size L cups is not capacity, but overall fit within the body. It is important to select the correct size not based on anticipated capacity, but on what will best fit your body based on cervical position and vaginal volume.
MEDICAL CONDITIONS
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Can I use a menstrual cup if I have weakened pelvic floor muscles?
Yes; Leia Menstrual Cups are specifically designed to work with and provide support for weakened pelvic floor muscles.
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Can I use a menstrual cup if I have a uterine fold?
You may find that it will take additional practice to use the menstrual cup effectively. However, most usage issues can be resolved with proper positioning of the cup, and ensuring the right size of cup is used.
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Can I use a menstrual cup if I have a yeast infection?
Yes; you can use a menstrual cup if you have a yeast infection, provided that the infection is being treated. Leia Menstrual Cups allow improved airflow to reach the vagina during your cycle, which with proper treatment may aid in resolving the infection. Additionally, the menstrual cup will not disturb the body’s natural moisture balance.
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Can I use a menstrual cup if I have cervical erosion?
No; you should avoid using menstrual cups if you have any cervical diseases, including cervical ectropion (eversion). Contact with a foreign body (such as a menstrual cup) and retention of menstrual fluid can aggravate symptoms.
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Can I use a menstrual cup if I have endometriosis?
Yes; however, please be sure to empty the cup as needed, as more frequent and shorter usage periods may be required.
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USAGE
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Is my Leia Menstrual Cup ready for use once I take it out of the box?
No; after removal from packaging, you must sterilize and clean the menstrual cup before it is ready for use. To sterilize the cup, fully remove all packaging, bring a pot of water to a boil, and then place the cup in the boiling water for 5 to minutes. Take care in removing the cup from the water to avoid injury. After removing the cup from the water, place it on a clean surface and allow it to cool for several minutes to a neutral room temperature. To check the temperature, feel both the inside and outside of the cup. Clean and dry the cup as needed before use.
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How does inserting and removing a menstrual cup compare with using a tampon?
Inserting a menstrual cup is similar to inserting a tampon; however, you will need to fold the menstrual cup in order to insert it properly, as well as slightly twist the cup once inserted to secure its position and form a seal with the vaginal wall.
When removing a menstrual cup, rather than pulling on the stem as you would on the string of a tampon, instead grip the base of the cup (above the stem), pinch slightly, and pull to remove. Be sure not to use your fingernails while gripping the menstrual cup to avoid damaging the cup or tearing the stem. -
Do I need to wash my hands before inserting or removing the menstrual cup?
Yes; you should always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before inserting or removing a menstrual cup. Be sure to use unscented soap and to dry your hands.
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How will I know when the menstrual cup is full?
You may start to feel the weight of the cup inside your body once it has filled with liquid. For your first 2 to 3 cycles, it is recommended to check the cup every 4 to 6 hours. On days with a light or normal period flow, you may not feel the sense of weight, so please do not rely on the feeling alone as guidance of when to remove the cup, and instead follow the timeline guidance. Be sure to remove the cup after 12 hours of use, regardless of weight or feeling, as the product is not designed for continuous use beyond this guideline.
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What should I do if I cannot remove the menstrual cup from my body?
If you are having trouble removing your menstrual cup, first try using your pelvic muscles to push down. This should lower
the cup until you will be able to feel the stem with your fingers. Once you can feel the stem, grasp the base of the cup, pinch slightly, and pull to remove. If you continue to experience difficulty removing the cup or cannot remove it using this guidance, please contact your doctor. -
Will there be any leakage when removing the menstrual cup?
As you adjust to using the menstrual cup and the proper removal procedures, you may experience leakage during removal. However, after familiarization with the process and several cycles of experience using the cup, most users become comfortable with the removal process and can remove the menstrual cup without leakage. Removing your menstrual cup over a toilet can help provide reassurance during the learning process.
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How do I clean my Leia Menstrual Cup?
Cleaning your menstrual cup is as easy as using it. After each use, you should thoroughly wash your cup with unscented soap and water and dry it completely before usage or storage. We also recommend sterilizing your menstrual cup at the end of each cycle, or when using it after an extended period or storage. To sterilize the cup, bring a pot of water to a boil, and then place the cup in the boiling water for 5 to 7 minutes. Take care in removing the cup from the water to avoid injury.
After removing the cup from the water, place it on a clean surface and allow it to cool for several minutes to a neutral room temperature. To check the temperature, feel both the inside and outside of the cup. Clean and dry the cup as needed before use. During travel, you can also sterilize your Leia Menstrual Cup using sterilizing pads or by placing it in a microwave for a short duration. -
How do І avoid menstrual cup staining?
Rinse the menstrual cup with cold water, rather than warm or hot water. Higher water temperatures are needed to sterilize the cup, but can cause menstrual fluid to stain the cup over time. Discoloration over time is normal and should be expected.
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What should I do if my menstrual cup becomes discolored (stained)?
Discoloration can occur with repeated use and may not be fully removed with cold water rinsing or sterilization. To remove persistent staining, soak the cup in hydrogen peroxide for 3 to 5 minutes, and then allow the cup to dry on a clean surface.
Hydrogen peroxide will evaporate completely with no residue, so you do not need to rinse the menstrual cup after it is dry.
Be sure to store the menstrual cup properly after cleaning if you are not planning on immediate reuse. -
How do І sterilize the menstrual cup after my cycle?
To sterilize the cup, bring a pot of water to a boil, and then place the cup in the boiling water for 5 to 7 minutes. Take care in removing the cup from the water to avoid injury. After removing the cup from the water, place it on a clean surface and allow it to cool for several minutes to a neutral room temperature. To check the temperature, feel both the inside and outside of the cup. Clean and dry the cup as needed before storage.
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How should I store my Leia Menstrual Cup?
Store your menstrual cup in a dry place with some air circulation. Always fully dry your menstrual cup before storing, and never place a wet cup in a watertight container.
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Can I use a menstrual cup when I am not on my period?
No; you should never use a menstrual cup before or after your period. Only use a menstrual cup during your menstrual cycle.
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Can I share my menstrual cup with a friend?
No; menstrual cups are considered personal hygiene products, and it is not safe to share them between multiple users.
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Can I use a menstrual cup if I have an IUD?
People who are using an Intrauterine Device (IUD) for contraception should take caution, as there have been scientific studies of menstrual cups contributing to the dislodging of the IUD. Consultation with a healthcare worker on how to safely proceed is advised before use of menstrual cup products. People using IUDs may need to consider alternate options for either family planning or menstrual care management.
LEIA’S CONSTRUCTION
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What material are Leia Menstrual Cups made from?
Leia Menstrual Cups are made out of medical-grade silicone rubber. They are FDA-registered products and contain no BPA, phthalates, dioxins, latex, or other chemicals or additives.
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Where are Leia Menstrual Cups manufactured?
Leia Menstrual Cups are manufactured in China.
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How are Leia Menstrual Cups colored?
The colors used in Leia Menstrual Cups are eco-friendly, non-toxic common colorants which meet RoHS and REACH requirements.
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What is the usage lifespan of a Leia Menstrual Cup?
Leia Menstrual Cups have a product lifetime expectancy of 15 years. However, we recommend replacing your menstrual cup every 2 to 3 years if the product is used consistently.
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Do you keep track of manufacturing batch numbers?
Yes; we track batch numbers and are committed to alerting our customers in case of any issues during the production process.
DISPOSAL
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How do I dispose of the packaging?
All packaging included with your Leia Menstrual Cup is recyclable. We encourage you to recycle!
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RETURNS
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Are Leia Menstrual Cups returnable?
No; Leia Menstrual Cups are a personal hygiene product and cannot be returned or exchanged. All sales are final.
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WARRANTY
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Leia Menstrual Cups have a 15-year warranty. If your cup breaks or does not function properly within the warranty period, we will replace it.
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IMPORTANT NOTICE
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Despite their very low reported risk, menstrual cups have been associated with Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). TSS is a rare but serious disease which can lead to death. It is important that you read and retain a copy of the enclosed safety information included with your Leia Menstrual Cup.
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DO NOT USE LEIA IF
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- You have vaginal inflammation or swelling.
- You have recently undergone surgery or experienced a vaginal injury.
- You are experiencing abnormal vaginal discharge.
- You have pelvic organ prolapse.
- You are allergic to silicone rubber.
- You have had Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). -
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IN VERY RARE CASES, LEIA MAY CAUSE
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- Severe pain or vaginal injury.
- Allergic reaction or rash.
- Urinary tract infection or irritation.
- Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).
- Displacement of IUD.
- Urinary incontinence.
- Reproductive tract infection.
- Other infections.
- Hydronephrosis (also known as renal colic) -
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