What is INSTEAD Cup - Softcup?
INSTEAD Cup (Softcup) is a unique disposable period protection product that is worn internally and collects, rather than absorbs, menstrual fluid.
Size
INSTEAD Cup (Softcup) has a flexible circular rim which is approximately 7cm in diameter. When compressed for insertion, INSTEAD is about the same size as a tampon - approximately 1-2cm wide and 9cm long. One size fits nearly all women for excellent leakage protection, even on heavy days.
Material
INSTEAD Cup (Softcup) is made from a non-absorbent, non-irritating polyethylene plastic that has been used for over 20 years in medical devices and contains no latex. It has undergone extensive toxicology, biocompatibility and microbiological tests as well as human clinical testing, and contains no drying chemicals or fibres.
Safety
INSTEAD Cup (Softcup) has undergone extensive testing and is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. It has had an excellent safety record since its introduction to the US market in 1996.
Please note: 5% VAT is included in the selling price of the instead cup.
All orders placed on our website before 4pm will despatched the same day, orders placed over the weekend will be despatched on Monday. We send out all orders in either white or brown plain jiffy bags, with no refference to the contents. We value your privacy as much as you do.
How to use INSTEAD Cup (Softcup)
INSTEAD Cup (Softcup) can take a little time to learn to use correctly and comfortably. At first it may seem awkward to insert or remove, but with a little practice you'll find that it's very simple and not messy.
To insert, squeeze the opposite sides of the rim together.
Insert INSTEAD Cup (Softcup) completely into the vagina.
INSTEAD Cup (Softcup) moulds itself to your internal shape, creating a personal fit. You should be able to wear INSTEAD Cup (Softcup) for twice as long as you would wear a tampon. With experience, you will learn what works best for you.
To remove INSTEAD Cup (Softcup), simply hook your finger under the rim and pull slowly.
Tips
Here are some tips to help you, particularly if it is your first time.
Insertion:
When you first use INSTEAD, choose a light flow day when you are relaxed and have plenty of time. Work your way to heavier flow days and wear a pantyliner or pad for added protection until you are accustomed to using INSTEAD Cup (Softcup).
We recommend sitting on the toilet; some women find other positions more comfortable (eg squatting, or standing with one leg raised (resting on the edge of the bath, for example)).
When inserting INSTEAD Cup, push back and slightly down. It is important that the rim locates behind the pubic bone.
Once the cup is in place, hold the rim behind the public bone and bear down slightly like you are having a bowel movement. This sometimes seats the cup better for some women and helps prevent leakage.
When inserted correctly, you should not feel INSTEAD Cup. If you feel something in the vaginal canal, it is probably not far enough inside you - remove it and try again.
Removal:
When removing INSTEAD Cup (Softcup), hook your middle finger under the rim, as this is generally longer than your index finger.
If you have trouble hooking your finger under the rim, bear or push down with your pelvic muscles as you do so.
When removing INSTEAD Cup, keep the cup level to avoid spilling the contents.
Dispose of a used INSTEAD Cup properly. Do not flush it down the toilet! You may wish to wrap it in toilet paper and then put it into the old wrapper or simply wrap it in toilet paper and place in an appropriate waste container.
When getting ready to participate in strenuous exercise or sexual intercourse, we recommend inserting a fresh INSTEAD Cup.
Do not use INSTEAD if you are using an intrauterine device (IUD) as there is a risk of dislodging the IUD when removing INSTEAD. If you have ever suffered toxic shock syndrome, do not use INSTEAD or any other internally worn products. Immediately following childbirth, miscarriage or termination of pregnancy, consult your doctor before use.
Always wash your hands before and after inserting or removing INSTEAD.
Do not wear INSTEAD for more than 12 hours. Never reuse INSTEAD, since doing so may expose you to the risk of vaginal infection.
INSTEAD IS NOT A CONTRACEPTIVE.