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This article was co-authored by Cindy Basinski, MD and by How.com.vn staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA. Dr. Cindy Basinski is a Board-Certified Urogynecologist based in Newburgh, Indiana. She has been practicing both general and Urogynecologic surgery for over 24 years and specializes in minimally invasive surgical procedures. She is a Board Certified Subspecialist in Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery from the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG). She received her medical degree from the Indiana University School of Medicine.
There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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Dealing with your period is no fun, so you likely want the most convenient protection possible. Softdiscs (formerly known as Instead Softcups) are a small, collapsible menstrual cup that you insert into your vagina to collect menstrual fluid. Unlike menstrual cups, Softdiscs are disposable and come in only one size.
Steps
Wash your hands with warm water and mild soap. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds to make sure you don’t have lingering germs or bacteria. Rinse away all of the soap, then dry your hands on a clean towel.[1]- If your hands are dirty, you may transfer those germs or bacteria into your vagina, which can cause an infection.
- If necessary, you can use hand sanitizer to clean your hands before you insert the Softdisc.
Squat, put up one leg, or sit on the toilet to open your vaginal canal. Use the same position that you use to insert a tampon. Spread your legs and relax your muscles so that the cup can slide into your vaginal canal.[2]- Choose the position that’s most relaxing for you. If you’re relaxed, insertion will be much easier.
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Squeeze the rim of Softdisc for easy insertion. The opposite sides of the rim should touch each other. The Softdisc will be about the size of a tampon when it’s squeezed shut.[3]- If you don’t squeeze the disc, it will be difficult to insert it and it will not capture menses. The disc will lodge in place low in the vaginal canal.
Push the Softdisc into your vaginal canal toward your tailbone. Slide your finger into your vagina in a slight downward motion, following the path of your vaginal canal. Keep pushing the Softdisc back toward your tailbone, not upwards. The Softdisc will fit just below your cervix at the top of your vaginal canal.[4]- If you push it upward into the canal rather than backward, it won’t be in place and may leak. If you’re worried it went upward, take out the Softdisc and re-insert it toward your tailbone.
Check that you can’t feel the Softdisc. The Softdisc should conform to your body’s natural shape. When it’s in place, you shouldn’t feel it at all. Stand up and make sure you don’t feel the Softdisc as you move around.[5]- If you can feel Softdisc, it’s likely not in place. Remove the Softdisc and re-insert it.
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Change your Softdisc every 6-12 hours, depending on your flow. You can wear your Softdisc for up to 12 hours, which is one of the perks of using it. However, you will need to change your Softdisc more often if your period is very heavy, as the cup will fill up faster.[6]- If you notice any leaks, change your Softdisc immediately.
- Use your knowledge of your own cycle to decide how often to change your Softdisc. When you’re first using the product, you might use a pantyliner for added protection on your heavy days.
Use warm water and mild soap to wash your hands. Make sure you scrub your hands under the water for at least 20 seconds. Then, dry your hands with a clean towel. You don’t want to introduce any germs or bacteria into your vaginal canal when you remove the Softdisc.[7]- If you have no access to a soap and water, use an unscented hand sanitizer to clean your hands before you remove the Softdisc.
Sit on the toilet with your knees spread apart and relax. This will open up your vaginal canal so that you can reach in and retrieve the Softdisc. Make sure you’re over the toilet in case the Softdisc leaks or spills during removal.[8]- If you remove the Softdisc carefully, it shouldn’t fall out or spill. However, it’s better to do it over the toilet so that you don’t risk staining your clothes.
Pinch the ring and pull to remove the cup. You can also hook your finger over the edge of the ring. Keep the cup horizontal and level as you remove it so it doesn’t spill. Go slowly to reduce the risk of leaks.[9]- If you’re having trouble reaching your Softdisc, reach your longest finger into your vagina. Use your finger to break the seal by pushing into the side of the Softdisc rim. This will make it easier to pull the Softdisc down so you can remove it.[10]
Dispose of the cup and insert a new one. Wrap the used Softdisc in a wrapper or toilet paper, then toss it in the trash. Don’t flush your Softdisc down the toilet, as it could clog the pipes.[11]- If you’re using a softcup that’s reusable for one period cycle, rinse the cup in tap water and re-insert it.
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Change your Softdisc before bed for overnight protection. Your Softdisc will protect you from leaks overnight, but it’s best to put in a new cup shortly before bed. Make sure you won’t go over the 12 hour time limit.[12]- Remember, your cup may fill up faster on heavy period days. If your period is very heavy, you might want to wear a backup pantyliner just in case.
Use a Softdisc for period protection while playing sports or swimming. Like tampons, Softdisc is a great option if you have an active lifestyle. Once it’s in place, your disc won’t leak while you’re playing sports or swimming unless it overflows.[13]- If you’re worried about leaks, put in a new Softdisc right before you swim or wear a backup pantyliner while playing sports.
Wear a Softdisc during sex but use your normal birth control method. Softdisc are safe to wear during sex. They will continue to collect your menstrual fluids during and after intercourse. However, Softdisc does not provide any pregnancy or STD protection.[14]- It’s safe to use condoms when you’re using a Softdisc.
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Tips
- Softdisc is latex-free, nontoxic, and hypo-allergenic.[15]Thanks
- It may take time for you to get used to using your Softdisc. At first, you might wear a pad as a backup in case your Softdisc leaks.Thanks
- Softdisc may be sold at your local department store with other period products. They’re also available online.Thanks
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Warnings
- If you experience any pain during insertion, talk to your doctor to make sure you don’t have an underlying medical issue.Thanks
- If you have an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control, talk to your doctor before using a Softdisc. Softdisc can catch on the IUD’s strings and dislodge it.[16]Thanks
- Although the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) has not been quantified with menstrual cups, you can still get TSS while using a menstrual cup.[17]Thanks
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Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about women’s health, check out our in-depth interview with Cindy Basinski, MD.
References
- ↑ https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/health-and-wellness/menstruation/how-do-i-use-tampons-pads-and-menstrual-cups
- ↑ https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/health-and-wellness/menstruation/how-do-i-use-tampons-pads-and-menstrual-cups
- ↑ http://www.bepreparedperiod.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Trifold_Softcup_Brochure_1106.pdf
- ↑ http://www.bepreparedperiod.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Trifold_Softcup_Brochure_1106.pdf
- ↑ http://www.bepreparedperiod.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Trifold_Softcup_Brochure_1106.pdf
- ↑ https://youngwomenshealth.org/2013/03/28/period-products/
- ↑ https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/health-and-wellness/menstruation/how-do-i-use-tampons-pads-and-menstrual-cups
- ↑ http://www.bepreparedperiod.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Trifold_Softcup_Brochure_1106.pdf
- ↑ https://youngwomenshealth.org/2013/03/28/period-products/
- ↑ https://www.teenvogue.com/story/menstrual-cups-everything-you-need-to-know
- ↑ https://www.glamour.com/story/menstrual-cups-instead-softcup-divacup
- ↑ http://www.bepreparedperiod.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Trifold_Softcup_Brochure_1106.pdf
- ↑ http://www.bepreparedperiod.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Trifold_Softcup_Brochure_1106.pdf
- ↑ https://youngwomenshealth.org/2013/03/28/period-products/
- ↑ https://www.glamour.com/story/menstrual-cups-instead-softcup-divacup
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/tired-of-tampons-here-are-pros-and-cons-of-menstrual-cups/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4556184/
About This Article
Board-Certified Urogynecologist
This article was co-authored by Cindy Basinski, MD and by How.com.vn staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA. Dr. Cindy Basinski is a Board-Certified Urogynecologist based in Newburgh, Indiana. She has been practicing both general and Urogynecologic surgery for over 24 years and specializes in minimally invasive surgical procedures. She is a Board Certified Subspecialist in Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery from the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG). She received her medical degree from the Indiana University School of Medicine. This article has been viewed 760,560 times.
Co-authors: 20
Updated: February 14, 2024
Views: 760,560
Categories: Featured Articles | Feminine Hygiene Products
Article SummaryX
To use an Instead Softcup, either sit, squat, or put one leg up so that you’re comfortable. Squeeze the rim of the softcup so the opposite sides are touching and insert it into your vaginal canal. Push the softcup back toward your tailbone and slightly downward. If you push it in upward, it won’t sit correctly, which could cause it to leak or be uncomfortable. When the softcup is positioned correctly, you shouldn’t feel it at all. Keep reading to learn how to remove a softcup!
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Reader Success Stories
"I was using it wrong the first two times. I tried inserting the soft cup and didn't even know. The box doesn't give such a detailed description. I thought that I put it far enough, but your description says that it might have to be pushed up farther. "..." more
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