Menstrual Cup 101

Cocmau Menstrual Cup sits inside your vaginal canal to collect, rather than absorb, your menstrual flow. When the cup is full or after a maximum of 12 hours of wear time, remove the cup, give it a wash and reinsert.

Cocmau Menstrual Cup holds a maximum of 24ml, which is twice the capacity of sanitary pads and tampons.

Cocmau Menstrual Cup sits entirely inside your vaginal canal, including the ring stem. The rim of the cup should form a secure seal below your cervix. The ring stem should sit about one knuckle deep from your vaginal opening.

Cocmau Menstrual Cup collects your blood clots together with your menstrual fluid, while tampons and pads cannot absorb them.

Cocmau Menstrual Cup has not been linked with TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome). TSS is dominantly linked with tampons because of their materials and absorbing nature. Unlike tampons, Smooth Cup does not absorb your period. They are made with 100% medical grade, ISO 10993 certified, biologically inert materials that do not host bacteria or disrupt your vaginal pH.

You can, however, introduce bacteria if your hands carry them. Please always wash your hands with soap before inserting, removing, or adjusting your Smooth Cup.

Always remove your cup before a maximum wear time of 12 hours. Give your Smooth Cup a wash with mild soap before inserting it.

If you have experienced TSS before, we do not recommend using any internally worn products, including Smooth menstrual cups.

For most people, Cocmau Menstrual Cup replaces the need for other period products. You may want to begin a few first cycles with Smooth Cup while wearing panty liners as a backup, until you have got it going without leaks or discomfort. It usually takes between 1-3 cycles.

Cocmau Menstrual Cups are made without natural latex, BPA, or phthalates. Smooth Cup is made of ISO 10993 certified, medical grade silicone, which is a non-porous and hypoallergenic material.

Cocmau Menstrual Cups are made without natural latex, BPA, or phthalates. Smooth Cup is made of ISO 10993 certified, medical grade silicone, which is a non-porous and hypoallergenic material.

Find your match

Cocmau Menstrual Cup is one size fits most. It is a great fit for anyone with a cervical height between 4.5 - 8 cm, which covers the majority of people.

Checking your cervix height is easy:

Step 1. Wash your hands with soap.

Step 2. Insert the longest finger into your vagina, until it reaches something soft and round like a tiny meat donut. That's your cervix!

Step 3. Measure how deep your finger needs to be inserted inside to reach your cervix. This is your cervical height.

In the menstrual cup world:

A low cervix is less than 4cm from your vaginal opening.

A high cervix is more than 8.5cm from your vaginal opening.

A medium height cervix is between 4.5 - 8cm from your vaginal opening. Smooth Cup is best for those with a medium height cervix.

Check out our Youtube video for a visual guide on cervix height.

If your cervix is higher than 8.5cm or lower than 4cm from your vaginal opening (figures measured during your period), we do not recommend using Cocmau Menstrual Cup.

The best thing about a menstrual cup is you don't need to match your cup to your flow. You can use one cup for both heavy days and lighter days.

Because Cocmau Menstrual Cup collects, rather than absorb your period, it won't dry you out even with a light flow. Plus, you get to use your cup for longer stretches of time!

The best thing about a menstrual cup is you don't need to match your cup to your flow. You can use one cup for both heavy days and lighter days.

Cocmau Menstrual Cup has twice the capacity than pads and tampons, which means you don't need to change it as frequently as with traditional period products. More time to do your own things on your periods.

Yes, you can. Many Cocmau Menstrual Cup users have IUDs.

If you have an IUD, it's important to always remember to pinch the base of the cup to release the suction seal before removing your cup.

There is a small chance that any internal period products could get caught with your IUD, including tampons, menstrual discs and cups. Therefore, if you have an IUD, we always recommend checking with your Ob-Gyn before switching to a new period product. If needed, they can trim your IUD string so that it would not interfere with your period routine.

Anyone with monthly periods can use Smooth period products, including Cocmau Menstrual Cup. As Cocmau Menstrual Cup is an internally worn product, it takes certain maturity and comfort with your body in order to insert, remove and troubleshoot. Talk to your teen's doctor if you have any concerns.

How to use

For most people, Cocmau Menstrual Cup replaces the need for other period products. You may want to begin a few first cycles with Smooth Cup while wearing panty liners or period underwear as a backup, until you have got it going without leaks or discomfort. It usually takes between 1-3 cycles.

Most people need one Cocmau Menstrual Cup at a time. If, however, you regularly don't have access to running water to wash your cup between wears, you'll want to consider having a second cup as a backup.

3 most common signs that your Cocmau Menstrual Cup is almost full:

Sign #1. You feel a bubble sensation leaking out.

Sign #2. You feel "heavy" in the lower abdomen.

Sign #3. When wiping you see red marks on the toilet paper.

You can also simply time your flow to remove the cup before it's full.

For your first cycle, remove your cup after 4 hours and notice how full it is. Based on this observation you can estimate when to remove your cup. You'll get to be a pro at predicting your flow after only a few cycles.

For Cocmau Menstrual Cup, we recommend the shallow punch-down fold. Simply push down one side of the rim of the cup towards its base, then pinch to hold.

Check out our detailed guide to fold your cup.

Cocmau Menstrual Cup should not hurt to insert or remove. You should not feel your cup at all inside your body.

There is a hyper-awareness phase when your body adapts to the cup, in which you will feel its presence but that should not cause you any discomfort.

If you feel discomfort or are not sure if you are inserting or removing correctly, please reach out to hello@smooth.vn. We'd love to assist you based on your unique anatomy.

Yes! Cocmau Menstrual Cup sits in the vaginal canal, which is totally out of the way for you to go.

Absolutely. You can even sleep in the nude without worries.

100% yes. Cocmau Menstrual Cup is a fav among the world of water sports. And no, you won't feel it while training like with those rigid tampons!

It's a no for penetrative sex, because Cocmau Menstrual Cup sits inside the vaginal canal. But nothing else is off the table - and sex is not just about penetration!

Please do not wear Cocmau Menstrual Cup to collect your postpartum bleeding. We recommend a waiting period of at least 12 weeks after childbirth before using any internally worn products.

Yes, you can. Many Cocmau Menstrual Cup users have IUDs.

If you have an IUD, it's important to always remember to pinch the base of the cup to release the suction seal before removing your cup.

There is a small chance that any internal period products could get caught with your IUD, including tampons, menstrual discs and cups. Therefore, if you have an IUD, we always recommend checking with your Ob-Gyn before switching to a new period product. If needed, they can trim your IUD string so that it would not interfere with your period routine.

A few reasons might cause your cup to leak. The most common is because it is placed too high in the vaginal canal, bypassing your cervix. It only needs to be about a knuckle deep. Insert your cup to the lowest position possible that is comfortable to you.

Check out our detailed guide: How to fix menstrual cup leaks

Once the ring stem is completely inside, you should not feel it at all. For extra comfort you can rotate the ring stem so that it's parallel to your labia.

How to care

Remove your menstrual cup at least once every 12 hours during your period. Using a gentle cleansing solution to clean the cup, such as Cocmau Feminine Wash, lather and clean the cup thoroughly. Ensure that the air holes are unblocked. Rinse off with cold water. You can reinsert your cup without drying.

Once your period has ended, sterilize your cup by submerging it in boiling for 5 minutes. Let it dry completely and store in breathable cotton bag, such as the Cocmau Pouch. Don't forget to carry your cup with you as your next period approaches!

Submerge your cup in boiling water for 5 minutes to sanitize it.

You can use a stove, an electric kettle, or a microwave to heat the water first. But boiling directly on the stove is the best way to ensure constant temperature for sterilization.

Never leave the stove unattended while boiling your cup. Keep it from touching the bottom of the pot by using chopsticks or placing it inside a whisk. If your cup burns or melts, you need to replace it.

Don't forget to sterilize your cup before using it for the first time and after each menstrual period. To keep your cup hygienic and durable, try to sterilize it at least once a month.

If you're out and about, you may need to remove and clean your menstrual cup in a public restroom. Don't worry, it's not as difficult as it sounds!

If the restroom has a sink:

  1. Wash your hands thoroughly, remove the menstrual cup, and empty it into the toilet.
  2. Rinse the cup with cold water.
  3. Clean all parts of the cup using a few drops of Cocmau Feminine Wash.
  4. Rinse the cup again.
  5. Reinsert the cup.

If the restroom lacks a sink:

  1. Wash your hands thoroughly.
  2. In the toilet stall, remove the menstrual cup and pour its contents into the toilet.
  3. Use unscented, alcohol-free baby wipes to clean the cup or rinse with clean water.
  4. Reinsert the cup.
  5. When you get home, wash the cup with a cleaning solution within 12 hours, or as soon as possible.

Most people replace their cup within 2-3 years. We recommend a maximum of 5 years. You should definitely replace your cup if you notice any sign of tear, crack, damage, or if the cup starts leaking after a few years of use.

During menstruation, blood can develop an odor when exposed to air. However, menstrual cups can help minimize odors compared to tampons and pads during use. While menstrual cups may retain some odors, they usually do not contribute to any unpleasant smells. To maintain the freshness of your menstrual cup, make sure to change it at least twice a day and follow standard cleaning procedures to keep it fresh.

It is safe to use a mild, fragrance-free soap that is free of harsh chemicals to clean your menstrual cup. Using unsuitable detergents can cause the material of the menstrual cup to degrade faster, which may lead to odors and an increased likelihood of leakage. Opting for a gentle, unscented soap helps prevent irritation and deterioration of the silicone or other materials of the cup. After washing with soap, make sure to thoroughly rinse the cup with clean water to remove any soap residue, as this could irritate when inserted.

It is important to only use products that are safe for gynecological cleansing on your menstrual cup. The vagina has a self-cleansing mechanism, but its ecosystem is very sensitive to foreign chemicals. If the vaginal pH balance is disrupted, you might experience itching, unusual vaginal discharge, or persistent odors in the menstrual cup. In such cases, remove the cup immediately for sterilization with boiling water, and consider switching to a cleaning solution that preserves the safe pH range of your vagina (from 3.8 to 4.5).

Cocmau Menstrual Cup lasts a maximum of 5 years after first use. Most people replace their cup within 2-3 years. You should definitely replace your cup if you notice any sign of tear, crack, damage, or if the cup starts leaking after a few years of use.

If you have any type of vaginal infection, please make sure it has been treated before using your Smooth Cup again, to avoid the risk of reinfecting.

If your cup has been used while vaginal infection occurs, please dispose of it immediately and do not attempt to sanitize or reuse it.

If you have a condition that makes you more prone to TSS or vaginal infections, we do not recommend using any internally worn products, including Cocmau Menstrual Cup.

When blood mixes with air and bacteria, menstrual cups may develop an unpleasant odor. Here are some tips to help keep your menstrual cup smelling fresh:

  1. Do not wear your menstrual cup for more than 12 hours. Change your menstrual cup frequently, at least twice a day during your period.
  2. Regularly clean your cup with a gentle Cocmau wash solution and sanitize it before and after each period. Make sure to let it dry completely and store it in a Cocmau bag, away from direct sunlight.
  3. Occasionally, soak your cup in a solution of 1/2 lemon juice and 1/2 water for an hour, then rinse it thoroughly with water.

Although you may be bothered by the smell, others are unlikely to notice the odor of your menstrual cup or period. Proper hygiene maintains comfort and freshness.