Menstrual Cup FAQS

New to cups

Where is JuJu Cup made and what is made of?

The JuJu Cup is made in Australia from 100% medical grade silicone. Medical-grade silicone is hypoallergenic and safe for use in the human body.

Silicone is made from mineral sands and the silicone and pigments used in the manufacture of JuJu Cups are vegan; they do not contain any parts or by-products of animals or insects.

Are menstrual cups safe?

Menstrual cups are generally considered safe to use if you follow good hand hygiene practices, do not leave your cup in for any longer than 8 hours and follow the menstrual cup user guide. Please also read our article on menstrual cup safety for more information about the safety precautions you should take when using a menstrual cup.

The silicone used in JuJu Menstrual Cup has been independently tested for biosafety and carries biocompatibility and toxicity certificates of compliance. JuJu cups are manufactured in Australia in a cleanroom environment and in accordance with the International Organisation for Standardisation standards for Medical Device manufacture (ISO 13485:2016).

Are menstrual cups hygienic?

Menstrual cups are hygienic, however maintaining good hygiene practices is important when using any internal sanitary product.

Always thoroughly wash your hands every time you insert or remove your cup and follow the menstrual cup cleaning guide.

Your JuJu Cup is intended for personal use only and should never be shared with another individual. Sharing a cup can result in the transmission of STDs. Ensure you read usage guide prior to using your cup.

Who can use a menstrual cup?

JuJu Cup can be used by most teenagers, adult women and transgender men.

There may be some additional considerations for teens using a menstrual cup.

Some anatomical differences or conditions such as vaginismus, pelvic organ prolapse, a retroverted uterus or poor pelvic floor tone, may make it too difficult for some people to use a menstrual cup. If you have any concerns and question regarding the suitability and safety of a menstrual cup in your particular situation, you are advised to seek the advice of a qualified health care professional.

Some people also find one particular brand of cup may work better for them than another.

Can I be guaranteed a cup will work for me?

Menstrual cups work for most people, but unfortunately, we can't guarantee a cup will work for every person. This is due to the nature of anatomical variances, particularly the differences in vagina shape and size. Some people can use almost any cup with ease whilst others may find that one particular type, size or brand of menstrual cup doesn’t work for them, but will find success with another.

Among the cup community, finding the perfect cup which is just right for you is referred to as "finding your goldilocks cup" and knowing your anatomy can help you determine if a menstrual cup will be suitable for you. Anatomical variances to consider include:

Refer to our guide to selecting a menstrual cup for other factors you may wish to consider when choosing a menstrual cup. If you have any gynecological concerns, we recommend you seek the advice of your medical practitioner prior to using a JuJu cup to see if it is suitable for you.

We are unable to offer refunds or exchanges due to purchase error, change of mind or if the incorrect menstrual cup size has been chosen. Please see our Returns and Exchanges Policy for more information.

Can I use a menstrual cup with a Mirena® or another IUD?

If you are looking to use the JuJu cup in conjunction with an IUD such as Mirena, you should consult a medical professional for proper guidance. There are specific directions which may need to be followed if a menstrual cup is to be used in conjunction with an IUD. Read more on menstrual cups and IUDs.

Can I use a JuJu Cup if I have sensitive skin or a latex allergy?

Yes. JuJu is made from a medical grade silicone. It does not contain any toxins, bleaches or BPAs. JuJu does not contain any latex-free so it is suitable for people with latex allergies. The clear menstrual cup is free from colour pigments and is a suitable choice if you are looking for a 100% medical grade silicone cup with no additives.

Can I use a menstrual cup if I have heavy periods?

Yes. As JuJu holds three times more fluid than tampons and pads, you will find that you will need to empty your JuJu less often than you would change a tampon or pad. In the initial stages, while you become familiar with JuJu and if you are concerned about leaking, try using a pad in conjunction with your JuJu until you have confidence in your cup and know how often you need to empty it. As a guide, you can generally wear your menstrual cup for twice as long as you would wear a tampon or pad.

Can teens and virgins use a menstrual cup?

Yes, a menstrual cup can be worn by teens and virgins, but bear in mind it may take a little longer to get used to using.

We answer many frequently asked questions in our article on Adolescents and Menstrual Cups and you may also find the article on Using a Menstrual Cup if you’re a Virgin helpful.

Can I use a menstrual cup after having a baby?

JuJu menstrual cup is not suitable for use postpartum bleeding following childbirth, following a miscarriage or termination or during labour.

The use of internal sanitary products including menstrual cups, tampons and sponges increases the risk of infection and may prevent wounds from healing.

Disposable pads are recommended for the first few days following childbirth when vaginal bleeding (lochia) is heavy. In the weeks following birth reusable cloth pads can be worn.

The JuJu Cup should only be used once your normal menstrual cycle returns and following your final check up with your Obstetrician, Gynecologist or GP which is usually performed around 6 weeks after giving birth

If you already have a menstrual cup, check to see if the size you have is still a good fit for you. Many people are still able to use the smaller Model 1 post birth however most people find they need to size up to a Model 2 once they have had a baby. Some women also find they may need to switch to a Model 4 if they have lost some pelvic floor tone or their cervix sits lower after becoming.

Can I wear my menstrual cup during sex?

JuJu Menstrual Cup is a sanitary product intended for the purpose of menstruation only. The JuJu Cup should not be worn during sexual intercourse.

Wearing a reusable menstrual cup during sex may cause injury to yourself or your partner. The menstrual cup may also be forced higher into the vaginal canal or cause it to get stuck to the cervix which will make removal difficult.

Your menstrual cup should not be worn for the purpose contraception/birth control and will not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or pregnancy.

What should I consider when choosing a menstrual cup brand?

There are many different menstrual cups on the market, and there are a number of things you should take into consideration when finding the right menstrual cup for your body. Refer to our article about the seven things to consider when buying a menstrual cup.

Where can I buy JuJu products?

Shop on our secure online store and have your product delivered anywhere in Australia and to most countries overseas.

We accept VISA, MasterCard, PayPal or you can split up your payment into 4 equal payments using AfterPay if you live in Australia.

Alternately, JuJu products can be purchased from a JuJu online reseller or a physical store.

Can I wear a menstrual cup while exercising?

Yes. Since JuJu is worn internally and has no strings, like a tampon or wings, like pad, it is perfectly suited to the active woman's lifestyle. JuJu also holds three times as much fluid as tampons or pads so only needs to be changed half as often as other disposable forms of feminine hygiene. JuJu can be worn when swimming, doing yoga, running or any other form of exercise.

Can I get TSS from unsing a menstrual cup?

TSS is a bacterial infection that has been linked to prolonged use of some high-absorbency tampons.

TSS can be life-threatening and is characterised by the following symptoms; fever, vomiting, diarrhea, a skin rash that looks like sunburn, peeling patches of skin on the feet and hands, muscular aches, headaches, a sore throat, red eyes, confusion, a drop in blood pressure, joint pains, sensitivity to light, kidney failure, fainting or collapsing.

If you experience any of these symptoms you should remove your menstrual cup immediately and contact the local emergency department.

People who have previously experienced TSS should not use any form of internal sanitary protection such as JuJu unless done so under the direct supervision of a qualified medical practitioner.

Read more on toxic shock syndrome signs, symptoms and prevention.

How many menstraul cups do I need?

As cups are reusable you only need one menstrual cup.

Menstrual cups are washed and reinserted during your period and disinfected at the end of each cycle, then stored, ready to be used for your next period.

Some people do choose to have multiple cups; this may be for the one of following reasons;

  • they prefer to wash and air dry one cup whilst using the other
  • to leave in a couple of different locations (such as at work or in a school bag or handbag) to ensure they're not caught off-guard without their cup
  • some people find one particular size or shape of cup works better for them than another at different stages throughout their cycle

Which menstrual cup size should I choose?

The JuJu cup is available in 4 sizes.

As a general rule of thumb, we recommend;

  • Model 1 if you are under 30 and have not given birth
  • Model 2 if you are over 30 or have given birth (regardless of age)
  • Model 3 if you have a high cervix or long vaginal canal
  • Model 4 if you have a low cervix or short vaginal canal

You may like to try the menstrual cup quiz below to find a model which may suit you.

Please bear in mind, anatomies vary from person to person so this general size guide might not be suitable for you. Please refer to the JuJu Cup Sizes page for more detailed information on cup sizing and selecting a size to suit your anatomy.

Is the JuJu Cup registered or certified?

In Australia, the sale of medical devices, including menstrual cups, is monitored by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). The TGA is a government agency which safeguards public health and safety.

The JuJu menstrual cup was listed on the Australian Registered Therapeutic Goods list in 2011 (ARTG No. 180153). JuJu menstrual cup is also a FDA listed medical device in the USA (Est. No. 3013920287) however registration of menstrual cups is no longer required in either of these countries and in May 2020, the TGA cancelled all menstrual cup ARTG listings as they have deemed menstrual cups to be low risk devices which are classified as exempt goods. Although menstrual cups are no longer required to be listed on the ARTG, Sponsors and manufacturers must still meet the requirements for menstrual cup products set out under Therapeutic Goods Order No.99 - Standards for Menstrual Cups in order for their products to be legally supplied in Australia.

The silicone used in JuJu Menstrual Cup has been independently tested for biosafety and carries biocompatibility and toxicity certificates of compliance. JuJu Cups are manufactured in a cleanroom environment to ISO 13485 standards which govern the manufacture of medical devices.

What is the difference between the original and newer style JuJu?

The newer style JuJu Cups have a thicker stem with nodes, which can be used as trim points. It also has a more pronounce butterfly grip pattern at the base of the cup than the original model. Choose this cup if you are new to using cups or if you know you have a high or low cervix. This style is available in a Model 1, 2, 3 and 4.

The original JuJu Cup has a thinner triangular shaped stem and a smoother finish on the base of the cup. Choose this cup if you are an experienced cup user and are comfortable with the removal of your menstrual cup. This style is only available in a Model 2.

Can you send me a free menstrual cup to try?

We are not able to send free samples.

Unlike tampons and disposable pads, menstrual cups and cloth pads are reusable products that last for many years and the manufacturing cost of these products is considerably more than that of disposables. The lifespan and production cost of making reusable sanitary products makes it prohibitive to send out free samples.

What should I do with my unused tampons and pads?

If you have transitioned to using a cup and no longer require your disposable sanitary items please donate them to our corporate partner Share the Dignity who have numerous collection points every March and August.

Alternately, post them into us and we will donate them to charitable organisations and community groups who help disadvantaged and homeless people. Our postal address is;

Freedom Products
PO Box 6200
Swanbourne
WA 6010

For hygiene reasons, we can only donate products which are individually wrapped (i.e. they can be unboxed or out of the outer packaging but the individual tampon or pad packaging must be unopened).

Troubleshooting & Tips

Why doesn't my menstrual cup feel comfortable?

When inserted correctly your JuJu should not cause you any discomfort. Check if you have inserted your JuJu too high. Alternatively, if your JuJu is beside rather than beneath the cervix, the cup will cause immediate discomfort. If this occurs, remove the cup, rinse it and reinsert it.

Check that you have selected the correct model number.

If your cup is sitting low and the stem is causing any discomfort, please see information on trimming the stem below or you may require a Model 4 if you have a particularly low cervix and feel like the cup is being pushed out or slips out.

In some cases, people with a tilted uterus, pelvic organ prolapse or poor pelvic floor tone may find a menstrual cup too uncomfortable to wear or you may find one particular brand of menstrual cup works better for your anatomy than another; this is often referred to as finding your 'goldilocks cup'. 

If discomfort persists, please discontinue use of your menstrual cup and seek the advice of your medical practitioner.

Can you give me some tips to help insert my menstrual cup?

If you have read the instructions in the user guide and are still having difficulties inserting your cup it may be worth trying a few different folds to find one that works best for you.

Also, try allowing your cup to open just inside the vaginal opening then gently sliding it up into position rather than opening it deep in the vaginal canal.

Remember;

  • Your cup should 'sit' lower than a tampon.
  • Some people, particularly those with strong pelvic floor muscles and/or a high cervix, find their cup naturally 'finds' it's own position higher up in the vaginal canal than where it was positioned to start with. This is OK but removal may take a little more practice if your cup is positioned higher in the vaginal canal.
  • Your cervix location may affect the position of your cup with a low cervix resulting in your cup sitting low, near the vaginal opening and a high cervix resulting in your cup sitting much higher in the vaginal canal.
  • The location of your cervix may change throughout your cycle. It is completely normal for your cervix to change position throughout your cycle and this may affect the position of your cup throughout your cycle as mentioned above.

Why won't my menstrual cup open?

There may be a number of reasons for a menstrual cup not opening. These include incorrect sizing, anatomical differences from person to person or due to insertion technique. Refer to our article with tips on how to get your menstrual cup to open.

Why is my menstrual cup stem sticking out?

Your menstrual cup stem may protrude if you have a cervix that sits particularly low or that sits low during the earlier stages of your cycle. Your JuJu may also sit low if you have lost some pelvic floor tone. No part of the stem should be outside your vagina, as this may cause discomfort to your labia.

It's important to know that this is not uncommon for a menstrual cup to sit low and the JuJu has been designed with 'nodes' which act as trim points on the stem if you find it too long.

If the stem is too long, remove and disinfect your JuJu and a pair of scissors to trim it. Only trim a small amount at a time; trimming only to the base of the first node on the stem. Try wearing your JuJu again for an hour to see if it's more comfortable. If not, remove, clean and trim the stem on your JuJu again, trimming to the base of the next node up the stem. Repeat until you find a comfortable stem length. Disinfect the scissors after trimming your stem.

If you prefer, you can try turning your cup inside out and wear it before trimming the stem to see if you find this more comfortable. Only try this method if and when you are comfortable removing your JuJu.

Why is my menstrual cup leaking?

Most leaks are a result of not have a good seal around your JuJu. Use your vaginal muscles to clench and release your JuJu, to help it find the right position and form a seal. You can also pinch the base of your JuJu and try to adjust it with a few turns and swirl your finger around the outside of the cup to check if it has opened properly.

Ensure the holes are at the top of your JuJu are not clogged, as this may prevent a good seal. Blood left on the labia after insertion can be wiped with some tissue or rinsed with water to prevent spotting.

Spotting can also occur if blood is left in the vagina after your JuJu has been inserted. Once the cup has opened, swirl your finger around the cup to remove any excess blood left in the vagina.

If you have a Model 1 JuJu, you may need to replace it with a Model 2.

If you have a Model 2 JuJu or Model 4 JuJu, you may like to try pelvic floor exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles which hold the cup in position.

Insert your JuJu at a 45-degree angle, pointing at the base of your spine. Do not insert JuJu straight up, as this is not the natural shape of the vaginal canal.

What do I do if I can't remove my menstrual cup?

If you have read the instructions in the user guide and are still having difficulties removing your JuJu cup, don’t panic. Check out our article with extra tips on how to remove your menstrual cup.

What do I do if I can't reach the base of my menstrual cup?

It is not uncommon for you cup to 'travel' and sit higher in the vaginal canal than where you originally placed it depending on the location of your cervix or other anatomical differences such as a retroverted uterus (aka a tilted or tipped uterus). Refer to our detailed tips on how to reach and remove your menstrual cup.

How do I clean a menstrual cup in a public toilet?

If you are removing your JuJu in a public toilet or at work and you cannot get to a sink to rinse the cup, just wipe it clean with some tissue and reinsert it. You can also take a bottle of water into the cubical with you if you would prefer to rinse rather than wipe your cup. Additional tips can be found on the Menstrual Cup Public Bathroom Hacks page.

Give your cup a good clean when you next have access to clean running water.

Can I still use my menstrual cup if I dropped it in the toilet?

It can be easy to lose your grip on a menstrual cup and accidentally drop it the toilet.

Nasty pathogens and viruses such as E. coli, Staphylococcus, hepatitis and norovirus may be present in and around toilets. Some people believe boiling alone will kill these germs but this depends on your personal level of comfort with doing this.

Our recommendation is to replace your menstrual cup if you have dropped it in the toilet as this is the safest option.

Read more on What to do if you drop your cup in the toilet.

How often should I empty my menstrual cup?

Menstrual cups should be emptied every 8 hours. If you have a heavy flow you may need to empty your cup more often.

Set an alarm if you are prone to forgetting to remove and empty your menstrual cup.

Empty your cup before going to sleep and after you wake.

Our previously recommended empty frequency of 12 hours was updated to a minimum of every 8 hours in 2017. This followed a review of the user guide by TGA clinical evaluators and is intended to minimise the risk of bacterial growth. You can read more about this on our blog titled How often should I empty my menstrual cup?

What are the different menstrual cup folds?

The most popular fold is the 'C' or 'U' fold, however, there are many folds you can experiment with. Visit the Menstraul Cup Folding Methods page to view videos on popular menstrual cup folds.

Can I pee and poo with a menstrual cup in?

Yes, you do not need to remove your menstrual cup when you urinate or have a bowel movement. Read more on our blog Can You Pee with a Menstrual Cup in.

Why do I need to pee more often when I have a menstrual cup in?

There should be no discomfort when using your JuJu cup, however, some people do experience a sensation of needing to urinate when first starting out. This is usually because the cup is pressing slightly on your bladder/urethra and can be due to one or a combination of the following;

  • Positioning of the cup
  • Anatomical differences from person to person
  • An incorrectly sized cup

Check out our article about peeing with a menstrual cup for more advice.

Why did my menstrual cup slip out?

If your menstrual cup is slipping down or falling out, it’s an indication that your cup is too small for your body, or that you may have a weakened pelvic floor or pelvic organ prolapse. Read our article on the three reasons why your menstrual cup might be slipping down and how to fix it.

What should I clean my menstrual cup with?

JuJu Cleansing Wash has been specially formulated for use with your cup.

If you choose to use another brand of soap or wash, please use a mild soap and avoid;

  • oily or moisturising soaps which may cause an oily residual build-up on the cup
  • highly fragranced soaps which may irritate the delicate skin of the vulva or vagina 

If you suffer from a skin condition such as dermatitis or psoriasis we recommend you continue to use your prescribed soap or wash on your cup.

Always thoroughly rinse your cup after washing ensure there is no residue left on the cup.

After your period ends, disinfect your JuJu by boiling it in water on the stove, or use our Menstrual Cup UV Steriliser.

How do I clean the holes in my menstrual cup?

The holes in the rim of your cup allow for the suction seal to release easily. Unclean holes may harbour bacteria so it is important to keep the holes of your cup clean.

To clean the holes in your menstrual cup, fill your cup with water soapy water and place your hand over the rim of the cup. Turn the cup upside down whilst sealing the rim with your hand then squeeze the cup with your other hand. This will force the soapy water to squirt through the holes.

You may also like to use a toothbrush or interdental brush (similar to a toothpick but with a small brush on the end) to remove debris from the holes of your cup. Discard the toothpick or brush after use.

Thoroughly rinse your cup after washing with soap or any cleansers to ensure no residue is left on the cup as this may upset vaginal pH levels.

Why has my menstrual cup changed colour?

Staining or discolouring on your cup is due to residual build-up and is completely normal.

Staining does not indicate your cup needs to be replaced, however you may wish to try the following tips to remove surface staining on your menstrual cup;

  • Use rubbing alcohol such as Isocol, with a soft cloth, then thoroughly rinse your cup
  • Liberally apply JuJu Cleansing Liquid Wash to your cup and leave for a couple of days before rinsing, or
  • Place your cup in a heatproof container and cover with boiling water from the kettle. Add a dash of white vinegar and a ¼ teaspoon of bicarb soda. Soak your cup until the water has cooled, then thoroughly rinse your cup.

Always completely dry your menstrual cup after cleaning it and before storing it. Store your cup in the pouch provided in a well-ventilated space.

Why does my menstrual cup smell?

This can happen if a menstrual cup is left in too long.

The recommended use for a menstrual cup is 8 hours so it's a good idea to set an alarm to remind yourself to empty and wash your cup every 8 hours if you are likely to forget you are wearing it.

To remove the odour from your menstrual cup, try the following tips;

  • Use rubbing alcohol such as Isocol with a soft cup to thoroughly wipe your cup inside and out, or
  • A mild sterilising solution such as Milton can also be used. It is important to follow the manufacturer's directions on the strength and length of time to sterilise items as leaving your cup in the solution for too long or make the solution too strong may cause a residual build-up of chemicals on the cup which may degrade the silicone or cause vaginal irritation. 

Following the use of any product on your menstrual cup, thoroughly rinse your cup.

If possible, set your menstrual cup out in the sun (out of the reach of animals) for as long as possible.

Can I still use my menstrual cup if I boiled it for too long?

It is easy to forget about a pot on the cooktop so we recommend setting a timer when boiling a menstrual cup to avoid boiling your menstrual cup too long.

If you have over boiled a menstrual cup, it may still be safe to use but you should still exercise caution if determining if your cup needs to be replaced.

Silicone, by nature, is fairly inert so if there are no changes to the properties of the cup (colour, smell, surface texture or ‘squishiness’) it is most likely still safe to use but the safest option is to replace it if in doubt.

If the water boiled dry, the cup may stick to the bottom of the pot causing it to change shape, melt or catch fire.

Regular over-boiling of a menstrual cup may prevent it from springing back into its original shape, cause it to have lower tensile strength and tear resistance or may cause it to harden and crack. Cracks may harbour bacteria as they are difficult to clean so please replace your menstrual cup if it has any cracks.

If you are in an area with ‘hard water’, boiling a menstrual cup for too long may also cause a build-up of mineral deposits like calcium on the surface of the cup which may cause it to turn white/opaque in colour. You can try removing the build-up with a soft cloth and rubbing alcohol like Isocol which is available in most supermarkets and pharmacies or boil your cup with a spoonful of apple cider vinegar. Always be sure to rinse your cup thoroughly after using any other cleaning agents on your cup. 

How long will a menstrual cup last?

The lifespan of a JuJu menstrual cup varies from person to person, depending on how you care for and clean it, how much it is used and even your vaginal pH! With proper care, your JuJu cup will last for many years.
Some people choose to replace their cup after a couple of years because they do discolour over time, however, this is a personal choice as a discoloured cup is still safe to use.
To extend the life of your JuJu cup, follow the cleaning and storage instructions included with your cup or in the cleaning section of the user guide page or the additional cleaning tips provided on our website. 
Correct removal of your menstrual cup is also key to extending its life. Don’t try to remove your JuJu cup by pulling on the stem, or digging your fingernails into the stem - this may cause it to weaken and break. Follow the removal instructions in your user guide .
If your cup develops any cracks, holes, strong odours that can’t be removed, or changes texture, it’s time to replace it.

Where can I get more help on using my menstrual cup?

If you haven't found the answer to your question here in the FAQs section, we are here to help. Please email us with the following information and we will get back to you as soon as possible;

  • your age
  • if you have had children
  • if you have any know gynaecological issues
  • the model number JuJu Cup you are using
  • the nature of the issue you are experiencing
  • if you have managed to get the cup to work for you on any occasion
  • any tips you have already tried

We are able to offer tips on using your cup however our support team are not qualified medical practitioners and as such are not able to offer medical advice. We strongly recommend you seek the advice of a medical practitioner if you have any health, medical or gynaecological concerns.

If you would like to connect with other JuJu Cup users, join the JuJu Cup Converts Facebook Group or the LiveJournal Menstrual Cup Forum, a fabulous group of supportive cup users who use a range of brands. Community members are very knowledgeable and chances are, if you have a question, it would have already been asked in this community. You can view previous menstrual cup topic tags to see if your question has already been covered. If you choose to post in this community, please note this is a moderated community and there are certain ways members are expected to conduct themselves respectfully within the group - please read the Community Rules prior to posting in the forum. 

Can I get thrush from using a menstrual cup?

While there is no evidence a menstrual cup increases the risk of thrush, preventative measures can be taken to reduce the risk of its onset. See more on thrush or yeast infections. If you are suffering from thrush, please discontinue the use of your menstrual cup immediately and do not use any internal creams in conjunction with your menstrual cup.

When should I replace my menstrual cup?

Menstrual cups will deteriorate over time. The lifespan of a menstrual cup varies from person to person.

It is time to replace your menstrual cup if it;

  • has an odour
  • is dramatically discoloured
  • has a sticky film or residual build up on the surface of the cup
  • has any rips or tears, or
  • is causing your any vaginal irritation

How should I dispose of my old menstrual cup?

If it is time to replace your cup or you no longer have the need for your cup, please wash your cup with soap, cut you into a few smaller pieces and dispose of it in the rubbish bin. Silicone is not recyclable.

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