DAME Period Cup®

If you are wearing your menstrual cup correctly it should not leak. If you are finding you are experiencing leaks, it may mean that the cup is not inserted correctly and has not formed a seal properly. Feel with your fingers to ensure the cup is fully open, and positioned comfortably in your vagina. It should sit lower down than a tampon. Because your vagina is at an angle, try inserting the cup horizontally towards your tailbone, rather than upwards.

The DAME Period Cup is powered by natural, biocide-free Saniconcentrates™, meaning that the cup is resistant to 99.9% of bacteria and viruses (tested to ISO 22196). Saniconcentrate™ contains a biocompatible element that works against bacteria attachment and proliferation, helping the cup to stay clean without the need for sterilisation or boiling. The Saniconcentrates™  are integral to the material, so they will not rub off or degrade over time.

If you were using any other cup you would need to boil it for 5-10 minutes between uses to sanitise it. The DAME Period Cup is powered by natural, biocide-free Saniconcentrates™, meaning that the the material is resistant to 99.9% of bacteria and viruses and does not need to be boiled or sterilised. Simply rinse the cup under clean water and dry, then store in your DAME cotton bag between uses. If using the DAME Period Cup in a public bathroom without access to water, it can be wiped clean with tissue before reinserting. 

It’s likely that at some point you will have to empty your cup at work or in a public toilet. Ideally you should always give your cup a rinse after emptying it, but this can be tricky on the go. If you have a water bottle, you could use that to give it a quick rinse over the toilet in the cubicle, but if that’s not an option then you can give it a pat with some loo roll before reinserting, and  then give it a rinse when you next have access to water.

DAME has a due diligence process which ensures the components in all of our products are tested to current industry standards and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Our testing programmes cover certification under EU REACH regulations which includes testing for per- and poly-fluorinated alkyl compounds (PFAS). 

Our DAME Period Cup isn't a medical device in the UK or EU, but we wanted it to be totally safe, so we designed it to medical standards anyway. It is made from medical grade TPE, free from silicone and latex, and certified to the following standards:

• Biocompatibility and vaginal irritation according to ISO 10993-12:2021
• Cytotoxicity according to ISO 10993-5:2009
• ISO 22196:2011 
• Chemical compliance including lead. cadmium, colour release, BPA, PAH (phthalates)
• Vegan society approved

Ensure you have washed your hands before handling your DAME Period Cup. Three different folds you can use to insert the cup are the “C Fold”, the “7 Fold” and the “Punch Down”. Try out these options and see what works for you. To insert the cup we suggest squatting, popping your leg up or sitting on the toilet. Fold the cup, and insert it into your vagina. You will find that wetting the cup under the tap, or using some personal lubricant will help with insertion. A lot of videos make it look easy, but it can be challenging the first few times you try, so don’t worry! If you are struggling, take a break and try a different folding method or position. Taking a warm bath or shower to relax can also help.

Wearing a menstrual cup should not hurt at all. If the cup feels uncomfortable or if you have any difficulty peeing this will likely mean that the cup is not in the right position. Try repositioning the cup with your fingers, or removing and reinserting it. You should not be able to feel the cup once inserted correctly. If you feel any discomfort from the stem you may need to trim it - we suggest taking a little off at a time to ensure you are still comfortable removing the cup, and take care not to cut the cup itself.

If you have a high cervix you may find that the cup sits higher in your vagina, and this may make it a little hard to reach. Try squatting down or sitting on the toilet and reach your finger inside your vagina in a “beckoning” motion, hook it onto  your menstrual cup, and pinch with your thumb. Most importantly, don’t panic! Your menstrual cup has nowhere to go, and can’t get lost. If you are feeling frustrated or sore, take a break. Once you have mastered what works for you, inserting and removing the cup will become a comfortable part of your period routine.