Menstrual Cup FAQs
A Pixie Cup can be worn for a maximum of 12 hours at a time. We recommend that you empty it at least 2-3 times a day.
Pixie Cup comes in two different styles: Pixie Cup and Pixie Cup Slim..
- Pixie Cup (original) has a long wide stem that is ideal for women with a high cervix. Pixie Cup is also offered in three sizes: Small, Large, and Extra Large.
- Pixie Cup Slim is ideal for women with a low cervix. The stem is small and only about 0.5 inches long. Pixie Cup Slim comes in two sizes: Small and Large.
Choosing which size you need can be tricky since we are all unique. We recommend choosing your size based on flow
amount and body anatomy.
- Light flow: Choose a small Pixie Cup or Pixie Cup Slim. Small size cups hold plenty of fluid and you should only need to be emptied every 12 hours. Low cervix? If you have a low cervix be sure to go with Pixie Cup Slim or trim the stem off of our original Pixie Cup.
- Heavy flow: Choose one of our large cups (Pixie Cup or Pixie Cup Slim). Large size cups hold 5ml more fluid than the small size, so you’ll have to empty it less often. If you have a low cervix be sure to go with Pixie Cup Slim.
- Extra heavy flow: We make the Pixie Cup Extra Large just for you. It holds 5ml more than the large and it’ll be
your best friend!
Click here to learn more about choosing your size!
The most common method is boiling your cup. It’s cost-effective and efficient. If using a metal pan, do not let the cup touch the bottom or side of the pan. If you aren’t a fan of using your kitchenware for cleaning your period products, we totally get it! Our Pixie Cup Steamer sterilizes your cup in 3 minutes with the simple click of a button! Curious? Read all the deets here. You can also use an all natural soap to clean your cup. When choosing a wash or soap to clean your cup, make sure it is silicone-safe and as natural as possible. Our Pixie Wash is top rated on Amazon and our customers absolutely love it.
Read more about removing cup stains and other cleaning methods.
There are so many different ways to fold your cup, and everyone has a different preference! As your Pixie Cup becomes an old friend, you will find your perfect way to fold, but here are some starter folds!
Fold 1: Grip the rim of the cup with your thumbs and index fingers of both hands and fold the cup in half to resemble the figure in Fold 1 (it will look like a little heart).
Fold 2: Place your index finger on the top of the rim and press inwards to the base of the cup forming a triangle.
It is completely fine to wear your Pixie Cup while urinating or during bowel movements but since the cup sits in the vaginal canal it should be removed prior to intercourse.
Yes, the Pixie Cup can be safely worn with an IUD. However, as with all vaginal products, there is a small chance of IUD dislocation. We recommend talking to your gynecologist about using your Pixie Cup with an IUD and possibly having your IUD strings trimmed slightly
If you are tugging on your cup and it won’t budge, it has likely formed a tight seal or possibly suctioned to your cervix. Don’t panic. Your cup will come out, but simply pulling on your cup without breaking the suction won’t do the job. You must break the seal. Reach up and, if you can, use a finger to press the side of the cup and break the suction. It might help to get your hand as dry as possible so that it isn’t slippery. You can also get into a squat position. This will allow you to be able to reach your cup easier.
We even wrote an entire blog post on removal tips.
You’d be surprised how often we get this question! Don’t worry, your cup can’t go too far! If you check out this diagram, you’ll quickly see that your vaginal canal really isn’t that long, and it dead-ends at your cervix. If you can’t “find” your menstrual cup, gently bear down (like you do with a bowel movement) to lower your cervix and bring your cup within reach.
Yes, the rumors are true! Your Pixie Cup is made to last for TEN YEARS. As with cars, relationships, and basically everything else, cups last if you take care of them. We recommend that you use the Pixie Cup Wash, or another gentle cleanser, several times during your cycle to prevent stains. You should also sanitize your cup thoroughly before and after each cycle (we recommend boiling it or steaming it with the Pixie Cup Steamer). Store your cup in a cool, dry place and give it a good look over every couple of months.
The best way to keep your cup odor-free is to keep it nice and clean during and in between periods by thoroughly sanitizing it by boiling your cup or sterilize it with the Pixie Cup Steamer. You can also soak it overnight in diluted vinegar (7 parts vinegar to 1 part water).
If you’re having a hard time inserting your Pixie Cup, a nice water-based lubricant like our Pixie Cup Lube is a must. Lubricant gives your cup the extra slick coating it needs to slide in easily. Squirt a little lubricant on your finger and lightly coat the rim and exterior of your cup before insertion.
There are so many reasons why a tampon could hurt you. You’re sticking a dry, rough, cotton pole into your vagina that’s designed to absorb fluid. Your Pixie Cup is completely made of soft, gentle silicone that is flexible and designed to bend and move with your body while staying upright to prevent spills.
If tampons hurt to insert, your Pixie Cup may be the answer to your period prayers!
If you are noticing that your cup moves up or down a lot inside your vagina, your cup is not sealing correctly within your vaginal walls. Trying a different fold might help you get a better seal. If you’re still noticing a lot of movement, try a larger cup size. Keep in mind, some movement of your cup is completely normal! Your body will naturally nudge your Pixie Cup where it sits best in your vaginal canal.
We have an easy test to figure out your cervix height.
Insert your finger into the vaginal opening. If you can reach the cervix at your first knuckle, your cervix is low. If you can reach it at the second knuckle of your finger, your cervix is a normal height. If you cannot reach your cervix at all, you have a high cervix.
This completely depends on your body and how your Pixie Cup fits you! We actually wrote an entire blog post on tips for using a PIxie Cup with a retroverted uterus.
Some women who have a tilted uterus find that their cup is not able to seal properly, and others have no issues at all! If you have a tilted uterus, go ahead and try out your menstrual cup, because you likely won’t have any problems! If you do experience leaking or pain with your cup, remember that we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee and will be happy to give you a full refund!
Yes, absolutely! We actually have Guide for Teens to help make using a period cup a little more fun and a little less scary.
A Pixie Cup is helpful for women who are beginning to experience perimenopause. During this time, your cycle will become more irregular and will begin to fluctuate between heavy and light flow amounts. When you use a menstrual cup, you’ll be ready for that unpredictable flow whenever it comes!
If you’re wondering if you can do yoga inversions while using a menstrual cup, the answer is yes! Exercise is a breeze with a menstrual cup! The cup seals around your vaginal walls and creates a leak-free seal. Enjoy that flexibility!
This is one of the BEST things about menstrual cups!
You can splish and splash and take a bath with no fear of leaks because your menstrual cup has you covered! Insert your cup and make sure to gently wipe away any excess blood to prevent spotting. With a Pixie Cup, you’re free to swim in freedom!
Our silicone is made here in the USA and all our cups are made from 100% medical-grade silicone that is FDA approved and meets all regulations and requirements. Our colored cups contain medically-safe dyes to color the silicone. And our clear cups are completely dye-free.
