Merula Menstrual Cup XL

Merula Cup XL - No more frequent emptying! Made in Germany from 100% medical grade silicone, the Merula Menstrual Cup XL is an excellent high capacity option for women with a very heavy flow. As one of the highest capacity cups on the market, the Merula XL can hold up to 50ml of menstrual fluid. This is around 20ml more than most model 2 cup sizes. Not only will this higher capacity mean less bathroom trips throughout your day, the vibrant pink colour and the matching cotton pouch will just make your day feel that little bit brighter.Unlike most other brands of menstrual cup, the Merula is designed in such a way that it does not need to be completely open after insertion. As long as the edge has opened, the cup itself can be worn in a folded state, while still providing leak free protection. The exterior of the Merula is completely smooth, with no top rim. This makes it more comfortable for women who experience discomfort from other ‘rimmed’ cups. The unique ladder stem can be easily trimmed and allows for easier cup removal. Finally, the lesser vacuum level of the Merula makes this cup suitable for any pelvic floor condition, whether weak or very strong. Merula Cup XL Features: Extra large 50ml volume. Equivalent to 2.5 of the largest commercially available tamponsMade from 100% medical grade silicone that is free from chemical additives like plasticisers or animal-based ingredientsCan be successfully worn in a folded up stateSuitable for weak or strong pelvic floor muscles. Strong pelvic floor muscles will not cause the Merula to lose its shapeSmooth exterior with no upper rimNo holes in the rim that require cleaningTrimmable ladder style stem, making it suitable for medium to high cervix heightOne size fits mostCan be worn for up to 12 hours or overnightVeganIncludes a cute ‘strawberry print’ cotton storage bag  Merula Cup XL Sizing: The Merula XL is a ‘one size’ cup that is designed to fit women with a heavy flow, and of all ages and stages of life. The Merula XL is larger than most model 2 brands of cups. For this reason, it is NOT recommended in the following situations:If you have a very low cervix or,If you feel your vagina is exceptionally “tight”, or have previously only used teen or small-sized menstrual cups.In these cases, this cup may be too big for you and it may be best to consider the Merula Cup ‘one size’Dimensions: 46mm diameter | 72mm total length (including stem) | 50ml capacity How to use the Merula Cup The Merula menstrual cups work differently from traditional bell-shaped cups, and therefore, may require a few cycles to adapt to (particularly if you have used traditionally shaped cups previously). While most bell and v-shaped cups are designed to sit below the cervix, the Merula is designed to have the cervix sitting within it. We recommend watching the instructional video to learn how to correctly insert and remove the Merula. We have also listed a few other helpful tips to get you started.Always wash your hands before and after using the Merula Cup.Before inserting the cup, feel for your cervix. Fold the cup into the punch down fold to insert it. Once inserted, push the cup in the direction of the cervix and open it in front of the cervix/push the cup onto the cervix while opening the cup.To help the cup open, push into the folded side of the cup and gently press away the vaginal wall to create more space. Once the Merula Cup’s rim has expanded and created a slight suction on the vaginal wall (this is hardly noticeable), its body can be worn squished and does not have to expand fully.Sometimes using a water-based lube can be helpful. Apply the water-based lube on the cup’s rim, additionally, it can be helpful to also apply the water-based lube on your cervix. This helps the cup to slide onto the cervix easier.The Merula Cup must not be removed by solely pulling on the ladder stem. It is important that the seal is first released. If the cup is positioned high up within the vaginal canal, you can hold the stem and gently move the cup down using ‘zig-zag’ movements. Once you can reach the cup, break the seal by pressing against the cup body, and proceed to remove as normal. How to clean the Merula Cup Sterilise the cup before first use, and again after each menstrual cycle. This can be done by adding a small amount of vinegar to a pot of boiling water and sterilising the cup for 5 minutes. It can also be done with the use of a microwave steriliser such as the Merula Cupscup or the Ruby Clean.When you empty the cup, rinse it under cold water in order to prevent staining. Before reinserting, clean it with some warm water and a suitable menstrual cup wash.If you are out and about and find that you have to empty your Merula without access to a private sink, you can simply wipe it with toilet tissue, or use some menstrual cup wipes. You may also like to take some bottled water with you for rinsing your cup. Properly wash your cup when next able to do so.Keep the cup in a pouch or container that provides adequate airflow. If maintained properly, your Merula cup should last for several years. If there are any signs that the silicone may be deteriorating, it is time to buy a new one. Slight staining due to regular use is normal. Merula Cup XL FAQ's Why is my Merula Cup leaking? Unlike traditional menstrual cups that sit low in the vaginal canal and beneath the cervix, the Merula cup is designed to have your cervix sitting within it. You may need to locate your cervix before inserting the Merula to ensure you are properly positioning your cup. How much more does the Merula XL hold compared to other cups? Most ‘size 2’ menstrual cups only hold an average of 30ml. This means the Merula has 65% more capacity, holding 50ml of fluid.This is a significant amount for people with a very heavy flow and who find they need to empty regular menstrual cups every 1-3 hours. How long is the Merula XL Cup with the stem trimmed? The ladder stem of the Merula Cup XL makes it suitable for mid to high cervix heights. Once you know where your Merula comfortably sits, you can trim the stem accordingly. The stem on the Merula XL is 22mm long.With no rungs trimmed, the total length will be 72mm.With one rung trimmed, it will be 61mm.With two rungs trimmed, it will be approx 50mm. Note: with both rungs cut off, the Merula may be more difficult to remove.   I have a low cervix, can I use the Merula XL? Due to the size of the Merula XL, it is not suitable for people with low cervix. If you have a very heavy flow and a low lying cervix, you may want to consider trying a menstrual disc. What is the best fold to use with the Merula Cup? The best fold to use with the Merula Cup is the punchdown fold. I am new to menstrual cups, can I use the Merula XL? The Merula XL is a very large cup, with a thicker and firmer rim than many other brands. If you have not used cups before, you may need to be patient and allow 1-4 cycles to get the hang of using the Merula XL. How do I position my cervix inside the Merula Cup? To ensure your cervix is sitting inside the Merula cup, it is best to first locate your cervix so that you know what direction to angle your cup during insertion. Once the rim of the cup is just below the cervix, pop it open and push the Merula upwards using ‘screwing’ motions. At the same time, use your pelvic floor muscles to gently bear down, pushing your cervix into the cup as you ‘screw’ the cup upwards.If you can rotate the cup without it pulling out, it is likely positioned correctly.