FAQs

Stonesoup.in menstrual cup is a reusable feminine hygiene product. It is a small, flexible soft unique round bottom shaped cup made from medical grade silicone that needs to be inserted into the vagina during menstruation to collect menstrual fluid. Silicone is inert material and are hypoallergenic.

Stonesoup.in Menstrual cup or any Period cup are generally a very safe option for period care. Stonesoup menstrual cups are made of medical-grade silicone and are hypoallergenic. Silicone is inert material and so is used in body implants, slings etc used within human body which stays for ever.

Stonesoup.in's menstrual cups are make in india product made of medical grade silicone, patented for its unique U shape design and double platinum polished to have a smooth surface.

Menstrual cup is safe from chemicals unlike disposable sanitary pads and tampons that are bleached and full of synthetic fibers, gels, fragrances etc. Our body absorbs chemicals in disposables when used which doesn’t happen with period cups.

Baby feeding nipples, baking cups & pans, spatula etc are also made of Silicone. That is food grade silicone while Stonesoup Menstrual cups are made of medical grade silicone which is safe to go within body.

Unlike other menstrual products, Stonesoup.in menstrual cup does not absorb the menstrual blood; instead, it collects the menstrual fluid. The cup should be emptied when full or in 10 to 12 hrs whichever is first, rinsed and reinserted. Hence Menstrual cup is safe from chemicals unlike disposable sanitary pads and tampons that are bleached and full of synthetic fibres, gels, fragrances etc.

Stonesoup.in Period cup / Menstrual cup can be inserted 10-12 hours at a stretch with no leakage provided it is not full. If full one has to empty, wash and reinsert. Each will judge their flow once they start using the cup and learn to use the cup based on flow. So, during the first use, it is good to check every few hours, learn how much the flow is and accordingly get to know how often the cup should be emptied. One norm that has come from those who have switched from pads to cups, is that, if you had to change your napkin four times a day, you will have to empty the cup twice a day.

Never do a dry run! Menstrual cup should not be tried on non period days. Period cups should be inserted only when the menstrual flow has started, as blood and harmones lubricate the vagina and makes it easy to insert. One can use cloth panty liner any day when one feels periods is likely to start or during end of periods when there is slight spoting.

Menstrual cups in market come with different shapes, sizes and thickness. Many are conical (reverse bell) like with a stem down. Some have ring like extension and some are conical in shape with slight pointy edge.

Stonesoup.in has two types, WINGS family of cups and Pratham cup. Stonesoup.in Pratham is a stem cup. Stonesoup.in WINGS family of cups are U shaped, unique round bottom patented design with all same size but different thickness. There are three thickness types with four different colors which is detailed in next query.

Stonesoup WINGS range is made of No Stem, Stemless cups, all same size but with different thickness and colors. Wings has three thickness types with four different colors which is detailed. All are of same size and volume.

Stonesoup.in Pratham is a pink color stem cup. For ultimate comfort we suggest stemless Wings Menstrual cup.

 Buy Reusable Menstrual Cups Online India – Stonesoup Shop

Green cup - softest - best for teens/women with sedentary life or vaginal infection history.

Blue (Teal) and Pink (Fuschia) cup - Medium soft - for women in the average age group of 20s to 50s/ married/sexually active/ mother's etc.

Yellow cup - Hard - generally preferred by sports persons/physically active (marathoners)

One can choose based on their age group and physical activity levels.

Stonesoup Pratham cup is a medium soft stem cup for ladies who are particular with stem.

There are several ways of folding and inserting it. The most common are the punch down fold and C fold or U fold. Place your finger on the rim of the cup and press the cup down to the centre at the base to form a triangle. The cup opening becomes narrow like a beaker. This makes the rim smaller and easier to insert into your vagina.

Other popular fold is "U" or “C” fold. You fold the rim of cup and fold it once again to make a C or U and insert it into the vagina and then it pops open. You can sit on a toilet seat, or squat or half stand and rest one leg on the toilet seat and insert.

For details with folding pics check, How to Use a Menstrual Cup - Insertion, removal and wash care – Stonesoup Shop 

How to insert Stonesoup Wings cup, https://youtu.be/z7T_FgIvcrw

Stonesoup.in Menstrual cup is ideal for high and medium cervix. Due to its soft round bottom it is comfortable for low cervix too.

Check the video how to accommodate stonesoup menstrual cup for low cervix, https://youtube.com/shorts/-UcDOObD2YA?feature=share

Menstrual cups with stem is a very outdated design. Stonesoup.in moved from there initial stem design to patented No stem design after enough research and feedbacks.

Check short YouTube video, The Story of Stem - YouTube

Removing cup using stem is not right. Chances of hurting the uterus and vagina is high.

Check the article, Is stem on a menstrual cup like our Vestigial organ? Outdated, no use!

To remove cup, just squat and bear down, putting slight pressure, like you are pooping. Cup slides down.

This is the constant fear every female new to the menstrual cup thinks. Even if you have a high cervix, the cup can only go a few inches deeper. Pelvic wall is a thick muscle and the cervix is a very thin pipe that has a very small hole, opening into vagina, that will never let the cup go any further. To bring the cup lower, you can squat and put pressure like you are pooping, the cup slides down.

For detailed clarification and to know female anatomy read the the article, Is stem on a menstrual cup like our Vestigial organ? Outdated, no use!

Check the anatomy below to visualize the cup,

Initial few times many feel the slight discomfort and pain. If too much pain, discomfort, cramps or back pain please dont force the cup.Remove the cup and try later when you are calm and relaxed.

Pain and cramps come if we are not inserting menstrual cup properly and putting pressure on bladder or pelvic bone. Cup should slide little slant as it moves behind our bladder. Pl try to change the direction cup moves. It should slide smoothly.

Two things, firstly cup should be fully open. Second once open it should fit into the mouth of cervix.

How to open the cup? Once inside, squeeze the bottom and rotate the cup. Also pull it slightly out nd push in with bottom pinched like slight wriggle. You can also use your finger to check if the mouth (rim of cup) is open.

Once open push it deep inside till it creates suction with vaginal wall so the mouth of cervix opens into the cup.

Cup is leaking check the video, https://youtu.be/VNFJ--wtqY8

Absolutely not. You can even do Sirsasana with it. Most women sportspersons use it. Swimmers use it. However, in cases where it has not been placed properly, it could leak. It is good practice to empty the cup and reinsert before going to bed.

Check, How to Use a Menstrual Cup - Insertion, removal and wash care – Stonesoup Shop 

Yes, swimming & beach activities, water sports are all possible when a cup is worn correctly. Even if you are drenched on rainy day, you are safe as there is no wet pad down. No period to your spirit with Menstrual cup.

Absolutely more hygienic than the blood that has gone soaked in a pad for the same duration of time and you sitting on it for so many hours. Blood when exposed to air starts oxidating and is perfect for bacterial growth. While inside the vagina it is more safe.

No smell at all as the blood has not come in contact with air and bacteria. It is blood in its pure form and smells the natural blood. This is one major advantage of a cup. You feel very fresh even on heavy flow days.

But if the blood smells intolerably fishy or metallic etc it would be due to the diet we intake and activities we do. Lifestyle changes with right diet and exercises would fix it. Consult your gynecologist for same.

Yes, you can use it, but using the cup will stretch your hymen; not tear it. It is up to an individual to decide to use the cup. Other physical activities like cycling, swimming, gyming, horse riding, yoga etc. also stretch your hymen. Many young teenagers are using the cup absolutely at ease.

Read interesting, informative blogs, Can my daughter use a menstrual cup?

The Virginity Myths – Stonesoup Shop

If diabetic people can use pads, they can definitely use the cup. In fact, it is better to use the cup and prevent rashes caused by pads. But please consult your gynaecologist or diabetologist.

If you maintain proper hygiene, sterilization is not needed. However, for your satisfaction, you can sterilize it once before you start to use the cup at the onset of periods. During periods, you can use clean cold water to wash the cup. There is no need to use any soap, detergents or vaginal wash as harmful chemicals in it will kill the good bacteria in vagina, and may lead to infection. Never use any anti-bacterial soaps as they have very harsh chemicals. Please ensure you dry your cup well after you wash it and store it away at the end of your period cycle.

Always rinse the stonesoup.in menstrual cup in cold water initially after emptying blood. Washing with hot water will leave the cup a little stained reddish/yellow as the blood protein precipitates in hot water or soap. First, clean thoroughly with cold or regular temp water and then go for moderate hot water for washing or complete sterilization.

Water needs to be clean. Please carry a bottle of water. Don’t try to wash it with dirty water and insert it. This could lead to infections. If no water, use a clean tissue and wipe it after emptying.

1. Do I have to sterilize it after each use? Or once at the end of the cycle is enough?

If you maintain proper hygiene, sterilization is not needed. However, for your satisfaction, you can sterilize it once before you start to use the cup at the onset of periods. During periods, you can use clean water to wash the cup. There is no need to even use soap as it may have harmful chemicals and any residue post-use may lead to infection. If you want to use soap, ensure it is a chemical-free and mild soap or hygiene wash. Avoid using anti-bacterial soaps as they have harsh chemicals. Please ensure you dry your cup well after you wash it and store it away at the end of your period cycle

2. How do I wash it after I empty it? Should I wash with hot water?

Wash with cold water initially. Washing with hot water and soap instantly will leave the cup a little stained reddish/yellow as the blood protein precipitates in hot water & soap. First, clean thoroughly with cold or regular temp water and then go for hot water for washing or complete sterilization.

3. What if I am in a place where the water is not clean, how do I clean the cup?

Water needs to be clean. Please carry a bottle of water. Don’t try to wash it with dirty water and insert it. This could lead to infections.

4. Can I sterilize it in a pan that I use for other stuff?

Do you really want to do that? There is no ‘hygiene’ related reason for keeping a separate pan or mug if you ensure that you wash the vessel really well after each use. However, most women choose to keep a separate pan or mug to sterilize it. It is up to each individual.

5. Can I sterilize it in a microwave?

Yes. A menstrual cup can be sterilised in a microwave oven. Dip it in a large cupful of water and microwave it for 1 minute.

6. How do i store it after my period ends?

Clean as mentioned in above steps. Wipe dry with a clean cloth or sun dry. Next put into the cotton potli and store in the stonesoup box.

Cups are great for clots, can hold them very well. Ideally, you should go for hard cups so it holds firm.

No! Menstrual cup is used to collect period blood. One shouldn’t hv sex while wearing the cup inside as it will push it further on cervix and may cause damage.

No, you should not have intercourse with the cup. It can be painful and may push the cup deeper. And cup will not act as a birth control device.

Yes, you can use the cup while having an IUD, however, ensure the thread (if any) is shortened so it doesn’t get dislodged. We recommend that you consult your gynaecologist.

​Check this video by Dr. Bharath, Gynecologist, https://www.instagram.com/tv/Cc5A9kQlrls/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY=

One Stonesoup.in menstrual / period cup will last for 10 to 12 yrs if used and maintained wisely. Over boiling the cup degrades the silicone.

Women are scared of inserting and removing. Even doctors are not aware of it because it has not gone into the medical textbooks yet. If lady doctors and nurses use it, they will be in a position to recommend it. Some doctors are worried that it may lead to infections. However, if proper care is taken infections will not happen.

Another reason could be that it might be difficult for the companies to make much profit from this product as one single menstrual cup can last a girl or woman five years or longer.

Dr. Bharath, gynaecologist talk on why menustral cups? https://youtu.be/5kKKda70u28

Because of convenience, economics, industry behind it. Many doctors in India are not aware of other sustainable menstrual options.

Stonesoup.in cloth pads are made of soft cotton layers that is gentle, hypo-allergenic on skin and are reusable and washable. They have leakproof layer in the bottom to avoid any leaks.

The outer layer is colourful soft material that make periods fun-time. These cloth pads have side straps called wings to fasten around the panty bottom.

Cloth and cloth pads in natural cloth like cotton are being used by women for generations since humans learnt to spin yarn. Cloth used were devoid of chemical washes and bleaches until last century. Hence, they spared female body from any harmful effects.

Since last century when more and more women started going outdoors the concept of use and throw disposable pads evolved. With the advent of overly commercialized markets, sanitary pads with synthetic fibres and gels, bleached in chlorine and dipped in artificial fragrances came into existence. Ease of use and throw made more and more women accept disposables, without realizing the harmful effects to body. Considering all these ill effects it is time for women unlearn things and go back to humble cloth and cloth pads.

Now cloth pads have evolved with functional straps and easy to fold, pack and wash. If one can have a kit 6 to 8 pads, they can easily manage for 3 to 5 years.

Buy Cloth Pads for Periods in India Online| Adult Pads at Best Price – Stonesoup Shop

1. Stonesoup.in PETALS - MANDYA REUSABLE CLOTH PANTY LINERS

Size: length: 18cm, width: 8cm (excluding wings strap measure)

2. Stonesoup.in PETALS - MANDYA PAD (CLASSIC)

Size: length: 24cm, width: 8cm (excluding wings strap measure)

3. Stonesoup.in PETALS - MANDYA PADS (HEAVY)

Size: length: 32 cm, width: 8cm (excluding wings strap measure)

4. Stonesoup.in PETALS - MANDYA FAMILY

Size: length: as below, width: 8cm (excluding wings strap measure)

S - 18cm
M - 24cm
L - 32cm

5. Stonesoup.in DHARWAD PADS foldable

Size: length: 26cm, width: 32cm unfolded (excluding wings strap measure)

6. Stonesoup.in in Petals - Ladli Pads

Size: Jacket: 10in x 3in, Insert: 9.5in x 19in

Buy Cloth Pads for Periods in India Online| Adult Pads at Best Price – Stonesoup Shop

Always soak the blood soiled cloth pads in cold water for 15-20 mins. Rinse the blood off and later hand or m/c wash like regular clothes. Line dry them in sun.

Soaking blood-soaked cloth pads in hot water and soap will instantly leave reddish/yellow stains on the cloth pad as the blood protein precipitates in hot water. Always soak the blood soiled cloth pads in cold water for 15-20 mins. Rinse the blood off and later hand or m/c wash like regular clothes. Line dry them in sun.

Depends on individual flow, one can use a cloth pad for 6 to 8 hrs. If one is using regular size disposable pad then they require similar size cloth pad too.

If used wisely along with 6 to 8 pads in a kit, a cloth pad would last 3 to 5 yrs.

Stonesoup Petals - Period Kit – Stonesoup Shop

• Absolutely no foul smell. A biodegradable waste which is generating foul smell when introduced into the composting medium loose the foul smell immediately
• It has naturally occurring aerobic composting microbes that convert your organic waste into high value compost in just 23- 30 days.
• No leachate during the process
• No flies when the moisture is maintained at an optimum level. Even if the maggots are generated it becomes inactive and dies in a few days.
• Frequent turning of the material not required thereby reducing the inconvenience associated with turning.
• A consortium of naturally occurring aerobic composting microbes breaks down all the complex biomolecules. It acts effectively on both vegetarian and non- vegetarian food.
• Compost provides a rich growing medium, or a porous, absorbent material that holds moisture and soluble minerals, providing the support and nutrients in which plants can flourish.
• When mixed with soil it can boost the level of organic matter and the overall fertility of the soil. ● Composting can destroy pathogens or unwanted seeds.
• Using Compost as a growing medium reduces water requirement to one- fourth the normal recommended dosage thereby effectively saving 75% of water consumption

How To Fix Composting Problems - Maggots

Due to too much moisture in the composter, maggots are formed and due to less oxygen they tend to come out of the bin. Ensure that enough compost maker powder is added in each layer so that it absorbs the moisture. In case you have added less, then just turn the top 4 inches of the pile before fresh waste is added.Composting is like cooking - there needs to be a balance of green and brown ingredients, of moisture and dryness

Maggots are actually good for composting because maggots become flies and leave their worm castings , which is good compost. But if you'd prefer maggot-free compost, then follow the tips below:

1. Maintain moisture level in the bin by using an adequate amount of browns (crushed dry leaves, compost maker powder or plain coco peat).
2. Do not expose wet waste in an open container. Flies lay eggs on exposed organic waste, which in turn become maggots. Store wet waste in a closed container and for no more than a day before adding it to the compost bin.
3. Add neem powder or turmeric to the bin. They help reduce bugs and maggots. During Hindu festivals women exchange turmeric and kumkum powders. Remove the plastic and add both the turmeric and kumkum to the bin. Do not add the plastic. Also do not add too much.

The decomposed material in the compost bin should smell like earthen soil. Most of the kitchen waste added should not be seen.

Sun-dry compost for not more than 3 hrs and bag it. It should still have some moisture for the microorganisms to be alive.

They can be used as fish or poultry feed (food for fish and chicken). You can also put them back in a compost bin with fresh or semi-decomposed material.

Bad odors are usually because the mix is too damp. But it could also be because something is blocking the circulation of air. Ensure that there is no plastic, coconut shells, or mango seeds in the compost drum.

The liquid oozing out of the bin is due to the excess moisture and not enough CMB added to absorb the moisture. Make 4 to 5 holes using a big stick/rod and add a compost maker in the holes so that it absorbs the moisture. Please keep a plate under the bin to collect the liquid. The liquid can be used to feed the plants but needs to be diluted.

Please remember this fact to make sure you don't face odor issues: Organic matter should be high-carbon food with just enough nitrogen to help microbes to break down the carbon. Too little nitrogen, decomposition slows down. Excess nitrogen releases the smell of ammonia gas. So, even if you add 3 parts carbon to 1 part nitrogen as we do in our community, the compost comes out fantastic.

Stonesoup’s Ista composter can be used for holding more waste. It's favorable if there is garden space. It can be kept on the terrace also. Using Te or Ishta composter according to the waste generated will also be a good option.

By using a compost maker it will take anywhere between 25 days to35 days. It totally depends on the type of wet waste added to the bin. As some waste like bones, seeds, shells take longer than the other, you may notice that it will not get composted within 30 days. Those can be reintroduced to next pile of compost.

Usually, composting takes 45 days when no microbes are added manually. When we add accelerators, depending upon the potency of it, it can take up to 3 weeks for the process to complete. But to be on the safer side, it is better to leave the compost for curing for 2 more weeks to make sure the electrical conductivity is not too high.

The contents will be reduced to half and will be rich black and will smell like earth. You can easily touch it by hand. It will not be soggy/dry. It will be moist.

Compost is pretty darned safe. Some of these problems, such as the fungal diseases, afflict very few people. Others, like the pathogens, are far more likely to occur in manures than in compost.

If you have too many ants attacking your pile, that means you have put too much cooked leftovers. Not to worry, make sure you just compensate for it with enough carbon content.

Wipe off the lid every day with a cloth. Make sure you cut the fruit pieces into smaller ones so that the moisture drips down quickly. Add more of CMB /crushed dry leaves so that excess moisture is absorbed.

Saw dust has very high electrical conductivity and this can hamper the growth of the plants later on. Even if something goes wrong with the C:N ratio, it's fine. Plants, just like us,plants do survive with many deficiencies in the body. But they can't take very high EC.

First, cooler temperatures. Secondly, when the pile goes dry, the process stops. There has to be sufficient moisture for the microbes to be on the uptick.You may not have taken care of your C:N ratio while adding the contents to the pile. That is, adding enough carbon and nitrogen content.

Sprinkle some red chili powder to get rid of ants.

Ideally ants are part of the ecosystem so you can let them finish their work , if they are bothering you then a little bit of chili powder can be sprinkled . Please let the compost mature for a month before you use it. Ants are not harmful

Information for those who compost in bulk

Add dry leaves if you have and allow the compost to cure in a container or gunny bags that allow enough aeration. If it’s dry, sprinkle some water so that the process restarts. If it is too wet/soggy, dry it in shade. Keep turning it once or twice a week so that the temperature does not build up only in the core. Keep checking the temperature. If it’s warm, that means it needs more time to become stable.

In your farmland, you can spread it in a windrow-like fashion: about 4 feet high, 4 feet wide and length can be 10 feet or more.If there is a little bit of smell, that means the pile needs aeration and it will disappear if you aerate it well. Make sure rainwater does not enter the pile. Once the pile cools down completely, allow it to stay for a few weeks more so that humus formation happens. Only after proper curing, the compost/humus becomes highly beneficial to your soil as it increases the soil’s capacity to absorb the nutrients and make the plants/crops build immunity against diseases/infections. If you use semi-processed compost to your plants, it will suck all the oxygen from the root zones and can greatly affect the plant's health. So, please pay attention to the curing process.