A menstrual cup is a flexible, bell-shaped device inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual fluid, offering a comfortable and sustainable alternative to traditional products. Achieving correct placement ensures the cup is comfortable, leak-free, and positioned to work effectively. Understanding your anatomy and employing a specific insertion technique makes determining the right depth straightforward.
Understanding Vaginal Anatomy and Cup Placement
The vagina is a muscular canal that extends from the vulva to the cervix. Unlike a tampon, which is pushed high up, the menstrual cup is designed to sit lower, collecting the flow near the vaginal opening. The cup must be situated below the cervix, which is the firm, rounded lower part of the uterus that protrudes into the top of the vagina.
The cervix’s position is a major factor in determining the final placement depth, as its height can vary significantly between individuals and throughout the menstrual cycle. During menstruation, the cervix is often at its lowest point in the vaginal canal. You can locate your cervix by inserting a clean finger; it feels like a small, firm, rounded bump.
The cup’s rim must sit just below the cervix to catch the blood as it exits the uterus. Inserting the cup too high, into the wider area known as the vaginal fornix, can cause the cup to shift and result in leaks. If you have a naturally low-sitting cervix, the cup will rest lower in the vaginal canal, sometimes requiring the user to trim the cup’s stem for comfort.
Step-by-Step Insertion Technique
Proper insertion begins with washing your hands and finding a relaxed posture, such as squatting or sitting on the toilet. Anxiety can cause the pelvic floor muscles to tense, making insertion more difficult. Before insertion, the cup must be folded to create a smaller insertion point; common methods include the C-fold, the 7-fold, or the punch-down fold.
The folded cup should be inserted into the vagina, not straight up, but angled horizontally back towards the tailbone. This angle follows the natural curve of the vaginal canal. You should continue to push the cup until the entire body of the cup is inside the vaginal opening, stopping when the cup fully opens.
The correct depth is achieved when the cup opens and forms a seal just below the cervix. The base of the cup will sit relatively low, near the vaginal entrance. The stem, which is used for locating the cup’s base, should either be tucked entirely inside or sit no more than about half an inch from the vaginal opening. If the cup is inserted correctly, it should not be felt.
Confirming Correct Depth and Seal
After insertion, confirm that the cup has fully opened and created a proper seal against the vaginal walls. A simple way to check is to run a clean finger around the base of the cup. If you feel any indentations or folds, the cup has not fully opened and may lead to leaks. You can encourage the cup to open by gently rotating it or by pressing a finger against the vaginal wall to create space for it to expand.
Gently tug on the stem or the base of the cup. If you feel a slight resistance, this indicates that the suction seal has been successfully formed. A correctly placed cup should not cause pressure or discomfort once it is fully settled. If the stem is poking or irritating the labia, the cup is likely sitting too low, and the stem may need to be trimmed.
If you cannot easily reach the stem or the base of the cup, it may have migrated slightly higher, which is fine as long as the seal is intact. However, a cup that is too high may have shifted into the wider part of the vagina, which can break the seal and cause leaks.