A menstrual cup is a flexible, reusable feminine hygiene product, typically made from medical-grade silicone or rubber, designed to be inserted into the vagina. Its primary function is to collect menstrual fluid rather than absorbing it, which is how tampons and pads function. The cup forms a gentle seal against the vaginal walls, allowing it to collect the flow for up to 12 hours before needing to be emptied and cleaned. Menstrual cups have become a popular, cost-effective, and environmentally conscious option for period care.
Preparation and Choosing a Folding Technique
Before attempting insertion, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water, and clean the cup itself. Finding a position where you can relax your pelvic floor muscles is helpful, as tension makes insertion more difficult. Many users find it easiest to squat, sit on the toilet, or stand with one foot propped up on a stable surface.
The cup must be folded to reduce its diameter for comfortable entry into the vaginal canal.
C-Fold
The C-fold, also called the U-fold, is the simplest technique, created by flattening the cup and folding it in half to form a ‘C’ shape. This fold has a slightly wider insertion point but often allows the cup to pop open easily once inside.
Punch-Down Fold
The Punch-Down fold is widely used, particularly favored by beginners, because it creates a smaller, narrower insertion tip. To perform this, one side of the cup’s rim is pushed down into the center of the cup’s base, which is then held firmly for insertion. This reduced tip size can make the initial entry feel much smoother.
The Step-by-Step Insertion Process
After folding the cup, you may want to wet it with water or apply a water-based lubricant to the rim to help it glide more easily, especially if you are new to cup use. Gently hold the folded cup low down near the base, keeping the fold securely closed with your fingers.
To guide the cup in, gently separate the labia and aim the folded cup horizontally, back toward your tailbone, rather than straight upward. Following this curve allows for the smoothest possible insertion, as the vaginal canal is naturally angled toward the back of the body.
Continue to push the cup inward until the entire folded body is inside the vagina, but do not push it as high as a tampon. The goal is for the cup to sit low in the vaginal canal, just below the cervix. Once the main body of the cup is inside, release the fold and allow the cup to expand fully.
It is important to remain relaxed throughout the process, as tensing the pelvic floor muscles will tighten the vaginal opening and make insertion difficult. Taking slow, deep breaths can help promote muscle relaxation.
Ensuring Proper Placement and Seal
The cup must open completely to form a leak-preventing seal against the vaginal walls. Immediately after releasing the cup, check its status by running a clean finger around the base, just above the stem, to feel for any remaining folds or creases in the silicone. If you feel any indentations, the cup has not fully opened.
If the cup has not fully opened, gently grasp the base, not the stem, and try to rotate the cup 360 degrees. This rotation often encourages the rim to fully expand and establish the seal. Alternatively, you can gently push on the side of the vaginal wall to give the cup’s rim more space to pop open.
To confirm the suction seal, gently tug downward on the stem or base of the cup. If you feel a slight resistance or suction pulling it back, the seal is secure. The cup should be positioned low enough that the stem is near the vaginal opening, but not protruding uncomfortably.
Addressing Common Insertion Difficulties
One of the most frequent challenges is difficulty getting the cup to fully open and seal once it is inside the body. If the cup remains collapsed, trying a different fold, such as switching from a C-fold to a Punch-Down fold, can change the mechanics and encourage a better pop. Performing a few gentle Kegel exercises after insertion can also sometimes help the cup settle and complete the seal.
If the cup feels stiff or uncomfortable to push past the entrance, ensure you are using water or a water-based lubricant to reduce friction. Using a dry cup can create drag and make the process unnecessarily difficult.
Experiencing pain or discomfort during insertion is often a sign of an incorrect angle or muscle tension. Remember to angle the cup toward the tailbone, following the natural curve of the vaginal canal, and take time to relax your body. If the cup is still difficult to insert, removing it, taking a short break, and trying again with a different fold or position can be a successful troubleshooting method.