The period cup is a widely adopted reusable menstrual product that collects, rather than absorbs, menstrual flow. For first-time users, the insertion process requires a specific technique to ensure comfort and prevent leaks. Mastering the steps to properly position the cup is the primary factor in transitioning from pads or tampons to this sustainable alternative. This guide provides clear, practical instructions to help users successfully insert and seal their period cup.
Essential Pre-Insertion Preparation
Before attempting insertion, proper sanitation is necessary to maintain vaginal health and the cup’s integrity. A new cup requires sterilization by fully submerging it in boiling water for several minutes to ensure any manufacturing residue or bacteria are removed. During your cycle, you should wash the cup with a mild, unscented, oil-free soap and warm water each time it is emptied.
Thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water immediately before handling the cup is just as important to avoid introducing foreign bacteria into the vaginal canal. Preparation also involves finding a relaxed and comfortable physical position that helps open the pelvic area. Many users find success by squatting, sitting on the toilet with knees apart, or standing with one leg propped up on a stable surface. Relaxing the pelvic muscles is important, as tension can narrow the vaginal canal and make insertion difficult.
Choosing and Executing the Best Fold
The cup must be folded to a smaller diameter to pass easily through the vaginal opening, and the folding technique chosen greatly impacts the ease of insertion.
Punch-Down Fold
The Punch-Down Fold is often recommended for beginners. It is created by pressing one point on the rim down towards the cup’s base, then pinching the sides together to create a small, pointed tip. This fold results in the narrowest insertion point, making it suitable for cups of various firmness levels.
C-Fold
The C-Fold, also known as the U-fold, is formed by flattening the cup and then folding it in half to create a distinct C-shape. While this fold is simple to execute, the resulting insertion point is wider than the punch-down. This can sometimes be less comfortable for users with a tighter vaginal opening.
7-Fold
The 7-Fold is created by flattening the cup, folding one corner of the rim diagonally across to the opposite side of the base, and then pinching the sides together. This fold produces a slightly smaller, more elongated tip than the C-fold. It is often favored for firmer cups that are difficult to keep folded.
Step-by-Step Insertion and Sealing
Once folded, the cup should be held firmly near the base to maintain the fold until it is partially inserted. To correctly guide the cup, remember that the vaginal canal is not vertical but angles backward toward the tailbone. The folded cup should be inserted horizontally and directed at a 45-degree angle toward the lower back.
The tip of the folded cup is inserted until about two-thirds of the cup is inside the body. At this point, the cup should be released, allowing the silicone material to open fully and conform to the vaginal walls. Once released, check that a secure, leak-preventing seal has formed.
This is done by gently grasping the base of the cup, not the stem, and rotating it a full 360 degrees or gently pulling on the stem to feel for resistance. If the cup spins freely or pulls out easily, the seal has not been established, and the cup may not have opened completely. To encourage the cup to open, run a clean finger along the outside, feeling for any dents or flattened sections along the rim.
Addressing Common Insertion Difficulties
A frequent initial challenge is getting the cup to fully open or “pop” once it is inside the vaginal canal. If the cup remains folded, gently pushing on the vaginal wall next to the cup can create space for the rim to fully expand. Alternatively, a gentle wiggle or slight adjustment of the cup’s position can also trigger the opening mechanism.
Pain or discomfort during the insertion process usually signals that the cup is too dry or the user is not sufficiently relaxed. Applying a small amount of water-based lubricant to the rim of the cup can reduce friction and make insertion smoother. If the cup is uncomfortable after insertion, it may be sitting too high against the cervix or not fully open, requiring removal and re-folding before another attempt. If the stem causes irritation, it can be carefully trimmed with clean scissors to a more comfortable length.