A menstrual cup is a flexible, bell-shaped device designed to be worn internally to collect menstrual fluid. The cup is folded for insertion and must fully unfold to create a seal against the vaginal walls. This seal is the primary factor for preventing leaks and ensuring comfort. A properly sealed cup sits securely, collecting fluid for up to twelve hours, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional products.
Essential Insertion Techniques
Before the cup can open, it must be inserted correctly. Begin by washing your hands thoroughly and finding a relaxed posture, such as sitting on the toilet or standing with one foot elevated, as muscle tension can restrict the canal. You need to fold the cup to minimize its size for comfortable insertion.
Two common methods are the “C-fold” (or U-fold), where the cup is flattened and folded in half, and the “punch-down fold,” where one side of the rim is pushed down toward the base. The punch-down fold is often favored by beginners because it creates a narrower insertion point. When inserting, aim the folded cup horizontally and backward toward the tailbone, following the natural curve of the vaginal canal.
The cup should be inserted until the base is just inside the vaginal opening, or until it feels comfortable and not too high. Some users find it helpful to only insert the cup halfway, allow it to open, and then gently push it into its final position. This foundational placement is necessary before active techniques are used to encourage the cup to fully open and seal.
Methods for Ensuring Full Opening
Once the folded cup is in place, several physical techniques can encourage it to fully open and expand. The goal is to release the compressed silicone, allowing it to spring into its intended bell shape. A simple action is to gently rotate the cup one full turn by gripping the base, which helps break the fold and encourages the rim to pop open.
Another technique is to gently pull down on the cup’s stem until you feel a slight resistance, then release it. This downward tension can stretch the cup, pulling the rim away from the compressed fold and allowing it to snap into place. You can also try running a clean finger around the base of the cup, gently pressing the vaginal wall away from the cup in any spot that feels dented or flat, which provides the necessary room for the rim to expand.
Contracting and releasing the pelvic floor muscles, similar to performing a Kegel exercise, is often enough to help the cup unfold. These muscle actions can shift the vaginal walls and create the slight pressure change needed for the cup to fully expand. If the cup still feels compressed, try gently rocking it side-to-side, which can help iron out any remaining creases in the silicone.
Confirming the Suction Seal
After attempting the opening techniques, confirm that the cup has successfully opened and created a secure seal. The most immediate confirmation is often a slight “pop” or “thunk” sound or sensation as the cup snaps open. However, this auditory cue is not always present, so a tactile check is more reliable.
Insert a clean finger and run it around the entire circumference of the cup’s base, checking for a firm, perfectly round shape. If the cup is not fully open, you will feel a flat spot, a crease, or a dent in the rim. A successful seal is also evident when you gently tug on the stem or the base of the cup.
If a proper seal has formed, you will feel distinct resistance, indicating the cup is held firmly in place. If the cup slides down easily with a gentle tug, the seal has not been established, and you need to repeat the opening techniques. The final check involves ensuring the cup is positioned beneath the cervix, which feels firm like the tip of a nose, to guarantee flow collection.
Troubleshooting Common Opening Problems
When a cup resists opening, factors related to anatomy, technique, or cup material may be the cause. High muscle tension, often due to stress or rushing the process, can narrow the vaginal canal and prevent the cup from expanding. Taking a moment to relax and breathe deeply before insertion can reduce pelvic floor muscle clenching.
The choice of folding technique can also affect opening, as some folds, like the C-fold, tend to pop open more easily than others. If your current fold is not working, experimenting with alternatives, such as the punch-down or 7-fold, may provide a better result. A cup made from very soft silicone can be more challenging to open, especially if the user has strong pelvic floor muscles that compress it.
Rinsing a soft cup with cold water before insertion can temporarily firm the silicone, giving it more resilience to spring open. If the cup is positioned too high or too low, it may be sitting next to the cervix rather than beneath it, which can prevent expansion. Ensuring the cup opens just inside the entrance before guiding it into place can help ensure proper alignment beneath the cervix.