A menstrual cup is a flexible, reusable device designed to be worn internally to collect menstrual fluid instead of absorbing it. It creates a seal against the vaginal walls to prevent leakage for up to twelve hours. This guide offers an overview for first-time users, covering selection, insertion, and maintenance. Understanding these steps can ease the transition from traditional products and contribute to a more sustainable routine.
Choosing and Preparing Your Cup
Selecting a cup that suits your anatomy and lifestyle is important. Sizing is often determined by age, typical menstrual flow volume, and whether you have given birth vaginally, as these factors affect pelvic floor strength and cervix height. Manufacturers often offer a smaller size for those under 30 who have not given birth and a larger size for those over 30 or who have delivered a baby vaginally.
Material choice usually comes down to medical-grade silicone or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Silicone tends to be firmer and more resilient, while TPE often feels softer and more flexible, which may be preferred by individuals with bladder sensitivity. Before the first use, sterilize the cup by boiling it in water for five to ten minutes, ensuring it is fully submerged to remove manufacturing residue.
Learning how to fold the cup is the next preparation, as the fold determines the insertion diameter. Beginners commonly practice the C-fold, where the rim is pressed down and folded in half to create a C or U shape, which is simple but results in a wider insertion point. The 7-fold involves pressing the rim down and folding one corner diagonally across to the opposite side, creating a smaller tip. The punch-down fold involves pushing one point of the rim down into the center of the cup, forming a small, pointed tip that may be easier to insert.
Step-by-Step Insertion Techniques
Finding a comfortable and relaxed position is key for successful insertion. Squatting often provides the optimal angle, as it naturally shortens the vaginal canal and relaxes the pelvic floor muscles. Alternatively, sitting on the toilet with knees apart or standing with one leg propped up on a stable surface can also work well.
To ease the process, the folded cup can be moistened with water or a small amount of water-based lubricant. Use only water-based products, as oil-based lubricants can degrade the silicone or TPE material. Hold the cup with the folded tip pointed upward and gently guide it toward the vaginal opening, maintaining a firm grip on the fold until the cup is mostly inside.
Direct the cup toward the tailbone, not straight upward, following the natural curve of the vaginal canal. Push the cup in until the stem is either completely inside or just barely visible at the entrance. Once the cup is in place, ensure it has fully opened and created a seal against the vaginal walls.
A fully opened cup will create a slight suction or a “pop” sound as the fold releases. To confirm the seal, gently run a clean finger around the base of the cup; it should feel round or oval, not flattened or dented. If it feels uneven, grasp the base of the cup, not the stem, and gently twist it to encourage the cup to fully unfurl and form the necessary seal.
If the cup is inserted correctly but still feels uncomfortable, the stem may be too long. The stem is for locating the cup during removal and does not need to be left at its full length. If the stem causes irritation or pokes outside the body, it can be carefully trimmed using clean scissors, working in small increments until a comfortable length is found, ensuring care is taken not to cut the main body of the cup.
Safe Removal and Emptying
Safe removal begins with locating the stem and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles, which prevents the cup from being pushed higher into the canal. Tensing the muscles, such as bearing down gently, can help bring the cup lower and make the stem easier to reach. The stem should only be used as a guide to locate the base of the cup, not as a pull tab.
Pulling the stem alone will not break the suction seal and can cause discomfort and a messy removal. Once the base of the cup is within reach, the objective is to break the seal. This is achieved by gently pinching the ridged base of the cup, which collapses the rim slightly and allows air to enter, neutralizing the vacuum suction.
An alternative method for breaking the seal is to slide a clean finger up alongside the cup until the rim is reached, then gently pressing inward on the side of the rim. This allows the cup to be pulled downward. Once the seal is broken, gently wiggle the cup out in a side-to-side motion, keeping it upright as much as possible to avoid accidental spills.
As the cup clears the vaginal opening, tilt it slightly to control the liquid contents before fully removing it. The collected fluid can then be emptied directly into a toilet or sink. Most cups feature visible measurement lines, which allows for accurate tracking of menstrual volume before rinsing and reinsertion.
Daily Cleaning and Troubleshooting
After each emptying, the cup requires cleaning before reinsertion. Rinse the cup thoroughly with cold water first, which helps prevent staining. Follow this by washing with a mild, unscented, oil-free soap and warm water. Pay attention to the suction release holes located beneath the rim, ensuring these remain clear of debris to maintain proper function and sealing.
Between menstrual cycles, a more thorough sterilization is necessary. This is typically achieved by boiling the cup for five to ten minutes, or by using specialized sterilizing solutions or UV sanitizers. Proper sterilization prevents the accumulation of bacteria and yeast, which is important for maintaining vaginal health.
Troubleshooting often addresses difficulties such as leaking, which indicates an improper seal or incorrect positioning. If leaking occurs, re-confirm the cup has fully opened inside and that the rim is not sitting against the cervix. Difficulty with removal is often due to tension, so relaxing the pelvic floor and ensuring the seal is completely broken before pulling are the best solutions.