How to put on a menstrual cup?

How to choose a menstrual cup?

A menstrual cup , unlike pads andtampons , is chosen once every few years. For this reason, choosing the right size is crucial not only for your comfort , but also for the proper functioning of the cup. A poorly chosen cup may not fulfill its function, causing a number of problems and periodic mishaps. We will tell you what to look for so that the cup meets your expectations and is tailored to you .

Menstrual cup dimensions

When choosing a cup, pay attention to its parameters . The availability of different sizes will make it easier for you to choose a cup tailored to your vagina!

The height of the cup is often determined by its length . This is one of the most important parameters, based on which you will choose the right size. The height determines whether the cup will not cause discomfort.

When choosing a cup with a stem, you can adjust its length by cutting it. However, make sure that the cut is not sharp, as this can cause scratches and irritation.

The height of the cup is adjusted based on the height of the cervix .

Do you know the dimensions of your cervix? Congratulations! However, if you haven't yet gotten to know it personally, it's worth changing that before choosing a cup.

How to measure cervical height?

The easiest way to measure the height of your cervix is ​​to insert your (clean!) index or middle finger into your vagina until you feel the cervix (the soft, smooth tissue that feels different from the vaginal wall). Then, using your thumb, mark the entrance to your vagina on your finger . After removing your finger , measure the distance from the mark to the tip of your finger with a ruler.

Remember that the cervix changes throughout the cycle. For the most accurate result, measure in the first few days of your period!

Diameter of menstrual cup

Another dimension that significantly influences the selection of the cup is the diameter . A properly selected one guarantees good adhesion to the vaginal walls, and therefore minimizes the risk of leakage.

In this case, there is no perfect way to determine the right diameter for you, so you need to take into account individual factors such as:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding – in case of heavy bleeding, it is recommended to choose a larger cup diameter.
• Body type – People with a petite build are encouraged to use a cup with a smaller diameter.
• Sexual activity – people who have not yet had intercourse should consider a smaller cup diameter.
• Vaginal birth – if you have had a vaginal birth, it is better to look into cups with a slightly larger diameter.
• Physical activity – people whose pelvic floor muscles are strengthened through physical activity are more likely to use smaller diameter menstrual cups.

Menstrual cup hardness

The hardness of the menstrual cup is best chosen based on individual preferences . It is also worth considering your health . A soft menstrual cup will definitely work better for people with urinary or digestive system diseases, because it will not press on the organs.

Your manual dexterity may also be key. A harder menstrual cup is harder to fold.

Elasticity of the menstrual cup

Contrary to appearances, it is not the same as hardness. The degree of elasticity is responsible for the dynamics of the cup unfolding inside the body. So if you suffer from urinary tract problems, the final part of the digestive system or are sensitive, a less elastic cup will work better, which will unfold more slowly and gently inside the vagina.

More information on how to choose a cup tailored to your vagina can be found here , you can read about the advantages and disadvantages of the cup here , and if you have any concerns or doubts while using the cup - we dispel them here .

How to prepare a menstrual cup for application?

We emphasize and remind you: hygiene is the basis of using a menstrual cup. Without it, even the best-fitting cup applied with the perfect technique will not provide you with comfort and safety . Menstrual cups stored between periods, even in appropriate conditions, are exposed to microorganisms.

Therefore, before the cup meets your body, it is necessary to disinfect it . You can subject it to high temperature, by scalding it in boiling water .

Wait for the cup to cool down so as not to burn sensitive intimate areas. If you do not want the cup to be uncomfortably cold, you can pour warm water over it before use.

You can read about other ways to prepare menstrual cups for insertion in the article " How to clean a menstrual cup? ".

Menstrual cup - step by step application

"That's one small step for man, one giant leap for... menstruation."

For many, using a menstrual cup may seem as complicated as a space flight. Although it must be admitted that the effects of this science can significantly change your life, the process itself is something relatively easy to learn .

Before you embark on a tango with the cup, learn the steps to correct application:

• Hygiene!

Clean hands and a disinfected menstrual cup are… essential!

• Correct body position

Find a position where you have easy access to the vaginal opening and your pelvic floor muscles are relaxed.

• Assemble the menstrual cup

Use one of your favorite cup folding methods.

• Take care of the slip

To make insertion smoother, you can moisten the cup with water or… lubricant (we recommend our water-based intimate gel ).

• Slowly insert the folded cup into the vagina

The cup should be completely inside (including the loop, stem or ball), but do not place it too deep.

• Move the cup at an upward angle

Direct it towards your tailbone.

• Slowly release the pressure on the cup

The cup should unfold inside you.

• Help yourself with muscles

Relaxing and tightening your pelvic floor muscles will help you better adjust the position of the cup and facilitate its desired upward movement.

• Make sure the cup is properly fitted

The cup should not cause any discomfort and be completely unnoticeable.

You may encounter some difficulties with the first application. Therefore, before using the cup for the first time during menstruation, we recommend preparing for this moment "dry" (but remember to moisturize here too!), i.e. perform the application before you have menstrual blood . When the time for menstruation comes, you will already know what to do, which will minimize stress and the risk of failure.

How to fold a menstrual cup before insertion?

Menstrual cups are larger and placed lower than a tampon. Using the flexible medical silicone that a menstrual cup is usually made of, you can safely roll it up without worrying about damaging it. This reduces its size when inserted, making insertion easier.

There are as many ways to use a cup as there are people who menstruate. However, there are certain methods that work most often:

• C-fold – squeeze the cup to flatten it, then fold it in half.
• Folding the cup into an S shape – compress the flattened cup and arrange it into an S shape.
• Folding the cup into a figure 7 – drag one upper corner of the flattened cup to the opposite edge of the base.
• Punch down fold – use your index finger to press the rim of the menstrual cup towards the bottom and squeeze its base.

We recommend that you try each of the above methods. Regardless of the method you practice, the most important thing is that you have control in your hands (and vagina) .

Cup Application – Everything You Need to Remember

Now you know how to insert a menstrual cup step by step. Pay attention to the aspects that you need to remember during each application so that it is a pleasure for you and not an unpleasant duty.

Hygiene before application

The menstrual cup should be disinfected and your hands should be clean . Always, regardless of the situation. There are no exceptions to this.

Hydration

Remember that you can help yourself by adding lubrication . The mucus and menstrual fluids during menstruation provide lubrication inside the vagina. However, to make entry even easier, we recommend taking care of additional support.

A few drops of water on the surface of the cup may be sufficient hydration .

For those who want more, we suggest using a water-based lubricant .

It just so happens that our intimate gel is the perfect candidate for this task!

Correct body position

When preparing for application, find the right body position for you .

It is important that this is a position in which you can easily reach the vaginal opening , your pelvic floor muscles will be relaxed , and you will be most comfortable . As with folding the cup, test and choose the position that suits you best.

• By crouching , you will have easy access to the vulva and your hips will be open.
• In a standing position, rest one leg on the bathtub, toilet or stool, which will provide you with balance and make it equally easy for the cup to enter the vagina.
• In the sitting position, special attention should be paid to relaxing the pelvic floor muscles.

If you have used tampons before, you can try doing it in the same position you used to insert them.

Adapted technique

Technique is not only about how you fold the cup before insertion. It is also about how you move the cup inside the vagina. The movements you make with the cup should be gentle and slightly rocking . When inserting the menstrual cup, you can help yourself by holding or pushing on its loop/stem.

It is important to adapt the technique to your predispositions and preferences . Over time, each of these activities will become second nature to you, and the application will become completely natural .

Relaxation

The successful insertion of the cup is largely due to the pelvic floor muscles . Their tension definitely makes the whole process more difficult and can completely prevent the cup from unfolding inside. With relaxed muscles, you will insert the menstrual cup faster, easier and more effectively . This often requires conscious muscle relaxation and manipulation.

Suitable conditions for cup application

The relaxation can also be influenced by the favorable conditions in which you attempt to insert the cup. They are responsible for muscle tension and other internal blockages that can complicate the entire process.

Choose a quiet place where the privacy of the application will not be embarrassing for you. This is especially important at the beginning of the journey with the cup. Some people prefer the application during a relaxing shower, others in the privacy of their home toilet. For the more experienced, even a public bathroom will be sufficient.

Patience

Be patient with yourself. Not everything always comes right away, and learning the app can take some time. Getting to know your body and wanting to be with it is the beginning of a beautiful adventure that will open the door to more effective management of your period. It's worth giving yourself this chance!

If you are concerned that blood may leak from the cup, read our guide " Leaking menstrual cup - how to deal with it? ".

How to check if the menstrual cup is inserted correctly?

The best way to check the correctness of the insertion is to insert your index finger into your vagina and move it around the cup. You can also gently pull on its loop or stem.

A properly inserted menstrual cup should: 

• adhere to the vaginal walls,
• be still,
• be imperceptible.

However, if you feel indentations or bends on its surface or if it moves easily after moving it , it unfortunately means that it has not unfolded correctly. An incorrectly applied cup can result in discomfort , leakage , or even spontaneous loss from the vagina!

If you want to know how to remove the cup - read our article here , and about replacing the cup in different conditions you can read here .

What to do if your menstrual cup doesn’t open?

If the cup does not open, you do not need to re-apply immediately .

It happens that the cup does not unfold due to incorrect application or tense muscles. Accompanying stress or tension can make application difficult, so first of all try to relax .

Then gently pull the menstrual cup by the loop or the end of the stem. This movement may cause the cup to re-suck, which will be sufficient this time. If the cup is still not unfolded, grab the base of the cup with two fingers and squeeze , gently moving it from side to side and rotating it .

If none of the above methods work, reinsert the menstrual cup.

The cup can be a bit tricky to use, but just like a pad or tampon, you can get used to it. For some people, it's enough to use the cup for the first time, but for most people, it's the opposite - this skill comes after some time.

However, it is worth giving yourself (and the cup) a chance to experience its advantages for yourself.