Six Tips and Tricks for using your menstrual cup

Make sure It’s clean

I can’t stress this enough. Before you begin using your cup for each period its absolutely necessary to sanitize your cup. This can be done in one of two ways. Boiling your cup in sufficient water for 2-5 mins, or soaking in diluted vinegar for 2-5 mins. When using your menstrual cup you must first wash your hands. These steps are important so as not to introduce foreign bacteria to your vagina.

2. Find your Fold

Inserting a menstrual cup is one of the most daunting thoughts to the first time user. How do you get all of that in where? But it doesn’t have to be. There are numerous ways to fold a menstrual cup, some of which make the point of entry just as small as a tampon. It’s all about listening to your body and getting to know what your body prefers. Don’t be afraid to try a few.

3. Angles are Everything

Once you’ve found your fold your own anatomy demands that you find the angle. Inserting at the wrong angle means that you will encounter resistance, discomfort and your cup unfolds in a less than perfect position. This can result in slipping and leakage to name a few. For the best positioning your cup should be inserted horizontally and towards your tailbone.

4. How do I prevent leaks?

Preventing leaks is a two part fix. 1. Ensuring you insert properly (see Angles are everything Above) and 2. making sure your cup has unfolded and suction is formed. The latter can be done by running your finger around the rim of the cup or more easily turning your cup a full 3600. If you cannot turn your cup then, Congratulations!! Suction has been formed and your seal is in place. It is this light suction that allows collection and prevents leaks.

5. How do I know when it’s full?

Due to the effect of gravity your menstrual cup will start to descend as it fill. Fear not, it will not fall out and will not become uncomfortable but you will notice the shift. This is an indication that it’s nearing time for you to empty and reinsert. With continued use you will know just how long you can leave your cup in on any given day light or heavy, but for first time users I suggest checking around the 6 hour mark and work you way up.

6. Break the suction.

Removal does not need to be a bloodbath. It is quite possible to remove and reinsert without looking like you’ve been through world war III. To facilitate an easy removal you first need to break the suction. Gently pull your cup down by the stem and push in the side of the base. This breaks the seal and allows you to remove the cup (contents included) upright, avoiding spills.

I hope you enjoyed reading these tips and they assist in making your transitions to using menstrual cups as seamless as possible. Comment below and share tips or tricks you use with your menstrual cup.