How do Menstrual Cups Work?
When it comes to period products these days, there's a whole world of options beyond pads and tampons. From period underwear to disposable cups, if you're curious about feminine care alternatives, there are plenty to explore.
Looking for an eco-friendly, reusable, and body-safe option? You might like menstrual cups.They can be a little intimidating at first: like with tampons, there's a slight learning curve to inserting and removing them. But once you get the hang of it, you may have found your new favorite period product.
OK, so what even are they? Menstrual cups are soft, flexible cups made of hypoallergenic, 100% medical-safe silicone. You wear them internally during your period, where they capture menstrual blood, holding up to seven tampon's worth of liquid. Like tampons, they come in different sizes to accommodate different shapes and menstrual flow. Unlike tampons that you remove and discard, menstrual cups are reusable. Once full, you empty and wash them out, then re-insert. They can be worn up to 12 hours, but on average people who menstruate change their period cup two to four times daily.
While certainly a more sustainable choice than tampons or pads, as a trade-off, menstrual cups require a bit more upkeep. They save money in the long run, but cost you more as an upfront investment. When inserted correctly, you shouldn't feel your period cup at all—and many people find them more comfortable than pads.
So should you give menstrual cups a go? We'll tell you everything you need to know about reusable cups so you can decide if they're the right choice for you.
How to Insert a Menstrual Cup
The highest barrier to getting started with menstrual cups is learning how to insert them. But with a little practice, you can definitely get it, especially if you've already used tampons before (remember, that took a few tries). Let's walk through it together:
-For your first use, sterilize the silicone cup in boiling water for 3 - 5 minutes. Wait until it's fully cooled.
-Wash your hands with soap and warm water. Then, get into a comfortable position. You can sit on the toilet, squat, or stand with one foot up on the toilet or shower ledge to get a 45-degree angle.
-Take a couple breaths to help relax your body. Then, insert cup by folding it (more about different folding techniques below) and sliding it all the way into the vagina, rim first, with the stem pointing out. The cup should pop open inside–you may hear it, or feel a slight suction as it settles into place.
-Holding the base, gently rotate the cup 360 degrees to "seal" it in place. This prevents leaks. If it's inserted correctly, you shouldn't feel the cup at all.
-It's totally OK if it takes a few tries to get this right. To remove cup and try again, relax your muscles, squeeze the base of the cup, and gently pull it out.
Cup-folding techniques: C-fold, Punch-down, and 7-fold
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Type of fold |
C-fold |
Punch-down |
7 fold |
Triangle fold |
|
How to do it |
With index finger and thumb, squeeze the cup together so both sides touch. Then, fold the cup in half tightly so it resembles a "C" shape. |
Hold the base of the cup in one hand. With your other hand, use your index finger to push down the top of the rim so it's inside of the base. Using the base hand, squeeze the sides of the cup together so it forms a small shell-like opening |
Use two hands to squeeze both sides of your cup so it lays flat. Turn down one corner of the rim, but not all the way. Your cup should form a "7" shape. |
Use two hands to squeeze both sides of your cup so it lays flat. Fold one corner of the rim all the way down so the cup forms a triangle shape. |
|
Pros |
Good for beginners, can do in one hand |
Makes a very narrow opening which can help with insertion |
Creates a narrow opening, easier than punch-down |
Narrow opening, easier to do than punch-down |
|
Drawbacks |
Results in a wider opening than other folds |
Most complicated method, two-handed |
Takes two hands |
Takes two hands |
Is it painful to insert a menstrual cup?
While you might not knock it out of the park on your first attempt, inserting a menstrual cup should never be painful. Go slow, relax your body, and take a few breaths first to ensure you're not tensing up. You may need to try different positions to get a better angle, or experiment with different cup folding techniques to find which work best. You can also apply a little water-based lube on the cup's rim or on your vulva to help the silicone cup slide in easier.
If you are experiencing discomfort, that could be a sign that something's wrong, according to Dr. Charles M. Carlsen, OB/GYN and co-founder of Dr. Sono. "Some women may find menstrual cups difficult to put in and take out, especially when the uterus is tipped or when you have tightening of the pelvic floor," Carlsen explains.
A tipped or retroverted uterus describes when your uterus sits a little higher up in your pelvis, tilting backwards towards your spine instead of curving towards your abdomen. It's usually not serious, but can sometimes cause difficulty or discomfort using tampons or menstrual cups.
Pelvic floor dysfunction, which manifests as a painful or a tightening feeling in your pelvic area, can arise from pregnancy, childbirth, or conditions like IBS or endometriosis, and can make intercourse and using tampons or menstrual cups uncomfortable.
Also important to note: if you've recently given birth, you should avoid tampons or menstrual cups for 6 weeks or until you get clearance from your doctor in your post-natal checkup.
Carlsen recommends checking with your OB/GYN if inserting a menstrual cup causes any undue discomfort.
If you need pain relief in the meantime, try over-the-counter NSAIDs and a heating patch.
How to Tell if a Menstrual Cup Is Inserted Properly
How do you know if you got the cup placement right? If your silicone cup is in correctly, it should sit comfortably, to the point that you barely notice it. It also shouldn't leak, as long as you're changing it regularly (on average two to four times a day, depending on flow).
If you’re nervous, add a panty liner your first few times wearing a reusable cup.
How far up should a menstrual cup go?
Your menstrual cup should be inserted fully inside the vaginal canal, where it will sit just below the cervix. The stem should be no more than a half inch from the vaginal opening, easily reachable with a finger, but not poking out in your underwear. (Remember: it can't get lost inside of you!)
If you feel like it's not positioned quite right, don't panic. Here's how to troubleshoot:
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If it feels like the silicone cup is slipping out, sitting sideways, or at an awkward angle, remove cup by pinching the base of the cup and gently pulling it out. Fold the cup and re-insert, "sealing" it by gently rotating the cup a full circle. You can also exercise your pelvic floor muscles (aka "Kegels") to help with the suction.
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If it feels like your period cup is placed too high, you can push it down using your pelvic floor muscles. Or, remove cup and insert again, but try a squatting position, which can give you a better angle.
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Finally, it's possible you're using the wrong sized period cup. LOLA's menstrual cup comes in "small" or "regular"; try a small size if you're a beginner, if you have a light to normal flow, or if you've never given birth. Go for a regular size if your flow is normal to heavy, you have a high cervix, or you've given birth before.
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Wondering how to check your cervix height? Wash your hands, and place your index finger into your vagina until you feel a firm, rounded area (some people say it feels like the tip of your nose). If you have to insert a full finger before you feel the cervix, your cervix is likely high. If you get there by your first or middle knuckle, that's average; and if you feel it before your first knuckle, that's a sign of a low cervix. Remember, the position of your cervix can change throughout your menstrual cycle. It's a good idea to check its position at different times of the month, especially during your period when it's lowest.
How to Remove a Menstrual Cup
Ok, so you've gotten the hang of cup placement, and you're basically an origami wizard when it comes to cup folding. Now, for cup removal. Follow these steps:
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Wash your hands, relax your body, and get in a squatting position, bearing down to exert pressure using your pelvic muscles. Then, "break" the suction seal by gently pinching the base of the cup with two fingers. Wiggle it side-to-side as you remove cup, making sure the cup stays upright.
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Never tug on the stem because that could break the cup.
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Empty your cup into the toilet, then rinse it out first with cold water, then clean it with warm water and soap.
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In a pinch, after you empty it you can wipe it clean with toilet paper or LOLA's cleansing wipes.
What is the easiest way to remove a menstrual cup?
Remove cup by getting into a squatting position and gently pinching the base of the cup with two fingers, wiggling the cup side-to-side as you inch it down.
Why is my menstrual cup so hard to get out?
You might be tensing up! Relax your muscles and take a few breaths. Squatting can also help open things up. It's possible the cup is positioned too high; you can try pushing it down by gently squeezing your pelvic muscles. Finally, make sure you're breaking the suction seal by gently pinching the base of the cup –never tugging on the stem!—to release it.
Is it painful to remove a menstrual cup?
It shouldn't be painful to remove your menstrual cup. If it is, it's likely because you need to relax your muscles and gently pinch the base of the cup to break the seal. Taking deep breaths to stop tensing up, and getting in a squatting position can help ease it out. Then make sure you break the seal by pinching the base of the cup–never tugging at the stem–to let out air and release the cup.
Common Issues when Using Menstrual Cups
If your period cup is hard to insert → Try water-based lube, experiment with different folds (C-Fold, Punch-Down, 7, or Triangle Fold) or different positions, like squatting or standing with one foot up on the toilet
If your cup feels stuck → Stay calm and relax your muscles. Try "bearing down", and break the suction by gently pinching the base of the cup
If it's leaking→ Reposition your cup by removing and reinserting, or you may need to try a size up
Feeling afraid that it might hurt? → It's totally normal to be nervous trying a new period product. Remember, it can take a few tries to get the hang of it. But inserting a menstrual cup should never hurt. Take your time, relax your muscles, and try a squatting position to make insertion easier
Cleaning and Caring for Your Menstrual Cup
If you take care of your menstrual cup, it should last you up to 10 years. Follow these tips for proper menstrual hygiene and good period health:
-Always sterilize your silicone cup for three to five minutes in boiling water before using it the first time. It's a good idea to repeat this in between period cycles.
-Wash your hands with soap and water before inserting and removing your reusable cup.
-Make sure to remove your period cup every 8-12 hours, thoroughly empty it and rinse it with warm water and mild soap before reuse to keep it clean and bacteria-safe.
-Keep it clean and dry, and store it in the sachet bag it came in, in a safe spot that's not exposed to sunlight.
-LOLA's menstrual cups are soft, flexible and body-safe, made with hypoallergenic, 100% medical-safe silicone. Our period products are designed with your health and safety in mind, with absolutely no BPA, phthalates, latex, dyes, perfumes, toxic chemicals, or plastic.
Menstrual Cups May Be Right for Your Next Period
If you're curious about an eco-friendly, reusable, and leak-proof period product, see if menstrual cups are right for you. Remember, it's totally normal if it takes a few cycles to get comfortable using them; like with tampons, there's a slight learning curve. But with practice and following our tips, you can get the hang of it.
If you are experiencing pelvic pain, or a lot of discomfort and difficulty placing or removing your cup, it's a good idea to check with your OB/GYN to rule out an underlying issue. It could signal a problem with your pelvic floor, or a condition like endometriosis or IBS. If you've given birth, make sure you wait 6 weeks and until you get clearance at your post-natal appointment before using a tampon or menstrual cup.
Shop LOLA’s menstrual cups
FAQs
How to tell if a menstrual cup is inserted properly?
If your silicone cup is placed correctly, it should sit comfortably, to the point that you barely notice it. It also shouldn't leak, as long as you're changing it regularly (on average two to four times a day, depending on flow).
How far up should a menstrual cup go?
Insert cup fully inside the vaginal canal, where it will pop open and sit upright, just below the cervix. The stem should be no more than a half inch from the vaginal opening, easily reachable with a finger, but not poking out in your underwear.
Is it painful to insert a menstrual cup?
While it might take a few tries to insert a menstrual cup, it shouldn't be painful. Take deep breaths, go slow, and relax your muscles. If you're experiencing pain, contact your OB/GYN to rule out problems with the pelvic floor.
What is the easiest way to remove a menstrual cup?
Get into a squatting position and gently pinch the base of the cup with two fingers, wiggling the cup side-to-side as you remove it.
Why is my menstrual cup so hard to get out?
You might be tensing up. Get into a squatting position, take a few breaths, and relax your muscles. It's possible the cup is positioned too high; you can try pushing it down by gently squeezing your pelvic muscles. Finally, make sure you're breaking the suction seal by gently pinching the base of the cup to release it.