How to Insert a Menstrual Cup: A Step-by-Step Guide

Published: 20 Mar 2025

A New Way to Manage Your Period

If you’ve just bought a menstrual cup, you might be feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. You’ve heard all about the comfort, leak protection, and eco-friendliness, but now comes the real challenge—how to insert it correctly. If you’re struggling with the idea of folding, inserting, or even removing it, don’t worry! It’s easier than you think. With a little patience and practice, you’ll soon master this life-changing period product.

Table of Content

A New Way to Manage Your Period
How to Use a Menstrual Cup
Conclusion
FAQs

Now, let’s get straight to the most important part—how to use a menstrual cup the right way.

How to Use a Menstrual Cup

Using a menstrual cup involves a few key steps—washing, folding, inserting, adjusting, and removing. Each step plays an important role in making sure the cup sits comfortably and prevents leaks. Follow these detailed instructions to ensure a smooth experience.

1. Wash Your Hands and the Cup

Before you even touch your cup, hygiene is key. Your hands and cup must be clean to prevent infections.

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
If it’s a new cup, boil it for 5-10 minutes to sterilize it.
If you’ve used it before, rinse it with warm water and a mild, unscented soap.

2. Find a Comfortable Position

Comfort matters! Inserting a cup is much easier when you’re relaxed. Here are some positions you can try:

Squatting – lowers your cervix, making insertion easier.
Standing with one leg up – gives better control.
Sitting on the toilet – helps relax pelvic muscles.
Lying down with knees bent – good for beginners.

3. Fold the Menstrual Cup

A menstrual cup is too wide to insert as it is, so folding it into a smaller shape is essential. There are different folding techniques, and you can choose what works best for you.

C-Fold (U-Fold) – Press the cup flat and fold it in half to form a C or U shape.
Punch-Down Fold – Push one rim inward to make a smaller insertion point.
7-Fold – Fold one edge downward to form a 7-shape for easy insertion.

4. Insert the Cup Gently

Now comes the most important step—inserting the cup correctly.

Hold the folded cup firmly with your fingers.
Gently separate your labia and slowly insert the cup at an angle toward your tailbone, not straight up.
Once inside, release the fold so the cup pops open.

5. Make Sure the Cup is Properly Sealed

If your cup isn’t fully open, it might leak. Checking the seal ensures it’s suctioned in place.

Run a finger around the base to feel if it’s fully expanded.
If it feels dented, rotate the cup slightly to help it open.
You can also do a gentle tug test—if there’s resistance, it’s sealed correctly.

6. Adjust for Comfort

A properly placed cup should not be felt at all. If you feel discomfort:

Ensure it’s not too high—the cup should sit lower than a tampon.
If the stem pokes you, you can trim it slightly.
Try a different fold or position for better comfort.

7. Removing the Menstrual Cup

After 8-12 hours, it’s time to remove and empty the cup.

Relax your muscles to make removal easier.
Gently pinch the base of the cup to break the suction.
Slowly pull it out while keeping it upright to avoid spills.
Empty the contents into the toilet, rinse the cup, and reinsert if needed.

Conclusion

So, that’s it! You now know exactly how to insert and use a menstrual cup. At first, it may take some practice, but don’t give up—most people get comfortable within a couple of cycles. If you feel any discomfort, experiment with different folds, positions, and cup sizes until you find what works best for you.

If you’re still unsure, take your time, be patient, and trust the process. Soon, you’ll enjoy a more comfortable, leak-free, and eco-friendly period. Are you ready to give it a try?

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about the use of menstrual cups

How to Insert a Menstrual Cup Step by Step?

To insert a menstrual cup correctly, follow these steps:

Wash Your Hands – Clean your hands thoroughly to prevent infections.
Fold the Cup – Choose a fold like the C-fold or punch-down fold for easy insertion.
Relax Your Muscles – A relaxed body makes insertion easier.
Insert the Cup – Gently push it inside the vagina, angling it towards the tailbone.
Ensure Proper Placement – Let it open fully to form a seal and prevent leaks.
Check the Fit – Gently tug the stem; if there’s resistance, it’s positioned correctly.

Is There Any Side Effect of Menstrual Cup?

Menstrual cups are generally safe, but some people may experience:

Mild discomfort if inserted incorrectly.
Leakage if not sealed properly.
Possible irritation due to material sensitivity.
Rare risk of infections if not cleaned well.
Difficulty in removal for first-time users.

How Do I Know My Menstrual Cup Is Inserted Correctly?

To ensure correct placement:

It should pop open fully and create a suction seal.
You shouldn’t feel discomfort or pain.
There should be no leaks during movement.
When you gently pull the stem, you should feel resistance.
Rotating the cup slightly can help it open up properly.

Why Is a Menstrual Cup Used?

Menstrual cups offer several benefits, making them a popular alternative to pads and tampons:

Eco-friendly – Reusable and reduces waste.
Cost-effective – Lasts for years, saving money.
Longer wear time – Holds fluid for up to 12 hours.
Leak protection – Forms a seal inside the vagina.

Comfortable & safe – Made of medical-grade silicone.

How to Choose a Menstrual Cup?

Selecting the right menstrual cup depends on personal needs. Consider:

Size – Small for light flow, large for heavy flow.
Firmness – Soft cups for sensitive users, firm for active people.
Length – Short cups for a low cervix, longer ones for a high cervix.
Material – Look for medical-grade silicone or rubber.

Brand Reputation – Choose trusted brands with good reviews.