We know that using a cup for the first time can be challenging. We're here to help you. Below is a step-by-step explanation of how to use a menstrual cup. At the bottom of this page, you also find some tips and tricks for first-time users.
Step 1: Fold
Before inserting the cup you need to fold it. There are many different folds you can choose from, but the most often used ones are the C-Fold and the Punch-Down.
Step 2: Insert
First of all: relax! Find a comfortable position and relax your pelvic muscles. Any position works: you can stand up, lie down or place your foot on something elevated (e.g. the bathtub).
Then, insert the folded cup into your vagina. The cup and ring should be completely inside you. Once placed, you can remove your fingers and let the cup fold open inside of you.
When folded open, the cup creates a suction seal, which is exactly what we want. You might even feel or hear the cup pop open.
If you're unsure, you can check whether the cup has unfolded completely by feeling with your fingers around the base of the cup, or by pulling the ring slightly: if you feel resistance, the suction seal is created and you're good to go!
Step 3: Wear for up to 12 hours
One of the biggest advantages of wearing menstrual cups is that you can wear them for up to 12 hours. That means you can wear it all day and night!
Some people suffer from a very heavy flow, which might make it necessary to empty it more often than twice a day. You know your body and flow best, so if you start using a cup for the first time, we recommend that you empty your menstrual cup more often, in the beginning, to get to know how long you can wear your cup.
Step 4: Remove
Wash your hands before removing the cup and find a comfortable position. Relax your pelvic muscles and reach inside for the cup with one finger. The goal is to push a "dent" in the base of your cup, to break the suction seal.
You can pull the ring softly if you can't reach the base immediately.
After breaking the suction seal, you can easily remove the cup by pulling the base or the ring.
Step 5: Wash and re-use
Empty the content of your cup in the toilet or sink and rinse the cup with water (soap is optional). Make sure to clean the small holes at the side of the cup.
After washing you can re-insert the cup (see step 1.).
Step 6: Store
If your period has ended, boil the cup in a pot with water for 3-5 minutes for thorough disinfection. Afterward, store it in the cotton bag or your bathroom cabinet.
Important: when storing the cup, you should make sure that it is not stored completely airtight. The silicone needs oxygen when stored. Our cotton bag is perfect for storage.