Like everything the beginning can be difficult, and using menstrual cups is no different. Although it may take you a few days or even a few periods to get used to using a menstrual cup we assure you that is all worth it and it will completely change the way you experience your periods.

To make your transition easier we have put together below how to use the menstrual cup and all the tips that will make this journey smoother!

 

How to insert a menstrual cup?

1. Wash your hands

Remember to always wash your hands using a gentle soap before inserting your cup. 

2. Fold the cup

There are different methods that can help you insert your cup. Try them and find what feels more comfortable for you. 

Two of the methods we specially like are the C-Fold and the Punch-Down Fold.

 

 

Remember that when inserting your menstrual cup, you need to keep it folded until it is inside of your vagina.

3. Relax

Try to find a comfortable place to insert your menstrual cup, since you need to relax your muscles. Try to find the position that best works for you. In our opinion either lying down, squatting, sitting on the toilet or simply standing up work fine and are comfortable.

If you want find that is a bit difficult to insert the cup you can use water or water-based lubricant to make insertion easier. We recommend you the Lube and Massage Gel with Green Tea from Fair Squared. This is a vegan, fairtrade, all natural and sustainable lube that due to the green tea helps relieve physical tension.

4. Insert and release

Once you have inserted the menstrual cup and is entirely inside, release it and let it open up.

If when you release it you hear a "pop" sounds or feel suction been created it means that the cup has been placed correctly and has created the necessary seal.

If you are not sure, you can try to feel the bottom of the cup and if the base is round or oval and there are not folds it means you inserted it correctly.

5. Rotate 

If you feel that your cup has folds on the base or you aren't sure if the suction seal was created, grab the base of the cup and rotate it to unfold any folds or dents.

Then try to pull gently from the stem and if you find resistance is that the seal has been created and you are ready to enjoy the world worry-free.

In comparison to tampons the menstrual cup should be placed lower in the vaginal canal with the stem completely inside of you. Although we all have different bodies so if it comes out a little bit you can trim it to a comfortable length (always while the cup is not inserted).

 

 

How long should you keep your menstrual cup in for?

For some cups, like Organicup's, you can use it for up to 12 hours at a time. This means that you ca go to sleep calmly or leave home in the morning and not worry about your period.

Since we all have different flows and some of us have heavy flows we recommend you to change it more often at the start until you find out how many hours oyu can go without emptying it.

To put things in context, the menstrual cup can contain more liquid than 3 super tampons.

How to remove your menstrual cup?

1. Wash

We start again by washing our hands with water and a mild soap to make sure that we are using the cup in the most hygienic way possible.

2. Relax

Find yourself a comfortable place where you can repeat this ritual. Either lie down, squat, sit or stand up so you can relax your muscles to remove the menstrual cup.

3. Remove

To remove your menstrual cup we recommend you to follow the stem until you can touch the base of the cup and then gently pinch it to release the suction. Avoid pulling the stem to remove the menstrual cup since this may be uncomfortable.

4. Empty and wash

After removing your cup empty the flow on the sink or toilet and wash the cup with some clean water.

5. Re-insert or store

After your cup is clean you can re-insert it to let you go about your day worry-free.

If your period has ended we recommend you to boil the cup for 3 minutes in water (in the microwave works perfectly) to sterilise it and store it ready for your next period.

 

 

Tips for using a menstrual cup for the first time.

Here are a couple of tips for first time users and to make your period more comfortable:

1. Read the instructions: your cup comes with valuable instructions and illustrations that will make using your cup much easier.

2. Wear a pantyliner: until you are comfortable 100% we recommend you to use a pantyliner to avoid any leak as you find your flow and the hours in between which you have to empty your cup.

3. Try to locate your cervix: Since we all have different bodies and our cervixes are positioned differently we recommend you that you try to locate your cervix with your finger, a slightly firmer area of tissue and make sure you position your cup under it for correct suction and avoid leaks.

4. The stem of the cup: if the stem of the cup feels uncomfortable to you, you can trim it to your desired length. Always do this while not wearing the cup.

5. Be patient: don't give up the first time because something went as not expected or because it takes time. All good things require some time of learning. Relax and in no time you will experience worry-free periods.

6. Lubrication: To make the insertion easier you can use water or water-based lubricant, like the Lube and Massage Gel from Fair Squared.

The Best Menstrual Cup in 2022:

If you are looking for the best menstrual cup we recommend you the OrganiCup.

Organicup is the most environmentally friendly & socially aware menstrual cup in the world, having donated more than 15 thousand menstrual cups, partnering with more than 20 NGOs in the world, bringing education and menstrual solutions to many women around the world.

 

It is available in three different sizes:

Size A for those who haven't given birth vaginally yet.

Size B for those who have given birth vaginally.

Size Mini for teens or those who need a smaller size.

 

You can find the Organicup menstrual cup in the Terra Zero Store, available in all 3 sizes by clicking here.  

 

We hope you have learned how to use the menstrual cup and soon you will start having worry-free periods.