Popping Your Cherry with a Cup

Are you ready to switch to a menstrual cup, but not sure how to use it? Look no further! In this blog, Savvy takes you through the steps to make your first menstrual cup experience a successful one.

 

  1. Wash your hands: Before you begin, it’s important to thoroughly wash your hands to reduce the risk of infection.
  2. Before your first use, you’ll need to sanitise your menstrual cup by boiling it in a pot of water for 5 minutes, using tongs or a slotted spoon to make sure the cup doesn’t touch the bottom of the pan (this is how you’ll sanitise it after each cycle as well). Let it dry and cool before using.
  3. Locate the correct position: Stand or squat in a comfortable position, relax your pelvic muscles, and gently insert the folded cup into your vagina. Make sure the cup is fully open once inside to create a secure seal. Essentially, the cup needs to be inserted diagonally at whatever angle is comfortable for you. You may try sitting or squatting on the toilet with one leg raised.
  4. Lubricate: Glaze the rim of the cup with water for easy insertion. 
  5. Fold the cup: There are various folding techniques you can use to insert your menstrual cup, but one common method is the “C” fold. 

Here are the specific instructions for other folds - 

  • C-Fold Menstrual Cup:

Fold your menstrual cup by flattening the cup and bending it in the middle, bringing the two ends together to create a C-shape. 

  • Punch-Down Fold Menstrual Cup:

Use Your index finger to press down on the rim and collapse the menstrual cup. Pinch to hold into place. 

  • 7-Fold Menstrual Cup:

Fold the menstrual cup by squeezing the cup to flatten. Once flattened, fold the top right corner of the rim down and across the opposite side of the body of the cup, creating a 7-shape.

  1. Check for leaks: After inserting the cup, run your finger around the rim to ensure that it has fully opened and created a secure seal. You can also gently tug on the stem to check for proper positioning.
  2. Empty and clean: You should empty your menstrual cup every 12 hours or as needed, depending on your flow. To empty the cup, simply squeeze the bottom of the cup to release the suction, then gently remove and empty the contents into the toilet. Wash the cup with soap and water and reinsert.
  3. Adjust and repeat: If you experience any discomfort or leaks, try adjusting the position of the cup or reinserting it using a different folding technique. With practice, you’ll find the right fit and technique that works best for you.

 


Using a menstrual cup for the first time can take some getting used to, but with these simple steps, you’ll be a pro in no time! Keep in mind that every woman’s body is unique, so what works for one person may not work for another. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to consult with your healthcare provider. For further information and more practical demonstration, check our YouTube Video.