How To Insert a
MENSTRUAL CUP
How To Insert a Menstrual Cup
Are you using a menstrual cup for the first time? Feeling scared and intimidated? You are not alone! We promise there is nothing to be scared about. To insert a menstrual cup is easy. It might take a bit of practice for you to feel comfortable to insert a menstrual cup and that is completely normal.
Like any new experience it might feel strange in the beginning. With a bit of practice you will get the hang of inserting your menstrual cup very quickly! Within one or two cycles you will be completely confident in inserting you cup.
Wash
Always wash your hands before inserting or removing your menstrual cup.
If you have purchased a new menstrual cup, please sanitize the cup before first use.
Relax
Breathe deep and relax. Get your head in a good space. It is important that you stay relaxed when inserting you menstrual cup as stress might cause your muscles to tense up. So breathe deeply and relax any body tension you might have.
Fold and Hold
There are many ways to fold a menstrual cup. We recommend the “Punch Down Fold” as this makes for the smallest insertion point.
To make a punch down fold use one hand to hold the cup at the base. Place your index finger of the opposite hand on the top of the cup rim. Use this finger to push the rim down inside of the base. Use the same hand to push the sides together and hold firmly for insertion.
INSERT
Get Comfortable
Insert and release
It is important to relax when inserting a menstrual cup. You can stand, sit or squat when inserting your cup. You will soon find the positions that suits you best.
To insert a menstrual cup, gently separate your labia with your free hand. Insert the entire folded cup into your vagina. Once the whole cup is inserted you can release the cup. It is ok if you hear a pop or “suction” sound. Feel around the base of the cup, it should feel round and not have any puckering. (The cup will mould to your body shape)
If you feel any dents or folds run your finger along the side of the cup or rotate the cup sightly by holding the base (not the stem), or wiggle the cup slightly.
You can use a water-based lubricant to assist with insertion (Do not use silicone-based lubricants or petroleum jelly as these will degrade your menstrual cup).
When inserted correctly you should not be able to feel the cup and there should be no leaks. If the cup feels uncomfortable or you experience any leaking the cup is inserted incorrectly, remove and reinsert until it feels comfortable.
Pro tip:
A menstrual cup is inserted lower than a tampon.
Wash
Always wash your hands before inserting or removing your menstrual cup.
If you have purchased a new menstrual cup, please sanitize the cup before first use.
Relax
Breathe deep and relax. Get your head in a good space. It is important that you stay relaxed when inserting you menstrual cup as stress might cause your muscles to tense up. So breathe deeply and relax any body tension you might have.
Fold and Hold
There are many ways to fold a menstrual cup. We recommend the “Punch Down Fold” as this makes for the smallest insertion point.
To make a “Punch Down Fold”, use one hand to hold the cup at the base. Place your index finger of the opposite hand on the top of the cup rim. Use this finger to push the rim down inside of the base. Use the same hand to push the sides together and hold firmly for insertion.
Get Comfortable
It is important to relax when inserting a menstrual cup. You can stand, sit or squat when inserting your cup. You will soon find the positions that suits you best.
Insert and release
To insert a menstrual cup gently separate your labia with your free hand. Insert the entire folded cup into your vagina. Once the whole cup is inserted you can release the cup. It is ok if you hear a pop or “suction” sound. Feel around the base of the cup, it should feel round and not have any puckering. (The cup will mould to your body shape)
If you feel any dents or folds run your finger along the side of the cup or rotate the cup sightly by holding the base (not the stem), or wiggle the cup slightly.
You can use a water-based lubricant to assist with insertion (Do not use silicone-based lubricants or petroleum jelly as these will degrade your menstrual cup).
When inserted correctly you should not be able to feel the cup and there should be no leaks. If the cup feels uncomfortable or you experience any leaking the cup is inserted incorrectly, remove and reinsert until it feels comfortable.
Pro tip:
A menstrual cup is inserted lower than a tampon.
Wear for up to 12 hours
You can wear your FloAngel Menstrual cup for up to 12 hours before having to empty and re-insert.
You may need to empty your cup more often, depending on the size of cup you have chosen and the amount you flow.
