Beginner’s Tips For Using a Menstrual Cup

A menstrual cup is a small, hygienic and flexible device which is made of latex or silicone. It is inserted into the vagina during periods in order to avoid leaks. Unlike sanitary pads or tampons, a menstrual cup does not soak or absorb the blood flow during the period. It rather collects the flow into the cup, giving a safe, leak-proof and easy period.

So, now that you know what a menstrual cup is and what it does for you, it’s time to know how to use it.
 

10 Ways to Easily Use a Menstrual Cup
 

1. Read the instructions on the cup thoroughly before using it

We all sometimes forget to read the instructions and start using the product straight out of the box. Do not do this with a menstrual cup, especially if it’s your first time. Read the instructions on the box that shows different ways to wear the menstrual cup - that can help insert it into the vagina. Follow the instructions and choose the best techniques.
 2. Test it before the actual trial

So, the first thing that you should do as a first-time menstrual cup user is to try to insert the menstrual cup when you are not on your periods. Insert it properly, take your time, walk around a bit to feel the change or to see if it bothers you and brings any discomfort. It’s good to try it slightly ahead of the actual periods to avoid any rampant blood leakage or panic and stress, if it doesn’t work on time.
 3. Get the cup and your vagina a little wet

Many women have admitted that inserting a wet menstrual cup has helped them easily insert it in their vaginas. Also, wet your vagina a bit with clean water or even a lubricant for making the insertion even smoother. You can also try inserting one in your shower.
 4. Mind the angle of insertion

So, the best angle for inserting a menstrual cup is slightly bent at 45 degrees. It is not inserted in a straight, vertical way directly. Try sitting down in a squat position with your knees wide open. Slowly insert the cp with an angle at the base of your spine. Stop pushing it inwards as soon as you see that the cup is no longer visible outside.
 5. The right placement will ‘pop’ the cup

When the cup reaches the correct place, it will ‘pop’ open in order to be fully sealed around the vaginal walls to help prevent any leakage. Some women may feel this ‘pop’ while others won’t. Run your fingers through the base of the cup and if you feel that it is flat or misplaced, pull it out and retry inserting correctly.
 6. Do not push it very deep

A menstrual cup is better placed low; lower than where you would place your tampon. It should not be too high to touch the cervix because that would lead to discomfort. So, place it low. An angle where the stem of the cup should not be more than 1 cm higher than the vaginal opening.
 7. To make it easier, try inserting it partially opened

When you are a beginner, you may still be unsure about how to fit it perfectly. So, partially open the cup. For this, open only the first part of the menstrual cup and while it is in your vaginal canal, try opening it completely. This may make it a lot easier for you to place it.
 8. Cut the end stem of the cup short

A lot of women may find it very uncomfortable if the stem or the end of their menstrual cup is sticking out of their vaginas and stressing their labias. For this, you can cut the end of the stem of your menstrual cup to a height where it is not a problem for you. Also, please make sure that you leave half a cm space at least to pull out the cup from inside. Do not cut it so much that it may become hard to take the cup out from the vagina.
 9. Remove with ease

Do not pull by catching the stem of the menstrual cup. Use the stem as a guide to reach the base of the cup and remove pulling out the cup slowly. Do not get aggressive or panic while removing it. If the cup gets slippery and does not come into grasp, try wiping it with a tissue and then bring it down slowly.
 10. Choose your perfect size

A lot of women tend to purchase the wrong size for the menstrual cup and then face issues like leakages and discomfort. Always check the sizes available for a brand that you are looking for and choose the perfect size that would suit you. 

Try out these easy tips and tricks to make it super easy and convenient to wear a menstrual cup, even if you are just a first-time user.

 Read more:
- Best Menstrual cup available in india
- 5 Reasons to Use Menstrual Cups 
 - Menstrual Cup Vs Pads