Inserting a menstrual cup

Every beginning can be difficult – including trying a menstrual cup for the first time.

However, we assure you that there’s nothing to fear. It might take you a few days or a few periods to become comfortable with the cup. But we assure you, it’s all worth it. You can read about the pros and cons of switching to a menstrual cup, and find out how it compares to pads and tampons.

Experiment with different folding and insertion methods and don’t worry, you’ll soon become a dedicated cup convert. Here you will find all you need to know about using a menstrual cup.

(If you prefer to watch a video rather than read, scroll to the bottom of the page.)

Wash

At the start of every cycle, before using your AllMatters cup for the first time, you should sanitise the cup in boiling water for 3-5 minutes. Remember not to let the cup touch the bottom of the pot.

Fold

There are different folding methods, so experiment and find the one that works for you. The video at the bottom of this page shows different folds starting at 0:55.

When you’re inserting your menstrual cup, you need to keep it folded until it is inside of your vagina.

Insert

Insert the folded menstrual cup into your vagina. Once the entire cup is inside of you, remove your fingers and let it open up.

If the menstrual cup has been inserted correctly, you might hear a “pop” or a suction sound which means that the cup has unfolded and created the necessary suction seal.

If you’re in doubt, reach in and feel around the base of the cup – it should feel round/oval and not have any noticeable folds.

Rotate

If you feel any dents or folds on the base of your menstrual cup and you’re not sure the suction seal has been created, then gently grip the base of the cup (not the stem) and rotate it to make it unfold. 

Once your menstrual cup is in place, try to pull the stem a bit. If you feel resistance, the suction seal has been created and the cup has been inserted correctly!

(In comparison with a tampon, the menstrual cup should be placed lower in the vaginal canal.)

Relax

Once your menstrual cup is inside you, you should not be able to feel the cup. If it irritates or pokes you, it may not have been inserted properly. Try taking it out and re-inserting.

The stem should be completely inside of you. However, we’re all built differently and if the stem pokes out and annoys you, you can take out the cup and trim the stem (do not attempt to trim the stem while inserted).

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Why use a menstrual cup?

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Wearing the menstrual cup