Why Use a Menstrual Cup?
Switching to a menstrual cup is a game-changer for a sustainable and comfortable period experience. If you’re new to menstrual cups, this guide will walk you through everything—from inserting and removing your cup to cleaning and troubleshooting common issues.
Menstrual cups are a reusable, eco-friendly alternative to disposable pads and tampons. They provide up to 12 hours of leak-free protection, hold more liquid than tampons, and reduce waste. Plus, they’re made of medical-grade silicone, ensuring safety and comfort.
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You can also read about the pros and cons of switching to a menstrual cup, and find out how it compares to pads and tampons.
Start your eco-friendly period journey today and try the award-winning OrganiCup. Use code "beginner" for a 20% discount.
If you’re looking for ways to feel better during your period, discover top positions for cramps, learn how to wash period underwear, and find out how to have period sex with a menstrual cup.
To keep your products fresh and lasting longer, explore our tips on cleaning and caring for your menstrual cup.
Inserting the Menstrual Cup
Wash Your Hands + Cup
Wash Your Hands + Cup
Always start by washing your hands thoroughly with warm water and mild soap, such as our OrganiWash Intimate Wash or another pH-balanced cleanser. Rinse your menstrual cup with clean water to ensure it’s free from any residue.
Choose a Folding Method
Choose a Folding Method
Before inserting, fold your cup. Here are two common folds to try:
• C-Fold (or U-Fold): Press the cup flat and fold it in half to form a ‘C’ or ‘U’ shape.
• Punch-Down Fold: Push one side of the rim down towards the base to create a narrow insertion point.
Try both and see which one works best for you!
Find a Comfortable Position
Find a Comfortable Position
It’s important to relax your muscles when inserting your menstrual cup, so find a comfortable position.
You can lie down, squat, sit on the toilet or simply stand up. You’ll find the position that works best for you over time!
Insert and Release
Insert and Release
Insert the folded menstrual cup and once the entire cup (and stem) is inside of you, remove your fingers and let it open up. Comparing to a tampon, the menstrual cup should be placed lower in the vaginal canal.
You might want to use water or a water-based lubricant to make insertion easier.
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 in doubt, reach in and feel around the base of the cup – it should feel round or oval and not have any noticeable folds.
Also try to pull the stem a bit – if you feel resistance, the suction seal has been created and the cup has been inserted correctly!
Rotate
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 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!
Wearing the Menstrual Cup
How Often Should I Empty It?
How Often Should I Empty It?
This depends on your flow:
• Light to Medium Flow: Empty every 8-12 hours.
• Heavy Flow: Empty every 4-6 hours.
💡 A menstrual cup can hold up to three times more liquid than a super tampon! On average, you lose about 5-12 teaspoons of blood per period, so you may be surprised at how little you need to empty your cup.
How to Remove a Menstrual Cup
Wash your Hands
Wash your Hands
As with insertion, start by washing your hands with warm water and mild soap.
Find a Comfortable Position
Find a Comfortable Position
Sit on the toilet, squat, or stand with one leg raised. Relaxing your pelvic muscles makes removal easier.
Break the Suction
Break the Suction
• Gently pull on the stem until you can reach the base of the cup.
• Pinch the base of the cup (not the stem!) to break the suction seal.
• Slowly wiggle the cup out while keeping it upright to prevent spills.
⚠️ Avoid pulling the cup out by the stem alone, as this can cause discomfort.
Empty and Rinse
Empty and Rinse
• Pour the collected blood into the toilet or sink.
• Rinse the cup with water, making sure to clean the air holes.
• If you’re in a public restroom without access to water, wipe the cup with a sanitizing wipe or toilet paper and rinse later.
How to Clean + Store Your Menstrual Cup
During Your Period
During Your Period
• Rinse with warm water each time you empty it.
• Avoid harsh soaps—use a pH-balanced cleanser like OrganiWash.
After Your Period
After Your Period
• Deep clean: Boil your cup for 3-5 minutes or clean it with OrganiWash to keep it fresh.
• Store properly: Let it dry completely and store in a breathable pouch—never in an airtight container.
• Ready for next time: Your cup is now clean and good to go for your next cycle!
Trips for First Time Cup Users
Here are all our best tips and tricks for beginners.
Read the Instructions Thoroughly
Read the Instructions Thoroughly
It might seem obvious, but reading the instructions inside the cup's packaging is an important step. Many of us get so excited to try it out, that we forget all about the instructions and jump right in without fully knowing what to do.
Wear a Pantyliner Until You Feel Comfortable
Wear a Pantyliner Until You Feel Comfortable
Until you feel 100% comfortable with your menstrual cup, you might want to wear a pantyliner so you don’t have to worry about leaking.
Try to Locate Your Cervix
Try to Locate Your Cervix
We all have differently positioned cervixes and the cup should be placed below the cervix, if not, it will most likely leak. Try to locate your cervix with your finger, you should feel for a slightly firmer area of tissue and position your cup under it.
Trim the Stem of the Cup
Trim the Stem of the Cup
If you can feel the stem and find it uncomfortable after using the cup a couple of times, you can cut it shorter. However, do not trim the stem while the menstrual cup is inserted!
Practice Before your Period
Practice Before your Period
No one expects you to be an instant menstrual cup expert, so we recommend practicing inserting and removing your cup before you get your period.
Use Lubrication
Use Lubrication
You can use water or a water-based lubricant to make insertion easier.
Troubleshooting Tips
Even with the best instructions, you might encounter some hiccups when you actually use the cup. Here are common issues first-time users face and how to solve them:
It’s Leaking!
It’s Leaking!
Leaks usually mean the cup hasn’t sealed properly. Try:
• Ensuring the cup is fully opened inside your vagina.
• Rotating it slightly to help create a seal.
• Checking that your cervix is not sitting inside the cup.
Removal is Difficult – It Feels Stuck
Removal is Difficult – It Feels Stuck
If your cup feels stuck:
• Relax! Your pelvic muscles may be tensed.
• Bear down (like during a bowel movement) to push the cup lower.
• Hook a finger around the rim and slowly remove it.
It Feels Uncomfortable or I Feel Pressure
It Feels Uncomfortable or I Feel Pressure
A properly placed menstrual cup should feel unnoticeable once inserted. If you experience discomfort, try the following adjustments:
✔️ Reposition the Cup: Gently push the rim slightly higher so it sits securely behind the pubic bone. This helps create a better seal and prevents pressure on sensitive areas.
✔️ Check Cervix Placement: If the cup is pressing against your cervix, it may be positioned too high. Try lowering it slightly so it sits just below the cervix for a more comfortable fit.
✔️ Rotate or Adjust the Cup: After inserting, give the cup a slight twist or wiggle it gently to ensure it’s fully opened and properly placed.
With a little practice, you’ll find the perfect positioning for maximum comfort and leak-free protection!
