Menstrual Cup 101: How to Wear It Correctly

Wearing a menstrual cup can be a game-changer for your period care, offering comfort, convenience, and an eco-friendly alternative to disposable products. However, many women wonder how to wear menstrual cup correctly to avoid leaks, discomfort, or uncertainty. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to wear your menstrual cup safely and confidently, helping you enjoy a smooth and worry-free period experience.

If you’re new to menstrual cups, Breeze For You provides high-quality products and helpful resources such as detailed insertion methods and sterilising methods to support your journey.

Understanding How to Wear Menstrual Cup Correctly

Knowing how to wear menstrual cup properly is key to maximising comfort and preventing leaks. Unlike pads or tampons, menstrual cups collect menstrual fluid inside the vagina, so correct placement and technique are essential.

Why Proper Wearing Matters

Wearing your menstrual cup correctly ensures it forms a secure seal against the vaginal walls, preventing leaks and allowing you to wear it for up to 12 hours. Incorrect positioning can cause discomfort or leakage, which can be discouraging for beginners.

Relaxation and patience are crucial when learning how to wear menstrual cup. Each body is unique, so it may take a few cycles to find your perfect fit and technique.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Wear Menstrual Cup

Here’s a simple, step-by-step process to help you wear your menstrual cup correctly:

1. Sterilise Your Menstrual Cup

Before wearing your menstrual cup, sterilise it by boiling it in water for 3-5 minutes or using a steriliser like the Breeze cup steriliser. This ensures your cup is clean and safe to use.

2. Wash Your Hands

Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling your menstrual cup to maintain hygiene.

3. Fold the Cup

Choose a folding method that works best for you. Popular folds include:

• C-Fold: Fold the cup in half to create a “C” shape.
  

• Punch-Down Fold: Push one side of the rim down to form a narrow point.
  

• 7-Fold: Flatten the cup and fold one corner diagonally.
  

Folding makes the cup compact for easier insertion.

4. Find a Comfortable Position

Sit on the toilet, squat, or stand with one leg raised—whatever feels most comfortable and relaxed for you. Relaxing your pelvic muscles is essential for easy insertion.

5. Insert the Cup

Insert the folded cup into your vagina at a 45-degree angle towards your tailbone. Push it in until the cup sits low in the vaginal canal but is fully inside. The cup will open up and create a suction seal to prevent leaks.

6. Check the Seal

Run a finger around the base of the cup to ensure it has fully opened and formed a seal. You might hear a slight pop or feel the cup “pop” open. This seal keeps the cup securely in place.

Tips for Wearing Menstrual Cup Comfortably

Learning how to wear menstrual cup comfortably can take a little practice. Here are some tips to help:

Choose the Right Size

Choosing the right size is one of the most important steps for wearing a menstrual cup comfortably. Menstrual cups come in various sizes tailored to different needs based on factors like age, childbirth history, and menstrual flow. For instance, women who have given birth vaginally or are over 30 years old often find larger sizes more comfortable, while younger women or those who haven’t given birth might prefer smaller sizes. Breeze’s starter kit provides helpful guidance to assist you in selecting the ideal size, ensuring a better fit and more comfortable wear.

Use Water-Based Lubricant

If you experience dryness or discomfort during insertion, using a water-based lubricant can make the process much easier. Water-based lubricants are safe to use with silicone menstrual cups and help reduce friction, making insertion smoother and more comfortable. Applying a small amount of lubricant to the rim of the cup or your fingers can be especially helpful for beginners or those prone to vaginal dryness, easing the cup’s entry without irritation.

Relax and Take Your Time

Relaxation is key when learning how to wear a menstrual cup comfortably. Don’t rush the insertion process; instead, take your time and breathe deeply to help relax your pelvic muscles. Tension can make insertion more difficult and uncomfortable. Practising insertion and removal outside of your period can build your confidence and make the experience less stressful, allowing you to become familiar with your body and the cup’s positioning without the pressure of managing menstrual flow.

Trim the Stem if Needed

Sometimes, the stem of the menstrual cup can feel uncomfortable or poke during wear. If this happens, it’s perfectly fine to trim the stem carefully, but only when the cup is outside your body. Trimming the stem to a length that suits your comfort level can prevent irritation without compromising the cup’s function. Be sure to cut a little at a time and smooth any rough edges to avoid discomfort.

Practice Makes Perfect

It’s completely normal for beginners to take a few menstrual cycles to get used to wearing a menstrual cup. Everyone’s body is unique, and it may take some trial and error to find the right size, fold, and insertion technique that works best for you. With patience and persistence, wearing a menstrual cup will soon feel natural and comfortable, offering a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional menstrual products.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a menstrual cup and how does it work?

A menstrual cup is a flexible, reusable silicone cup inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual fluid. It forms a seal to prevent leaks and can be worn for up to 12 hours.

2. How do I know if my menstrual cup is inserted correctly?

You shouldn’t feel the cup once it’s in place. Running a finger around the base to check if it’s fully opened and sealed helps confirm correct placement.

3. Is it normal to feel some discomfort at first?

Yes, slight discomfort is common initially but should decrease with practice and correct sizing.

4. Can I wear a menstrual cup overnight?

Yes, menstrual cups can be worn overnight for up to 12 hours, making them convenient for uninterrupted sleep.

5. How do I choose the right menstrual cup size?

Size depends on factors like age, childbirth history, and flow. Breeze’s product pages and starter kits offer helpful sizing guidance.

Conclusion

Mastering how to wear menstrual cup correctly unlocks a comfortable, confident, and eco-friendly period care routine. With patience and practice, wearing a menstrual cup becomes simple and natural, offering freedom from frequent changes and waste.

Breeze For You supports your menstrual health journey with quality menstrual cups and comprehensive guides to make your experience smooth and enjoyable. For more information or personalised support, visit the Contact Us page or find a nearby retailer using the Store Locator. Embrace the comfort and convenience of wearing a menstrual cup correctly today.