Tips for Using a Menstrual Cup

Menstrual cups are a great alternative to tampons and sanitary pads. They offer loads of benefits, from being eco-friendly to costing significantly less. If you haven't tried a menstrual cup yet or you've only just bought one, here are some tips for using one, straight from the experts.

Know Your Cervix

Like tampons, menstrual cups are designed to be worn inside the vagina, where they collect menstrual blood. Nobody but you will know you have your period when you use a menstrual cup, but only if it's a good fit!

No two women have the exact same anatomy. It's important to check the height of your cervix before you invest in a menstrual cup. The lower the cervix, the shorter the cup you need. Make no mistake, the wrong length will be uncomfortable and/or difficult to use.

Check your cervix height at the start and end of your period. It's easy to do this - get in a comfortable position and using hands, carefully insert one finger inside your vagina. If your cervix is low, you won't be able to push more than half of your finger in.

Once you have established how high your cervix is, select a menstrual cup to suit.

Don't Take the Size Guidelines as Gospel

The size guidelines are just that - a guide. You may need to try more than one menstrual cup before you find one that feels comfortable. It's also possible that you'll need more than one - in some women, the cervix moves up and down according to where they are in their cycle.

Practice Makes Perfect

There is a certain amount of practice needed for using a menstrual cup. It may take two, three or more goes to get the hang of inserting and removing a menstrual cup. Don't let this put you off. After buying one, schedule a time when you can practice inserting and removing it with no time constraints.

If this is your first time, try squatting when you insert the cup. This position can open up the vagina, which makes it easier. Placing one foot on the toilet seat while in a standing position can also be helpful.

Remember to relax and exercise some patience. The tenser you are, the tighter your vagina will be, which won't help at all!

It's very important that a menstrual cup is in the right position, so it can form a tight seal. Otherwise, there is a danger it might leak.

Warm the Cup Up in Warm Water

Some women find it easier to insert a menstrual cup after running it under the warm water for a minute or two. This helps to soften the latex rubber and make it more pliable. Plus, it feels nicer when you push it up.

Don't Call 911 When You Can't Remove It!

Because the cup forms a tight seal with it's in place, there will come a time when you try to remove it - and fail. Try not to panic. This is not an emergency. You won't be stuck with a menstrual cup lodged in your vagina for the rest of your life. Seriously!

Gently insert a finger and find the rim of the cup. Push against it to break the seal. Once you do this, it should be easy to remove the cup as normal. Phew!

Suction is Important!

It's annoying when a menstrual cup is hard to remove, but you need that suction to avoid leaks. Test the suction by tugging on the cup slightly after inserting it. If it doesn't come down easily, it's in the right position.

If it Hurts, it's Not in Place Correctly

A menstrual cup should not hurt when it's in place. You might be able to feel it, but there should not be any discomfort. If yours hurts, remove it and try re-inserting. Trimming the stem also helps, but don't do this until you're a pro at removing it.

Be Prepared for Mess

Yes, periods are messy and inserting/removing a vaginal cup can be messy too. If you are squeamish about the mess, wait until you have access to a bathroom before you empty your cup. Otherwise, carry some wet-wipes for clean-up - this is a handy tip if you anticipate emptying your cup in a place where there is no bathroom, such as out on a hike.

Read reviews before you buy and if the cup you buy doesn't fit or is uncomfortable, try a different brand.