🩸 How to Use a Period Cup for the First Time (Step-by-Step Guide)
Switching to a menstrual cup can feel intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of it, many find it more comfortable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective than pads or tampons. If you’re trying a period cup for the first time, here’s your complete guide.
✅ Step 1: Choose the Right Cup for You
Menstrual cups come in different sizes and types depending on your age, flow, and whether you’ve given birth.
Small cup → For light flow, younger users, or those who haven’t given birth vaginally.
Large cup → For heavy flow, older users, or those who’ve given birth.
Firm cup → Good for active people with strong pelvic muscles.
Soft cup → More comfortable if you’re sensitive or prone to cramps.
✅ Step 2: Wash Your Hands & Cup
Before inserting, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
If it’s your first use, sterilize the cup by boiling it in water for 5–10 minutes.
Let it cool before handling.
✅ Step 3: Fold the Cup for Insertion
Since the cup is wider than a tampon, you’ll need to fold it. Popular folds include:
C-Fold (U-Fold): Fold the cup in half to form a “C” shape.
Punch-Down Fold: Push one side of the rim down into the base for a narrow tip.
7-Fold: Fold one side diagonally to form a “7” shape.
Choose the fold that feels easiest for you.
✅ Step 4: Insert the Cup
Find a comfortable position: squat, sit on the toilet, or stand with one leg raised.
Relax your pelvic muscles — tension makes insertion harder.
Insert the folded cup into the vagina, aiming it slightly toward the tailbone, not straight up.
Let it pop open. You may need to twist it gently to ensure it’s fully open and sealed.
✅ Step 5: Check the Seal
Run a finger around the base of the cup to make sure it’s fully open.
Gently tug on the stem — if you feel resistance, it’s sealed correctly.
✅ Step 6: Wearing the Cup
You can wear it for 8–12 hours depending on your flow.
On heavier days, you may need to empty it more often.
It should feel comfortable — you shouldn’t feel the cup if it’s positioned correctly.
✅ Step 7: Removing the Cup
Wash your hands.
Sit or squat comfortably.
Pinch the base of the cup to break the suction (don’t just pull on the stem).
Gently wiggle the cup out while keeping it upright to avoid spills.
Empty into the toilet, rinse with water, and reinsert.
✅ Step 8: Cleaning & Storage
During your cycle: Rinse with water after each use. If possible, wash with a mild, fragrance-free soap.
After your cycle: Sterilize by boiling again, then store in the breathable pouch (not an airtight container).
🌸 Bottom Line
Using a menstrual cup for the first time may feel awkward, but with patience and practice, it becomes second nature. Choosing the right type, folding method, and practicing insertion/removal will help you feel confident and comfortable.
👉 Ready to start your cup journey? Shop safe, eco-friendly options here: NYXCollection Period Cups