How to
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Bearing down, like you are having a poo, can help open the vagina. This makes getting the cup inside easier.

To make the cup softer and easier to fold, warm the cup in boiled water or under a hot tap, or rub the cup in your clean hands, before inserting.

During your period, the blood is a lubricant. But if you need extra lubricant, use clean, warm water or a water-based lubricant.

Practice inserting the cup when you are relaxed, and not in a hurry. If you’re feeling tense or nervous, inserting the cup will be difficult. A good time to practice inserting a cup is in the shower or bath. Warm water is relaxing, and the blood will wash away. You can also practice on non-period days.

If you feel comfortable doing so, masturbating can help because reaching orgasm relaxes you and your vaginal muscles, and provides extra lubrication. Also, many women find that their period pains are relieved by orgasms.

How does the cup stay inside?

The vagina is made from elastic muscle, that will open hold in place the cup when it is inserted. Remember, you do not have to remove your cup to urinate.

Sometimes, when you are having a poo, the cup can lower in your vagina or even come out! Do not worry, ‘bearing down’ can also help to remove the cup.

See guide for How to remove a menstrual cup >

If this happens often, remove the cup before having a poo. If it does fall into a toilet or latrine, or on the floor, wash it well – see guide for How to clean a menstrual cup > – and pour boiling water over it. You do not need to throw the cup away.

Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 30 seconds.

Relax and breathe. Sit or squat with your legs apart, or put one leg up on a chair or the toilet. Push down with your stomach muscles. Using your thumb and two fingers feel inside you for the base or stem of your cup. Squeeze the base to release the suction and detach the cup from the walls of the vagina. Or insert a finger around the cup to release the suction. Twisting the cup with your fingers can help to lower the cup for a better grasp, and release the suction. If you cannot feel the cup, breathe and push down with your inner muscles, like you’re having a poo.

Do not pull the tail or stem before you have released the suction. After you have done this, you can gently and slowly pull the cup out by the tail or stem. Do not worry if it makes a funny noise when you remove it, this is normal! When the base of the cup is almost out, use your finger to push the cup on one side to remove half of the rim then the other half will come out easily. This ensures the cup slides out while remaining upright to avoid spilling the blood. Empty the cup into the toilet, latrine, shower, sink, or whatever receptacle is available.

If there is clean water, rinse the cup or wipe it with a clean tissue. You can also reinsert it without washing, as the cup only has your own blood. If you drop it, sterilize it before putting it back inside.  Fold the cup as before and reinsert back into your vagina. If it is the end of your period, clean the cup and put it in its bag.

See guide for How to clean a menstrual cup >

Before it is inserted, the cup is folded to make it smaller. Practice folding the cup as small as possible. There are many different folds, so you’ll need to practice to find what works best for your body and your cup. We recommend trying the c-fold (A) or push-down fold (B) as detailed below.

What do I do if I drop my cup? If the menstrual cup falls on a clean surface it can be rinsed with clean water and reinserted. If it falls onto a dirty floor or latrine, it must not be used again until it has been cleaned with boiled water to kill any bacteria.

See guide for How to clean a menstrual cup >

Only use clean or drinking water to wash your cup. Do not use soap or bleach on your menstrual cup because it will cause irritation inside your vagina.

Your cup must be sterilized before you use it. Wash the cup in clean water, and then put it in a tin or cup and pour boiling water over the cup. Make sure the water covers it. Leave it for at least five minutes. But do not leave as the water cools, as bacteria can grow.

Once the cup is cold enough to hold, prepare to insert the cup. The cup will be warm and more pliable, so easier to fold and insert.

If  this is the end of your period, shake dry and put in a cotton bag for next time, away from rats or insects. Do not keep it in an airtight or plastic bag or box.

Many menstrual cup companies sell sterilizing containers and solutions if this is available to you.