Menstrual Cups

The menstrual cup has to be folded before you can insert it. You can try different folding styles to see which one provides a better fit. There is the “C” fold, where you create a C shape with the cup. 

The “punch down” fold leaves a small opening at the top of the cup while the rest is folded. With the “triangle” fold, you create a 7 shape. 

Once you’ve folded the cup, pull apart your outer labia and try to slide the cup into your vagina. Squat or sit on the toilet to get a better angle. A 45-degree push works best.

You can sleep with a menstrual cup for 8 hours or longer. But depending on your flow, the cup might overflow if it passes the 8-hour mark. 

You also risk bacterial infection if the blood pools inside the menstrual cup for too long. So empty the cup and clean it before sleeping and as soon as you wake up.

You should be emptying your menstrual cup at least twice a day, meaning every 12 hours. But, this depends on your flow. 

If you have a heavy flow, consider emptying the cup every 8 or even 6 hours. You don’t want the cup leaking or starting to smell. Dried, pooled-up blood could also result in bacterial growth, and frequent emptying and cleaning prevents this.

Menstrual cups are safe and available in different shapes to fit your body type. For example, some cups have a slight slant at the edges so it can sit at a correct angle under your cervix. 

Then, models like the Intimina Lily Compact Cup are ultra soft and can be folded, fitting the shape of your vagina better.

Before using the cup, you should let the cup sit in boiled water for about 10 minutes.

Once your period starts, rinse the cup after dumping the blood once you take it out. Squeezing the cup might help get any remaining blood out and you can even use an antibacterial soap for more thorough cleaning. 

When your period ends, let the rinsed cup sit in boiled water again to sanitize it.