Wearing a menstrual cup involves preparing, folding, inserting, ensuring it's sealed, and then removing and cleaning it when needed.
Here’s a simple guide to using a menstrual cup:
1. Preparation
Before inserting your menstrual cup for the first time in your cycle, it's recommended to sterilize it by boiling it in water for a few minutes. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling your cup.
2. Folding the Cup
Menstrual cups need to be folded to make them small enough to insert into the vagina. Different folding methods work for different people. Based on practices shown in references, here are a couple of common folds:
- The C-Fold (or U-Fold): You squish it in half, and then fold it in half again to form a 'C' or 'U' shape.
- The Seven-Fold: You squish it in half, and then fold one of the corners down to the opposite side, creating a triangle shape at the rim.
Other folds also exist, like the punch-down fold. Experiment to find the one that is easiest for you to insert.
3. Insertion
Find a comfortable position. This could be sitting on the toilet, standing with one leg raised, or squatting. With clean hands, hold the folded cup firmly and gently insert the folded edge into your vagina, directing it towards your tailbone. Insert it until the entire cup is inside. The cup should open up inside.
4. Ensuring a Seal
Once inside, the cup should pop open (as mentioned in the reference, referring to the cup unfolding inside) and create a seal against the vaginal walls. This seal is what prevents leaks. To help it open fully, you might need to:
- Gently rotate the cup slightly.
- Run a finger around the rim of the cup to feel if it's fully open and round.
- Pull the stem gently; if you feel resistance, the seal has likely formed.
5. Wearing the Cup
A properly inserted and sealed cup should be comfortable and unnoticeable. You can wear it for up to 12 hours, depending on your flow and the cup's capacity. You can do all your usual activities, including sports, swimming, and sleeping.
6. Removal
Wash your hands thoroughly before removing the cup. Get into a comfortable position. Gently pull on the stem until you can reach the base of the cup. Pinch the base to break the seal and carefully wiggle the cup out. Be careful not to spill the contents.
7. Cleaning
Once removed, empty the contents into the toilet. Rinse the cup with cold water (cold water helps prevent staining) and then wash it with a mild, unscented soap and warm water. Rinse thoroughly. It's then ready for re-insertion. At the end of your cycle, clean and store it according to the manufacturer's instructions (usually boiling it again).
Key Steps Summary:
- Wash hands.
- Fold the cup (e.g., C-fold, Seven-fold).
- Insert gently.
- Ensure it opens/seals inside.
- Wear for up to 12 hours.
- Wash hands.
- Remove by breaking the seal.
- Empty and clean the cup before re-insertion.
Using a menstrual cup can take a little practice, but many find it a comfortable and sustainable option for managing menstruation.
