Every day there are more and more women who decide to use the menstrual cup instead of other products such as sanitary pads and tampons, and the vast majority are completely satisfied with their decision. But using it for the first time also raises doubts: will it be difficult to put it on, will it hurt me, will it leak? That's why in this article we will explain how to put on a menstrual cup so you have nothing to worry about.
Before using your glass for the first time
The first thing to keep in mind before inserting the cup is that you should be relaxed. The muscles in your vagina are very strong and contract when you are nervous, which can make it difficult to insert the cup. Ideally, you should be at home, at a time when no one will disturb you and you have enough time to practice.
Another tip we give you is to put it on before you start to see your menstrual blood. If you wait until that point, the blood may have stained your vaginal wall and you may have a few leaks. So using your menstrual cup early can save you the hassle, plus, since the cup simply collects (and doesn't absorb) it doesn't interfere with your vaginal discharge.
If you find that your nerves get the better of you and you can't get it in, don't try to force anything. Get dressed again and do something to distract and relax. Then you can try again without any problem. Over time you will see how putting on and taking off the menstrual cup becomes easier and you will be able to do it without any major obstacle.
How to wear a menstrual cup
This guide will make it easy for you to start using a menstrual cup.
- Wash your hands well and moisten the cup with water. This will make it more slippery and easier to insert into your vagina.
- Find a position where you are comfortable. For starters you can try with your legs wide open and bending your knees a little. But it can be sitting on the toilet, standing, squatting, lying down... whatever is most comfortable for you.
- Fold the menstrual cup. This is to make it smaller so you can insert it into the vagina. Holding the cup with your thumb and middle finger, you can put pressure on it with your index finger so that it folds like a tongue tuck. But there are many different ways to bend the cup, and the one that works for you may be different from other girls.
- Insert the cup into your vagina. Holding the cup folded in one hand, open your labia with the other hand to make it easier to insert. When the first half has entered, lower your fingers a little and push the rest until it is completely inside. Remember that it is not necessary to put it as high up as a tampon. Another tip is to put the menstrual cup a little tilted towards your spine, because the vagina is not quite straight.
- Let go of the cup. It will unfold and the edges will be against your vaginal wall, making a sort of seal so that the blood does not come out and stay inside the cup. At this point you can rotate it a little from the tip, this eliminates any folds that may remain.
If it doesn't fit right the first time, you can try again and use sanitary napkins until you feel confident that it won't leak. Each time you try it you can learn more about your body and what it needs. Remember that you can safely leave the menstrual cup in for up to 12 hours. At night you can put it on before you go to sleep and not worry about it until the next morning.
How do I know if the menstrual cup is correctly inserted?
If you followed the above tips but are not quite sure you got it right there are some signs that can tell you if your cup is not set correctly.
- You feel discomfort when walking.
- The tail of the cup bothers you.
- You have leaks.
In these cases the first thing you should do is to check that it is indeed wrong. You can run a finger around the cup to see if there is no bend. If you find it, turn the cup inside until it is fixed or press a finger on the side opposite to the fold.
In general, when you insert the cup and release it, it is not necessary to do more to make it unfold, but it is always better to be sure. If the problem continues, try a different position or another way of folding it. You may even need a different size menstrual cup.
In the case of discomfort when walking, try tucking it in a little more so that the vaginal walls can pick it up better and it will fit better. If what bothers you is the tail, the solution is as simple as cutting it off. It is true that it helps to remove it, but it is not essential.
Now that you know how to put on your menstrual cup correctly, don't forget that it is essential to use safe and certified cups. At IPM you will find three sizes manufactured with the best materials.
