Menstrual cup use: a complete beginner’s guide

Mar 10, 2025

Traditional menstrual products – disposable tampons and pads – can sometimes be uncomfortable, irritating, and create a lot of waste. Irritating tampons, scratchy pads, conventional menstrual products are polluting, expensive, and, most importantly, have questionable ingredients.

Today, with the advent of washable and reusable period products, women finally have a choice! Healthy, interesting, practical, comfortable, economical, and eco-friendly alternatives are available!

So whether it’s a disc, period underwear, washable pad, or cup, teens and women can finally experience periods that are more comfortable, eco-friendly, and practical. Today, we’re introducing you to a simple, sustainable, and economical alternative: the menstrual cup. If you’re not yet familiar with this amazing internal and invisible period protection, this guide is for you!

Definition, benefits, how to use, care, testimonials, tips, reviews—you’ll finally know everything there is to know about menstrual cups!

🌼 The menstrual cup

✿ The cup: an internal menstrual protection that’s affordable, washable, and convenient

The menstrual cup is shaped like a small, upside-down bell. It’s flexible, made of medical-grade silicone, and designed to be inserted into the vagina during your period.

Like tampons, the cup collects menstrual blood internally, making it an invisible hygiene product. Plus, since the blood isn’t exposed to air, the cup doesn’t cause unpleasant odors (the blood doesn’t oxidize).

The cup is an eco-friendly alternative to tampons and pads because it generates no waste. While using it, you just need to empty and rinse it. So, just like period underwear, it’s a washable and reusable period product.

✿ Why choose a menstrual cup? What are the benefits?

Safe for your health.
The menstrual cup is made from medical-grade silicone, free from phthalates, BPA, latex, and fragrances. It contains no toxic substances, reducing the risk of irritation and allergies. By avoiding the chemicals found in some tampons, you’re taking care of your intimate health and vaginal flora.
Durable and eco-friendly.
Unlike disposable products, the cup is reusable for several years. This greatly reduces waste production and supports a zero-waste lifestyle. It’s an environmentally friendly solution that fits perfectly with an eco-conscious way of life.
Very cost-effective.
Even though the upfront cost may be high for some, a menstrual cup is very economical in the long run. By choosing this menstrual product, you save a lot by avoiding the need to regularly buy disposable products.

🌼 How to choose your menstrual cup?

Choosing the right cup depends on several factors:

your age,
the size of the cup,
the flexibility or firmness of your cup,
but also your situation (never given birth, virgin, vaginal delivery, etc.)

✿ A cup for your size and age

LouLoucup menstrual cups come in two sizes: small and medium.

The Small size is suitable for young women who are still virgins or those with a light to moderate flow.
The Medium size is ideal for women with a normal to heavy flow and for those who want peace of mind with a larger capacity.

✿ A cup for every flexibility and model

LouLoucup offers two pretty, colorful models:

The classic pink menstrual cup: for those who prefer a firm, traditional cup.
The soft turquoise menstrual cup: for a gentler feel and easier adaptation, especially for women with vaginal or bladder sensitivity.

Each model features a patented, registered design, guaranteeing easy insertion and optimal comfort without irritation.

🌼 How to use a menstrual cup correctly: step by step

Switching to a menstrual cup is easy! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through this new experience.

✿ Step 1: Before first use

Sterilization

Before using your cup for the first time, it’s important to sterilize it thoroughly. You can boil it in water for about 5 to 10 minutes. This removes all impurities and ensures perfect hygiene. You can also use the Louloucup sterilizer available on our online store.

Personal preparation

Wash your hands. Make sure your hands are clean to avoid any contamination.
Relax. Being relaxed makes insertion easier. Take a moment to breathe and unwind so your muscles aren’t tense.

✿ Step 2: Inserting the cup

Folding techniques

There are several techniques to fold your cup before insertion. The most popular include:

The C-fold: Fold the cup into a "C" shape to make insertion easier.
The tulip fold: Gives it an elongated shape that folds in on itself.
The seven fold: Fold one side to create a seven shape and hold it like that for insertion.

Gentle insertion

Once folded, gently insert the cup into your vagina. The idea is to position it near your cervix. At first, it may take a few tries to find the right angle. Don’t hesitate to try different positions: sitting, squatting, or with one leg up on the edge of the toilet or bathtub.

How do you know if it’s positioned correctly?

A properly placed cup shouldn’t be felt at all times. If you feel discomfort or pain, that’s not normal—adjust its position. If you notice leaks, it probably means the cup isn’t installed correctly.

✿ Step 3: Wear the cup

Wearing duration

It’s recommended to empty your menstrual cup every 4 to 6 hours. You’re free to go about your day for much of the time! Of course, this depends on your flow, how you feel, and your comfort. Even though you can wear the cup for several hours, don’t go beyond 6 hours to avoid any risk of irritation or discomfort.

Daily activities and sports

The menstrual cup is designed to keep up with you during all your activities. Whether you’re at work, at school, or working out, it stays discreet and highly reliable. Plus, you can even swim with your cup worry-free, since it offers optimal protection no matter how heavy your flow is. It holds your flow while remaining leak-proof. Athletes and swimmers love it!

✿ Step 4: Remove and empty

Secure removal

To remove your cup, first wash your hands. Grab the cup using the stem. Then gently pinch the base of the cup to break the seal and slowly pull it downward. Do this carefully to avoid any discomfort.

Empty, wash, reinsert

Empty your cup into the toilet or a sink. You can then quickly rinse the cup with clean water and reinsert it. You’re good to go for several more hours.

✿ Step 5: Cleaning and sterilizing after use

Daily cleaning

After each emptying, wash the cup with warm water and mild soap. This removes blood residue and prevents bad odors. You can also alternate between two cups so you always have a clean one ready. Find what works best for you.

Regular sterilization

At the end of your cycle, or daily if you change your cup several times, sterilize it by placing it in boiling water for about 5 minutes. Some people prefer to use a sterilizer specially designed for menstrual cups, a practical and quick option.

Additional tips from Louloucup

We really recommend alternating between two cups. Check out our 2 Louloucup pack + 1 sterilizer in store.
Store your cup in a fabric pouch (included in some LouLoucup packs) to protect it from dust and contamination.

🌼 Bonus: Loulou's practical tips for using your cup correctly

Try out different insertion techniques. Each has its benefits. What works for one person might not work for you. The key is to find the method that suits you best.
Be patient with yourself.
 It can take a full cycle to get used to the cup. Don’t get discouraged if you have some trouble at first. 
Share your experience.
Whether online or with friends, talking about using the cup can bring you valuable advice and help you discover tips you hadn’t thought of before.
Consult a professional if needed. If you have any doubts or experience ongoing issues, don’t hesitate to seek advice from a healthcare professional.

🌼 In summary: using a cup is really simple!

The menstrual cup is an intimate revolution for all women seeking comfort, savings, and environmental responsibility. It’s a modern, body- and planet-friendly intimate protection—a healthy choice and a smart investment!

Thanks to LouLoucup, you get not only a super safe, high-quality menstrual product made in France, but also the guarantee of experiencing your period in a calmer, more peaceful way.

No more fear of leaks, no more mental load of having to change regularly!

Whether you’re new to this or have tried other alternatives, the LouLoucup menstrual cup offers you reliable, comfortable protection. With its unique designs, Louloucup revolutionizes your period routine. You can run, swim, sunbathe on your towel, walk, go to class, work, or just relax at home—worry-free.

In conclusion, choosing a menstrual cup means opting for:

a hygienic and discreet solution. No more leaks, unpleasant odors, or visible pads!
an eco-friendly approach. Say goodbye to non-recyclable waste and polluting plastic packaging.
a budget-friendly alternative. A long-term investment that will save you money over time.

🌼 Beginner’s menstrual cup FAQ

✿ Is it painful to insert a menstrual cup?

At first, you might feel a slight discomfort when using it for the first time. That’s normal as you get used to this new method. However, with a little practice, most users find that insertion becomes quick and completely painless. Don’t hesitate to try different folding techniques to find the one that works best for you.

✿ Can I use a cup if I have an IUD?

Yes, you can absolutely use a menstrual cup along with an IUD. However, it’s important to make sure the cup doesn’t disturb the IUD’s position. Always check with your healthcare provider (gynecologist, midwife, doctor) before you start.

✿ What should I do if my cup leaks?

Leaks are often due to incorrect positioning or a cup that doesn’t match your flow. If you’re having this issue, first check your cup’s position and make sure it’s fully open once inserted. If the problem continues, it might be worth trying the other size or model offered by LouLoucup.

✿ How do you know if your cup is in the right place?

A properly positioned cup shouldn’t be noticeable once it’s in place. You should be able to forget about it and go about your day without discomfort. If you feel pressure or pain, try repositioning it by relaxing and experimenting with different insertion angles.

✿ Are there any risks of allergies or infections?

Thanks to its medical-grade silicone composition, the menstrual cup carries a very low risk of allergies or infections. For optimal hygiene, make sure to sterilize your cup before and after each use and follow the recommended cleaning guidelines.

✿ How do I care for my cup in the long term?

Good hygiene and regular care will extend your cup’s lifespan. It’s recommended to sterilize it at the beginning and end of your cycle, and clean it daily with water and a gentle soap. Following these tips will let you use your cup for several years.

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