What is the correct position for your cup?

For many reasons, you’d like to switch to a menstrual cup ? It’s a great idea for calmer periods, but also for your health and the environment.

A menstrual cup is, just like a tampon, an internal menstrual protection. Soft and very comfortable, the cup is super discreet and can easily handle a very heavy flow.

The menstrual cup is an eco-friendly intimate protection: it significantly reduces waste, is washable, durable and can be reused for many years.

The menstrual cup allows you to exercise, swim, or stay dry for many hours (up to 6 hours) without feeling damp.

With a cup, you can keep doing your usual activities and move freely. Your period will feel much more manageable. Convinced but still wondering about the **right position for your menstrual cup**? Maybe you’re a bit nervous about how to **insert your cup properly**? Don’t worry, we’re here to guide you.

The cup is an intimate feminine device made from medical-grade silicone, free from toxic substances. It looks like a small bell with a stem. The cup collects menstrual blood in large quantities depending on your flow. Once it’s positioned correctly, you won’t feel it. However, it’s important to follow the recommendations and advice for safe use.

After a few tries, you’ll be a pro and insertion will be much easier. So how do you place it easily? The good news: there are several ways to insert a menstrual cup.

To find out more about cups, feel free to check out our complete guide to menstrual cups.

Don’t worry, everything will be fine. 

• Take a deep breath. As in many situations, stress often works against you. 
• Before any use, it is essential to wash your hands thoroughly. 
• The cup must be clean and sterilised. You should also read the instructions for use carefully. 
• Then get yourself comfortably settled, calm and relaxed. The first time may not be easy, but with practice insertion will become quick and simple. 

For smooth insertion, it’s recommended to fold the menstrual cup. Soft and flexible, it’s easy to shape. Here are 3 folding methods you can try: 

• C-fold: the top of the cup should look like the letter C. Once folded, insert it into the vagina. 
• the 7-fold: fold one side over to create the shape of the number 7. 
• tulip or punch‑down fold: hold the cup in one hand. With the other hand, push one side of the rim down into the cup. 

To better visualize the shapes, photos are available in the Louloucup cup guide.

Positioning your menstrual cup: what’s the next step? Once you’ve folded it, it’s time to insert it. To do this, get into a comfortable position. The best positions for gentle insertion are: sitting on the toilet or squatting in the shower. If you prefer to stand, that’s possible too—just raise one leg onto the edge of the bathtub or bed. You can try them all to see which one works best for you.

To insert it, gently part the labia and insert the cup using your chosen fold. Insertion is done horizontally towards the tailbone and lower than where a tampon would sit. Once in place, you can let go of the cup and it will return to its original shape. Holding the base of the cup, not the stem, you can rotate it one way and then the other to get it into the ideal position. How can you be sure your cup is correctly placed? You can check with your finger. 

One important recommendation is to avoid inserting the cup while lying down. This can lead to poor placement, discomfort and leaks. To make insertion easier, you can absolutely apply lubricant to it or moisten it with a little water.

What’s the purpose of the holes in the cup? They help balance the air pressure. They make insertion and removal even smoother. Don’t forget one important rule: **never wear a cup for more than 6 to 8 hours in a row** to avoid a possible toxic shock syndrome. 

1. Before any handling, washing your hands is essential to eliminate bacteria. 
2. Then adopt a relaxed position to remove the cup. 
3. You need to push with your pelvic floor and then, using the stem, pinch and grab the base of the cup. 
4. To remove it, tilt it to one side and then the other. 
5. To finish: empty, rinse, and clean the menstrual cup. You can then repeat the previous steps to use it again.