What’s the right position for your cup?

For many reasons, you want to switch to the menstrual cup ? It’s a great idea for a calmer period, as well as for your health and the environment.

Indeed, the menstrual cup is, just like a period tampon, an internal hygienic protection. Soft and very comfortable, the cup is super discreet and can perfectly hold a very heavy flow.

The menstrual cup is an eco-friendly period product: it greatly reduces waste, is washable, durable, and can be reused for many years.

The menstrual cup lets you do sports, swim, or stay dry for many hours (up to 6 hours) without any feeling of dampness.

With the cup, you can keep up with your usual activities and move freely. Your period will be much more comfortable. Still have questions about the correct 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 help.

The cup is a feminine and intimate device made from medical-grade silicone without toxic substances. It looks like a small bell with a stem. The receptacle holds a large amount of blood depending on your menstrual flow. You just need to position it well, and you won’t feel it. However, it’s important to follow the recommendations and advice for safe use.

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

To learn 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. Just like in many situations, stress can often make things harder. 
• Before using, it’s essential to wash your hands thoroughly. 
• The cup must be clean and sterilized. Also, read the usage precautions carefully. 
• Then settle in calmly, relaxed and at ease. The first time might not be easy, but with practice, insertion will become quick. 

For easier insertion, it’s best to fold the menstrual cup. It’s flexible and 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. 
• 7 fold: fold one side to form 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 cup inward. 

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

Menstrual cup positioning: what’s the next step? Once you’ve folded the cup, it’s time to insert it. Get into a comfortable position. The best positions for gentle insertion are: sitting on the toilet or squatting in the shower. If you prefer standing, you can do so by raising one leg on the edge of the bathtub or bed. Try them all to see which works best for you.

For insertion, separate the labia and insert the cup using your chosen folding method. Insert it horizontally toward your tailbone, lower than you would a tampon. Once it’s in place, you can let go and the cup will return to its original shape. By holding the base of the cup—not the stem—you can rotate it back and forth to ensure the ideal position. How do you make sure your cup is in the right place? You can check with your finger. 

One important recommendation: don’t insert the cup while lying down. This can cause improper placement, discomfort, and leaks. To make insertion easier, you can apply lubricant or moisten the cup with a little water.

What are the holes in the cup for? They help balance air pressure, making insertion and removal even gentler. Don’t forget an important rule: never wear a cup for more than 6 to 8 hours at a stretch to avoid the risk of toxic shock syndrome. 

1. Before any handling, hand washing is mandatory to eliminate bacteria. 
2. Next, get into a relaxed position to remove the cup. 
3. You need to push with your pelvic floor, then, using the stem, pinch and grasp the base of the cup. 
4. To remove it, tilt it from one side to the other. 
5. To finish: empty, rinse, and clean the menstrual cup. Then you can repeat the previous steps to reuse it.