Compared to pads or tampons it’s natural for a first-time user to wonder if they will have an easy menstrual cup insertion. Cups require a bit more dexterity and practice, plus there can be a fair amount of nervousness when you’ve never used a cup before. It is not required that you a. have used tampons or b. have had penetrative play/sex before using a menstrual cup for the first time. As long as you feel ready you can use a cup at any age and regardless of experience. These tips will ease your mind and help you have a successful insertion.
Tips for an Easy Menstrual Cup Insertion
Everyone is different and there is no “right” or “wrong” experience. Some people find inserting a cup to be very easy while others need more practice.
Menstrual cups appear larger and more intimidating than tampons but once folded they’re just slightly larger or even about the same size. I promise you, every experienced menstrual cup user was once a nervous first-time user. Take advice from this menstrual cup expert on tips for your first time.
Relaxing is Key
Before you insert your cup take a nice deep breath and exhale. You want your mind and body to be as relaxed as possible. Tense muscles often go hand in hand with anxiety. Your vagina is a muscle so it’s only logical that inserting a cup is easier when it’s relaxed. This advice is also good to follow when it’s time to remove your cup as well. The cup cannot get lost inside you. I found it comforting to remember how many others have successfully used a cup – if they can do it, so can I.
Find Your Fold
Menstrual cups can be folded in many ways – some fold techniques are perfect for beginners to try first. I always suggest the punchdown as a first time fold – the narrow tip helps with insertion and it’s very easy to fold and hold. Other petite folds to try – the Labia Fold or the Triangle Fold.
Water-Based Lubricant
Adding a drop of cup safe water-based lubricant to your cup’s rim helps make inserting go smoothly. Avoid silicone lubricants, these are not menstrual cup safe. Lubricant is especially a good idea if you’re doing a “dry-run.”
Practice
You can practice inserting your cup and do a “dry-run.” This is entirely safe as long as you follow the wear-times and keep the cup inside less than 12 hours. While a “dry-run” can be helpful it won’t tell you if the cup will work for you, but it will help you get confidence with inserting your cup.
This is a good time to try out various positions for insertion such as sitting, standing, squatting, or propping one leg up on your toilet or bathtub. Everyone has their own preference and without the nerves of “blood” you have more time to focus on your technique and what feels/works best for you.
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