How to Insert a Menstrual Cup: Your First-Try Guide

First thought: how is that supposed to fit? Second thought, after the first successful try: why did I not do this sooner?

Inserting a menstrual cup can feel unfamiliar at first. That is normal. With the right technique, it usually gets easier faster than you expect.

What to Know Before You Insert It

The LUNACUP menstrual cup sits below the cervix, inside the vagina. Unlike a tampon, it collects blood instead of absorbing it. That means no dryness and no pulling sensation.

Before the first insertion:

Wash your hands thoroughly
Boil the cup for 5-7 minutes in boiling water
Choose a calm moment - tension makes insertion harder

Choose the Right Fold

A menstrual cup is folded, inserted, and then allowed to open inside the vagina. These three folds work well:

C-Fold

Press the cup together and fold it into a C shape. Simple and reliable for many beginners.

Punch-Down Fold

Push one point of the rim down into the cup. This creates a smaller insertion point and works especially well with firmer cups.

7-Fold

Fold one side down so the cup forms a 7 shape. It holds its shape well during insertion.

LUNACUP tip: the integrated valve makes the punch-down fold especially easy because the pushed-in point gives you more control.

How to Insert a Menstrual Cup: Step by Step

Find your position

Squat, place one foot on the toilet, or stand with your knees slightly bent. Choose what feels natural.

Relax

This is the most important step. Take three slow breaths. A tense pelvic floor makes insertion harder.

Fold and insert

Fold the cup with your chosen technique. Guide the rim toward the vaginal opening and slide the cup slightly backward toward the tailbone, not straight up.

Let it open

Release the cup. You may feel a soft pop as it opens and creates a light seal. Rotate it gently to make sure it is fully open.

Check the position

Run one finger around the lower edge of the cup. If you do not feel a dent, the cup is open. The stem should sit fully inside the vagina or at most be level with the opening.

How Deep Should a Menstrual Cup Sit?

Lower than a tampon, but not as deep as many people imagine. The cup usually sits in the lower third of the vagina, not directly on the cervix. The stem should not stick out. If it does, trim it slightly.

Every body is different. With a higher cervix, the cup may sit a little higher. With a lower cervix, it may sit closer to the entrance.

How to Remove a Menstrual Cup

Wash your hands

Relax and bear down

Sit on the toilet, breathe deeply, and gently bear down as if having a bowel movement. This helps move the cup lower.

Release the seal

Hold the stem with your thumb and index finger, then pinch the base of the cup or slide one finger along the side to break the seal. Never pull hard on the stem without releasing the seal first.

Remove

Guide the cup out at a slight angle and keep it upright to avoid spills.

LUNACUP bonus: the valve at the bottom of the LUNACUP lets you empty the cup without removing it completely. Useful when you are away from home or have a heavy flow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should inserting a menstrual cup hurt? No. If it hurts, tension is often the reason. Pause, breathe, and try a different fold.

What if the cup does not open? Rotate it gently or press lightly against the side with one finger. That usually helps it open.

Can a menstrual cup get lost? No. The vagina is not an open tunnel. The cup cannot travel past the cervix.

How long does it take to get used to it? Most people need 2-3 periods before insertion feels routine. Stay patient - the learning curve is normal.

Ready for Your First Try?

The LUNACUP menstrual cup comes in two sizes. Its drain valve makes insertion, wearing, and removal more comfortable than with many classic cups, especially when you are starting out.