Menstrual cups - top tips for easy(er) use.
By now you would've (should've) read our handy guides on 'Menstrual Cups - your questions answered!' and 'How to use a menstrual cup (with diagrams!)' and so are familiar with the basics (though if you haven't, click on the links for a 101 crash-course in period cups). Here are some extra tips on period cup easy(er) insertion, as tried and tested by Moxettes @MoxieHQ.
BREATHE AND RELAX
We've said it before but we'll say it again... You gotta be chill, Moxette. Inserting your cup is not as tricky as you think and you'll get the hang of it soon enough. Being tense will also likely contract your pelvic floor muscles, which will make insertion more difficult - so find a comfortable position in the shower, on the toilet, on the floor or anywhere else where you feel at ease and let your pelvic floor muscles relax, too.
If you need some handy tips on how to achieve the perfect pelvic floor technique, read our blog on practicing your kegels.
LUBE UP
We LOVE this hack. If you're having difficulty inserting your menstrual cup, try using a bit of water-based lubricant on the outer rim of your cup to help reduce friction. You can also use water if you don't have any lube handy.
FIND THE RIGHT FIT
Finding a cup that's right for you might be a bit of trial and error, because most of us don't really know how long or short our cervix is* and also, we don't know whether we're going to like the feeling of using a cup (though if inserted properly, you shouldn't actually feel you're wearing it).
We've tried to keep size selection super simple for our Moxie menstrual cup range, by basing it off our standard period product absorbencies and colour coding system:
Our REGULAR Cup (the red one) is likely best suited to you if you have a medium flow (i.e. you have previously used Regular tampons or Regular daytime pads), are under 30 or have not given birth vaginally.
Our SUPER Cup (the blue one) is likely best suited to you if you have a heavy flow (i.e. you have previously used Super tampons or Super pads), are over 30 or you have given birth vaginally.
The reason that vaginal birth comes into play is because this can sometimes weaken the pelvic floor muscles, and so some people may find that a slightly larger or wider cup is easier to keep in place. Though you have a relatively strong pelvic floor, a smaller cup might suit you just fine, even if you have given birth vaginally. There's really no one size fits all, so please use this as a guide.
Both of our cups measure approx. 70mm in length, including the stem - the Super cup is just a little wider than the regular. Each hold approx. 2.5 tampons worth of fluid at any one time.
If you have a particularly low cervix or short vaginal canal, Moxie Regular and Super cups may not be suitable for you.
* The position of your cervix changes throughout your menstrual cycle. You may want to ask your Doc whether you have a low or high cervix when you go for your next cervical screening to help determine the best length cup for you.
FIND YOUR FAVOURITE FOLD
The key to easy(er) insertion of your menstrual cup is to fold it as small as possible, in a 'shape' or a way that is best suited to you/your body and arguably, your skill level (some 'folds' are trickier than others, especially if you're new to cups). There is no right or wrong way - you just have find the one that works best for you. A couple of favourites at MoxieHQ are the 'C' fold, the 'punch-down' fold and the 'triangle' fold - we've tried and tested many, and find these to be the easiest. You can learn more about how to perfect them, HERE.
BE PREPARED
Moxie menstrual cups come with a handy purse-worthy carry pod, which makes for easy and hygienic storage and transportation, either during or between cycles. Keep it in your bag, desk drawer, car or wherever else you store your period products, at the ready for the next time you need it (just make sure it has been sanitised or sterilised in-between cycles. Follow the handy instructions in -pack).
HAVE SOME BACK-UP HANDY
No-one is every truly safe from an accidental/unintentional leakage situation - it can happen to even the most experienced cup user. Whilst your cup shouldn't leak, it can happen if it's not inserted correctly, if it hasn't properly formed a suction seal inside of the vagina or, if you're not using the right size for your body/flow.
Our back-up go-to? A li'l panty liner like our Moxie organic cotton liners, designed to catch those just-in-case mishaps. They're also great for everyday freshness, or on those super light days just after your period.
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
You might not get it right on the first go, but inserting a cup will get easier the more you do it. If inserted correctly (and if the size is right for your body), you shouldn't feel you're wearing it and your cup shouldn't cause you any discomfort. That said, if you do feel that something's NQR, or if you have any medical concerns, remove your cup and visit a Doctor or trusted health professional.
Please be sure to always read and keep the instructions and precautions provided in each pack prior to using your period cup.
