Menstrual cups can be a great alternative to pads and tampons, but the first few times you use them can be really uncomfortable. For some women, the insertion of a cup can feel painful.
There are a few things to consider to have less painful insertion: cup size, different fold techniques, choosing a softer cup, and wetting the cup before insertion.
Here are our suggestions to make menstrual cup insertion less painful:
1. Relax your body: It's important to relax your pelvic muscles during insertion to reduce discomfort. Take some deep breaths, try some relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga, and make sure you're in a comfortable position.
2. Choose the right size: Make sure you choose a menstrual cup that fits your body properly. A cup that is too small or too large can cause discomfort or pain during insertion and wear.
3. Use a different fold: There are several different folding methods for menstrual cups, and some may be more comfortable than others. We recommend using a punch-down fold since it has the smallest insertion point and it is quite close to a size of a super tampon. You can try the C-fold, the 7-fold, or the origami fold, for example, to see which one works best for you.
4. Use a different insertion technique: There are different ways to insert a menstrual cup, and some may be more comfortable than others. You can try the push-down method, the fold-and-insert method, or the twist-and-insert method, for example, to find the one that feels best for you.
5. Use a menstrual cup with a softer material: Some menstrual cups are made of softer, more flexible materials than others, which can make them more comfortable to wear. Look for cups made of medical-grade silicone or TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) if you're experiencing discomfort with your current cup.
6. Wet the cup with water before inserting it: If you're still experiencing discomfort, you can try using a water-based lubricant to make insertion and wear more comfortable.
Different insertion methods
The push-down method of menstrual cup insertion is one of the techniques that can be used to insert a menstrual cup into the vagina. It involves pushing down on the rim of the cup to make it more compact and easier to insert. Here are the steps to use the push-down method:
1. Wash your hands thoroughly and relax your body.
2. Fold the menstrual cup using the push-down fold method. To do this, hold the cup with your thumb and forefinger at the base of the cup. Use your other hand to push down on the opposite side of the rim until it touches the base of the cup, creating a narrow point.
3. Insert the cup into your vagina, keeping it folded with one hand while guiding it in with the other.
4. Once the cup is inside, use your finger to check that it has fully opened and formed a seal against the walls of your vagina.
5. Make sure the cup is in a comfortable position and adjust it if necessary.
The push-down method can be a good option for people who find that other folding methods don't work well for them or who have difficulty inserting the cup. However, everyone's body is different, so it's important to experiment with different techniques to find the one that works best for you.
The fold-and-insert method is another technique for inserting a menstrual cup into the vagina. It involves folding the cup in a specific way to make it easier to insert.
Here are the steps for the fold-and-insert method:
1. Wash your hands thoroughly and relax your body.
2. Fold the menstrual cup using one of the folding methods, such as the C-fold, the 7-fold, or the origami fold. To do the C-fold, press the sides of the cup together and then fold it in half to create a C-shape.
3. Hold the folded cup firmly in one hand and use the other hand to separate your labia and guide the cup into your vagina.
4. Once the cup is inside, use your finger to check that it has fully opened and formed a seal against the walls of your vagina.
5. Make sure the cup is in a comfortable position and adjust it if necessary.
The fold-and-insert method can work well for people who have experience using menstrual cups or who are comfortable inserting objects into their vagina. However, everyone's body is different, so it's important to experiment with different techniques and find the one that works best for you.
The twist-and-insert method is another technique for inserting a menstrual cup into the vagina. It involves twisting the cup after insertion to help it open up and form a seal against the vaginal walls. Here are the steps for the twist-and-insert method:
1. Wash your hands thoroughly and relax your body.
2. Fold the menstrual cup using one of the folding methods, such as the C-fold, the 7-fold, or the punch-down fold.
3. Hold the folded cup firmly in one hand and use the other hand to separate your labia and guide the cup into your vagina.
4. Once the cup is inside, use your finger to push the rim of the cup up towards the vaginal wall.
5. Twist the cup back and forth several times to help it open up and form a seal against the walls of your vagina.
6. Make sure the cup is in a comfortable position and adjust it if necessary.
The twist-and-insert method can work well for people who have difficulty getting their cup to open up and form a seal, or who experience leaking because their cup is not fully open. However, everyone's body is different, so it's important to experiment with different techniques and find the one that works best for you.
