Menstrual cups

There are different brands of cups which come in different sizes and colours.  

Most cups have the option of two sizes, a small or a large. 

• small: recommended for anyone under 25 or if you've not given birth vaginally. Also for anyone with a low cervix
• large: recommended for anyone over 25 or if you have given birth vaginally. Also, for anyone with a high cervix 

As a menstrual cup is used internally, it is ideal for if you want to go swimming or do water sports while on your period. 

A menstrual cup can last for up to 10 years if it is cleaned and maintained well. 

Before using your menstrual cup, sterilise it using the instructions in the ‘how to clean it’ section.  

On your first use (this can be done before you start your period), insert the cup and check whether any of the stem protrudes out of your vagina and makes it uncomfortable. Trim the stem to get rid of this section. Remove the cup before you do this.   

There are 3 main folds used to insert a menstrual cup. Use the one that works for you. 

1. C-fold: squeeze the cup flat and fold over to make a C-shape with the top of the cup 
2. 7-fold: squeeze and flatten the cup and fold down one corner to create a 7 shape 
3. Punch-down: hold the cup up and push one side of the cup down and into the middle. Squeeze it together to hold the shape 

Once the cup has been inserted, it will naturally pop open and create the seal, and it will collect all the blood in the cup. If it doesn’t feel quite right or is uncomfortable, you’ll need to remove the cup and try again. It can take a bit of practice, but you’ll get used to what works for you as our bodies are all different. When inserted correctly, you shouldn’t be able to feel the cup. 

To empty the cup, you’ll need to remove it. 

Feel for the side of the cup and break the seal by squeezing the bottom of the cup near the stem. Once the seal has been broken, scoop the cup out. You can use the stem to be able to remove it.  Tip the contents down the toilet. It’s very important that you don’t pull on the stem without breaking the seal. 

It’s natural to feel uncertain when using a new product, so you could try using it at home first so that you are in familiar surroundings and can be comfortable. If you have a heavy flow and want extra security when using a cup, you can use either a pad or pants at the same time. 

You could try to insert your cup a few times when you are not on your period so that you get the hang of how to do it without having to deal with menstrual blood. 

When you are using your cup during your period, you won’t need to clean it – just a rinse will do.  Rinse it under cold water in a sink if you have access to one. If you are out and about, you could use a bottle of water to rinse it over the toilet. If the cup came with a sterilising pot, you could fill this with water before you enter the toilet, place the cup in the pot, add the lid and shake it to rinse. Alternatively, you could use some toilet paper to give it a quick wipe. 

When you come to the end of your period, it’s a good idea to sterilise your cup to give it a proper clean and to make sure that it is ready for your next bleed. 

There are two ways you can do this: 

• if you have a sterilising pot, you can place your menstrual cup inside the container, and fill it with cold water. The maximum is usually marked.  Put the lid on the pot and place in the microwave for two to three minutes
• the alternative way to clean your cup if you don’t have a pot is to use a saucepan of water. Boil your cup for approximately five minutes

Once the cup has been boiled through either method, leave it to cool and air dry. 

Then, store your cup away for your next use. You could place it in a bag if it came with one or perhaps keep it in a bag or container you may have at home.