How to use a Menstrual Cup

Menstrual Cups are an incredible option for the Earth-loving, money-aware, Period-having person...but there is indeed some mystery involved in how to remove a menstrual cup. Let Board Certified Specialist, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Dr. Kelly show you the way. 

You can watch this video for a 2 minute summary, or here's a 2-minute read.

5 Easy Steps to Use a Menstrual Cup

1. Wash Before Use

Wash with (non-scented) soap and water.  

2. Fold the Cup, twice, to make it smaller to “fit into the door”

To fit inside the “door” of the pelvic muscles, fold the cup in half, twice, so it looks like a cute crescent moon.  

The dingly bit is the part that you'll use to remove it, so fold the cup part in half once, then twice, so it looks like a crescent moon. This is the part you'll insert into your vagina.

3. Spread the labia to the sides, and insert the crescent moon in the vagina, past the pelvic floor muscles.

The pelvic floor muscles feel like a little donut near the inner part of your labia. They are NOT your cervix, which is a harder, smaller donut WAY up your vag. (PSA, If you can see (or think you can see) your cervix at the level of your labia, please talk to your Pelvic PT or primary physician).

You'll know you are past your pelvic muscles, because there's a little cliff, and when you're past it, you don't feel pressure from the cup anymore.

4. Enjoy life for 3-4 hours (up to 12 hours on slower flow days!)

Pro Tip: The first time you use it, maybe wear a panty liner, 'just in case' you didn't insert it perfectly ;)

But after that, once you're a pro, enjoy life for at least 3-4 hours before changing it!

5. When ready, here is how to remove a menstrual cup:

Sit and RELAX. Exhaling or making a low Grrrr or Hrrr sound helps.

Spread labia apart with one hand, and reach for the removal part of the cup with the other (check out above video, for real-zies). It might require you to 'go fishing' about an inch up the vagina.

IT CANNOT GET LOST. YOUR CERVIX IS LIKE THE BOUNCER AT A SUPER EXCLUSIVE CLUB--ONLY SPERM (then later babies) ARE ALLOWED INSIDE--NO MENSTRUAL CUPS ALLOWED.

When you find the 'removal tab part', breathe, relax your pelvic muscles and gently pull out. I, personally, gently rotate the cup, or twist side to side, to help with friction.

Another tip is to blow out like you are blowing bubbles in chocolate milk through a straw. This will naturally activate your muscles to expel 'stuff', so will help you feel, and remove, the cup. This also helps with tricky poops. You're welcome. 

When the cup passes the level of your pelvic floor muscles, this time on the way out, you might hear a little "swoosh" as it exits the vagina. careful here that you don't splatter blood everywhere!!! CRIME SCENE!!!

At this point, carefully empty the cup into the toilet, rinse the cup (if able), and then re-insert.

Cleaning and General Care of Menstrual Cups.

Like your vagina, they don't want anything to do with scented or antibacterial soaps. Unlike your vagina, (the inner part, which is a self-cleaning oven and doesn't require regular cleansing), but like your vulva (the outer parts) the cups do need regular washing with basic soap and water.

A daily clean is nice. Some people are able to wash it with soap and water every change. That's great, too.

Sanitize before and after each cycle, as directed. Don't microwave it, or put it in an oven. I'm sure there's other things people do that I should warn you about, but this is informational, not medical advice.

If you're unsure if this is for you, due to personal medical issues, discuss this with a trusted medical professional.

Do I have any recommendations for types to buy?

Because you asked, here are the two I generally recommend, with clients giving me positive feedback on them. As an Amazon Affiliate, I may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links. I recommend them because people ask, however, not to make $$. Purchase what and where you feel fulfilled.

The OrganiCup. Comes in Small or Large sizes. This is the one I use. I've used it for nearly 2 years now and LOVE it. The ridged 'puller-outer-thing' can be a bit hard if you lack dexterity or hand strength, though.

The Flex Cup. I won't lie. I love my OrganiCup, however the one thing I wish it had was a round 'puller-outer-part', like this one has.

Thanks for Reading!

xoxo, Dr. Kelly 😊

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