Menstrual cups · 6 min read
Menstrual cups for beginners: everything you need to know for your first time
Finding the right cup size
We all have to start somewhere, and it's great that you're thinking about using a menstrual cup. Let's put your biggest worry to rest straight away: if you've been using tampons and get on well with them, you'll manage a menstrual cup too! We'll tell you what matters – from finding the right menstrual cup for beginners and the right size, through to folding, inserting and removing it.
We've answered the most common questions our midwife and customer service team receive right here.
Determining your menstrual cup size
Let's clear up one of the most stubborn misconceptions right at the start – the size of your menstrual cup is not determined by your body shape or sexual activity, or by whether you're still a virgin. None of that has any influence. What really matters is the height of your cervix (during your period), the strength of your pelvic floor muscles and the heaviness of your period.
Height of your cervix
This is definitely the most important criterion when finding the right menstrual cup. Most problems, such as pain or a feeling of pressure, can be traced back to this – namely the cup pressing against the cervix.
Different cup lengths
Choosing a large cup can of course be tempting, given that it needs emptying less often. But trust us – it won't make you happy if it presses against your cervix.
The cervix sits at a different height in every menstruating person, and it can even shift during your period. And because we know this, we offer our cups in different sizes: S, M, L. The taller the cup, the greater its capacity. But even our smallest cup beats any super tampon when it comes to capacity.
Measuring the height of your cervix
It might sound a little strange at first, but you should measure the position of your cervix during your period. We recommend checking it on at least 3 consecutive days.
To do this, sit on a comfortable chair and insert a finger into your vagina until you reach your cervix. Then use your finger length to measure how high your cervix sits. Repeat the process on the following days of your period until there are no more fluctuations. Our size chart will show you which cup fits you.
Size and capacity of SELENACARE menstrual cups
- S: 58 mm long, 21 ml capacity
- M: 62 mm long, 26 ml capacity
- L: 67 mm long, 33 ml capacity
Strength of your pelvic floor muscles
The stronger your pelvic floor muscles are, the firmer the cup needs to be so it doesn't get squeezed by them. If that happens, the cup no longer seals properly and can leak.
As a rule, you'll have a sense yourself of how strong your pelvic floor muscles are. Do you sometimes leak a little urine when sneezing or during sport? Have you given birth vaginally? Then your pelvic floor muscles are softer, and a less firm cup will be sufficient.
Strong pelvic floor
Do you do a lot of sport that works your pelvic floor? Then try our firmer cup "SELENACARE Active". If you've already used our softer cup SELENACARE Premium or Basic, but the occasional leak happens, for example during sport, then give our firmer version a try.
Normal to weaker pelvic floor
If you haven't started menstruating yet or have only used pads so far, we recommend starting with a cup that isn't too firm. Our SELENACARE Premium is our most popular model and also the best menstrual cup for beginners.
Heaviness of your period
If you've been using tampons or pads so far, you probably have a sense of whether your period is heavy or rather light based on how often you need to change. One advantage of the menstrual cup is that it gives you a much more accurate picture of your flow, since the blood is only collected rather than absorbed.
A larger cup can hold more blood and needs changing less often, but bear in mind that all 3 factors – the height of your cervix plus the strength of your pelvic floor muscles plus the heaviness of your period – need to line up in order to choose the right cup size and firmness.
Heavy flow / light flow
Which menstrual cup is right for heavy or light bleeding is something we've covered in detail in separate guide articles.
Inserting and removing a menstrual cup
How to insert your menstrual cup
Our menstrual cups are made of 100% medical-grade silicone, which makes them not only especially skin-friendly but also comfortable to wear. The silicone is easy to fold, making the cup comparable in size to a tampon. And no, you don't need to be an origami artist for that – it really is very simple.
Find your folding technique
You'll quickly find out which folding technique is best for you. Simply try them all – you'll soon notice which one you get on with best. Every menstruating person is different here. We've written a separate guide article about our recommended folding techniques, which you can find here.
How to remove your menstrual cup
When removing the cup, the main thing to remember is not to pull on it – unlike with a tampon. A little is fine, to loosen it or ease it out slightly so you can grip it better. What's important is that you release the suction. Two small air holes in the period cup take care of this. So squeeze the cup with two fingers until you notice the suction release. Only then can you pull it out completely.
It takes a little practice
Once you've had some practice, there's no mess any more either. In the beginning, you can also stand in the shower to remove your menstrual cup. Otherwise, just stay relaxed! The period cup can't get lost inside you – you'll always get it out. Promise!
Which brings us back to the point about the right size: a cup that's too small can be harder to grip when removing. Since it isn't as long, you'll also need to reach a little deeper to get it out. Our tip: simply tense your pelvic floor muscles and push down gently – the cup will come towards you.
Empfohlene Produkte
Our latest innovation is a true game-changer in period underwear! Our brand-new, self-adhesive material allows for the combination of period panties with interchangeable inserts – a real change in the world of sustainable period hygiene has come! A revolutionary material In close collaboration with our product designers and textile experts, SELENACARE has developed a new technology that redefines flexibility during menstruation – a self-adhesive material! This material is sewn into the crotch of the SELENACARE Easy Comfort Basic Panties, as well as onto the accompanying absorbent inserts. This material makes changing the inserts easier and without slipping! So, the inserts can be changed easily without having to undress. The self-adhesive material allows the inserts to be inserted into the matching SELENACARE Easy Comfort Basic Panties and can be easily replaced when needed, like traditional pads. Unlike traditional pads, our inserts can be reused as they are washable! Say "Goodbye" to the uncomfortable moments of changing and "Hello" to a feeling of absolute flexibility during your period! The SELENACARE Easy Comfort Period Set The SELENACARE Easy Comfort Period Set consists of two parts. The SELENACARE Easy Comfort Basic Panties are the core of our system and are equipped with the self-adhesive material in the crotch – a brilliant base for the SELENACARE Easy Comfort Inserts, the second part of the period set. Absorbent Easy Comfort Inserts with Wetbag The Easy Comfort Inserts are equipped with the specially developed self-adhesive material on one side and are ideally matched to the Basic Panties. This makes inserting them into the crotch area of the panties incredibly easy. Thanks to this self-adhesive property, the insert stays securely in place and does not slip, without relying on uncomfortable or annoying attachment methods. With various levels of absorbency, they are ready to accompany you in every phase of your period – from light to heavy, we've got you covered. Once the Easy Comfort Inserts are fully saturated, they can be easily removed from the Basic Panties and replaced with a new insert. No need to take off the panties, as with traditional period underwear. Simply transport them in the Wetbag, wash, and reuse.
Feel completely protected and free with SELENACARE Free-Cut period underwear. Invisible under your clothes, it offers you comfort, discretion and maximum absorbency during your period. This underwear in sizes XS-M as well as L-XXL was specially developed for medium days and meets the highest demands. Invisible perfection for you Thanks to the innovative Free-Cut design and the thin material, SELENACARE Free-Cut period underwear does not leave any unsightly marks under tight-fitting garments. You can move freely and feel completely comfortable without worrying about visible marks. With this underwear you stay confident and secure in any situation. Maximum comfort and flexibility for you SELENACARE's Free-Cut period underwear offers you not only protection but also exceptional comfort. The super-stretch microfibre material fits your body perfectly and offers maximum flexibility. Whether you're working, exercising or just relaxing, this underwear ensures an optimal fit and freedom of movement for you. Reliable protection for medium days The period underwear has been specially designed for medium days to provide you with a high level of protection. The absorbent layers inside the underwear safely retain fluid and prevent unwanted leakage. You can trust its reliability every day of your period. It's your perfect companion during menstruation. Experience the comfort, discretion and protection you deserve. Be confident and enjoy your freedom no matter what the day brings.
The Period Panty Hipster convinces with its modern cut and super-comfortable fit. As with all our models, the integrated suction surface is discreetly and invisibly incorporated into the period panty. The menstrual underwear absorbs up to 25 ml of fluid. With its low-slung leg and medium waist, it hugs your body perfectly and gives a feeling of security. Light, medium or heavy days The strength of your period can vary throughout your cycle. The Hipster period underwear is ideal for the light and medium days of your period. It provides a dry feeling and does not allow fluid to leak out. On your heavier days, we recommend using the underwear in combination with a menstrual cup or tampon. If you have periods or spotting, you can use either a period slip or a washable pad, depending on the intensity of the bleeding. No restrictions, always well protected There are really no limits to the use of period underwear. You can use them in your free time, at work or on holiday. In addition to period blood, it also absorbs sweat and other fluids and reliably seals them in. Because the material is absorbent, it also gives you a very safe feeling during sports. After use, you can wash the panties out with cold water, air dry them and reuse them. This makes them a convenient, sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to tampons and disposable pads. Not only do you reduce waste, but you also save money because of their long life. Hygiene and freshness based on silver chloride (biocide active ingredient according to article 95 list) The absorbent layers of the SELENACARE products are equipped with the antimicrobial, biocidal protective finish SILVERPLUS® from RUDOLF GROUP. It prevents the proliferation of odour-causing bacteria. SILVERPLUS® is the leading silver ion technology and is certified according to the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100. OEKO-TEX guarantees that all components have been tested for harmful substances and that the product is harmless to health.
4 tips for menstrual cup beginners
Now that you know what matters when it comes to your menstrual cup, here are four more tips to make getting started easier:
Start with a soft cup
Our SELENACARE Premium is our most popular cup and ideal for getting started. It also comes with a sterilisation container, so you can clean it with ease.
Moisten the cup before inserting
The cup is easier to insert when it isn't completely dry – simply moisten it with a little water.
Don't insert it too deep
When the menstrual cup sits correctly, you won't feel it at all. A mistake many menstruating people make, especially if they've used tampons before, is inserting the cup too deep. This makes it touch the cervix, which can be very uncomfortable and painful. It's enough to place it 1-2 cm behind the vaginal opening.
Period underwear gives you extra security
Until you've got the hang of the cup unfolding properly and developed a feel for your changing rhythm, it's best to wear period underwear in addition to your period cup. That way you don't have to worry if something goes wrong. And the best part – period pants look like normal underwear from the outside. The thin multi-layer technology locks fluid in securely without ever feeling like a nappy. You can find out more about the benefits of our period underwear in our guide.
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