Menstrual cups · 7 min read
Using a menstrual cup – 8 tips for making the switch [checklist]
Why use a menstrual cup?
![Using a menstrual cup – 8 tips for making the switch [checklist]](https://selenacare.com/media/5e/e2/09/1664263404/ratgeber-tasse-8-tipps-umstieg-1200x900.jpg)
Why switch to a menstrual cup?
Over time, tampons and pads are expensive and create a lot of waste. From today's perspective, they no longer feel in keeping with the times. The sustainable alternative: a menstrual cup. Read on to find out how to use a cup properly and what other benefits it has.
Using a menstrual cup correctly
If you use a period cup correctly, you'll enjoy an extremely comfortable and reliable solution during your period. To make sure it all works properly, keep the following points in mind:
CHECKLIST: USING A MENSTRUAL CUP
1.) Choose a menstrual cup made from medical-grade silicone
Only go for the best quality.
2.) Work out the right cup firmness
- Firm cup for a strong pelvic floor
- Soft(er) cup for a weak to normal pelvic floor
3.) Choose the right size
To do this, measure the height of your cervix during your period. S: 58 millimetres long M: 62 millimetres long L: 67 millimetres long
4.) Learn the folding techniques
C-fold, punch-down fold, 7-fold
5.) Develop a feel for when the cup is full
This takes a little time and experience. At the beginning, use the change intervals of your tampon/pad as a guide until you get a feel for how quickly the cup fills up. Period underwear or a cloth pad or cloth panty liner make good extra protection.
6.) Release the suction first when taking it out
Press against the side of the cup with one finger to release the suction. If you can't get a proper grip on the menstrual cup, you can gently pull on the stem a little. If that's still not enough, tense your pelvic floor muscles and push downwards. You'll notice the cup moving towards you, making it easier to grip with two fingers.
7.) Keep it hygienic
Sterilise the cup before its first use and at the start of every period. During your period, it's enough to clean it regularly with water and soap. After your period, clean it thoroughly with water and soap and store it in a breathable container/pouch until your next period.
8.) Be patient
Inserting or removing it might not work the first time, and there may be the odd mishap at the start – don't let that discourage you. Practice makes perfect!
Finding the right cup & how to use it
Using a menstrual cup made from medical-grade silicone
Medical-grade silicone is manufactured under strict quality controls to meet FDA and EU requirements. The material is hypoallergenic – meaning it's particularly gentle and only very rarely causes reactions. All menstrual cups by SELENACARE are made from 100% medical-grade silicone.
If you'd like to learn more about medical-grade silicone and why we recommend it for menstrual cups, read our guide "Medical-grade silicone menstrual cups".
Which menstrual cup is right for me?
The right firmness
There are softer cups and firmer cups. Which menstrual cup is right for you depends on the strength of your pelvic floor muscles. If you have a weak or normal pelvic floor, a softer cup is the best choice. If your pelvic floor muscles are strong, you should go for a firmer cup.
The height of your cervix
Beyond that, the height of your cervix matters for working out the maximum length your cup can be without touching your cervix.
We offer our menstrual cups in three different lengths:
S: 58 millimetres long, 21 millilitre capacity
M: 62 millimetres long, 26 millilitre capacity
L: 67 millimetres long, 33 millilitre capacity
More on this here: Menstrual cup sizes: find the right cup quickly & easily (questionnaire) and Which menstrual cup to buy? What to look out for (checklist)
How do I use a menstrual cup?
Unlike a tampon, a period cup needs to be folded before insertion. This not only makes it considerably smaller and narrower – it's also what allows it to pop open properly.
As with tampons, the same applies here: don't be too impatient. It can take a few attempts before you can insert the menstrual cup properly. But you'll notice that you quickly get the hang of it, and then it's just as easy as a tampon.
How to insert a menstrual cup
There are various folding techniques for the cup. The best way to find out which fold works for you is to try them all once. Don't be discouraged if it doesn't work perfectly right from the start – it simply takes a bit (more) practice.
Your options are the following folding techniques: C-fold, punch-down fold, 7-fold.
Once you've decided on a folding technique, the next steps are:
Optional: moisten the menstrual cup with water
1. Fold the menstrual cup (e.g. C-fold, punch-down fold)
2. Grip the folded menstrual cup firmly and guide it to your vagina
3. Now you can let go with your ring finger and little finger and keep pushing it up with your remaining fingers
4. Let go in the middle of the vagina – the cup unfolds by itself (turn, squeeze or pull it down a little if needed)
You'll find the various folding techniques described in detail in our guide "Inserting a menstrual cup: the best folding techniques".
How long can I wear a menstrual cup?
We recommend emptying your menstrual cup at least every 8 hours. How often you need to empty it depends on how heavy your flow is and the size of cup you can wear.
How to remove a menstrual cup
There's no special (folding) technique for taking the menstrual cup out. The important thing is not to simply pull on the cup. Otherwise the suction increases and nothing will budge at all.
Here's how to remove your menstrual cup:
Optional: if you can't get a good grip on the cup, gently pull on the stem a little so the cup moves towards you and is easier to grip. To help, tense your pelvic floor and push downwards.
1. Release the suction by pressing your index finger against one side of the menstrual cup.
2. Now grip the cup with your thumb and index finger and pull it out slowly. Stop if you feel a pulling sensation – that means the suction hasn't been fully released yet.
3. Empty the contents of the cup into the toilet.
Cleaning your menstrual cup
Hygiene is essential: when you use a new cup for the first time, or when your next period starts, you should sterilise your menstrual cup. First clean the cup with water and soap, then sterilise it in boiling water for 5 minutes.
Tip: Place the menstrual cup between the wires of a whisk so it doesn't touch the hot bottom of the pan. Alternatively, you can sterilise it in the microwave – the important thing is that the cup is fully submerged in the water and that the water is boiling. Our SELENACARE "Premium" and "Active" menstrual cups even come with a special sterilising cup included in the box.
Afterwards, store it in a breathable container or similar until its next use. All our SELENACARE menstrual cups come with a breathable cotton pouch – the perfect home for your period cup between periods. You'll find detailed information on caring for your menstrual cup in our guide "Cleaning your menstrual cup [care instructions]".
Menstrual cups: what our customers say
Using a menstrual cup is worth it
We completely understand that a menstrual cup can seem unfamiliar at first, because it's considerably bigger than a tampon. But let's be honest – there was a first time with tampons too. And we probably had similar questions on our minds back then: Does it hurt? How do I insert it? And so on. So just give it a try. The most important thing is to stay patient, even if the first two, three, four – or perhaps even more – attempts don't go entirely smoothly. At some point it just "clicks" and it works all by itself.
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.
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