A menstrual cup is a reusable, flexible silicone or rubber cup that collects menstrual fluid. One popular option is the Ruby Cup, designed to provide comfort, ease of use, and up to 12 hours of leak-free protection. When inserted correctly, it’s an excellent eco-friendly alternative to pads and tampons.
Follow these steps for a smooth and comfortable insertion.
Step 1: Wash Your Hands
Before handling your menstrual cup, wash your hands thoroughly with mild, unscented soap and warm water.
Step 2: Fold the Cup
To insert the menstrual cup, you first need to fold it. Here are three beginner-friendly folds:
C-Fold (U-Fold)
✅ The easiest and most popular fold.
✅ Simply fold the cup in half lengthwise so its rim forms a "C" or "U" shape.
7-Fold
✅ A smaller insertion point than the C-Fold.
✅ Fold the cup in half, then fold down one side to make a "7" shape with the rim.
Punch-Down Fold
✅ The smallest insertion point of the three.
✅ Push one rim edge down towards the base, then squeeze the sides together.
Experiment to find the fold that works best for you!
Step 3: Insert the Cup
Relax Your Muscles
-
Take a deep breath and find a comfortable position: You can lie down, sit on the toilet or squat, experiment with what feels easier for you!
Insert the Cup Rim-First
-
Hold the folded cup firmly and gently insert it into the vagina, aiming towards your tailbone (not straight up).
Step 4: Release & Seal
Place the Cup Low in the Vaginal Canal
-
The cup should sit lower than a tampon, but still be fully inside.
-
To make insertion easier, you can use water or a water-based lubricant.
Release Your Hold
-
The cup will pop open and create a seal, preventing leaks.
-
Run a finger around the base of the cup to ensure it has fully unfolded.
Final Tips
✔ Leaking? Check that the cup has fully opened. Twist it or run a finger around the rim to ensure a proper seal.
✔ Uncomfortable? The cup might be too high—gently adjust its position.
✔ Difficult to insert? Try a different fold or use a little water-based lubricant.
✔ The Cup Stuck? If the cup gets stuck, don’t panic. You can easily remove it by following our detailed guide here for steps on how to safely get it out.
With practice, inserting a menstrual cup becomes easy and second nature. It’s a comfortable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective option for period care. 🌿💜
For a more detailed demonstration, you can watch a helpful video on YouTube, linked here.
Want to try a sustainable period but prefer pads? How about checking out our period underwear here.