insertion

quick start!

Are you ready to try your new cup?! Hooray!... and relax! It’s normal to be nervous when you try something new but with a little bit of practice, you can be a pro! We’ve included everything we think you should know to get started but if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out via the chat option. We’re here to help!

Straight out of the packaging you’ll need to sterilize your cup, more info on that here.

Wash your hands.
Get into a comfortable position. You can sit on a toilet with wide knees, squat in your tub, put a foot up on a shower bench; whatever works best for you. 
Pick a fold and practice holding your folded cup securely.
Relax and insert your folded cup. (Tip: if you’re feeling nervous, take a deep breath, and insert as you slowly exhale) .
Once it’s inserted most of the way, let go of the fold and let the cup open. If it doesn’t quickly pop open, rotating it one full turn will usually allow the cup to fully open. Running a finger around the sides of the cup is another way to check if it’s fully open. The cup does not need to be a perfect circle, but shouldn’t have dents or folds.
If your cup needs any help opening, try pinching the base in the opposite direction of the fold or bear down (aka push like you’re pooping as you rotate the cup. 
Once you know your cup is open, gently push the cup in as far as comfortably possible following the natural angle of the vaginal canal, bearing down a little as you move it into place.
tips from the pros!
  • Truly, make sure you are relaxed! If you are tense or start getting frustrated, your pelvic floor is not going to cooperate. If you’ve become irritated, take a break and try again later.
  • Try a different position! You might be missing out on what is going to work perfectly for you! Also, as you get more familiar and comfortable, other positions may become easier. 
  • Trouble holding the fold? A warm cup folds easier than a cold cup, if your cup is feeling stiff, you can run your cup under hot water (don’t burn yourself!) to warm it up. Throughout your period your body heat also keeps the cup warm and more flexible.
  • The opposite is also true, a cold cup is more firm, and can pop open more easily. If your cup is sliding in, but having difficulty popping open, some cool water can give it just the firmness it needs to pop open during insertion.
  • A little bit of lubricant can be helpful for comfortable insertion, and with helping the cup slide right open. A *little* is key! If your cup is slathered, top to bottom you may find it hard to keep control of it. Don’t use a silicone lubricant with your menstrual cup, this will deteriorate your cup. Stick to a water based lube, we love Coconu.