How to Use Your Organicup Menstrual Cup

By Siobhan, Earthmother.ie

I only started using my Organicup about 3 years ago after many years of using tampons. And oh my goodness, why did I not listen to my lovely sister-in-law years ago when she told me about her Mooncup?! I would never look back and can’t believe I didn’t start using them earlier. Since we’ve started selling them, I have heard the same thing from countless customers who cannot believe they didn’t convert years ago too. But it’s never too late, it will save you lots of money and they are so much kinder and sustainable for the environment, you’ll feel great every single month you use it!

Thanks to Organicup for the following detailed instructions. Let us know if you have any other questions too!

Getting started with your menstrual cup

Trying a menstrual cup for the first time can sometimes be a little tricky. It may take you a few days or a few periods to become comfortable with the cup, but you will be so glad you did! Experiment with different folding and insertion techniques and don’t worry, you’ll soon become a dedicated cup convert. Here you will find all you need to know about using a menstrual cup. Before using your OrganiCup for the first time you should sterilize the cup in boiling water for 3-5 minutes. Remember not to let the cup touch the bottom of the pot.

Step 1: How to insert a menstrual cup

WASH - Remember to wash your hands and your cup using clean water and a mild soap, such as OrganiWash, before inserting it.

FOLD - There are many different folding techniques, so experiment and find the one that works for you.  Two of the most popular methods are: The Punch-Down Fold and The C-Fold. When you’re inserting your menstrual cup, you need to keep it folded until it is inside of your vagina.

RELAX - It’s important to relax your muscles when inserting your menstrual cup, so find a comfortable position.  You can lie down, squat, sit on the toilet or simply stand up. You’ll find the position that works best for you over time! You might want to use water or a water-based lubricant to make insertion easier.

INSERT AND RELEASE - Insert the folded menstrual cup and once the entire cup is inside of you, simply remove your fingers and let it pop open. If the menstrual cup has been inserted correctly, you might hear a “pop” or a suction sound which means that the cup has folded out completely and created the necessary suction seal. If you’re in doubt, reach in and feel around the base of the cup – it should feel round or oval and not have any noticeable folds.

ROTATE - If you feel any dents or folds on the base of your menstrual cup and you’re not quite sure the suction seal has been created, then gently grip the base of the cup (not the stem), and rotate it to make it unfold.  Once your menstrual cup is in place, try to pull the stem a bit, if you feel resistance, the suction seal has been created and the cup has been placed successfully! In comparison with a tampon, the menstrual cup should be placed lower in the vaginal canal. The stem should be completely inside of you. However, we’re all built differently and if the stem pokes out and annoys you, you can trim it.

Step 2: Wear for up to 12 hours

One of the benefits of using a menstrual cup is that you can use it for up to 12 hours at a time, so once inserted you can leave your cup in all day – and night. Depending on how heavy your flow is, you may have to empty it more often than twice a day. That’s why, we recommend that you empty your menstrual cup more often in the beginning to get to know the cup and your flow.

The cup can contain more liquid than 3 super tampons. According to the NHS (National Health Service, UK), you’ll lose 5 to 12 teaspoons of blood during an average period, so you might be surprised of how little you bleed.

Step 3: How to remove a menstrual cup

WASH - Again, start out by washing your hands with warm water and a mild soap.

RELAX - Find a comfortable position that works for you: lie down, squat, sit on the toilet or stand up. Being relaxed is essential as removing your menstrual cup will only be more difficult if you tense up.

REMOVE - When removing your menstrual cup, pull slightly on the stem while using your abdominal muscles to push the OrganiCup downwards until you can reach the base. Give the base of the cup a gentle pinch (or insert your index finger alongside it) to release the suction and ease it out. Avoid removing your menstrual cup by pulling the stem as this might cause discomfort.

EMPTY AND WASH - Once you have removed your menstrual cup, you should empty the collected fluid into the toilet or sink and rinse the cup with water (remember the air holes) and re-insert. If you’re in a bathroom without access to clean water, you can use an OrganiWipe or toilet paper to clean your cup and rinse it with water at a later time.

RE-INSERT OR STORE - When your menstrual cup is clean, re-insert it as outlined in STEP 1. However, if your period has ended: Boil the cup for 3-5 minutes in water or simply use an OrganiWipe to disinfect it and store your cup in the OrganiCup cotton bag.

Top 5 Menstrual Cup Beginner Tips

1. Wear a panty liner until you feel comfortable. Until you feel 100% comfortable with your menstrual cup, you might want to wear a panty liner so you don’t have to worry about leaking.
2. Try to locate your cervix. We all have differently positioned cervixes and the cup should be placed below the cervix, if not, it will most likely leak. Try to locate your cervix with your finger, you should feel for a slightly firmer area of tissue and position your cup under it.
3. Trim the stem of the cup. If you can feel the stem and find it uncomfortable after a couple of tries, you can cut it shorter. However, do not trim the stem while the menstrual cup is inserted!
4. Practice before your period. No one expects you to be an instant menstrual cup pro, so we recommend you practice inserting and removing your cup before you get your period.
5. Use lubrication. You can use water or a water-based lubricant to make insertion easier.

Have a watch of this video to help you start your menstrual cup journey:

Any more tips that you can help with? Do you love yours?