How Does a Menstrual Cup Work? Everything You Need to Know

A menstrual cup is a reusable, bell-shaped device crafted from medical-grade silicone, designed to be inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood. Unlike disposable pads and tampons, it focuses on collection rather than absorption — a fundamental difference that makes cups healthier, more comfortable, and better for the environment.

In this guide, we'll walk you through exactly how a menstrual cup works, from insertion to removal.

Step 1: Insertion

Before inserting, always wash your hands thoroughly. The cup needs to be folded into a smaller shape for comfortable insertion. For step-by-step visual instructions, visit our how to use guide.

Popular Folding Techniques

C-fold (U-fold) — flatten the cup and fold in half. Simple but creates a wider insertion point
Punch-down fold — push one side of the rim down into the center. Creates the smallest insertion point — great for beginners
7-fold — flatten and fold one corner down diagonally. Good balance between size and easy opening

Insertion Tips

Once folded, gently insert the cup aiming toward your tailbone, not straight up. It should sit lower than a tampon, just below the cervix. Understanding your cervix position helps with proper placement.

The cup should unfold and create a gentle suction seal. You might hear a slight pop or feel it expand. Run a finger around the rim to ensure it's fully open.

When properly placed, you shouldn't feel the cup at all — you can move freely, exercise, and even swim.

Step 2: Collection

The key difference between cups and other products: cups collect rather than absorb. This means:

The medical-grade silicone is non-porous and hypoallergenic, so no bacteria are absorbed or harbored in the material.

No drying out of natural vaginal moisture
Healthier vaginal pH balance — learn about how cups support your microbiome
Much higher capacity than tampons (most cups hold 25–30 ml)
Can be worn for up to 12 hours

Step 3: Removal and Cleaning

After 4–12 hours, it's time to empty. Here's the process:

Between cycles, sterilize by boiling in water for 5–10 minutes. For detailed cleaning instructions, read our complete cup cleaning guide.

Wash your hands thoroughly
Find a comfortable position — squat, sit on toilet, or stand with one leg raised
Bear down gently with your pelvic floor muscles to bring the cup lower
Pinch the base to break the vacuum seal — never pull the stem alone
Carefully pull the cup out, keeping it upright
Empty into the toilet
Rinse with cool water first (prevents staining), then warm water
Use a mild, pH-balanced cleanser if desired
Reinsert

Step 4: Reuse — For Years

A quality menstrual cup can last up to 15 years, replacing thousands of disposable products over its lifetime.

This means:

Significant cost savings — the initial investment pays for itself within months
Dramatic waste reduction — fewer pads and tampons in landfills
Lower carbon footprint — less manufacturing, packaging, and transport

Key Takeaways

If you're new to cups, give yourself 2–3 cycles to get comfortable with the technique. Not sure which size to start with? Take our cup finder quiz or check the size guide.

Menstrual cups collect fluid rather than absorbing it — healthier for your body
Three simple steps: fold, insert, check the seal
Cups can be worn for up to 12 hours and hold more than tampons
Removal is easy once you learn to break the seal by pinching the base
One cup replaces thousands of disposable products over its lifetime