Your cart is currently empty!
Everything You Need to Know About Menstrual Cup Products: History, Care, and How to Use Them
Menstrual cups have revolutionized period care by offering a sustainable, long-lasting, and body-safe alternative to disposable products. As more people make the switch, the market has expanded to include a wide range of products designed to support menstrual cup users — from applicators and washes to sterilizers and cases. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the history of the menstrual cup, teach you how to insert and care for it, and introduce every type of product that enhances your experience.
A Brief History of the Menstrual Cup
Although menstrual cups feel like a modern innovation, their origins date back more than a century. The earliest known concepts appeared in patents as early as the 1860s. However, the first commercial menstrual cup was created by American actress and inventor Leona Chalmers in 1937. Made from latex rubber, her design laid the foundation for the silicone models we use today.
Despite initial resistance due to social taboos, the environmental movement and interest in sustainable living have revived the popularity of menstrual cups. Today, brands like Leia have helped elevate the conversation, offering well-designed, body-safe cups in multiple sizes to suit all anatomies and lifestyles.
How to Insert a Menstrual Cup
Learning how to insert a period cup can take a bit of practice. But once you get the hang of it, it’s just as easy as using a tampon—without the waste.
The process of using a menstrual cup for the first time may seem intimidating, but in reality it is much easier than you think. Many beginners wonder how to insert a menstrual cup, and the good news is that you don’t need to be a doctor to do it correctly.
Understanding how to insert a menstrual cup properly comes down to a few simple techniques. By following clear, step-by-step instructions, you can master insertion quickly and enjoy a comfortable, leak-free period.
In this guide, we will explain not only how to insert a menstrual cup but also how to make the process stress-free. With the right fold, a relaxed position, and a little practice, you will soon feel confident using your cup.
Remember, learning how to insert a menstrual cup is just the first step toward greater comfort, sustainability, and freedom during your cycle.
How to Put In a Period Cup
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Choose your fold. Popular folds include the C-fold and the punch-down fold, which make the cup narrower for easier insertion.
- Relax your pelvic muscles and get into a comfortable position — squatting, sitting on the toilet, or raising one leg.
- Insert the cup into the vagina, angling it toward your tailbone. It should sit lower than a tampon.
Let it open. The cup should pop open and form a gentle suction seal. You can rotate it or run a finger around the base to ensure it’s fully open.
Period Cup Applicators — What Are They?
A period cup applicator is a tool designed to help guide the menstrual cup into the vaginal canal. They hold the cup in a folded position and make insertion smoother and less intimidating, especially for beginners or those with difficulty using their hands.
Modern Products for Menstrual Cup Cleaning, Sterilization, and Insertion
Period Cup Applicators
For many first-time users, inserting a period cup can be challenging. To help, some companies have developed period cup applicators, similar in concept to tampon applicators but designed for cups.
There are two main types of period cup applicators designed to make insertion easier, especially for beginners. Reusable plastic or silicone sleeve applicators are the most common. These hold the folded menstrual cup securely and guide it into place with greater precision. They are washable, long-lasting, and eco-friendly, aligning with the sustainability values of most menstrual cup users. On the other hand, disposable cardboard-style applicators are designed for single use and are similar to traditional tampon applicators. However, they are less commonly available due to growing concerns about environmental impact and waste.
How they work:
First, insert the folded menstrual cup into the applicator’s channel. Then, use a plunger-like motion to push the cup into the vaginal canal. Once the cup is inside, remove the applicator and gently check to ensure the cup has fully opened and created a secure seal. This process can help users achieve more accurate placement and reduce the learning curve often associated with menstrual cup insertion.
Applicators are especially useful for individuals who struggle with placement or have difficulty reaching inside due to medical conditions, tight pelvic floors, or newness to cup use.
Maintaining hygiene is critical to ensuring a menstrual cup lasts for years and remains safe for use. Today, the market offers a variety of innovative tools and products designed specifically to support users in cleaning, sterilizing, and inserting their cups efficiently and comfortably.
Period Cup Washes
While regular unscented soap and water work fine, many users prefer to use specialized period cup washes. These are formulated to clean silicone without leaving behind residue or causing irritation.
Features of period cup washes:
- pH-balanced: Designed to match vaginal pH and avoid disrupting the natural flora.
- Fragrance-free or lightly scented: Avoid strong chemicals that may irritate sensitive skin.
- Natural ingredients: Most washes use plant-based cleansers such as coconut-derived surfactants or soothing aloe vera.
Tip: Always rinse your cup thoroughly after using any wash to avoid inserting residue into the vagina.
Sterilization Cups for Menstrual Cups
Sterilizing your menstrual cup between periods is essential to kill bacteria and keep it safe. Modern sterilization cups make this process quick and travel-friendly.
Types of sterilization cups:
- Collapsible Microwave Sterilizers: These silicone containers fold flat for easy storage and expand when needed. Just fill with water and microwave for 2–3 minutes.
- Electric Steam Sterilizers: Similar to baby bottle sterilizers, these use electric steam to sanitize your cup in minutes. They’re ideal if you prefer not to boil water.
- UV Sterilizers: A more recent innovation, these use ultraviolet light to eliminate bacteria without water or heat. They’re efficient but come at a higher cost.
- Boiling Pots with Cup Holders: Some brands offer pots with built-in cup holders that suspend the cup in boiling water safely, preventing direct contact with the pot’s base (which can damage silicone).
How to Clean a Period Cup
Keeping your cup clean is essential to maintain vaginal health and extend the life of your product. Here’s how to do it:
Daily Cleaning
- Rinse with cold water first to avoid stains.
- Use a gentle period cup wash that is unscented and pH-balanced.
- Avoid regular soap, essential oils, vinegar, or bleach, which can damage the silicone or cause irritation.
How to wash your menstrual cup on the go ?
How to Sanitize a Menstrual Cup
Between cycles, your cup needs a deeper clean. Here’s how to sanitize it:
Boiling Method
The most common way to sanitize a menstrual cup is by boiling it. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Submerge the cup completely (use tongs to avoid burning your hands) and boil for 5 to 7 minutes. Allow it to air dry on a clean cloth before storing it.
Microwave Sterilizing
You can also sterilize your cup in the microwave using a microwave-safe cup sterilizing container. Fill the container with water and place the cup inside. Microwave for 2–3 minutes. Let it cool before removing.
Sterilizing Tablets
Drop one tablet into a cup of water and soak your menstrual cup for 10–15 minutes. This method is great for travel or public restrooms.
Additional Products Designed for Menstrual Cups
A number of helpful accessories and care items exist for menstrual cup users. These products enhance comfort, hygiene, and ease of use:
1. Period Cup Wash
Formulated specifically for menstrual cups, these washes are pH-balanced and free of fragrances and irritants.
2. Sterilizing Cups
Collapsible, microwave-safe containers that make sanitizing your cup easy and fast.
3. Menstrual Cup Wipes
Perfect for when you’re in public or don’t have access to water. These are safe for your cup and skin.
4. Storage Pouches
Breathable cotton or mesh bags are best for storing a clean, dry cup. Never use airtight containers, as moisture can encourage bacterial growth.
5. Period Cup Applicators
Useful for people new to menstrual cups or those with mobility issues.
Leaks
If your cup leaks, it might not have fully opened, or it may be positioned too high or too low. Twist it gently or run a finger around the rim to ensure it’s fully open. If it continues to leak, try a different size — Leia offers several size options.
Insertion Trouble
Try using a water-based lubricant on the rim and experiment with different folds. The punch-down fold often creates a narrower insertion point.
Discomfort or Feeling the Cup
If you feel the cup after insertion, it may not be far enough in, or the stem may be too long. Leia menstrual cups have a stem, which can be shortened if needed.
Difficulty Removing
If the cup feels stuck, stay calm. Relax and gently bear down with your pelvic muscles. Pinch the base (not the stem) to release the suction, then pull it out slowly.
Top 10 Mistakes When Caring for Your Menstrual Cup
Menstrual cups are a reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective alternative to traditional period products. However, their care and maintenance are crucial for their longevity and hygiene. Many people new to menstrual cups may make mistakes that could affect the performance of their cup, leading to discomfort, leaks, or even health issues. Understanding how to properly care for your menstrual cup will ensure it stays in top condition for years to come. In this chapter, we’ll dive into the top 10 mistakes when caring for a menstrual cup and explain how to avoid them.
1. Not Sanitizing Before First Use
Mistake: One of the most common mistakes is failing to sanitize the menstrual cup before using it for the first time. This is a vital step that some users overlook.
Why It Matters: While menstrual cups are made from medical-grade silicone, they can still pick up dust, bacteria, or other contaminants during manufacturing, packaging, or shipping. Using a new cup without cleaning it properly can introduce harmful bacteria into your body.
How to Fix It: Sanitize your menstrual cup before its first use by boiling it in water for 5 to 7 minutes. This removes any potential bacteria or residue. If you don’t have access to boiling water, you can also use a specialized menstrual cup sterilizer. Always remember to follow this step to ensure the cup is safe to use.
2. Using Harsh Soaps or Cleansers
Mistake: Another frequent error is cleaning the cup with antibacterial soaps, scented washes, or oil-based products.
Why It Matters: Harsh soaps can damage the silicone, affecting the longevity and performance of the cup. Additionally, some antibacterial agents can upset your vaginal pH balance, causing irritation or even infections.
How to Fix It: The best way to clean your menstrual cup is to use a mild, unscented soap or a dedicated period cup wash. These products are specifically designed to be gentle on the silicone while ensuring that your cup is properly sanitized.
3. Not Cleaning Between Uses
Mistake: Re-inserting the menstrual cup without cleaning it properly between uses is a common mistake that many users make. This can occur during the day when changing the cup or in public restrooms.
Why It Matters: Blood, vaginal fluids, and bacteria can build up on the cup if not cleaned properly. Leaving the cup uncleaned can lead to unpleasant odors, infections, or even leaks.
How to Fix It: Whenever possible, rinse your menstrual cup thoroughly with warm water after each use. If you’re in a public restroom or can’t access water, wipe it with toilet paper or a clean tissue. Ideally, after each change, wash the cup with warm water and a gentle, unscented soap. In emergency situations, using a period cup wipe or a disinfecting spray can be helpful as well.