A menstrual cup is a flexible and reusable cup that’s inserted into the vagina to collect period blood.
Learn more about menstrual cups here.
Menstrual cups are made of silicone. Unlike pads and tampons, a menstrual cup collects blood instead of absorb, allowing your vagina to stay naturally moist and at a healthy pH level.
A menstrual cup also has 3 times the capacity of a regular pad or tampon and can be worn for 8 – 12 hours!
No, inserting a menstrual cup shouldn't hurt. Once you master the insertion technique, you won't feel a thing!
Using a water-based lubricant can make insertion a lot smoother. Avoid using an oil-based lubricant as it could react with silicone and degrade the cup.
1. Sterilise the menstrual cup by boiling it in a dedicated pot for 5 minutes
2. Wash your hands thoroughly
3. Fold the menstrual cup
4. Apply a water-based lubricant around the rim of the menstrual cup
5. Insert the folded menstrual cup into your vagina, tilting it back towards your tailbone
6. Release your fingers and let the menstrual cup spring open inside, creating an airtight seal
7 Use a finger to check if it's fully open. The base should be round and without dents. If it's not fully open, twist or pinch the cup to unfold it.
Check out our step-by-step beginner's guide.
There are various folding methods. Two of the most popular folds are The Punch Down Fold and the 7 Fold.
Punch Down Fold
Push one side of the rim inside the menstrual cup. Then pinch the sides of the rim together.
7 Fold
Flatten the cup by pinching the rim together. Then fold one side of the rim down diagonally to the opposite side of the menstrual cup to form the number 7.
1. Wash your hands thoroughly
2. Get into comfortable position
3. Use the stem to get hold of the menstrual cup
4. Pinch the menstrual cup to release the suction seal
5. Once the suction has been released, gently wiggle and pull it out slowly
Check out our full guide on removing a menstrual cup.
If you have trouble removing your menstrual cup, take a moment to relax and try again. There is a steep learning curve so it's normal to fail the first few times!
Try different positions, such as squatting, which could help naturally lower your pelvic muscles and move the menstrual cup down.
If you can't reach the menstrual cup, use your pelvic floor muscles to gently push the menstrual cup downwards (as if you're taking a dump) so that you can get a grip of the stem or base of the menstrual cup. Avoid pushing too hard. If you find that your cup is constantly positioned too high up, it could be that you have a high cervix. Try using a longer cup.
Once you're able to reach your menstrual cup, pinch it with two fingers or press one side of your cup against the vagina wall with your finger to release the suction seal. Slowly pull it out or slide it down.
Be extra careful if you have long fingernails!
Still lost? Check out our step-by-step guide on how to remove a menstrual cup.
When inserted correctly, you should not feel the menstrual cup or any form of discomfort.
Once inserted into the vagina, the menstrual cup should 'pop' open (you might actually hear this!), creating a suction seal.
Gently run your finger around the menstrual cup to check if there are any dents.
If there are dents, pinch the base of the menstrual cup to push the cup open, or twist the cup to help unfold it.
The stem of the menstrual cup should be completely inside of you. However, everyone has a different cervix height. If you have a low cervix, and you find the stem poking out, simply trim the stem to fit your body.
Check out our step-by-step beginner's guide.
Before first use
Sterilise the menstrual cup by boiling it in water using a dedicated pot for 5 minutes as menstrual cups may not be supplied in a sterile state.
During your period
There is no need to boil your menstrual cup when emptying the cup during your period. Just pour the blood out and rinse the menstrual cup with clean water or a menstrual cup wash, then reinsert.
Tip: To clean the air holes, fill the menstrual cup with water and place your palm over the rim of the menstrual cup to cover it. Turn it upside down and squeeze the cup so that the water gushes out through the air holes.
After your period
1. Sterilise the menstrual cup by boiling it in water for 5 minutes.
2. Allow the menstrual cup to cool and dry completely before storing it in a breathable bag. Do not store a menstrual cup in an airtight container as it needs ventilation.
When your next period comes
Boil for 3 minutes or use a menstrual cup wash to clean it before inserting the menstrual cup into your vagina.
Absolutely!
A common misconception is that your hymen is capable of being ripped or broken. In reality, hymens stretch. They have openings where the period blood flows out. Since hymens are tissues, they naturally wear out with time or as a result of sports activities such as stretching, riding a bike or even walking!
You can use a menstrual cup if you're a virgin as long as you're comfortable with it.
You can wear a menstrual cup for 8 – 12 hours. But that depends on your period flow. On average, most women with a moderate flow can wear a menstrual cup for 12 hours. Those who have a heavy flow may have to empty their menstrual cup more often.
DO NOT wear a menstrual cup for more than 12 hours—this can increase the risks of infection.
Menstrual cups should not leak if inserted correctly. A properly inserted menstrual cup forms a seal to your vaginal walls, preventing leakage. Learn how to insert a menstrual cup here.
If you experience leakage, here are the few things to look out for:
Is your menstrual cup fully open?
Once inserted into the vagina, ensure that the menstrual cup fully opens from its fold. Run a finger around the cup to check for dents. If there are dents, pinch the base to push the menstrual cup open or twist the menstrual cup to unfold it.
Are the air holes blocked?
To check this, fill your menstrual cup with water and cover the top with your palm. Turn it upside down and try to squeeze the water out through the air holes. Blocked holes can prevent the suction seal from being formed. If the holes are blocked, use a toothbrush or toothpick to clear them.
Is your menstrual cup full?
If you have a heavy flow, it may be that your menstrual cup is full, causing blood to overflow. This means that you need to empty your menstrual cup more often.
Yes! Menstrual cups are perfect for anyone with an active lifestyle, whether it be swimming, yoga, climbing etc.
The menstrual cup will create a suction seal to prevent any leakage.
If you are a very sporty and fit person, opt for a firmer cup like the Lunette Cup or Lena Cup.
Absolutely! The menstrual cup doesn't get in the way of urination or bowel movement. In fact, it makes it cleaner and mess-free. Say goodbye to bloody pee and poo!
There are many types of menstrual cups available. The best menstrual cup is the one you are most comfortable with – one that fits and does not leak. Choosing a menstrual cup starts with understanding your body, as it involves various factors such as:
- Comfort level with insertion (the use of tampons or penetrative sex)
- Age
- Pregnancy
- Physical activity (sports)
- Cervix height
- The firmness of the cup (see cup comparison)
- The shape of the cup
- The material of the cup
- The reliability of the brand
Not sure which cup to choose? Take the menstrual cup quiz.
Insert a clean finger into your vagina and go as deep as you can until you finger touches a tissue that's firmer than the rest of your vagina. It should feel like the tip of your nose – that's your cervix!
If you had to insert your finger all the way in, or touch nothing at all, you have a high cervix.
If it reaches up until the first joint of your finger, you have a low cervix.
If it reaches the second joint (middle of the finger), you have an average cervix height.
Tip: Trim the stem if the menstrual cup is too long or sitting too low in your vagina. The right menstrual cup should feel like you're wearing nothing!
No, it's not possible for a menstrual to get lost inside the vagina.
The vagina is only about 3 inches long on average.
The cervix is a barrier between the vagina and uterus. Apart from childbirth and sperm penetration, the cervix only opens slightly during menstruation to allow blood to flow through, but that's nowhere near an opening big enough for a menstrual cup to pass through.
Menstrual cups made of medical-grade silicone can last up to 10 years!
However, the shelf life of a menstrual cup will vary depending on how it's taken care of – how it's stored, cleaned, and used.
You should replace your menstrual cup if it's showing any signs of degrading—i.e. if it’s sticky, chalky, worn or torn with holes apart from the air holes that were originally there.
It is possible to use a menstrual cup if you have an IUD. But we recommend consulting your doctor prior to using a menstrual cup.
An IUD-friendly alternative are menstrual discs such as the Hello Disc.
For most, this isn't an issue. But for some, you may feel the pressure of the menstrual cup pressing against your bladder, causing you to pee slower or more frequently when using a menstrual cup.
If you have a sensitive bladder, consider switching to a softer menstrual cup like the Ruby Cup.
Carry a bottle of clean water to rinse your menstrual cup before reinserting it. Otherwise, wipe your menstrual cup with toilet paper. Make sure to remove any small bits of toilet paper before reinserting it. Rinse it when you're back home.
Chances are you won't have to empty your menstrual cup in public (unless you have a heavy flow) as you can wear it for 8–12 hours.
DO NOT wear a menstrual cup for more than 12 hours—this can increase the risks of infection.
It is not possible for period blood to flow back inside (even if you’re upside down). The muscles of the uterus actively push the menstrual flow out from the uterus during menstruation.
Go ahead and roll or do a backflip while using a menstrual cup!
Yes. However, note that the vagina is not as moist when you're not menstruating. So insertion might not be as smooth. Use a water-based lubricant to avoid irritation.
The tiny holes below the rim of the menstrual cup are air holes. They're there to pop the cup open during insertion and release the suction when removing the menstrual cup.
Blocked air holes might make it difficult for you to remove your menstrual cup. So remember to check and clean the holes as blood can get caught in them if the menstrual cup is not thoroughly cleaned.
Generally, there wouldn't be any concern about a prolapse when the cup is used and removed correctly by releasing the suction seal before gently pulling the cup down. Check out our guide on how to remove a menstrual cup.
It is possible to get pelvic prolapse with improper use. But as of now, there is no scientific or medical evidence that the use of menstrual cups may lead to a pelvic prolapse.
It is important to note that the cervix could naturally move lower during menstruation, so do not panic.
If you have/had a prolapse, we'd recommend you to speak to a medical professional prior to using a menstrual cup.
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare but serious condition caused by toxin-producing strains of bacteria. It's possible to contract TSS when using a menstrual cup although it is extremely rare (lower chance than with tampons).
The menstrual cup works by creating a suction seal in the vagina to collect period blood. Unlike cotton pads and tampons, the menstrual cup does not absorb blood. So no oxygen reacts with the period blood, allowing it to be bacteria-free.
Although it's extremely rare, it's always better to be safe than sorry! Reduce risks of TSS by taking these steps:
- Wash your hands & nails thoroughly with mild, fragrance-free soap before insertion/removal
- Sterilise your menstrual cup by boiling for 5 minutes
- Use a water-based lubricant during insertion to reduce friction
- Empty your menstrual cup every 8 – 12 hours and wash it between changes
- Keep your nails short during your period
DO NOT wear a menstrual cup for more than 12 hours—this can increase the risks of infection.
Allergic reactions or sensitivity to medical-grade silicone are rare.
If you experience any skin sensitivity, remove the cup immediately and seek medical advice.
All menstrual cups available on Bloody Goodshop are made of hypoallergenic, medical-grade silicone. They are safe to use inside the body even for those with sensitive skin.
To prevent the risks of any form of cross-infection between users, it's best to have your own pot, just like underwear.
It's possible. While the silicone used to make menstrual cups are durable, there is a risk of it melting if it rests at the bottom of the pot for too long. Keep an eye while you're boiling your menstrual cup, and use a spoon or a pair of chopsticks to stir from time to time.
Tip: Set an alarm on your phone; so you don't over-boil it.
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