Best Menstrual Cup for Beginners

Looking for the best menstrual cup for beginners? You've come to the right spot! Maybe you've just started your period and are looking at all of your options for feminine hygiene products.

Or maybe you're a tampon and pad girl who is ready to try and convert to a cup.

You might even be a newbie looking for a more environmental and sustainable alternative!

No matter your reason, it's great you've come to look for your first menstrual cup! We won't lie, the first few times may be a little tricky. But don't worry, because in this article we are going to look at some helpful tips to get you started, and we'll also look at some of the best menstrual cups for beginners that are currently on the market!

Best Menstrual Cup For Beginners

Get to know your own body.

If you are new to the menstruation world, or you don’t regularly use tampons, then you may not know what the inside of your vagina looks or feels like. Your vaginal muscles may also be tighter.

Take some time to locate the vaginal opening and feel around. You will discover that the vaginal canal (or tunnel) is not straight, bends slightly, and that you'll reach a 'wall,' which is your cervix.

The cervix is the lowest part of the uterus (where the blood from your period, and where a baby comes out from). It is similar to the neck of a bottle. The cervix will generally feel like the tip of your nose, firm but squishy. 

High Cervix

If you place a finger inside your vagina, and your finger goes all the way in, or doesn't touch at all, you have a high cervix! You will need a longer, more V shaped menstrual cup.

Low Cervix

If your finger only goes in about an inch before you reach your cervix, then you have a low cervix! You will need a shorter, slightly rounded menstrual cup.

Try a smaller sized cup for your first time

Ideally, it will be easier to choose a smaller menstrual cup, and if that doesn't fit, then you can always go up a size.

In any case start with the smallest and shortest menstrual cup before reading thousands of menstrual cup reviews.

This is often the best way to find the best menstrual cup for teenagers even. Some people find that very flimsy, or soft menstrual cups can leak, so take your time to see what suits you.

Some brands will sell at least two sizes, and the difference between these will be your age (under, or over 30 years old), and whether you have had a baby vaginally. 

Try different folds to insert the menstrual cup

You might find a softer, more flexible menstrual cup more comfortable when you first try inserting and removing a menstrual cup. 

There are many different 'folds' to help you insert your menstrual cup, and you may have to try several methods before finding the one that suits you best. Here are a few examples:

  • C- Fold or U-Fold Use your forefinger and thumb to flatten your cup into the middle and then bend so the rim creates a C or U shape
  • Punchdown or Shell Fold Use your finger to push down one side of the cup into the middle to make the rim smaller than the base
  • 7 Fold Flatten the menstrual cup and fold one side to the middle, and the other side over the middle, creating a very narrow rim
  • S-Fold Use your forefinger and thumb to push your cup into the middle to create a squiggly S shape with the rim

Be Patient

When using any of the above mentioned folds for inserting your cup, you will need to be patient, and relaxed. If you are feeling tense, the vaginal muscles will tense up and be very difficult to get in.

Try to have a hot shower, or bath to relax before trying the menstrual cup.

The first few times may not work, and can be frustrating and annoying. The cup may even irritate your vulva as you attempt to place and push it in.

Some people have found squatting under the shower helps with inserting and removing the cup. You may even need to push a bit (similar to when passing a motion or peeing, or pushing a baby to 'open up') when you first insert the cup, and then 'sucking' it up and lifting your pelvic muscles as it goes in. 

Remember everybody's body is different. Don't stress. There is nothing wrong with you. Just be patient, relax, and try again.

Check the stem

Once inside, locate the stem of the cup to see if you may need to trim some length off. It should not 'dig in' to any of your muscles so make sure it's not poking you in an uncomfortable way. The stem should also not protrude out, but it also should not be too short as it may help in removing the cup. 

If you do decide to trim the stem, try using the cup for a few more days before you actually take the scissors out! Your cervix can move position during your cycle, and you don't want to accidentally trim too much off!

Don't Panic

So the menstrual cup is in, and it seems to be working. No blood leaking, and no discomfort. But what about when it's time to take the cup out? What if it doesn't come out?

Don't stress. Again, the first few times removing the cup can be awkward, and perhaps messy. You should be able to place you fingers in to locate the stem, to then find the base of the cup. Push the cup so it 'breaks the seal' and then use your fingers to wiggle the cup out. 

If it doesn't work straight away, maybe try 'pushing' (like peeing, or passing a motion) and squatting to use your muscles to push it down and out. If you're tensing up again, and panicking, then wait a moment before trying again. Remember, no matter what, the menstrual cup cannot go further than your cervix. 

Good Job!

Doing or using anything new for the first time is nerve-wracking, be it driving a car, scuba-diving, eating foreign food, using a tampon etc. but over time it will get easier! The fact that you came to this website to find the best menstrual cup for beginners, and want to learn about menstrual cups, is the first step in changing how you view and deal with your period. If might not be easy, but over time, it will be better for your wallet, your health, the planet, and your body!

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