How to Insert a Menstrual Cup

Learning to insert a menstrual cup is a skill, not a test you have to pass on the first try. A large systematic review found that users often need a familiarisation phase over several cycles, and a later real-world survey likewise reported that early leakage, discomfort and removal difficulty were common but decreased with experience. Those findings are a useful reminder to start slowly, use backup protection if you want it, and stop if something hurts.

This guide explains a practical first attempt with Elys Cup. Follow the current instructions supplied with your product. Elys Cup can be worn for up to 8 hours, but a heavier flow may mean emptying it earlier.

Before you begin

Wash your hands with soap and water. Clean Elys Cup according to its instructions, check that it is undamaged, and make sure the air channel and openings are clear. Choose a time when you are not rushed and have access to a private bathroom. Some people find insertion easier during menstruation because natural moisture reduces friction.

Try sitting on the toilet, squatting, or standing with one foot on the edge of the bath. There is no single correct position. Relax your jaw and shoulders, then take a slow breath out; pelvic-floor muscles often tighten when you are anxious. If extra slip is needed, use water or a small amount of water-based lubricant on the rim. Avoid forcing the cup.

Three folds to try

The C-fold

Press the cup flat, then fold it in half so the rim forms a C shape. This fold is easy to remember and gives you a broad surface to hold. It may feel slightly wider at the point of insertion than the other options.

The punch-down fold

Press one point of the rim down into the cup and pinch the sides together. This creates a narrow insertion point and is often useful when the C-fold feels too wide. Keep a firm hold until the rim is inside.

The 7-fold

Flatten the cup and fold one upper corner diagonally toward the opposite lower side, forming the shape of a 7. It creates a relatively small tip and may open more gradually. A fold that works for one person may not work for another, so treat the three options as experiments rather than rankings.

Insertion, step by step

Hold the folded cup near the rim with the fold facing in a direction that is comfortable for your hand.
With the other hand, gently separate the labia if needed.
Guide the cup inward and slightly back toward the tailbone, following the angle of the vaginal canal rather than pushing straight upward.
Once the rim is fully inside, release the fold and let the cup open.
Move the base gently, or rotate it slightly, if a crease remains. Do not pull hard on the tab to position the cup.

The cup does not need to sit as high as a tampon. The comfortable position varies with anatomy and may change during the cycle.

How to check the fit

Run a clean finger around the base. It should feel rounded rather than sharply folded. A small dent is not always a problem if the cup is comfortable and is collecting flow. Stand up, walk a few steps and notice whether you feel pressure, pinching or rubbing. A correctly positioned cup should not cause pain.

No menstrual product is guaranteed leak-free. If you notice leakage, check four things: whether the cup opened, whether it is full, whether the size and position suit you, and whether blood was already present in the vaginal canal before insertion. Empty it sooner on heavier-flow days. A liner can be useful while learning.

If the cup will not open

Try relaxing and changing position. You can press gently against the vaginal wall beside the cup to create space, rotate the base, or remove the cup and try another fold. Repeated insertion can irritate sensitive tissue, so pause and return later if you become sore. Persistent pain, unusual bleeding or urinary symptoms deserve medical advice.

If you use an IUD

Evidence about simultaneous cup and IUD use is still developing. A systematic review found a possible association with IUD expulsion but emphasized that the evidence was limited. A later secondary analysis of a randomized copper-IUD trial found higher expulsion odds with one IUD type and more accidental self-removals among cup users. These results do not show that every cup user with an IUD will have a problem, but they support an individual discussion with the clinician who manages your IUD.

Ask about timing after IUD insertion, string position and removal technique. When removing a conventional cup, release any seal fully before moving the cup. Do not tug on IUD strings. Seek care if you cannot feel the strings as expected, feel hard plastic, develop new pain, or suspect displacement.

Your first-cycle checklist

Practise when you have time and privacy.
Try a different fold or position instead of forcing the same attempt.
Use backup protection while learning if it reassures you.
Count wear time from insertion and never exceed 8 hours with Elys Cup.
Remove the cup sooner if it fills, leaks, or becomes uncomfortable.
Read the calm removal guide before your first use.

Next, review how to clean and store Elys Cup, see how the Elys Cup design works, or explore Elys Cup.

This article provides general information and is not medical advice.

Sources

Sources support the specific evidence statements above. Product-specific directions, including the Elys Cup 8-hour maximum, should also be checked against the current instructions supplied with the product.

How to Insert a Menstrual Cup: Folds, Positioning and First-Try Tips