How to Use a Menstrual Cup for Beginners

By Other Nature GmbH | Published: 2026-10-23

Category: How-to Guides

New to menstrual cups? This step-by-step guide walks you through insertion, removal, and cleaning, with tips to avoid common mistakes. Perfect for first-time users.

Quick Answer

To use a menstrual cup for the first time, fold it, insert it low in the vagina, and let it open to create a seal. Remove by pinching the base to break the seal. Clean between wears with mild soap and water.

Why Choose a Menstrual Cup?

Menstrual cups are a reusable period product made from medical-grade silicone. They collect rather than absorb flow, so you can wear one for up to 12 hours. This makes them a low-waste, cost-effective alternative to disposable pads or tampons.

The Ruby Cup, for example, is made from 100% medical silicone and can last up to 10 years. It comes in two sizes (small and medium) so you can choose the right fit for your body and flow.

Common Beginner Concerns

First-time users often worry about leaks or difficulty removing the cup. Leaks usually happen because the cup hasn't fully opened or isn't positioned correctly. Removal becomes easier once you learn to break the seal by pinching the base.

Another concern is hygiene. Silicone cups are non-porous and easy to sterilize by boiling for a few minutes between cycles. Daily cleaning with mild soap and water is sufficient during your period.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Your Menstrual Cup

Wash Your Hands and the Cup: Before handling the cup, wash your hands with mild soap and water. Rinse the cup with warm water or use a cup-safe cleanser. This prevents introducing bacteria. Never use oil-based lubes or soaps with fragrances, as they can damage the silicone.
Choose a Folding Method: Fold the cup to reduce its width for insertion. Common folds include the C-fold (press the rim flat, then fold in half) and the punch-down fold (push one side of the rim into the opposite side). Try both to see which stays folded more easily. A tighter fold makes insertion smoother, especially for beginners.
Insert the Cup: Hold the folded cup with one hand and use your other hand to gently part the labia. Aim the cup toward your tailbone (not straight up) and insert it until the base is about 1-2 cm inside the vaginal opening. Release the cup so it can open and create a seal. If you feel discomfort, the cup may be too high or not fully open. Rotate it gently or push the base to help it open.
Check the Seal: After insertion, run a finger around the base of the cup. It should feel round and slightly firm. Gently tug the stem – if you feel resistance, the seal is good. If the cup slides easily, it hasn't sealed properly. A poor seal is the main cause of leaks. Remove, rinse, and reinsert if needed.
Wear and Empty: You can wear the cup for up to 12 hours, depending on your flow. To remove, wash your hands, then reach in and pinch the base of the cup to break the seal. Gently rock the cup side to side as you pull it out. Empty the contents into the toilet, rinse with water, and reinsert. Empty the cup more frequently on heavy days. Between cycles, sterilize by boiling the cup for 5-10 minutes.

Product Highlight

Ruby Cup Menstruationstasse: The Ruby Cup is made from 100% medical silicone and can be used for up to 10 years. A single cup replaces hundreds of disposable products, saving money and reducing waste over time.
Ruby Cup Menstruationstasse