How much do you spend on menstrual products? The costs can vary by product, brand, and menstrual cycle length. Over time, though, it all adds up to thousands. 

But, what if you could reduce those costs? What if you didn’t have to stock up on more products each month?

By using a menstrual cup, it’s possible! And, in today’s article, you’ll learn all about using one. Here are 7 tips every first-time menstrual cup user should know.

1. Relax Your Body

When you’re nervous, your body gets tense. As a result, you’ll find it harder to insert a menstrual cup. Keep yourself relaxed so the process can be smooth and pain-free. 

Remind yourself that the cup won’t hurt. Any anxiety you feel about it will immediately disappear once you insert it.

2. Practice Before Your Period Begins

As a first-time menstrual cup user, it’s understandable if you’re confused about how to use it. Get familiar with it by practicing before your period begins. By doing so, you’ll know what to do with it once you actually need it.

3. Use Water or Lubricant

Unlike other menstrual products, using a menstrual cup is easier when lubricated. You can use water or a water-based lubricant for this purpose. Apply it to the rim of the cup, as well as the opening of your vagina, if necessary.

You might even find it helps to insert your menstrual cup in the shower.

4. Don’t Insert It Too Far

It’s possible to insert your menstrual cup too far. While it shouldn’t hang outside of your body, it shouldn’t be more than 1 cm from your vagina’s opening, either. Ideally, the cup should sit lower than a tampon would.

5. Try Different Folding Techniques

No matter what cup you’re using, there are different ways to fold it. Try a few techniques to find which one helps the most with inserting your menstrual cup. Practice makes perfect, so it may take a couple of attempts to get it right.

6. Keep a Backup Option Handy

While you’re still getting used to the cup, it’s practical to have a backup on standby during your period. Use sustainable menstrual products (for these reasons) or whatever else you have on hand. An extra pad or panty liner could be a lifesaver while you’re in public with your menstrual cup for the first few uses.

7. Get the Right Size

Like other menstrual product options, you’ll find that menstrual cups have different “sizes.” They’re meant to suit different flows that a person can experience.

It’s crucial to get the right-sized menstrual cup for your cycle and needs. If it’s wrong, it won’t work as effectively because it might leak or cause discomfort. Each cup’s packaging should have sizing guidelines to help you determine the one you need.

Using a Menstrual Cup Is Easy

Stop spending thousands of dollars on menstrual products. By using a menstrual cup, you’ll have a sustainable product that lasts for years! If you’re a first-time menstrual cup user, remember these tips to make it easier.

To learn about all your menstrual product options, check out other articles on our website.