Wondering how to fold a menstrual cup? This is one of the most common questions we get asked. Read on to discover more about menstrual cups and how to fold a menstrual cup in 7 different ways.
How does a cup work?
A menstrual cup is a zero waste period care product that is a reusable alternative to a tampon. Unlike tampons, the cup collects menstrual flow rather than absorbing it. To use the cup, you need to insert it and place it lower than a tampon. A cup can be worn for up to 12 hours and when you’re ready to remove it, you simply need to gently squeeze to release the seal and empty contents down the toilet.
You can use the cup throughout your period and when it ends, you simply need to sterilise the cup in boiling water for a few minutes and store it away for your next period. With good care, a menstrual cup can be kept for up to 10 years. This not only saves waste but also offers ongoing cost-savings – a win, win!
How do you insert the cup?
To comfortably insert a menstrual cup and get a secure fit, you need find the right cup fold. There are SO many different cup folds, but ultimately, it’s about finding one that works for you. As Consultant Gynaecologist, Anne Henderson, explains “the reason there is such a wide range of folds is due to the fact that everyone’s anatomy is different.”
Before attempting to insert the cup, it’s important to relax and adopt a comfortable position. Now it’s time to look at how to fold a menstrual cup
How to fold a menstrual cup: Try these 7 folds
‘C’ or ‘U’ fold
This fold is one of the most well-known. You view our TikTok video on this fold here.
– Hold the cup with both hands just underneath the rim, so your thumbs are closest to you
– Push the sides together to flatten the cup
– Fold the cup in half length-ways to create the ‘U’ or ‘C’ shape
Punchdown fold
This fold has one of the smallest insertion points. If you are finding insertion difficult, then this fold could be for you. This is also very quick to do and isn’t fiddly, so is great if you are in a rush. You view our TikTok video on this fold here.
– Use one hand to hold the cup at the base
– Place your index finger of the opposite hand on the top of the cup rim
– Use this finger to push the rim down inside of the base
– Using your left hand, push the sides together and hold firmly
7 fold
This fold is smaller than the well-known C fold and it also releases a lot easier than any of the other folds when it is inside you. If this is where you are struggling, then this fold could be for you. You view our TikTok video on this fold here.
– Hold the cup with both hands just underneath the rim
– Push the sides together to flatten the cup
– Take the right corner of the cup and fold it down towards the stem.
Double 7 fold
This is the same method as the previous fold, but has a slightly wider insertion point.
– Hold the cup with both hands just underneath the rim
– Push the sides together to flatten the cup
– Take the right corner of the cup and fold it down towards the stem.
– Hold the cup in this position, turn the cup then fold the other corner down towards the stem.
S fold
This one can be a bit more tricky to fold (and is also quite difficult to describe!), so probably isn’t the best if you are in a rush or getting used to a menstrual cup.
– Hold the cup with both hands just underneath the rim
– Push the sides together to flatten the cup
– Push one corner away from you and simultaneously pull the other one towards you into a fold to form an ‘S’ shape
Labia fold
This is quite similar to the punch down fold but is a little bit more fiddly so may not be best if it is your first time folding a cup.
– Hold the cup in one hand
– Using the thumb and index finger on the opposite hand, pinch together a small bit of the corner of the cup
– Push this down towards the middle of the opposite side (similarly to the punch down)
– Squeeze the sides together to hold it in place
Origami fold
This isn’t as complex as the name makes it sound!
– Use one hand to hold the cup at the base
– Place your index finger of the opposite hand on the top of the cup rim
– Use this finger to push the rim down inside of the base (about halfway)
– Take the right corner of the cup and fold it down towards the base of the left side
You’ve chosen your fold, now what?
Once you learnt all the different ways to fold a menstrual cup and have found the right one for you, then we recommend trying these next steps:
- Part the labial lips and slowly insert the cup like you would a tampon. It’s important to note that a cup sits slightly lower than a tampon.
- You want to angle the cup back towards your tailbone as opposed to straight upwards. Try to keep hold of the cup whilst you insert it to avoid it popping open too early.
- Once you have inserted the cup, it should pop open.
- To check the cup is positioned correctly, lightly hold the stem of the cup and try turning it 360 degrees. A correctly positioned cup will turn easily in each direction. To check it has opened enough to create the ‘seal’, gently circle your finger around the base of the cup. It will feel completely round if it has opened properly. If you are still struggling, try tilting it back towards your tailbone and squeezing the bottom of the cup to prompt it to open. If this still doesn’t help, it could be a sizing issue.
Tips from Gynaecologist, Dr Anne Henderson
Don’t rush
When using a menstrual cup for the first time, it is ideal to set aside sufficient time when you are feeling relaxed. You want to have enough time to explore the various insertion techniques without pressure. In addition to the fold techniques, there are different positions which women can adopt for insertion. Some women stand with one foot raised e.g. on the toilet seat or edge of the bath, some squat and some find insertion easiest lying on the bed.
Use a lubricant if necessary
Use a vaginal lubricant/moisturiser such as the YES range which is organic and paraben free. The water-based lubricant is slightly less slippery than the oil-based one, but either will aid insertion and removal.
Experiment
You may wish to experiment with various techniques before choosing the one you find most comfortable with but do this when you have sufficient time to try these out. It is never a good idea to practice a new fold when you are in a rush or stressed!
Recommended folds
Beginners may find the “Punchdown fold” or the “C fold” the easiest to try, particularly the “Punchdown” which has a smaller insertion point. The “Labia fold” also has a small insertion point but is less straightforward than the “Punchdown” and may take more time to master.
Relax
Insertion and removal should never be painful and if you experience pain at any stage then stop and try again later when you are more relaxed.
We hope our guide on how to fold a menstrual cup helps you get started! For more information on things such as cleaning the cup and finding the right size, check out this blog here. You can also read a switch story from a cup user here. What fold do you use? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @totmorganic.
