Whether you’re new to menstrual cups or are simply looking for some tips for the most comfortable fit, we’ve got you covered!
We get it…you want to be more eco-friendly and do your bit for the planet, and if, like us, you really like the idea of a reusable menstrual cup, but need some help getting it into position, you’ve come to the right place.
Lil-Lets menstrual cups come in 2 sizes; Size 1, for beginners and those under 30yrs old, and Size 2 for the over 30’s, or if you’ve given birth. Just like tampons they can be worn for between 4-8 hours, they’re made from super-soft flexible medical grade silicone, free from latex, BPA, and phthalates. And because we know life is busy it even comes with its own certified cotton organic bag for convenience and storage.
Like anything new using a Lil-Lets menstrual cup can take a little getting used to, but trust us with our tips you’ll be wondering what all the fuss was about.
So let’s get started – familiarise yourself with all of the menstrual cup features and before you use, we recommend you sterilise your cup as per our instructions below.
We can’t say this enough…we’re all unique and when it comes to folding your menstrual cup ready for insertion it really is a case of finding what works for you. Here we list three of the most popular folds, but we know with practice and over time you will find the best technique that suits you.
The clues in the title – this one makes your cup look like the letter ‘C’.
Requires a bit more thought than the ‘C’ Fold, but just as popular.
The Triangle/7Fold
Don’t panic this one sound way more complicated than it, trust us, you won’t have to fold the cup 7 times, we promise!
TOP TIP - This is our favourite technique for beginners as the triangle shape creates a smaller tip, making it easy to insert.
Now you’ve tried practicing the different folds it’s time to insert your menstrual cup. So, wash your hands and get into a comfortable position, maybe sitting on the toilet or standing with knees bent. Now relax, if you’re trying a cup for the first time, it’s a good idea to use it on your heavier flow days as this will help with insertion.
Your menstrual cup should be emptied, cleaned, and reinserted every 4-8 hours.
Wash your hands and get into a comfortable position.
To release the seal, pinch the base of the cup to release the suction and give the cup a little ‘wiggle’ as you slowly lower the cup down.
When you get near the opening of the vagina, carefully tilt the cup, and remove one side of the rim first and then repeat and tilt the cup gently in the other direction. This is best method we’ve found for keeping all the menstrual fluid in the cup.
Now wash your cup with cold water and mild soap, ensuring the suction holes are clear, then you’re good to go, and can reinsert.
Size 1 – No vaginal birth or under 30 years old.
Size 2 – Vaginal birth or over 30 years old.
At the end of your period, you’ll need to resterilise your cup, just like you did in the beginning, dry it thoroughly and then pop in your cotton storage bag, in a cool and damp free place until your next period. You see not so difficult after all!
You may find wetting your cup with a little bit of water helps lubricate it, making insertion that little bit easier. But don’t be tempted to use petroleum jelly or other lubricants as they can reduce the longevity of your cup.
Yes, you can still use a menstrual cup, if you have an IUD fitted, although the use of tampons and cups is prohibited for the first 28 days following placement of an IUD. Remember too, that just like tampon, menstrual cups sit in the vagina, whereas IUDs are positioned inside the uterus. Our advice is to have a chat to your doctor or gynaecologist if you have any concerns about using a menstrual cup with this form of contraception.
Yes, and for those new to internal period protection we advise using the Lil-Lets Size 1 Menstrual Cup.
If you’re new to menstrual cups…and until you get the hang of using your cup, you may want to pop a liner in your underwear for back-up. But, we’re sure after a few uses, you will feel confident to go pad and liner free!
Like anything new, using a menstrual cup can take practice and we’re convinced that by your 3rd or 4th period you’ll be an expert at getting your cup into the most comfortable position. If this is still an issue, we suggest pushing the cup in a little farther so the only part sitting outside the vagina is the flexible stem. And remember aiming the cup in a slanting position towards the lower back is the best technique for insertion.
