From being pocket-friendly to having your back during heavy-flow days, a menstrual cup can be a real saviour. However, the idea of shoving a funnel-shaped object up your vagina may seem like a pain (literally) and keep you from giving it a try. Well, here’s the deal—it’s neither difficult nor painful. Surely, it may take a little bit of practice to get used to a menstrual cup. But once you get a hang of it, you will never look back. Now, the key to pain-free insertion is to fold it in a way that the cup pops open, feels comfortable, and prevents leakages once inside. And how do we do that, you ask? Read on for five menstrual cup folding options that will take care of all your apprehensions:
Menstrual Cup Folding Methods
If you’re a menstrual cup newbie or have been struggling with its usage for a while now, you’re at the right place. We’re here to break down the five simplest menstrual cup folding methods to make your cup-version a real success. Check them out, give them all a try, and then decide which one works the best for you:
Punch Down Fold
The punch-down fold, aka, the shell fold is an excellent way to use a menstrual cup. It works well for those who have difficulty getting their menstrual cup to open post insertion. Here’s how to get it right:
Step 1: Start by washing your hands and the cup thoroughly.
Step 2: Hold your menstrual cup in one hand. Then push one side of the rim down into the cup with the index finger of the other hand.
Step 3: Pinch the sides of the rim together to secure the fold and put it in.
C/U Fold
As the name suggests, this menstrual cup folding method is all about forming a C or a U shape for smooth insertion. Here’s how to get it right:
Step 1: Pinch the sides of your menstrual cup to flatten it.
Step 2: Fold it in half to form the shape of a ‘C’ or a ‘U’. Insert!
7 Fold
This menstrual cup folding method is all about getting your cup into the shape of the number 7. Here’s how to get it right:
Step 1: Pinch either side of the cup’s rim to bring them together and flatten it.
Step 2: Pull one end of the rim diagonally across to the opposite side of the cup to form the number 7. That’s all! Simple, right?
Triangle Fold
The triangle fold is almost like the 7-fold method. Here’s how to get it right:
Step 1: Pinch the rim of the cup to make it flat.
Step 2: Pull one end of the rim diagonally across and over to the opposite side of the cup. This forms a triangle and your cup would be ready for seamless insertion.
Labia Fold
This folding method lives up to its name and literally looks like a labia. Here’s how to get it right:
Step 1: Pinch the rim of the cup to flatten it.
Step 2: With the index finger of the other hand, create a slight indentation at the base of the cup. Push the flattened rim into this indentation. This forms the smaller fold that resembles your labia minora.
Step 3: Secure the fold by bringing the other two sides of the cup’s base together so that they form a larger fold that looks like the labia majora. That’s the labia fold for your menstrual cup, peeps!
Sirona Recommends Best Menstrual Cup: Sirona Menstrual Cup
Made with soft medical-grade, skin-friendly silicone, Sirona’s Menstrual Cup is super-flexible. It can be folded into any shape of your choice and inserted minus any hassle. With a whopping capacity of up to 28 mL, it offers leak-proof protection for eight hours straight and keeps you super-comfy all day. Additionally, the cup’s got a stem at the base that makes it easily accessible during removal. Available in three different sizes (small, medium, and large), this cup will fit you like a glove and is sure to change your period experience forever. Try it to believe it!
Sirona Recommends Best Lube: Sirona Moisturising Lube Tube
Here’s another product from Sirona’s intimate care range that can come to your rescue if you’re worried about your menstrual cup causing pain during insertion. Make way for Sirona’s Moisturising Lube Tube. Packed with the goodness of Tasmanian pepper fruit and riberry, this one’s a game-changer if you suffer from dryness down there. It’s like a super-safe moisturiser for your vagina that relieves dryness and discomfort instantly. You can apply it to the opening of the vagina before inserting the cup or use it for a sensual massage every now and then. Naughty and nice, we say.
With these menstrual cup folding methods to your rescue, you’re sure to get it right faster. Cheers to a sustainable period and a pain-free cup insertion!
Also Read
Busting Myths About Menstrual Cups: Read this if the myths about menstrual cups are keeping you from ditching your pads and tampons for this sustainable period aid.
Period Essentials: My Top 5 Period Must-Haves!: These period essentials will take the edge off a difficult shark week and change your period experience forever.
How to Use a Menstrual Cup: Here’s a detailed guide on how to use a menstrual cup to make your sustainable switch smooth and easy.
Menstrual Hygiene: A Need of the Hour: Why do you need to maintain proper period hygiene? Find out the answer right here, right now.
Menstrual Cups for LGBT People: Menstrual cups are for everyone. Read this to learn more.
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