If you’re new to menstrual cups, it may take a little bit of practice to get used to inserting it in a way that helps your cup pop open, feels comfortable, and prevents leaks.
The way you fold your menstrual cup before inserting it can affect how it feels and sits inside your vaginal canal. You may also find certain folds easier to insert, especially when using a softer cup, such as our Pixie Cup Slim.
Different types of menstrual cup folds
When you first get that brand-new Pixie Cup in your hands, your first thought might be something like, “How in the world is this supposed to fit in there?!” We’re going to share with you the three most popular menstrual cup folding techniques.
If these don’t work out for you, our favorite menstrual cup gurus over at Put A Cup in It have an awesome page (with videos!) on 9 Great Menstrual Cup Folds.
Menstrual cup folding technique #1: The C fold
The C fold is the most common fold and often a favorite with our #PixieFamily. This is a popular fold because you can do it with one hand, and you can do it very quickly. However, this fold can easily pop open before you want it to, so it may not be the best fold for beginners. It also results in a larger point of insertion than the folds discussed below.
To create this fold, start with the cup pinched flat and then fold it in half so that it makes a “C” or “U” shape.
Menstrual cup folding technique #2: The 7 fold
Use both of your hands to pinch the rim of your Pixie Cup flat. Then, take one side and fold it diagonally towards the base of the cup so the rim looks like a 7.
This cup creates a fairly small point of insertion and also gives you more control over when you want the cup to pop open.
Menstrual cup folding technique #3: The punch-down fold
For this fold, start by holding the body of your cup in one hand. With your free hand, place your finger on the rim of the cup, then push it down and pinch it to hold the position. This fold might be the most comfortable because it has a small insertion point, which makes it great for beginners. It also tends to work well with softer cups.
Once the cup is inserted, give it a push at the base to make the rim pop open.
Inserting your menstrual cup
First of all, know that everyone is different. Inserting your Pixie Cup might be a bit awkward at first. Give yourself time to get familiar with your vaginal canal and figure out what works best for you.
Pick a fold and practice it a few times to get a good idea of how the cup will unfold once it’s inside you.
We recommend that you grab 2-3 pumps of Pixie Cup Lube (designed specifically for silicone cups) or another water-based lubricant and generously coat the rim and upper body of the cup.
Get into position
Now get into a comfortable position (you might find it easier to squat with your knees open the first few times) and insert the cup with one hand. Keep in mind that you aren’t inserting your cup straight up in a vertical line. Your vaginal canal slopes at an angle back towards your bum (try aiming for your tailbone).
Pop your cup open
Release the fold once the rim of the cup is securely inside the vaginal canal. After you release it, make sure the cup fully opens and seals around your vaginal canal to avoid leaks. You may feel a “pop” when the cup opens. Learn more about getting your menstrual cup to pop open.
Check the seal
Slide your finger all the way around the rim of the cup after it’s completely inserted. If you feel any dips, it means that you cup isn’t open, and might leak. Wiggling or twisting your cup should make the dip or fold fully open.
You’ll know that the cup is in the right position if you can’t feel it, it’s not leaking, and no part of the cup is sticking outside of you.
It might take a bit of trial and error to find the best insertion method for your body. But once you get it down, inserting your cup will be a piece of cake!
Watch Meg demonstrate the punch-down fold and the C-fold:
Ready to switch to menstrual cups?
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This blog post is an excerpt from our e-book, All About Menstrual Cups: A Simple Guide to Anything + Everything Period Cup Related.
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