How To Use The Mooncup

To be frank - using the mooncup menstrual cup will take some practise. 

Don’t be put off if you have to give it some time practising inserting and removing, it usually takes about 3 periods to get comfortable and make the change.  You really are making a mindshift in your habits and moving towards a more natural menstruation so don’t be surprised if you feel a slight mental resistance to giving it a go.  We are creatures of habit after all!   Just stick with it-  You will reap the rewards in the end.  It is best to pick a period when you will be in a familiar place - preferably near a toilet with a sink.  When I decided to try it I will admit there was an element of anxiety/excitement (will I lose it up there forever ?) especially as there is no ‘ripcord’ to grab hold of.  It felt a bit like being 13 again and staring at a tampon for the first time.  Now of course I can insert and remove the mooncup quickly and pretty much on autopilot.

Insertion:
Remember to take your time and relax the first few times you use the mooncup.

1)You want to fold the mooncup right down so that it’s easy to insert.  You can collapse one side right down, or fold it in half twice, there are several different techniques, basically you just want the mooncup to be narrower as it is easier to insert that way.

2) Relax !! Insert the folded mooncup just as you would a tampon, aiming towards the small of your back.  There is no need to push it very far up as the mooncup is designed to sit slightly lower in the vagina than a tampon.

3) Once inserted you may feel the sides unfold with a gentle pinging sensation.  to make sure it has fully unfolded you can rotate the base of the cup (not the stem).  The Mooncup obviously needs to be fully open and to hug the sides of the vaginal wall to be effective and prevent leaks

4)Finally - you will know that the mooncup is in the right position because you will not  be able to feel it, and there will be no leakage.  If you feel the tail or stem of the mooncup is sitting too low- then you can trim it until it is comfortable.  Every woman truly is different so there is no right length - some people find they can leave the stem intact and it doesn’t bother them, others cut it right off.

Removal:
1)removal is a little trickier - but once you have the knack it really is simple.  Remember that the curved edges of the mooncup hug the vaginal wall and prevent leakage.  this also means there is a light suction effect when you go to remove it.  There are a series of tiny air holes around the top of the cup which help release the vacuum, and you MUST release the vacuum before you pull the mooncup out.  Otherwise you will get a somewhat unpleasant ‘plunger’ effect !

2) Again, make sure you are not in a hurry and remember that it is impossible to lose the mooncup inside you.  Relax your vaginal muscles and ‘bear down’ slightly (as if you are passing a bowel movement).  This will move the mooncup lower so you can grab hold of the stem and base of the cup.

3) squeeze the base of the mooncup so that the vacuum is broken, then, remaining relaxed, guide the cup down and out carefully and empty contents into the toilet.

4) If you are in a bathroom with a sink, then you can rinse out your mooncup with water (no soap necessary) and re-insert.  You can give your mooncup a more thorough cleaning in between periods.