How to use a menstrual cup
Recently, there has been an increase in the variety of menstrual products and sanitary items, such as disposable pads, tampons, absorbent shorts, cloth pads, and menstrual discs, and one of these is the menstrual cup. It's an item you've probably heard of and seen more often than before, with some drugstores carrying it. However, many people don't know how to use it and feel that it's too difficult. However, once you try it, many people say it's incredibly comfortable!
For those people, murmo also has a HOW TO page that explains how to use it, but in this article we will introduce in detail how to use it, including basic information about menstrual cups.
What is a menstrual cup?
A menstrual cup is a type of sanitary product that is folded and inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood. Like tampons, it is classified as a general medical device. It is made of a highly biocompatible, soft, and elastic material, such as medical-grade silicone, and can be reused for several years if properly disinfected and cleaned. (The durability period depends on the material and each manufacturer's standards.)
Murmo menstrual cups are made from medical-grade silicone and can last for years with proper use.
How to use a menstrual cup
We will show you how to fold, insert, and remove your menstrual cup.
At murmo, we recommend the "C fold" and "labia fold," which effectively use murmo's easy line (vertical grooves).
1. C-fold
This folding method makes the cross section of the menstrual cup look like a C when folded. It's the easiest and most conventional method.
If you are trying out a menstrual cup for the first time, we recommend you try this folding method first.
● How to do it ●
1. Hold the cup in your dominant hand (front, groove facing you)
2. Place your index finger along the groove and fold it in half so that the groove becomes a valley.
3. Remove your fingers from the grooves and keep it folded.
4. Once you can hold the bifold in one hand, it's done.
If it's difficult to do with one hand, you can use your other hand to support it and make it go more smoothly.
This is also explained in this video , so please take a look.
2. Labia fold
This fold allows you to make the tip that goes into the vagina thinner than a C-fold. It's a little more difficult than a C-fold until you get used to it, but if you use Murmo's Easy Line, it's an easy fold even for people with weak grip strength, so if you find the tip of a C-fold too big to insert, I recommend trying this next.
● How to do it ●
1. Hold the cup in your dominant hand
2. Grasp the easy line (vertical groove) toward your dominant hand and make a mountain fold along the easy line.
3. Lightly press the other side and fold the mountain fold inward.
4. Once folded, grab it and it's done
Please take a look at this video which explains it.
How to insert
1. Hold the folded cup in one hand and with the other, gently open both sides of the vaginal opening to make the opening easier to find.
2. Insert the folded cup from the opening into the entrance of the vagina. Gently push it towards the anus and push it in. It is important to relax and release any tension around the vagina as you insert it.
3. When the cup is about 2/3 full, pinch the bottom of the cup to release the folded groove.
To see how this works, please watch this video which explains how to open the cup.
4. Press down on the bottom of the cup until the entire cup, including the stem, is inside.5. Try moving your body and if you don't feel any discomfort at the entrance of your vagina, the device is now properly installed.
How to remove
1. Imagine having a bowel movement and strain from your vagina outwards.
2. The stem (the rod at the bottom) of the menstrual cup will then descend into the entrance of the vagina, so grab the stem with your fingers and slowly pull it out of the vagina. The cup will then gently squeeze out along the groove. When pulling it out, it will be easier to remove if you stay relaxed and do not apply pressure to your vagina.
3. Once the bottom of the cup is slightly out, grab the bottom of the cup (the non-slip part) and slowly pull it out of your body. Make sure the opening of the cup is facing upwards to prevent the contents from spilling out.
For more information on how to sterilize a menstrual cup, please see the blog below.
How to clean a menstrual cup? How to sterilize it by boiling
summary
We've explained how to fold, insert, and remove the cups. It may take a little time to get used to it, but after 1-3 sessions, you'll get the hang of it and find a method that's easy for you. We hope you'll find a way to use it that's easy for you.
