How to Use AllMatters Menstrual Cup

AllMatters menstrual cup step-by-step guide

Every beginning can be difficult – including trying a menstrual cup for the first time.

However, we assure you that there’s nothing to fear. It might take you a few days or a few periods to become comfortable with the cup. But we assure you, it’s all worth it. You can read about the pros and cons of switching to a menstrual cup, and find out how it compares to pads and tampons.

Experiment with different folding and insertion methods and don’t worry, you’ll soon become a dedicated cup convert. Here you will find all you need to know about using a menstrual cup.

Here's a short video guide on how to use the AllMatters Cup:

 

Or if you would prefer an in-depth guide, we have that too:

Before first use

Before using your AllMatters cup for the first time you should sanitise the cup in boiling water for 3-5 minutes. Remember not to let the cup touch the bottom of the pot.

 

Step 1

How to insert a menstrual cup


Wash
Remember to wash your hands using clean water and a mild soap, such as cup wash, before inserting it.

 

Fold
There are many different folding methods so experiment and find the one that works for you. 

Two of the most popular are: The Punch-Down Fold and the C-Fold. 

When you’re inserting your menstrual cup, you need to keep it folded until it is inside of your vagina.

Relax
It’s important to relax your muscles when inserting your menstrual cup, so find a comfortable position. 

You can lie down, squat, sit on the toilet or simply stand up. You’ll find the position that works best for you over time!

You might want to use water or a water-based lubricant to make insertion easier. 

 

Insert and release
Insert the folded menstrual cup and once the entire cup is inside of you, remove your fingers and let it open up.

If the menstrual cup has been inserted correctly, you might hear a “pop” or a suction sound which means that the cup has unfolded and created the necessary suction seal.

If you’re in doubt, reach in and feel around the base of the cup – it should feel round or oval and not have any noticeable folds.

 

Rotate
If you feel any dents or folds on the base of your menstrual cup and you’re not sure the suction seal has been created, then gently grip the base of the cup (not the stem) and rotate it to make it unfold. 

Once your menstrual cup is in place, try to pull the stem a bit, if you feel resistance, the suction seal has been created and the cup has been inserted correctly!

In comparison with a tampon, the menstrual cup should be placed lower in the vaginal canal.

The stem should be completely inside of you.

 

However, we’re all built differently and if the stem pokes out and annoys you, you can trim it (not while inserted).

 

Step 2

Wear for up to 12 hours

One of the benefits of using a menstrual cup is that you can use it for up to 12 hours at a time so once inserted you can leave your cup in all day and night. 

Depending on how heavy your flow is, you may have to empty it more often than twice a day.

That’s why we recommend you empty your menstrual cup more often in the beginning to get to know the cup and your flow.

The cup can contain more liquid than 3 super tampons.

According to the NHS (National Health Service, UK), on average you lose 5 to 12 teaspoons of blood during your period, so you might be surprised about how little you actually bleed.

 

Step 3

How to remove a menstrual cup

Wash
Again, start out by washing your hands with warm water and a mild soap. 

 

Relax
Find a comfortable position that works for you: lie down, squat, sit on the toilet or stand up. Being relaxed is essential, as removing your menstrual cup will be more difficult if you tense up.

 

Remove
When removing your menstrual cup, pull slightly on the stem until you can reach the base. Give the base of the cup a gentle pinch (or insert your index finger alongside it) to release the suction seal and ease it out.

Avoid removing your menstrual cup by pulling the stem as this might cause discomfort.

Empty and wash
Once you have removed your menstrual cup, empty the collected flow into the toilet or sink and rinse the cup with water or the AllMatters Wash (remember the air holes) and re-insert.

If you’re in a bathroom without access to clean water, you can use a sanitising wipe or toilet paper to clean your cup and rinse it with water at a later time.

 

Re-insert or store
When your menstrual cup is clean, re-insert it as outlined in Step 1. 

However, if your period has ended: Boil the cup for 3-5 minutes in water or simply use a sanitising wipe  to disinfect it and store your cup in the AllMatters cotton bag.

 

 

Tips for first time menstrual cup users

  1. Read the instructions thoroughly. 
    It might seem obvious, but reading the instructions that come with your cup is an important step. Many of us get so excited that we can tend to forget this step and jump right in without fully knowing what to do.

  2. Wear a pantyliner until you feel comfortable. 
    Until you feel 100% comfortable with your menstrual cup, you might want to wear a pantyliner so you don’t have to worry about leaking.

  3. Try to locate your cervix.
    We all have differently positioned cervixes and the cup should be placed below the cervix, if not, it will most likely leak. Try to locate your cervix with your finger, you should feel for a slightly firmer area of tissue and position your cup under it.

  4. Trim the stem of the cup.
    If you can feel the stem and find it uncomfortable after using the cup a couple of times, you can cut it shorter. However, do not trim the stem while the menstrual cup is inserted!

  5. Practice before your period.
    No one expects you to be an instant menstrual cup pro, so we recommend you practice inserting and removing your cup before you get your period.

  6. Use lubrication.
    You can use water or a water-based lubricant to make insertion easier.