Before you get Started
Before using your MeLuna menstrual cup for the first time, please disinfect the cup using the instructions on this site. You can find them here.
Always clean your hands thoroughly before removing and reinserting your MeLuna menstrual cup.
Prior to inserting, fold the MeLuna menstrual cup the way that is most comfortable for you. Hold the folded menstrual cup and insert the cup with the fold facing forward. You can insert the menstrual cup while sitting on the toilet, in a standing position or while crouching – or in any position that is most comfortable for you!
Keep in mind that your vagina slants towards your back. When inserting for the first time it is sometimes helpful to think ‘back and up’ rather than just straight up.
How to Insert your Menstrual Cup
If you need a little extra help with insertion, we recommend water based lubricant like Sliquid or Hydra, which we carry in our store. You can find it here.
You will find the most comfortable position of your MeLuna menstrual cup over time. Some women prefer to position it very close to their cervix, others prefer to place the cup closer to the vaginal entrance. MeLuna menstrual cups should not be inserted too shallow or close to the vaginal entrance because this could cause discomfort when sitting down.
Folding Techniques for Menstrual Cups
You will need to fold your cup to insert it comfortably into the vagina. Below are a few examples of possible folds. There are also quite a few other ways to fold a menstrual cup. Regardless of fold style one thing to keep in mind is that insertion will be more comfortable and effective, if there is still some air remaining in the menstrual cup - otherwise the suction from the seal created may be too strong and uncomfortable. MeLuna and other cups can unfold just fine, if sufficient air is present.
C-fold
An easy way. Press the menstrual cup flat and then put both sides together.
Punch down fold
This is slightly more sophisticated folding technique. Press the edge of the menstrual cup to a point with the thumb down (and inside). The major advantage of this method: The tension created causes the cup to unfold more readily after insertion.
S-Fold
Works well on larger models, such as MeLuna L and XL. Press the menstrual cup flat and fold the edge in a zigzag.
Things to consider when inserting a cup
Hold the cup firmly folded and insert it with the folded side first, into the vagina. This can be done sitting on the toilet, standing or crouching – whatever position is most comfortable to you. If you encounter problems with the insertion a water-based lubricant can help. You will quickly find out by trial and error what optimal positioning of the MeLuna is for you. Some women prefer to place them close to the cervix, others prefer it if it sits closer to the vaginal entrance. MeLuna should however not be located too close to the entrance of the vagina since it would be more likely to cause discomfort.
Miranda's Tip for a Great Seal:
"I find that I can create the best seal when I insert the cup a little higher than I plan to wear it. Then gently pull it down into place. That tends to open the cup and seal well. Give it a try!"
Your vagina slants slightly towards your back rather than straight up. For that reason it is helpful to think of a backwards directed motion when learning to insert your cup
How to position the menstrual cup
To avoid leakage, check after insertion whether the menstrual cup is completely unfolded. This can be determined by turning the cup or by tracing around the edge with your finger. If this is challenging for you, do not worry. It's not a requirement.
If you wear it and it doesn't leak then all is well!
Due to the movement of the vaginal muscles, it is possible that the MeLuna slightly changes position during use. This does not affect functionality or comfort.
How long can the MeLuna stay in the vagina?
You should plan to remove and clean your MeLuna at least every 8-12 hours. Wearing your cup too long without cleaning can result in odors.
Usually it is sufficient to empty your MeLuna 2 to 4 times a day. Since the menstrual flow varies from woman to woman and also during the cycle, the frequency in which you need to empty the cup will also vary.
To figure out your best schedule, simply empty the MeLuna at similar intervals as you have previously changed tampons and pads. This will give you an idea of how frequently the cup will need emptying. The menstrual cup can be worn both during the day and at night, but they should be emptied at least every 8 to 12 hours.
For most users, is not necessary to empty the MeLuna every time you use the bathroom. Some may find their core muscles push the cup out during bowel movement or that the cup impacts urination. In those cases feel free to take the cup out beforehand. Everybody is different and you should use the approach that works best for you!
Temperature - How it affects firmness
TPE menstrual cup respond to temperature. That means if you are having trouble getting our cup too pop open you can firm it up a bit with cold water until you get the hang of it. The same holds true if you feel your cup is a tad too firm.
Simply warm it up in warm water to make it a little squishier before inserting.
Be careful not to make it too hot. You don't want to burn yourself.
You can witness this responsiveness to temperature by the way your cup adjusts to your body under the influence of body heat. TPE cups will take on an oval shape while in the body. The vagina is shaped like a compressed hose, not a round pipe. That's why the cups turn oval. As long as there is sufficient diameter an oval shape in TPE cups is not linked to leakage. It's simply conforming to the shape of its surroundings!
Additional Tips and Tricks
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If you are encountering any difficulties with insertion, wear or removal the most important thing is to stay calm. Please keep in mind that inserting the cup correctly takes a certain amount of practice. It will soon become second nature.
You have to remember, it takes most users up to 3 cycles to properly apply a menstrual cup. There are some useful tricks that you should try, if you are having difficulties with insertion and unfolding of the MeLuna cup:
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Did you know that the position of your cervix changes throughout your cycle? Often new customers are anxious to give the cup a ‘dry run’ to prepare before their period. What is important to remember though is that during your period your cervix is generally located lower, changing the position of the cup from where it would sit during a dry run. There also will be more moisture, etc. If you are opting for a ‘dry run’ and experience any difficulties with placement just remember that this may not be indicative of where/how the cup will sit during your menstruation.
Got questions about removal? You can find info on how to remove your menstrual cup right here: How to Remove a Menstrual Cup
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