How to Insert a Menstrual Cup

Before using your MeLuna menstrual cup for the first time, please sanitize 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.

If you need a little extra help with putting the menstrual cup in, we recommend water based lubricant like Sliquid, which we carry in our store. You can find it here.

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.

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.

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.

If you wear it and it doesn't leak or hurt 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.

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 and bacterial growth.
How frequently you need to empty your cup will also depend on cup capacity and your flow volume.

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!

TPE menstrual cups respond to temperature. That means if you are having trouble getting our cup to 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!

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.
Even if you have been using tampons the experience is not transferable to the technique for insertion and removal of a menstrual cup.

In most cases problems with the cup being uncomfortable to wear or a challenge to insert can be remedied with practice. You will get the hang of it!
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:

The folding technique: Try to fold the MeLuna so that there is air in it. Punch down folding is a good method. Try different techniques.
The insertion is easier if the MeLuna is moistened with water. Water-based lubricants can also be helpful for insertion.
Engage the pelvic floor muscles to help place the MeLuna correctly: after insertion press down, to push the menstrual cup slightly back down. Or gently pull your cup back out and then press it in again.
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