Before You Get Started
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.
How to Position Your Cup
When inserting your cup, think “up and back.” The vagina naturally angles slightly toward your tailbone, so guiding the cup in at a slight angle rather than straight up can make insertion much smoother and more comfortable.
If your cup feels good and isn’t leaking, then you’re all set. That’s a great sign that it’s positioned correctly.
Keep in mind that the MeLuna Cup might shift a little while you’re wearing it. This is completely normal and caused by the natural movement of your vaginal muscles. A small shift in position won’t affect how the cup works or how it feels. As long as you're comfortable and leak-free, everything is working just as it should.
Folding Techniques for Menstrual Cups
How you fold your menstrual cup can make a big difference in how smoothly insertion goes. The right fold can really help with comfort, ease, and how well the cup opens and seals once it’s in place.
Some folding techniques are super simple and easy to learn, while others might take a little more practice but offer benefits like a stronger pop open or a more secure seal.
Below are a few of our favorite folds to get you started. If one method doesn’t feel quite right, don’t worry. There are plenty of others to explore. You’re in control, and with a little experimenting, you’ll find the one that works best for you.
Feel free to try different folds to see what feels right for you. Everyone's body is different, so the best fold is the one that works comfortably and reliably for you.
Check out our step-by-step images and videos.
Watch This Short Reel to See Folding Techniques
C-Fold
This is the most commonly used fold because it is so easy. Press the menstrual cup flat and then put both sides together. Think taco!
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 pop more strongly after insertion.
S-Fold
This folding technique works well on larger models, such as MeLuna L and XL. Press the menstrual cup flat and fold the edge in a zigzag.
FAQs About Inserting a Menstrual Cup
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.
Learning to use a menstrual cup can feel a little tricky at first, but with a bit of practice, it gets much easier. If you’re having trouble with inserting, wearing, or removing your cup, the most important thing is to stay calm and give yourself some grace.
It’s totally normal for it to take a little time to get the hang of it. Even if you’ve used tampons before, the technique for a menstrual cup is different, and that’s okay. Most people need about three cycles to really feel comfortable using their cup, so don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t feel perfect right away.
With a bit of patience and some practice, it will soon become second nature. You've got this!
For most users, is not necessary to empty the menstrual cup 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!
Insertion can be easier and more comfortable if you moisten your MeLuna Cup with a little water first.
A water-based lubricant can also make a big difference, especially if you're just starting out or feeling a bit dry.
We recommend Sliquid, a gentle, body-safe option that works really well with menstrual cups.
Review the image and instructions above for guidance on the menstrual cup's position.
Once your cup is inserted, try engaging your pelvic floor muscles to help guide it into the right position. Pressing down slightly with your muscles can help the cup settle lower, where it may feel more comfortable. If it doesn’t feel quite right, you can gently pull the cup back out a little, then press it back in again until it sits comfortably and securely.
With a bit of practice, finding the right technique becomes second nature. Be patient with yourself. You’re doing great!
Knowing if your menstrual cup has sealed properly is actually pretty simple. Just ask yourself two questions: Is it comfortable? Is it leaking? If the answer is yes to comfort and no to leaking, then you're good to go — your cup has sealed just fine.
There’s no need to overcomplicate things by trying to check the rim or doing anything extra. If it feels good and isn’t leaking, that’s your sign that you did it right!
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.
Getting a good seal with your menstrual cup is important, but sometimes that seal can create strong suction, which may feel a bit uncomfortable. One simple trick is to leave a little bit of air in the cup by not folding it too small before inserting it. This helps the cup open more gently and prevents it from clinging too tightly.
With this slight adjustment, your cup can still seal well while feeling much more comfortable once it’s in place. A little air can make a big difference!
If you're switching from a silicone cup to a TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) cup, such as MeLuna, you may notice a couple of key differences. Don’t worry, these changes are normal and nothing to be concerned about:
1. A Softer, Gentler Unfolding
TPE cups have a softer' pop open' action compared to silicone cups. This doesn't mean the cup isn’t working; in fact, it can be more comfortable and less jarring during insertion and removal, thanks to the unique properties of TPE material.
✨ Insert the TPE cup as instructed, which usually involves folding it and then allowing it to unfold inside the vaginal canal. Enjoy the more gentle unfolding. No noticeable 'pop' needed!
2. Adapts to Your Body’s Shape
While silicone cups tend to hold their perfectly round molded shape, TPE cups conform to their environment.
Because the vaginal canal is more like a soft, compressed hose than a rigid tube, your MeLuna may take on an oval or bean-like shape once inserted and that’s precisely what it’s designed to do.
Important: These differences do not affect the cup’s performance. The material doesn’t cause leaks; they’re usually related to sizing or placement. TPE offers a more adaptable, body-conforming experience, without compromising on its ability to collect menstrual fluid effectively.
Resist the urge to try to get the cup to take on a completely round shape inside your body. It is not necessary, and extensive manipulation inside your body can be uncomfortable and unnecessary.
TPE menstrual cups are unique because they respond to temperature. If you're having trouble getting your cup to pop open, you can try firming it up by rinsing it with cold water first. This can make insertion and opening a bit easier while you're still getting used to using it.
On the other hand, if your cup feels a little too firm, warming it in warm (not hot) water can help soften it and make it more flexible before inserting. Just be sure the water isn't too hot. You don’t want to risk burning yourself.
One of the great things about TPE cups is how they adapt to your body. Once inserted, the cup will naturally adjust to your internal shape thanks to your body heat.
You might notice it takes on an oval shape instead of staying perfectly round, and that’s completely normal. The vagina is more like a gently compressed hose than a round pipe, so the cup is simply adjusting to fit comfortably.
As long as the cup has a sufficient diameter to create a seal, this oval shape won’t cause leaks. It’s just your MeLuna Cup doing exactly what it’s designed to do — gently conforming to your body for a comfortable, secure fit.
