A period cup is a small, soft, reusable cup you pop in during your period to collect blood rather than absorb it. It holds more than a tampon, lasts for years, and saves a small fortune over time. The learning curve is real for the first cycle or two, and then it just clicks. Here is exactly how to use one, minus the horror stories.

 

What is a period cup and how does it work?

It is a flexible little cup, usually medical-grade silicone, that sits low in your vagina and forms a gentle seal to catch your flow. Because it collects rather than absorbs, it can stay in longer than a tampon, does not dry you out, and one cup replaces years of disposables. You empty it, rinse it, pop it back in. That is the whole game. More on why a small cup makes a big difference.

 

How do you insert a period cup?

Wash your hands, then fold the cup until it is small enough to insert. The two easiest folds to start with are the C-fold (press it flat and fold it in half so it looks like a C) and the punch-down fold (push one edge down into the middle for a smaller tip). Relax, aim it back towards the base of your spine rather than straight up, and let it open once it is in. A little water or a water-based lube on the rim makes it smoother. Sitting on the loo, squatting, or standing with one leg up all work, go with whatever feels least awkward.

 

How do you know if it's in right?

Once it is in, run a finger around the base. It should feel round or oval, not squashed, which tells you it has opened and sealed. You can give the base (not the stem) a gentle turn or tug; if it resists slightly, you are sealed. When it is placed right, you genuinely should not feel it. If you can, it usually just needs to sit a little lower or open more fully.

 

How do you take a period cup out?

Wash your hands, relax, and bear down gently with your muscles to bring it lower. Pinch the finger grips at the base to break the seal, do not just pull the stem, then ease it out keeping it upright. Tip the contents into the loo, rinse it, and reinsert. Doing it in the shower for the first few times takes the pressure off.

 

How often do you empty it?

Most people can go up to about 8 hours, depending on their flow, so you can often set and forget for a workday or overnight. On your heaviest days, you may need to empty it more often; you will quickly learn your own timing. Always rinse before reinserting.

 

How do you clean a period cup?

Day-to-day, rinse it with water between empties; a dedicated Period Cup Wash keeps things simple and gentle. To sterilise between periods, use the Steriliser Case that comes with your cup: place the cup face-down in the case with about 5ml of water and microwave for 1 minute, then let it cool before touching, it will be hot. Store your cup in the case whenever it's not in use or when you're on the go, so it stays clean and protected. Full cleaning guide here.

 

Can you sleep, swim and exercise with a cup?

Yes, to all three. A period cup is brilliant for overnight because of how long it lasts, and unlike a tampon, there is no string and nothing to absorb pool or ocean water, so it is great for swimming and every kind of workout. Once it is right, you can basically forget it is there.

 

What if it leaks or feels uncomfortable?

Leaks in the early days almost always come down to the cup not fully opening or sealing or sitting too high. Take it out, reinsert a little lower, and check that the base feels round. Discomfort usually means it is sitting too high, or the stem is a touch long; you can trim the stem to fit you. Give it two or three cycles before you decide. Nearly everyone who sticks with it wishes they had switched sooner.

 

Quick answers

Q: How do you insert a period cup for the first time?
A: Wash your hands, fold the cup (the C-fold or punch-down fold are easiest), relax, and aim it back towards the base of your spine. Let it open and check the base feels round. A little water on the rim helps.

Q: How long can you leave a period cup in?
A: Up to around 8 hours depending on your flow, so it is great for workdays and overnight. Empty more often on heavy days and always rinse before reinserting.

Q: How do you clean a period cup?
A: Rinse with water between empties, using a dedicated Period Cup Wash if you like. To sterilise, use the Steriliser Case included with your cup: place it face-down with about 5ml of water and microwave for 1 minute, then let it cool before touching. Store it in the case between periods to keep it clean and protected.

Q: Can you sleep and swim with a period cup?
A: Yes. A period cup is ideal overnight because of how long it lasts, and there is no string and nothing to absorb water, so it is great for swimming and exercise.

Shop the Period Cup (comes with its own Steriliser Case) and Cup Wash.