It should not. If it feels painful, remove it, relax and try again with a better fold or angle. Persistent pain is a reason to talk to a doctor.
How do you use a menstrual cup for the first time?
Wash your hands, sterilise the cup, fold it, and insert it low and angled toward your tailbone until it sits just below the cervix. Run a finger around the base to check it has opened fully. Empty it at least every 12 hours, and remove it by pinching the base to release the suction rather than pulling on the stem. Most people need two or three cycles before it feels easy.
Quick facts
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Practice period: expect two or three cycles before it feels natural
-
Maximum wear: empty at least every 12 hours, and sooner on heavy days (PeeSafe’s cup is rated for up to 12 hours)
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Insertion angle: toward the tailbone, not straight up
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Removal: pinch the base to break the seal, never pull on the stem alone
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Lubricant: if needed, use a water-based one, since silicone-based lubricants can damage silicone cups
Step by step
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Choose a calm moment and wash your hands.
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Sterilise the cup before first use (see how to sterilise a menstrual cup).
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Get comfortable: squat, sit on the toilet, or raise one foot on a ledge, and relax your pelvic muscles.
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Fold the cup. For a C-fold, press the rim flat, fold it in half into a C shape and hold it firmly.
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Insert the folded cup, rim first, angling it toward your tailbone, until it sits just below the cervix.
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Let it open. Slide a finger around the base to check there are no folds, and rotate it gently if needed. A cup that is open and sealed resists a light tug.
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Wear it for up to 12 hours, emptying sooner if it feels full.
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To remove, wash your hands, bear down gently, reach the base, pinch it to release the suction, tilt, and slide the cup out.
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Empty it, rinse it, wash it with warm water and mild unscented soap or a cup wash, and reinsert.
Fixing common first-time problems
|
Problem |
Likely cause |
What to try |
|---|---|---|
|
Leaking |
Cup not fully open, cup too full, or wrong size |
Run a finger around the base, rotate gently, empty more often, and check the size |
|
Discomfort |
Cup sitting too low, or stem poking |
Push it slightly higher, and check your brand’s guidance on the stem |
|
Hard to remove |
Suction still holding |
Pinch the base before pulling |
|
Cannot reach it |
Cup has moved up |
Bear down gently and squat to bring it lower |
If the cup keeps leaking or feels uncomfortable even after several cycles, the size may be wrong. See what menstrual cup size you need. PeeSafe’s cups are in the menstrual cup collection, and the cup sterilisers and washes cover the cleaning step.
Related reading from the PeeSafe blog
FAQ's
Does a menstrual cup hurt?
Can I sleep with a menstrual cup in?
Yes, as long as you empty it within the maximum wear time of 12 hours and the size is right for you. Heavy flow may need an earlier change.
Can I use a menstrual cup if I have an IUD?
Talk to your doctor or gynaecologist first. There are rare reports of cups dislodging an IUD, so many doctors suggest checking the IUD strings and taking extra care when removing the cup.