In India, menstruation is a subject clouded in myths and misconceptions. While some people believe menstruating women should be kept isolated from their family and the male members of the family; for others, menstruating women are impure, and they shouldn’t touch plants or participate in any sort of religious gatherings. Owing to the widespread stereotypes associated with periods, most women still use disposable feminine hygiene products. However, female sanitary cups or menstrual cups are way more convenient, cost-effective and sustainable. Although many women understand this, they don’t use period cups because they think menstrual cups are a hassle.

The real truth is period cups are more comfortable than any feminine hygiene product. There’s no denying inserting a female sanitary cups can be a learning curve for many, but we are here to help. One of the most crucial aspects of inserting a menstrual cup is understanding the different folding techniques. Using the right fold doesn’t just make insertion easy; it also ensures a secure fit and seal. So, without further ado, let’s delve into different folds you can try for inserting period cups.

1 C-Fold (or U-Fold)

Also known as the U-Fold, the C-Fold is one of the most straightforward and commonly used techniques. To do this fold, flatten the period cup, and fold it in half, forming a “C” or “U” shape. How does this fold help? It reduces the cup’s diameter and makes insertion more manageable. Once the cup is inserted, it unfolds inside the vagina and creates a reliable seal against the vaginal walls.

2 Punch-Down Fold

This fold involves pushing a section of the cup’s rim down into the centre of the base. The punch-down fold is quite similar to pushing a button and it reduces the size of the insertion point, making it narrower and potentially more comfortable for some users. Once the cup is inside it expands, and ensures effective coverage and leakage prevention.

3 7-Fold

Otherwise known as the triangle fold, the 7-fold is all about folding the cup diagonally to create a triangular shape. The 7-fold narrows the insertion point while maintaining a sturdy rim for easy removal, and it’s slightly more than other options as it allows the users to find what works best for their anatomy.

4 Labia Fold

The labia fold, also called the origami fold uses multiple folds to create a smaller insertion point. To execute this fold, pinch one side of the cup’s rim inward, then fold the opposite side over it. Finally, fold the bottom of the cup up, creating a compact shape resembling the folds of the labia, so the period cup can be inserted in the narrowest vaginal openings without any resistance.

Conclusion

Not buying a menstrual because just because you don’t know how to insert a menstrual cup for beginners? Don’t worry you will figure it out sooner or later, and once you get the hang of it, there’s no turning back. Instead of thinking about how to insert a menstrual cup for beginners, focus on the benefits a period cup offers and switch to a sustainable way of managing periods without any setbacks.