Key Takeaways:
- Clear Instructions: Gain confidence with simple, straightforward instructions for inserting a menstrual cup.
- Customize Your Fit: Learn about different folding techniques that cater to personal preference and ease the insertion process.
- Support Hygiene With Proper Removal And Care: Practice effective methods for removing and caring for your menstrual cup to ensure hygienic and hassle-free use.
If you’re trying out a Saalt Cup for the first time, it’s normal to be a little nervous. We hear these questions all the time: How does a menstrual cup work? What if I can’t get it out? Here’s the truth: Every cup user started exactly where you are now, and most will tell you they’d never go back to traditional period products!
That’s because period care shouldn’t be stressful. At Saalt, we believe in simplifying periods with thoughtfully designed, sustainable products that honor both your body and the planet. Our cups are created to deliver reliable, leakproof performance with soft, flexible comfort—so you can focus on living your life, not worrying about your period.
In this guide, we’ll explain exactly how to insert a menstrual cup in a way that feels supportive and judgment-free. We’ll be as detailed as possible during each step, so you can feel confident and in control.
Preparing Your Menstrual Cup Before First Use
Getting ready to use your new menstrual cup starts with setting yourself up for success. Here’s how to make sure your cup is perfectly prepped for leakproof, worry-free support from day one.
- Sanitize For A Fresh Start: Your Saalt Cup isn’t supplied in a sterile state, so it needs a quick spa moment before its debut. After all, your body deserves the cleanest care possible. Boil your cup in water for 4–5 minutes (never more than 7 minutes) to sanitize it. Use tongs or a wire whisk to keep the cup from touching the bottom of the pot, which can cause damage. Let it cool on a clean towel.
- Wash Your Hands Regularly: Your hands are your first tool. The CDC’s Menstrual Hygiene guidelines recommend always washing your hands before and after using the restroom and after using menstrual products. Wash them well with mild, fragrance-free soap and rinse thoroughly.
- Check Those Air Holes: Take a moment to check the four tiny air holes at the top of your Saalt Cup. These help create and break the seal during use, making it easier when learning how to remove a menstrual cup later on.
- Inspect Your Cup: Give your cup a quick once-over for any manufacturing marks or debris. This small step ensures everything is in perfect condition before you start.
- Practice Before Your Cycle (Optional): Consider doing a dry run before your period begins. Practice folding and inserting the cup so you can get familiar with how to put in a period cup. Take it slow—building comfort and confidence is part of the journey.
- Consider Water-Based Lubricant (Optional): If you experience friction, a small drop of water-based lubricant on the rim can make initial insertions easier. Just make sure it’s free of fragrances and oils.
Remember, preparing your cup is a mindful ritual that ensures what you’re inserting into your body is clean and sanitary. And if you ever want backup as you learn how to insert a period cup, you can always pair it with a trusty pair of period underwear.
Folding Techniques For Easy Insertion
After cleaning, you might want to practice different folding techniques to find the one that feels easiest. There’s no “perfect” fold; just like your favorite pair of jeans, it’s all about what feels right for your body. Here are some popular techniques that can make inserting your cup smoother:
- The C-Fold (Heart Fold): This classic is a go-to for many. Flatten your cup, then fold it in half to create a ‘C’ shape by bringing the two ends together. Hold it firmly between your thumb and forefinger. It’s simple, reliable, and a great starting point for most new cup users.
- The Punch-Down Fold: Looking for a smaller, more tapered insertion point? This fold is your new best friend. Use your index finger to press down on the rim to collapse the cup into itself, then pinch to hold it in place. This technique creates the narrowest point of entry, making it especially helpful for beginners or anyone feeling a bit nervous about insertion.
- The 7-Fold: Feeling ready to experiment? Flatten your cup, then fold the top right corner down diagonally so the rim forms a ‘7’ shape. This fold creates a smaller insertion point with a unique angle, offering extra control and precision.
- The Triangle Fold: Flatten your cup and fold one top corner down to create a tight triangle along the base. This shape gives you a slim, pointed tip for smooth entry and can feel more flexible if you want a lower profile fold.
Your fold, your flow. Experiment with all four folds and see what clicks for you. Prefer visual guidance? Check out our detailed how to insert a menstrual cup guide for step-by-step visuals and extra tips.
Inserting And Positioning Your Menstrual Cup Correctly
Mastering how to insert a menstrual cup is a game-changer for leak-free living. Once you’ve chosen your favorite fold, it’s time to insert and position your cup so it feels (almost) like it’s not even there.
Finding Your Best Insertion Position
With your cup folded and ready, choose a comfortable position. This might be sitting on the toilet, squatting, or standing with one leg raised (like a gentle power pose). Hold your folded Saalt Cup firmly below the upper rim.
With one hand, gently separate your labia. With the other, guide the cup in slowly, rim-first. Remember to aim back toward your tailbone, not straight up—this aligns with your natural anatomy and makes insertion smoother. Water can act as a natural lubricant to help ease the process.
Positioning Your Cup Correctly
Unlike tampons, your Saalt Cup should sit lower in the vaginal canal, but you can adjust it slightly higher if that feels more comfortable for you. As you release the cup, it will pop open (sometimes even before it’s fully inside), and that’s okay!
To help ensure the cup creates a reliable seal against the vaginal walls, gently pinch and rotate the base (not just the stem). You’ll know it’s in the right place when the rim is just below or around your cervix.
Checking For A Proper Seal
Double-check that your cup has opened completely by running a clean finger around the body of the cup. If you feel folds or indentations, try rotating the cup again until smooth. A proper seal is key to preventing leaks and unlocking that 12-hour worry-free wear time.
Check your seal by giving the stem a gentle tug—if you feel resistance, you’ve got a solid seal. Go ahead and celebrate!
What To Do If Insertion Feels Uncomfortable
If insertion feels uncomfortable, pause and breathe. This is your body inviting you to slow down and reconnect. Try using a bit of water or a water-based lubricant on the rim of your cup to reduce friction. Changing your position or experimenting with a different fold can also make a big difference in finding what feels right.
Remember: This is a new skill, so it gets easier with practice. If you don’t get it right the first time, don’t worry. There’s no need to feel rushed, and you can always try again at your own pace. We believe in you; you’ve got this! And if you need extra assistance or encouragement, our Saalt Coaches are on standby to help (TMI questions welcomed!).
You Have Options
If a standard Saalt Cup still doesn’t feel like a good fit, know that there are plenty of other sustainable alternatives. The Saalt Soft Cup is designed with an ultra-soft silicone formula, perfect for those with bladder sensitivity, cramping, or anyone who experiences discomfort with firmer cups. You might also prefer a period disc, which sits differently in the body and can offer a more flexible, low-profile option for some.
On days when you want to skip internal products altogether, Saalt’s moisture-wicking underwear uses gusset technology to keep you dry. At the end of the day, your period care should work for you, not the other way around. You deserve comfort, choice, and support every step of the way.
Removing Your Menstrual Cup Safely And Easily
Learning how to get your menstrual cup out is just as important as mastering how to insert it. The good news? It’s simple once you know what to expect, and we’re here to walk you through it step by step.
Take A Deep Breath And Relax
Before you start, wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and mild, fragrance-free soap. Choose a comfortable position: sitting on the toilet, squatting in the shower, or standing with one leg raised. The key is to stay relaxed. Tension can make removal feel more challenging than it needs to be.
Break The Seal
The stem of your Saalt Cup is there to help guide you, but it shouldn’t be used like a tampon string. Gently use the stem to locate the base of the cup. Once you feel the grip rings, pinch the base with your thumb and index finger to break the seal. Avoid pulling hard on the stem. This can cause discomfort and make removal trickier.
Remove Slowly And Steadily
Once the seal is broken, wiggle the cup side to side as you slowly pull it down and out. Keep the cup upright to avoid spills. When it’s out, empty it into the toilet or sink.
Cleaning And Caring For Your Menstrual Cup
Taking good care of your Saalt Cup is an act of respect for your body and the planet. With a little mindful attention, you can keep reusing your cup for years to come.
Wash After Every Use
After each removal, rinse your cup with cold water first. This helps prevent staining. Then, wash it thoroughly with warm water and a mild soap (or Saalt Wash, which is specially formulated for gentle, skin-friendly cleaning). Avoid harsh or scented cleaners, as these can irritate your body and break down the cup’s medical-grade silicone.
Use a soft rag to wipe away any buildup, and don’t forget the four tiny air holes near the rim. You can clear them by running water through or folding the cup to gently wipe inside each hole with a damp cloth. Flipping your cup inside out can help you get every last nook clean. Once clean, your cup is ready to go back in or be stored if your cycle is done.
Still curious about cleaning? Check out our video tutorials for extra tips!
Sanitize Between Cycles
At the end of each cycle, it’s time to give your Saalt Cup a proper spa day. The classic method? Boil your cup for 4–5 minutes (but no longer than 7), using tongs or a wire whisk to keep it from touching the bottom of the pot.
Looking for a more hands-off approach? Try the Saalt Compact Sanitizer—a sleek, countertop-friendly steamer that sterilizes your cup in minutes using just water and steam. Or, opt for the Saalt Steamer, which fits seamlessly into your routine with auto shut-off and travel-friendly convenience.
Prefer a dry method? Rinse your cup thoroughly, let it dry, and then wipe it with a soft cloth soaked in 70% isopropyl alcohol. Ensure all surfaces stay wet for full sanitization, and let it air dry completely before storing.
Pro tip: Toss your Saalt Cup storage bag in the laundry during this time so everything is fresh and ready for next month.
Store It Safely
Once dry, store your cup in the original bag it came with (or another breathable container). Never use plastic bags or sealed containers. Silicone loves airflow!
Are you noticing a little discoloration over time? Totally normal. If your cup shows any tears, rips, or signs of silicone deterioration (especially after using non-recommended cleaners), it’s time to replace it for your safety and comfort.
Make The Switch
Learning how to insert a menstrual cup is about so much more than mastering a new period care routine. It’s an intimate act of self-care that reconnects you to your body and your eco-conscious values. The first few tries might feel awkward, but with patience, practice, and support, you’ll find a flow (literally and figuratively) that feels just right.
At Saalt, we’re with you at every step, whether you need personalized guidance from our Saalt Coaches, educational resources, or products thoughtfully designed for ultimate comfort and performance. Your experience is valid, and every cycle offers a chance to build more confidence and connection with your body.
Through Saalt’s global give-back initiatives, you’re also joining a community dedicated to making period care accessible and dignified for everyone, everywhere. Every small choice adds up to big impact.
Your cycle is powerful. So are you. With Saalt, it’s simple: no waste, no leaks, no worries. Welcome to period care reimagined—for you, and for our planet.
Read also:
- Menstrual Cups 101: How They Work And Why You Might Love Them
- Tampon vs. Menstrual Cup: Which One Is Right For You?
- Menstrual Discs: Weighing The Pros And Cons
Frequently Asked Questions About How To Insert A Menstrual Cup
Can I insert a menstrual cup before my period starts?
Absolutely! Many Saalt users enjoy inserting their cup a little early, especially if their cycle is unpredictable or they want that extra peace of mind. Just be sure your hands (and your Saalt Cup) are clean before you insert. Remember to remove and rinse it as recommended (every 12 hours or less) to keep everything fresh and healthy.
How do I clean my menstrual cup in public restrooms?
We’ve all been there. If you don’t have access to a private sink, simply remove your cup, empty it into the toilet, and wipe it clean with a Saalt Intimate Cleansing Wipe before reinserting. When you can, give it a full rinse with mild soap and water. Easy, subtle, and still sustainable.
What if I can't insert the menstrual cup on the first try?
That’s totally normal! Almost everyone needs a bit of practice—it’s all part of learning a new skill. Pause, breathe, and try a different fold or position. A water-based lubricant can help, too. And remember, our Saalt Coaches are always here to support you with practical tips and gentle encouragement.
Is it normal to feel nervous about using a menstrual cup?
One hundred percent yes. Trying something new—especially for your most intimate areas—can feel intimidating. Every feeling you have is valid. At Saalt, we’re all about empowering you to make choices that feel right for your body, without shame or pressure. You’ve got this (and we’re cheering you on).
Can I sleep with a menstrual cup inserted?
Yes! Saalt Cups are designed for up to 12 hours of leak-free protection, even overnight. No backup towels, no midnight pad changes—just peaceful, uninterrupted sleep.
Can I exercise with a menstrual cup?
Run, jump, stretch—your Saalt Cup moves with you. Our reusable period care is built for performance, so you can tackle any activity with confidence (and without leaks). Work out, your way, every day of your cycle.
