Lunette Answers All Of Your Menstrual Cup Questions

New to the period cup scene?

Feeling a little hesitant about making the change?

We totally get it. I mean, we are talking about something you insert into your vagina.

But don’t worry.

We got you.

Which is why we’ve put together everything you ever needed to know about using a menstrual cup.

But this isn’t just for those of you who are new to the cup, this is also great for those of you who have tried to make the switch and struggled in one way or another.

Now let’s get to it!

What size menstrual cup should I use? 

At Lunette, we have two menstrual cup sizes available for you.

Our Model 1 Cup is perfect for those who have a light to normal flow, while our Model 2 Cup is great for those with a normal to heavy flow.

But that’s not the only difference. Our Model 1 Cup is slightly smaller and has a slightly softer silicone than the Model 2 Cup. Perfect for teens and younger users, as well as beginners, exercise enthusiasts and those of you with a lower sitting cervix.

You can view exact measurements of both our cups here.

Not sure how heavy your flow is?

How are menstrual cups different than tampons?

While both of these period products are inserted into the vagina, there are a few major differences between menstrual cups and tampons.

The first one being that a menstrual cup can stay inserted for up to 12 hours at a time, whereas a tampon needs to be changed every four to eight hours.

The second reason being that a Lunette Menstrual Cup is totally reusable, making it easier on your pockets AND our planet.

Lastly, tampons absorb your flow whereas menstrual cups collect it, making sure you vagina stays nice and moist as it should be. 

How do I insert a period cup?

Step One: Thoroughly wash your hands and sanitize your cup. We recommend using our Lunette Feelbetter Cup Cleanser. If you don’t have access to that, we recommend using a mild, fragrance-free, oil-free cleanser with a low pH level (between 3.5 and 5.5). Once clean, check to be sure all of the air holes at the rim of your cup are open.

Step Two: Find a comfortable position. Whether that’s standing, sitting or squatting, spread your legs and try to relax. Fold the cup flat and then fold it again to form a C-shape.

Step Three: Keeping your cup in the C-shape, gently guide it rim first into your vagina. Once inserted, the cup will pop open. With a clean finger, check to make sure that the base of the cup is round. This is how you’ll know it’s fully open.

Having trouble inserting your cup? Using water or a water-based lube during insertion may help! 

Finding that the C-shape doesn’t work for you? Don’t worry. There are all kinds of other folds you can choose from!

Can I practice inserting my menstrual cup when I’m not menstruating?

Heck yes you can!

As a matter of fact, we think it’s a great idea if you’re new to using a cup as you might feel a bit more comfortable getting familiar with insertion and removal when you’re not bleeding. Just know that insertion can be easier when you’re on your period as your vagina tends to be more moist and flexible.

Pro Tip: You can use water or a water based lube to help with insertion.

I'm having problems inserting my cup. What can I do?

First things first, you’ll want to relax. If you’re tense, your vaginal muscles will be tense, making insertion (and removal) more difficult. So find a time and place where you won’t be disturbed and remember to b r e a t h e.

Still having difficulty? Don’t worry. It’s totally common for it to sometimes take a few cycles to become familiar with how your new cup works best with your body - but we’re confident you’ll get there, so don’t give up!

Not quite as familiar with your vagina as you feel like you need to be? No worries. Our Anatomy 101 guide has all kinds of helpful information.  

How long can I keep the menstrual cup in?

How often you empty your cup totally depends on your flow.

If you know you have a heavier flow, you may want to start by emptying your cup every few hours until you figure out exactly what you can expect.

But regardless of how light or heavy your flow is, you want to make sure you don’t keep your cup in any longer than 12 hours at a time.

Does menstrual blood flow back into the uterus when the cup is full?

Nope.

Because your menstrual flow is thick and uneven, it’s impossible for it to flow back into the uterus through the pin-sized cervix - especially since your uterus is actively working to push flow out during menstruation.

I have leaks, what can I do?

If at first you have leaks, don’t give up on your cup. Again, it can oftentimes take a few cycles to really figure out how your new cup works best with your body. But here are a few things you can try if you’re experiencing leaks.

1. Check to be sure that all of the air holes at the top of the cup are open. If the holes are blocked by blood or discharge, your cup will have difficulty forming a suction.
2. Make sure your cup is fully open once inserted. To be sure, slightly rotate the cup.
3. Try wearing your cup a bit lower in the vagina to be sure your cervix isn’t taking up valuable space in the cup, or bypassing the opening altogether.
4. Have you tried another fold? This small adjustment could make all the difference. Not familiar with other folding techniques? Here you go!

If you’re still experiencing leaking, give our Menstrual Mentors a shout at info@lunette.com. They’d love to help troubleshoot what you’re experiencing!

How do I clean my period cup?

Before using your cup for the first time you’ll want to boil it in a pot of water for 20 minutes. When doing this, you’ll want to be sure the cup is fully submerged and not touching the bottom of the pot or it may burn.

Pro Tip: Placing your cup in a wire whisk while boiling can help keep the cup from coming in contact with the bottom of the pot.

When emptying your cup, you want to be sure to clean it with warm water and our Lunette Feelbetter Cup Cleanser or a mild, fragrance-free, oil-free soap before reinserting.

Before and after each period, you want to boil your cup for another 10 minutes.

If you don’t have access to water, you can use our Lunette Cupwipes to clean your cup.

How do I clean my menstrual cup in a public toilet?

Our Lunette Cupwipes are a great on-the-go option for cleaning your cup when you don’t have access to water.

Our Cupwipes are individually wrapped, making them easy to stash discreetly in your back pocket or purse.

How do I remove a menstrual cup? 

First things first, you’ll want to remember to breathe. The most important thing you can do is relax, because if your muscles are tense, getting your cup out can be more difficult.

Now that you're relaxed, you’ll want to use your muscles to push the cup down. What this means is you'll push with your pelvic floor muscles, almost like you're going to poop. Continue doing this until you can get a firm grip of the bottom of the cup. Once you have a good grip, pinch the bottom of the cup with your forefinger and thumb to release the suction. Then continue to push with your muscles while slowly pulling the cup out. You can also rock the cup from side to side or make a C-shape with the cup if you find that helps.

One more thing that can help is to try squatting or straddling the toilet bowl. This can make removal of your cup easier by helping the vagina open and allowing the cup to descend closer to the vaginal opening.

Either way, take care not to pull the cup out by the stem alone. This can cause the contents to spill and may cause discomfort.

Can I use a menstrual cup with an IUD?

You sure can!

As this study shows, there isn't scientific proof that tampons or menstrual cups could increase early IUD expulsion rates.

But before doing so, you’ll want to pay a visit to your doctor to make sure the strings on your IUD are short enough to be used with a cup.

Not only that, but you want to be sure to fully break the seal before removing your cup while wearing an IUD. Since the menstrual cup creates a little bit of suction, you don’t want to forcefully remove it and accidentally tug on the IUD string (generally we advise no forceful movements around that area anyway!).

Am I old enough to use a menstrual cup?

Here at Lunette, we believe that if you’re old enough to have started your period, then you’re old enough to use a period cup.

That being said, we recommend going with our Model 1 Cup if you’re a teen or younger user as it’s slightly smaller and a bit squishier, making for easier insertion and removal.

You’ll also want to be sure to give yourself plenty of time and space to become familiar with your cup as you may still be getting to know your body. You may find our Anatomy 101 guide helpful when doing so.

Can the menstrual cup break the hymen and cause me to lose my virginity?

Inserting anything into the vagina can cause the hymen to tear, including internal menstrual products. But that’s not the only reason the hymen will break. Other common ways are through activities such as sports and by dissolving over time from hormones or discharge.

But that doesn’t mean you’ve lost your virginity. A virgin is someone who has not yet had sexual intercourse - and using a menstrual cup is definitely not the same thing as having sex.

Will using a cup loosen my vagina?

Nope, not even the slightest bit.

As a matter of fact, when you have your cup in your vagina, your vaginal and pelvic floor muscles hold it in place - so in a way you’re kind of working out those muscles when wearing a menstrual cup.

Can I use the cup at night?

Of course you can! And because you can wear your cup for up to 12 hours at a time, it’s perfect for use while sleeping.

How should I store my cup after my period?

All Lunette Menstrual Cups come with a little storage pouch.

If you don’t have the pouch, make sure you keep the cup in breathable place - not in a plastic bag or closed plastic container.

If you’ve lost your storage pouch, give us a shout. We can get you hooked up with a new one.

Can I swim with the cup?

YES!

You can swim, dance, sleep and workout - all while using a Lunette Menstrual Cup.

How long do menstrual cups last?

You can use your Lunette Cup for several years before having to replace it, but if you notice any changes to your cup (like tears, cracks, etc) you'll want to discontinue use and replace it sooner. 

Are period cups vegan? 

While we can’t speak for other cup brands, we can speak for ours. Lunette Menstrual Cups are vegan and registered with The Vegan Society. 

Time to Rock Your Period 

Still have questions? No worries. Like we said at the beginning, we got you.

Just give us a shout at info@lunette.com so we can get this period party started!