Whether you’re completely new to menstrual cups, or just new to the FLEX Cup, we’re here with easy step-by-step instructions and tips for how to use a menstrual cup for beginners.

FLEX Cup Basics

• FLEX Cup is made from 100% medical grade silicone and naturally non-toxic.
• It’s free of BPA, phthalates, and natural rubber latex.
• It’s reusable, stain-proof, and odor-free.
• It comes with a unique, patented pull tab. The pull tab is located at the bottom of the cup and honestly, it’s a game changer. It’s soft, flexible and makes for a super easy removal, by breaking the seal for you (rather than having to insert your finger into the vaginal canal to break the seal). Because it pulls out similar to a tampon, chances are you already know how to use it.
• Proudly made in the U.S.A.
• Our period cups are available in two sizes: Slim Fit & Full Fit. Both sizes fit most bodies, but if you’re unsure which to choose, start with the Slim Fit.

Because of our Perfect Fit Guarantee, you can always switch out your size if one doesn’t work for you. For more details about the differences in our period cup sizing, read this.

PREPARATION: Sanitize Your Cup

Before you use your cup for the first time, and as needed anytime after, you can sanitize your cup by boiling it in water for 10 minutes. Keep an eye on the cup so that it doesn’t make contact with the sides of the pot, which could melt the silicone. For more detailed information about keeping the cup sanitary, check out our article on cup cleanliness.

UsingFLEXCup Can Be Broken Down Into FiveSimple Steps

Step 1: Folding The Cup

There are a few different kinds of folds we recommend for inserting the cup: the C-fold, the Punch Down fold, and the 7 fold. If you’re using other cups, Some days, one fold may be easier than another, so don’t despair if you’re having a hard time with a particular one. Just try one of the others and keep at it. We took some handy photos of the different folds you can reference here.

Wash your hands and the FLEX Cup for 20 seconds, then try one (or all) of these folding methods:

• The C-fold aka U-fold: this one should open the easiest inside your body. Take your cup and fold it in half so that the lips touch together. Then slowly fold the cup in half again length-wise - like a taco!

• The Tulip fold aka Punch-Down fold: makes the top of the cup smaller for easier insertion. Use your thumb to push the lip of the cup towards the base. Then remove your thumb as you squeeze the edges together.

• The 7 fold: insertion is similar to the Tulip/Punch-Down, but you may find that the cup opens up more easily inside your body. Fold your cup in half so that the lips touch. Then pull down the right side, forming a “7” shape with the lips of the cup.

Step 2: Body Position

We recommend three different options for you: sitting on the toilet, standing with one leg up, or squatting. Whatever works for you, works for us.

Step 3: Insertion

To insert a menstrual cup, begin with a clean cup and fold it whichever way is working for you. Then breathe, try to relax your muscles, and insert it into your vagina. Slide it in all the way back towards your tailbone. It’s ok if you need to let go and reposition your hand to push it in the rest of the way. Reference the diagram below for cup positioning if you’re unsure.

Once the cup is in place, make sure the cup has opened completely by inserting a finger into your vagina and gently pressing on the side of the vaginal wall. You should feel no pleats or indentations. Creating space around it allows the cup to fully open.This will ensure that the cup will do exactly what it’s supposed to. You can also try twisting slightly to get it to open.

PS- Enjoy Your Period Cup Benefits For Up To 12 Hours

Now that you’re using a menstrual cup, go and live your life as you normally would! You can swim, exercise, and sleep wearing FLEX Cup. It collects up to three super tampons’ worth of fluid and can be worn for up to 12 hours. It is only FDA-approved for 12 hours and you should not wear the cup for longer than that. After 12 hours, you must remove it, empty and wash it before reinserting.

Step 4: Removal

Now that you're an expert at using the FLEX Cup, it’s time to learn how to get it out.

Start by relaxing your pelvic muscles. Try taking a few deep breaths, or even saying the word “moo” to help release tension. Then, reach for the pull tab. The patented pull tab draws the top of the cup in to break the seal effortlessly for clean, smooth removal. No more reaching, pinching or spills. Say goodbye to suction scaries!

Pull the tab slowly to break the seal and draw the cup downwards. Once you can, grip the base of the cup to get a better hold of the cup and then remove the cup completely by its base, keeping it upright to avoid spillage. Finally, dump the contents into the toilet, and move on to cleaning your cup before reinserting.

How ToClean Your Menstrual Cup

Keeping your cup clean is essential to both your vaginal health and the longevity of your period cup. After you take your cup out, bring it to the sink. First, you’ll want to unthread the pull tab in order to clean it thoroughly. Wash your cup with warm water and use mild, oil and fragrance-free soap. Also, be sure that all of the holes are clear. If you’re at the end of your period and won’t be using your cup again for a while, we recommend boiling it for 10 minutes before storing.

When you’re done, rethread the pull tab by guiding the looped end through the hole in the bottom of the cup. Grip the ring from below the cup and pull until the entire ring has come through. You can then adjust the length of the pull tab as needed. Pro-tip: Re-threading is easier while the cup is still wet.

Finally, make sure the cup is 100% dry, store your cup in your pouch and put it away until you need it again.

That’s it! You did it!

...Or maybe you didn’t. If you still feel stumped, check out this guide, which has GIFs and graphs and pictures, oh my! to help you get the hang of it. We also have a really extensive FAQ/Troubleshooting guide together for any questions you might have about your new FLEX menstrual cup, such as leakage issues, wondering how to use the bathroom with a cup in and the difference between FLEX Cup and other menstrual cups available in the market.

And as always, if you have any other questions or comments, feel free to reach out here, email us at hello@flexfits.com, or give our FLEXperts a ring at (800) 931-0882. No question is TMI!!