Menstrual Cup: The Ultimate Guide to Mastering It

A menstrual cup lasts 5 years. A box of tampons, 3 days. Simple maths: you save over 600 boxes of tampons and about 2500 CHF over the lifespan of a single 30-franc cup. The sums add up quickly.

To choose your menstrual cup well, you need to know three things: your flow, the height of your cervix, and whether you've given birth vaginally. The size and firmness depend on these. The rest is practice, and we're here to guide you.

So, what's the deal with the cup?

Okay, let's go back to basics. A menstrual cup, or 'cup', is a small, bell-shaped receptacle, most often made from medical-grade silicone. Unlike a tampon which absorbs blood (and everything else, including your natural flora), the cup collects it. That's it. You place it inside, it creates a slight suction effect to stay in place and prevent leaks. You can keep it in for up to 8, or even 12 hours, depending on your flow. This means you can get through a whole day at work, an evening out, or a full night's sleep without thinking about it. Not bad, eh?

The real game-changer is the freedom. No more needing to stash tampons in your bag, no more string peeking out of your swimsuit, no more feeling dry. And for the planet, it's simply incomparable. A single cup replaces thousands of disposable products that end up in the bin. It's a small item with a huge impact, on your wallet and on the environment.

The size: the game-changer (and how not to mess it up)

This is THE point that freaks people out the most. And for good reason: the wrong size guarantees leaks or discomfort. But it's not that complicated. Forget the overly simplistic marketing rules like "under 30 = size S". Your body is more nuanced than that.

Three questions to find your match

To find the perfect cup, you need to play detective and answer three questions about your anatomy:

• Is your flow light, medium, or heavy? A larger cup has a greater capacity, logically. But be careful, "larger" doesn't necessarily mean "better". A cup that's too wide won't open properly, even if your flow is worthy of the Rhine Falls.
• Have you given birth vaginally before? Childbirth changes the elasticity and tone of your pelvic floor muscles. Generally, a larger size or a firmer cup is recommended after childbirth, but again, this isn't a universal law.
• Where is your cervix located? This is the most important and most ignored criterion. A low cervix requires a shorter cup to prevent it from sticking out or causing uncomfortable pressure.

How do you find out? It's simple. During your period (that's when it's lowest), wash your hands thoroughly and gently insert a finger into your vagina. If you touch your cervix (a kind of small, firm ball, like the tip of your nose) after just one knuckle, your cervix is very low. Two knuckles, it's medium. If you can't reach it, it's high. This info is crucial. If you have any doubts, the easiest thing is to talk to your gynaecologist at CHUV or HUG, or book a consultation appointment at PROFA.

Insertion: how not to pitch a Quechua tent in a hallway

The other day, a customer wrote to us: "I'm 28, first time trying a cup. I felt like I was pitching a Quechua tent in a hallway. Is that normal?" The answer is YES. It's 100% normal. The first cycle is often a testing phase. The key is to relax and find the right fold.

First, the position. Squatting in the shower, sitting on the toilet, or standing with one foot on the edge of the bath. Find what's most comfortable for you; the goal is to relax your pelvic floor muscles. If you're tense, nothing will go as planned.

The two life-saving folds

• The C-Fold: The most basic. You pinch the cup to flatten it, then fold it in half to form a C. It's simple, but the insertion point remains quite wide.
• The Punch-Down (or tulip fold): Our favourite for beginners. You press one finger on one side of the cup's rim and push it inwards. This creates a much finer, easier-to-insert point.

Once folded, hold it firmly and insert it into your vagina, aiming slightly backwards (towards your tailbone), not straight up. Once it's almost entirely inside, release it. You should feel a small "pop" or a suction sensation. This is a sign that it has opened. To check, run a finger around the base: it should be perfectly round, with no folds.

Myths, realities, and other anxieties

We hear all sorts about the cup. Come on, let's sort out the truth from the nonsense.

Let's bust a myth: "The cup can get lost inside my body."
Absolutely false. It's anatomically impossible. Your vagina isn't an infinite black hole; it ends at the cervix, which is far too small for a cup to pass through. It can't go anywhere. If you're struggling to retrieve it, it's just that it's moved up a bit high. Breathe, push with your pelvic floor muscles (like you're having a bowel movement), and it will come back within reach. No need to panic.

Another myth: "It's dirty." No more so than changing a tampon, actually. You wash your hands before and after, full stop. The blood is contained within the cup, not in contact with the vaginal walls. For good hygiene, follow OFSP handwashing recommendations and use a mild soap. We also have a complete guide to intimate hygiene if you want to delve deeper into the subject.

Care: how to keep it clean for the next 5 years

A well-maintained cup can last you up to 10 years. It's worth taking care of it.

During your period

When you empty it, simply rinse it with cold water first (this prevents stains), then with hot water. You can use a mild, pH-neutral soap if you like, but water alone is often enough. Most importantly, rinse it thoroughly to remove any soap residue before reinserting it.

Between cycles

This is the sterilisation step. The simplest way: boil it in a pot of water for 5 to 7 minutes. A little tip to prevent it from burning at the bottom of the pot: place it in a kitchen whisk. This keeps it suspended in the water. Once sterilised, dry it thoroughly and store it in its breathable fabric pouch. Never in an airtight plastic box; humidity could encourage bacterial growth.

Our take: it's worth sticking with it

We won't lie to you, there's a bit of a learning curve. The first cycle can be a bit chaotic, with a few leaks and moments of doubt. That's normal. But once you've found the right size, the right fold, and the right positioning, it's pretty amazing freedom. No more mental load of period products, last-minute purchases at Coop Vitality, and overflowing bins.

If you're ready to dive in, we've done the sorting for you. We've selected reliable brands, with different firmness levels and sizes for (almost) all anatomies. You can check them out in our menstrual collection. When you order, it arrives quickly and discreetly at your home in a Swiss Post parcel.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can the menstrual cup move when I exercise?

No, if it's the right size and well-positioned, it won't move. The suction effect keeps it in place, whether you're running, swimming, or doing yoga. Many athletes adopt it precisely for this reason. If you experience leaks during exercise, it's often a sign that the cup is too soft for your toned pelvic floor.

Can I feel it once it's in place?

Normally, no. Once it's correctly inserted, you should completely forget about it. If you can feel it, it's probably because it's too low, too large, or the stem is too long (you can trim it a bit, but do so gradually). It sometimes takes a cycle or two to find the perfect positioning.

How do I manage in public toilets?

That's the big question! Option 1: take a small bottle of water with you to rinse it over the toilet. Option 2: simply wipe it with clean toilet paper before reinserting it. You can do a proper rinse at home later. It's not a big deal if it's not perfect once in a while.

How long does a menstrual cup last?

Most brands recommend changing it every 5 to 10 years. Medical silicone is very durable, but over time, it can stain or lose some of its flexibility. Inspect it regularly. If you see cracks, tears, or if it becomes sticky, it's time to replace it.

My cup has an odour, is that normal?

A slight odour can sometimes appear, but it's not inevitable. Make sure to rinse it with cold water first (hot water can set odours) and sterilise it thoroughly between cycles. Letting it air dry, or even in the sun for a few hours, can also help neutralise stubborn odours.