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    37 Menstrual Cup Tips From People Who Actually Use Them

    TRIM THE STEM.

    We recently asked members of the BuzzFeed Community to share their best tips for how to use a menstrual cup, and oh my god, they're about to change your life.

    1. First of all, don't be discouraged if it takes you several periods to really ~master~ your technique.

    2. Leave yourself loooots of time to put it in the first time you try it.

    3. To get the right fit, be ready to get up in your own business.

    4. Not all cups are created equal, so do your research and try out different brands.

    5. Relax when you're putting it in.

    6. And DON'T PANIC when you can't get it out.

    7. The sizing guidelines aren't always correct, so try different ones if something doesn't feel right.

    8. When you're a beginner, try going into a full squat to insert it.

    9. Or try with your foot on the toilet.

    10. Just accept you're gonna get your hands a little bloody.

    11. Run warm water over it before you insert it.

    12. Or use coconut oil to lubricate the cup.

    13. Until you get comfortable taking it out, squat over an old towel or the toilet when you do it. Because spillage.

    14. Remove and insert it in the shower to make washing it out and cleanup a lot easier.

    15. Try different folding methods for insertion.

    16. When it's suctioned or "sealed" properly, you'll probably ~feel it~.

    17. To get that seal, try inserting it slightly more than you think you need to, then pull it down.

    18. Or insert it, twist it, and push gently.

    19. If you have trouble twisting it once it's inserted, try putting your finger around the edge of the rim to create the seal.

    20. Test the seal by giving it a tug or bearing down with your pelvic muscles. If it moves easily, it WILL LEAK.

    21. If you feel like you have a UTI, it's probably not inserted high enough.

    22. To take it out, give it a gentle squeeze and a light twist.

    23. Whatever removal method you try, make SURE to break the seal somehow, whether by squeezing it or sticking your finger around the rim.

    24. If it hurts or is uncomfortable, take it out and re-insert it.

    25. If you're inserting it correctly but still feeling discomfort, try trimming the stem.

    26. Keep a pack of flushable wipes or a bottle of water with you to make cleaning the cup and your hands a lot easier.

    27. Leaks are gonna happen as you get used to it, so wear a liner until you feel confident.

    28. Or double up with menstrual underwear if you're nervous.

    29. Things like jumping, sneezing and pooping might cause slippage, so don’t be afraid to readjust it when you go to the bathroom.

    30. Try turning it inside out.

    31. Don't leave it in too long because it WILL start to smell.

    32. Trim your nails.

    33. Or, if you don't want to, try wrapping a bit of toilet paper around your fingers.

    34. Consider taking it out before pooping because, well, pushing.

    35. Watch YouTube tutorials on how to insert and remove it.

    View this video on YouTube

    youtube.com

    "Watching tutorials on how to get it up there was so much more helpful than the instructions it came with."

    lizzkd

    36. Eventually you might get a feel for how full it is.

    37. Lastly, smile because you may never go back to your tampon or pad ways.

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