Teens & Menstrual Cups: Tips for Beginners
How old is old enough to use a Lunette Menstrual Cup? The answer is...if you are old enough to menstruate, then you are old enough to use a Lunette Cup. Teens as young as 14 have successfully used a Lunette Cup for their period. However, sometimes a little extra practice is needed to get used to the process if your a menstrual cup beginner.
LUNETTE SIZE 1 - DESIGNED FOR YOUNGER USERS
We designed our smaller Lunette Menstrual Cup (size 1) specifically for younger users. Not only is it smaller and shorter -- it is squishier in consistency for easier insertion.
If I'm a virgin, can I still use a Lunette Cup?
If you're a virgin, you can definitely still use a Lunette Cup. However, young teens and virgins might need to practice a bit more in the beginning because they are usually not as familiar with their anatomy. While virginity is not an obstacle, the vaginal muscles are tighter and insertion can be a challenge until your body has adapted to accommodate the cup. Younger people who menstruate with intact hymens should be aware that inserting the cup may rupture the hymen. By medical standards, virginity is not defined by the state of the hymen; they will remain a virgin until they participate in sexual intercourse.
Tips for menstrual cup beginners
- Relax and take your time: Choose alone time when you can focus without distractions or interruptions. Perhaps after a warm bath when you are relaxed. If you are too nervous, the vaginal muscles will tighten, making it uncomfortable, if not impossible, for successful insertion.
- Get Acquainted with yourself: It is always a good idea to know your own body. Take some time to locate the vaginal opening and even insert a finger to locate your cervix. It feels exactly like the tip of your nose. Knowing where your cervix is will help you to position the cup properly and not insert it too high.
- Practice during your period: The vagina is more flexible and the blood works as a lubricant. OR . . .
- Take a "dry run" before your period: You might be more comfortable practicing before your period if you feel squeamish about touching blood. In this case, use water as a lubricant.
- Try different folds that accentuate the insertion point: Most people use the typical C-fold. However, there are many ways to fold a Lunette Cup. The video here will show you nine different folds.
- Proper insertion direction: Be aware that the direction of insertion needs to be aimed towards the small of your back -- not straight up.
- Be patient: Know that it may take several times before you are successful. If you begin without the expectation of perfect insertion, you are more likely to be relaxed and pleasantly surprised when success happens.
- Assess the stem: Once inserted, you will need to decide whether or not to keep the stem. If it protrudes, it will be uncomfortable. In this case, you likely won't need the stem and can trim it off. However, if not, you may need it to assist with removal.
Tips for first time menstrual cup removal
- Again - RELAX: Just as with insertion. Take your time!
- Do NOT pull on the stem: The stem is used to gain access the bottom of the cup. If you pull on the stem, it will hurt! It will also create a mess since the cup won't be supported or controlled when it exits.
- Squeeze bottom to release suction: This is the key - the bottom of the cup has ridges for gripping. Grip the bottom and tweek the cup to the side. The idea is to pull an edge away from the vaginal wall to release suction. You will hear it when this happens.
- Rock gently: Once suction releases, gently rock the cup from side to side as you pull it out. This technique might not be necessary, but helps with removal if the cup is feeling stubborn to come out.
Information resources for girls and parents
As a teen or as a teen's parent, it is helpful to do research and learn, not only about your body, but about healthy menstrual options that are available for teens today. For information about the female anatomy, Lunette's site offers information under "Anatomy 101 by Lunette" to allow teens who menstruate to learn about the intricacy of their anatomy form with the assistance of a medical diagram.
If this was helpful in helping you decide to purchase a menstrual cup then check out our menstrual cup range.
52 comments
Hi Sarah!
Since the menstrual cup does not absorb anything to itself, it is completely safe to insert it when you are expecting your periods. Even if your period does not start that day, there is no harm in having the cup inserted. However, even if the cup is not filled, remember to always “empty” or remove, rinse and re-insert the cup and not leave it inserted for more than 12 hours (some countries regulations may suggest 6-8 hours) at a time.
Hope this helps :)
Team Lunette
Hi!
I have an event coming up and it’ll really hard for me to put my menstrual cup in during the event but i’m supposed to get my period the day of the event. is it safe for me to put my menstrual cup in before, even if i don’t have my period just in case i get it during the event? or should i go for a different option?
Thank you!
Hi Tenzin!
When you use the cup for the first time, give yourself plenty of time to try it out in a place you feel comfortable and try to be as relaxed as possible. Inserting should not cause pain, but it can be a little uncomfortable at first. The cup should also not cause you to bleed anymore than normal, but especially if you have heavy periods, your flow can slightly affect you when inserting the cup.
We designed our smaller Lunette menstrual cup (our Lunette Cup size 1) specifically for younger users. Not only is it smaller and shorter – it is squishier consistency for easier insertion. We recommend the smaller Lunette Cup Model 1 also for young users who have a heavy flow. Why? Because your muscles and hymen are tighter, it’s easier to insert the smaller cup.
Read more about this topic here: https://www.lunette.com/pages/teens-menstrual-cups
Getting something inserted into the vagina like a menstrual cup or a tampon can be a bit challenging, but don’t worry and don’t give up. If it isn’t working this time, try it later or tomorrow or next month. Practice makes pro and you will eventually get the hang of the cup. And in the meanwhile browse our homepage and check out our Cup Basics, you’ll find a lot of useful information on how to use the cup there. Here you go: https://www.lunette.com/pages/cup-basics
-Team Lunette
Do we get bleed and pain while inserting menstrual cup for the first time ?
Hello there! I just want to offer you a big thumbs up for your great info you have right here on this post. I’ll be coming back to your website for more soon.
https://www.periodhub.com/
Nice Blog. Thanks for giving this information.
Hi Lalitha,
basically yes, it is possible to try the cup before the period and practicing the various folds is also a good idea. Keep in mind that the vagina is more moist during periods and blood acts like lubricant, so the insertion may actually be easier during periods than outside your period. The cervix may also be located at a different height during your period than outside your periods. So if you face difficulties, keep in mind that the insertion of the cup might not be that difficult during periods :)
Best regards, Team Lunette
Hi Becca,
I am sorry to hear that your cup is causing difficulties. It sounds as if your cervix might be in the way, preventing the cup from opening. The pain could come from the cup putting pressure on the cervix. Often it helps to try another fold. Also keep in mind since you tried the cup before your period, that the vagina is more moist during periods and blood acts like lubricant, so the insertion may actually be easier. The cervix may also be located at a different height during your period than outside your periods. So could be insertion won’t be that difficult during periods :)
Best regards, Team Lunette
Can we try this before our period for testing
Can we try this before our period for testing
I recently bought a cup to use while I’m abroad thinking it would be easier to carry along than a bunch of tampons and pads, I’ve been working with it before my period. I think I’ve got the proper insertion, I use the punch down fold as I am a Virginia and it’s the most comfortable but I can’t get it to pop open? I’ve tried the c fold and it’s just not comfortable for insertions. Is it unable to pop open because it’s too low? It’s about 3/4 of the way in and I do hear a little bit of a vacuum seal, but it’s still folded and it hurt to try and turn it or wiggle it. Thank you in advance!
I recently bought a cup to use while I’m abroad thinking it would be easier to carry along than a bunch of tampons and pads, I’ve been working with it before my period. I think I’ve got the proper insertion, I use the punch down fold as I am a Virginia and it’s the most comfortable but I can’t get it to pop open? I’ve tried the c fold and it’s just not comfortable for insertions. Is it unable to pop open because it’s too low? It’s about 3/4 of the way in and I do hear a little bit of a vacuum seal, but it’s still folded and it hurt to try and turn it or wiggle it. Thank you in advance!
Hi Vismaya,
thank you for your comment!
Early difficulties are super normal so don’t worry! Sometimes it takes a few months to learn the use :)
When the cervix is rather low inserting the cup may be more difficult, due to limited space and it may easily happen that the cup touches the cervix. Try placing the cup as low as possible. If the stem is disturbing, poking out of the vagina,… you can always shorten the stem where needed or cut it away completely.
Try various folds, often one fold works better than the other.
Best regards, Team Lunette
I am 17 years old and have bought the menstrual cup. I am able to insert 3/4th of the menstrual cup and then i feel the rim of the cup is touching my canal and is uncomfortable.i tried to change direction but the cup doesnt seem to move anymore. I am able to reach mg cervix with my finger but i find it difficult to guide the cup to the cervix. What can i do about this?
Hi Ruthanne! Thanks so much for reaching out! It really depends on the cup and the users how far the fingers may need to go. Which cup size are you using? And which folding method are you using? We’d love to help troubleshoot this further for you if you email us at info@lunette.fi <3 -Team Lunette
Hi,
I have had a menstrual cup for a few years now but have not had a lot of success with using it. Sometimes I can insert it no problem, but then the next time I try I have trouble – very inconsistent. So some periods I just skip it altogether because it is such a hassle.
My question is, when inserting the cup, are your fingers supposed to go in along with the cup? Because I don’t and I can’t keep it folded. This is something that is never really stated on any of the instructions (I have been combing the internet to see if there is any extra help somewhere). I tend to hold the fold, get it in slightly and then I don’t know what to do next because the food comes undone – so, again, are my fingers supposed to go in also to keep the fold in place until it’s all done?
Thanks for any tips.
Hi I am a gynecologist
Though not very clear with long term use of menstrual cup, not routine but is rather new
I myself switched to cup about 9 months ago
Very comfortable but don’t know the long term effect
The changes that happens to vagina of a sexually active female like loss of rugocities does it happen with menstrual cup
Hi Torsa! Great to hear that you are interested in switching to a Lunette Cup! Most people are able to use a menstrual cup – it also typically takes most people a few cycles to get the hang of use. So don’t worry if you don’t get it right the first time. You can also email us at info@lunette.fi and we’re more than happy to answer any questions and troubleshoot any issues. :) – Team Lunette
Hi Alda! We’re thrilled to hear you’ve bought both sizes of Lunette! If the stem of the cups is bothering you it is okay to trim the stem or remove it so that it isn’t rubbing against anything. You can still remove the cup by pushing the cup down with your pelvic muscles so that you can reach the bottom to release suction. When you feel discomfort of cramping associated with the cup this is usually due to the cup touching your cervix, this isn’t dangerous but it’s also not comfortable. You can typically fix this by wearing your cup lower. Don’t hesitate to contact us at info@lunette.fi and we’re more than happy to offer more troubleshooting help! :) -Team Lunette
Just bought Lunette Model 1 and Model 2. Tried Model 1 first on dry run. It takes time to get pop when inside. So then I tried Model 2. It worked perfectly. It pops open right away. But sometimes I can feel the cup irritated my bladder. Should I push the cup little bit more until the stem is not irritated my labia? Once I corrected them it was so nice. I couldn’t feel the cup or it’s not pain anymore. But sometimes I can feel sore around my hips and lower belly. Was it because of the cup?
Thanks
I am 27, still a virgin. My opening whole is really small(can barely put 1 finger without hurting) and have a thick tight hymen.. Can I use a cup? I am nervous enough to try this. Does it hurt a lot?
I have try menstrual cup .but lol.I can’t able to insert it.What’s wrong with me.I have spend hours in the bathroom but it doesn’t happen. I tried to force but it quiet painful. What’s wrong with my body.when I force it only go 2mm inside me .That’s it.please help me
.
Hello! As a med student, I would like to ask you to reconsider using the term virginity since it can cause confusion and misinform young women. Instead, I suggest saying “having your first sexual experience”, as well as explaining what is the hymen, how it might break, how it is different for every person, what might happen when it breaks, etc.
Hi Maheshwari! We’re so glad to hear you’re thinking on swathing to a Lunette Cup! 😊 The hymen can break on its own over time or from intense exercise etc. Insertable menstrual products like tampons and cups can also break the hymen, but this has nothing to do with virginity.
Using a menstrual cup should not hurt, but it is common for it to take a few cycles for you to get the hang of it and become a Cup Master. To make insertion and removal easy be sure to pick the smaller size Model 1 Lunette, be very relaxed when inserting the cup (if you tense up your muscles will tense and this will make it more difficult to insert the cup) and you can use water based lubricant or water to help with insertion. You can also email us at info@lunette.fi and we’re more than happy to assist you! 💙
-Team Lunette
