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.
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