Every day, almost 1,000 people ask the GCUP team, “How do you use GCUP?”.
It can be tricky on your first try – but you don’t need to be afraid because it’s actually very simple!
Here are 5 steps to use GCUP
Boiling for approximately 3-5 minutes is a simple way to ensure your GCUP is completely clean and ready for use!
There are several ways to fold the GCUP. The most popular methods are the C-Fold and the Punch Down Fold. When the GCUP is in the vagina, make sure the GCUP opens up completely.
Touch and feel the base of the GCUP after insertion. It is placed correctly when you feel a round or oval shape.
If you feel that the insertion is not correct, gently rotate the base of the GCUP (not the stem) to open it completely.
Pull the stem slowly, while pressing on your abdominal muscles to push the GCUP down, until you can hold the base of the cup.
Gently squeeze the base of the cup to release the suction, then pull it out.
It may take 1-2 menstrual cycles to finally feel comfortable using GCUP. Try some of the other methods of folding the GCUP and inserting it – no need to worry, you’ll be good in the no time!
Next, we will explain each of the steps above in more detail. We have provided a full video and detailed instructions on How to Use GCUP below. Let’s go!
Boiling for approximately 3-5 minutes is a simple way to ensure your cup is completely clean and ready for use! Make sure your pot has enough water so the menstrual cup is able to float around.
Always wash your hands and GCUP with clean water before you use it.
There are several methods to fold the GCUP before using it; try them one by one to find the most comfortable method for you.
The 2 most popular methods are: Punch Down Fold and C-Fold.
It is important to make sure your body is relaxed when inserting the GCUP, so you need to find the most comfortable body position for you.
You can position your body by squatting, raising one leg, sitting on the toilet, or simply standing.
Try all positions to find the one that suits you best.
If it feels dry when inserting the GCUP, you can use water or a lubricant to help.
Put the folded GCUP into the vagina. When the whole cup has been inserted, remove your finger and check the cup has opened completely.
If you are still in doubt on whether the GCUP has opened completely, gently rotate the base of the GCUP (not the stem) to open it.
One of the benefits of the GCUP is that you can use it for up to 12 hours.
However, it all depends on the flow of blood during menstruation. You might need to empty your GCUP 1-2 times a day.
But this is different for each person.
Our advice is: on your first use, check your GCUP several times to gauge your blood flow.
Always start by washing your hands with clean water when you want to insert or remove the GCUP.
After that, you need to relax your body before removing the GCUP.
It is important for your body to be relaxed because it will be more difficult to remove the GCUP if your muscles are tense.
Pull the stem slowly, while pressing on the abdominal muscles to push the GCUP down, until you can hold the base of the cup.
Gently squeeze the base of the cup to release the suction, then pull it out.
When you have removed the GCUP, empty the cup of blood that has been collected into a disposal site. Wash GCUP with clean water and use it again.
If you are in a bathroom that does not have access to clean water, you can clean GCUP with just a tissue.
However, when there is clean water, you can immediately wash it.
If the GCUP is clean, you can use it again.
If your period is over, boil the GCUP again for 3-5 minutes to sterilize it. Store it in a clean place until your next period.