How-To Guides
We’re here for you.
Like learning to ride a bike for the first time, using a period cup can be a bit tricky
or even a little scary at first, but don’t worry, we’ve got your back.
01
Find Your Perfect Menstrual Cup
When choosing a menstrual cup, we recommend looking at two things:
Your cervix height 🌹
The cervix is the lowest part of your uterus that extends into the vagina, acting as a gateway between them and it is where the menstrual blood flows out. The cervix moves up and down throughout your cycle. Its firmness and opening also changes.
During menstruation, the cervix is at its lowest and slightly open to allow for menstrual fluid to flow out. The texture is firm and feels like the tip of your nose.
Measuring your cervix height 📏
To start, wash your hands clean and squat down or stand with one leg up on a stool. Relax, slowly insert a finger inside the vagina and find a firm round organ with a hole in the middle (kinda like a small donut!) at the top of vagina canal. Mark the height by pinning your thumb to your inserted finger at the opening of vagina before removing and measuring it with a ruler. Try measuring on different days of your period as the height may vary from day to day and refer to the lowest height. The general guideline is:
- To start, wash your hands clean and squat down or stand with one leg up on a stool.
- Relax, slowly insert a finger inside the vagina and find a firm round organ with a hole in the middle (kinda like a small donut!) at the top of vagina canal.
- Mark the height by pinning your thumb to your inserted finger at the opening of vagina before removing and measuring it with a ruler.
- Try measuring on different days of your period as the height may vary from day to day and refer to the lowest height.
- The general guideline is:
| Measured Height | Cervix Level | Recommended size |
|---|---|---|
| Lower than 45mm | Low cervix | Small |
| Between 45-55mm | Medium cervix | Small or Medium |
| Higher than 55mm | High cervix | Medium |
Your flow level 🩸
To determine your flow level, look at the number of pads or tampons you typically use in a day (excluding during nighttime). A regular tampon or pad holds 5ml of blood while a maxi/ night pad or super tampon holds up to 10ml. The general guideline is:
| Number of pads/ tampons per days |
Flow Level | Recommended size |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 regular | Light (<15ml) | Small (22ml) |
| 3-4 regular | Medium (15-25ml) | Small (22ml) |
| 5 or more regular | Heavy (>25ml) | Medium (30ml) |
Choose a cup that is shorter than your cervix height at its lowest (measured during menstruation) and with suitable capacity for your flow level.
02
Step-By-Step Guide
Before we get started, keep in mind that it may take you a few cycles to master a period cup and that's totally normal. So don't be discouraged! We are always here for you!
Joie Cup comes in 2 sizes, Small (S) & Medium (M) to cater to different cervix heights and flow volume.
1. Learn the folds 🍂
There are many ways to fold a Joie cup for insertion. We encourage you to explore, experiment and find what works best for you. Just have fun with it!
- The Punch Down Fold: Push the rim down into the center to make a small insertion point
- The 7 Fold: Flatten the cup and fold the right corner of the rim down to the left to make a number 7 shape
- The C-Fold: Fold the cup in half length-wise to make a C or U shape at the rim
2. Sterilize 🧼
Joie cups are made with medical grade silicone that is safe to wear inside your body. Nevertheless, for your best hygiene, we recommend sterilizing your cup before first use and once every 2-3 months.
3 ways to sterilize the cup:
- Use a sterilizing tablet. Put ¼ of a tablet into a cup of water and soak the cup for 10 minutes.
- Put the cup in a pot of water and boil for 5 minutes.
- Put the cup in a bowl and pour boiling water over the cup. Soak for 3 minutes and repeat twice.
3. Insert 🌷
Before inserting, remember to always wash your hands and wash your cup clean.
- Fold the cup your way. Use 2 fingers to hold the folded cup together around its base with the rim facing up.
- Squat down low or put one leg up on a chair or a toilet. Take a few deep breaths and relax. Use another hand to gently separate your labias.
- Slowly insert the cup while angled towards your tailbone, keeping it folded until half of the cup is in. Slowly release your fingers and push the cup in until the whole cup is inside, including the stem. Once the cup is in deep enough, you should not be able to feel it.
4. Check ☑️
When the cup is fully open, a seal is created between the cup and your vagina walls and prevents your flow from leaking out.
- Check by running your index finger around the sides of the cup to make sure it is fully open and gently pull the cup to test the seal. You should feel slight resistance.
- If the cup is still folded, try gently pinching at the base of the cup to open the fold or remove and reinsert.
5. Remove 🧴
Before removing, remember to wash your hands clean.
- Squat down or stand with one leg up. Separate your labias with one hand then bear down.
- Insert 2 fingers inside to find the stem. Pull the cup down slowly by moving it side to side until you can reach its base.
- Pinch at the base to release the suction. Hold the cup by the base and carefully guide the cup downwards while keeping it upright. Be extra gentle while moving through the vaginal opening as this area is very sensitive.
6. Clean 🧼
- Empty your flow out in the toilet, in the shower, or in the sink.
- Rinse the cup with cold clean water to avoid staining. Or wash with mild soap.
- If you do not have access to clean water, use a wet tissue or tissue paper to wipe the cup, then rinse with water afterwards.
- Empty at least twice a day or every 12 hours.
- After each cycle, sterilize your Joie cup and keep dry in the storage bag.
Tips
- If you find it painful to insert or remove the cup, it could be due to pelvic muscle tension. Remember to breathe and relax yourself. It helps a lot!
- During the first few cycles, it is recommended to wear a menstrual pad as a back-up in case there's leaking.
- Some leaking is totally normal. However, if you notice a lot of leaking after wearing it for only a short period of time, try checking if the cup is fully open or if it is inserted too high past your cervix and the flow is not going into the cup. You may need to adjust its position or remove and reinsert it again.
- The wear time is different for each person and depends on your flow level. During the first cycle, we recommend removing the cup after 3-4 hours to measure the level of your flow in the cup. If the cup is not full yet, you can adjust your wear time to 5-6 hours, then 7-8 hours and longer. When the cup is full, it will start to leak.
- Always pinch the base of the cup first to release the suction before removing. Never pull the cup by the stem alone.
03
Commonly Asked Questions
We're here to answer your questions about some of the most commonly asked questions we get about period cups. Don't worry, we've all had these questions before!
Can you wear a cup to sleep?
Yes, you can wear a menstrual cup to sleep! Most cups can be worn for up to 12 hours, giving you a full night of leak-free protection. Just remember to empty it right before bed and first thing in the morning.
Will it hurt?
It shouldn't hurt. If inserted correctly, you shouldn't feel the cup at all. Discomfort usually means the cup is not positioned right or hasn't fully opened. Taking time to relax and finding the right fold can help.
Can you wear a cup if you're still a virgin?
Absolutely. The hymen is naturally flexible with openings, and using a cup doesn't affect your virginity. That said, if you're not familiar with your body or haven't inserted anything before, it might feel unfamiliar at first and that's completely normal. Like any new skill, it takes practice and patience. It's okay to feel nervous, and it's okay if it doesn't work perfectly the first few times. Take your time and be gentle with yourself.
Can you pee and poo while wearing a cup?
Yes! Your urethra (where you pee) and bowel are separate from the vagina. The cup sits in your vagina and doesn't block the other functions, so you don't need to remove it to use the bathroom.
Will the cup make my vagina loose?
No, a menstrual cup will not stretch out your vagina. The vagina is a muscle that expands and contracts. The silicone of the cup is flexible and moves with your body.
Can the cup be used as contraception?
No, menstrual cups are not a form of contraception and will not protect against pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). You should remove your cup before having penetrative sex.
Does using a cup increase the risk of TSS?
The risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) with menstrual cups is extremely low, much lower than with tampons. However, to minimize any risk, always wash your hands before handling your cup, clean your cup thoroughly between uses, and never leave it in for longer than the recommended 12 hours.
Will the cup get lost inside?
No, it is impossible for the cup to get lost inside you. Your vagina ends at the cervix, so there is nowhere for the cup to go. If you have trouble reaching it, relax, squat down, and bear down gently with your pelvic muscles to push it lower until you can grab the base or stem.
How long can the cup last?
With proper care, your Joie cup can last up to 10 years! We recommend replacing it if you notice any cracks, tears, or significant changes in the silicone texture.
How do I clean the cup?
During your cycle, simply rinse with cold water then wash with mild, fragrance-free soap and warm water. Between cycles, sterilize it by boiling in water for 5-7 minutes.
How do I know the cup is full?
You might feel a "bubbling" sensation or a feeling of heaviness. Over time, you'll learn your flow patterns. We recommend checking every 4-8 hours when starting out to gauge your flow.
I can't seem to insert the cup. What am I doing wrong?
Relax! Tense muscles make insertion harder. Try different folds (the punch-down fold is often smaller), use a water-based lubricant, and experiment with different squatting positions (like in the shower).
How deep do I need to insert the cup inside?
The cup should sit lower than a tampon, just inside the vaginal opening, but high enough that the stem isn't protruding comfortably. It needs to be positioned below your cervix to catch the flow.
Why is my cup leaking?
Leaks usually happen if the cup hasn't popped open fully or isn't sealed against the vaginal walls. Run a finger around the base to check for dents. Also, ensure it's positioned directly under your cervix, not to the side.
Why did my cup get discolored after a few uses?
Staining is normal over time due to the iron in menstrual blood and does not affect the functionality or hygiene of the cup. You can soak it in a diluted solution of hydrogen peroxide to remove stains if desired.
I have trouble peeing while wearing the cup. What's happening?
The cup might be pushing against your urethra (urine tube), which can slow the flow. Try sitting the cup slightly lower or tilting it backwards towards your tailbone. If it persists, the rim might be too firm or the cup too large for your anatomy.
I feel a bit of pain around my pelvis while wearing the cup. What's happening?
This could be due to strong suction or the cup touching your cervix. Try to break the seal and reposition it lower. If pain persists, the cup might be too long or too firm for you.
04
Orders & Refunds
Every Joie Period Cup comes with a 120-day satisfaction guarantee. If you've tried your cup and it's not working for you or you need a different size, here are the conditions:
- Try it for at least 60 days after receiving your cup. Learning to use a menstrual cup takes time and practice—most people need at least 2 cycles to adjust and get comfortable.
- Request an exchange or refund within 120 days of receiving your order.
- One size exchange allowed: If you need a different size, simply return your original cup to us. Once we receive it, we'll send you the new size at no extra cost.
Why do I need to wait 60 days before returning?
There is a learning curve! It often takes 2-3 cycles to get comfortable with inserting and removing a cup effectively. We ask you to try for 60 days to give yourself enough time and practice to master the technique.
What happens to returned cups?
For hygiene and safety reasons, returned cups are never resold or reused. They are properly disposed of in accordance with medical waste guidelines.
When will I receive my refund?
Once your return request is approved and processed, refunds typically appear on your original payment method within 5-10 business days, depending on your bank's processing times.