Lunette answers all of your period cup questions!

Thinking about switching to a menstrual cup? Feeling a little unsure? We totally get it. After all, we’re talking about something you insert into your vagina. But don’t worry - we’ve got you covered.

Whether you're brand new to the period cup scene or you've tried it before and hit a few bumps, this guide is here to answer all your questions and help you feel confident about making the switch.

What size menstrual cup should I use?

At Lunette, we offer two menstrual cup sizes to suit different flows and anatomies:

  • Size 1: Ideal for light to normal flow. It’s slightly smaller and softer, making it a great choice for teens, beginners, and those with a low cervix or active lifestyle.
  • Size 2: Designed for normal to heavy flow. It’s a bit firmer and larger, offering more capacity and support for those with a higher cervix or who've given birth vaginally.

How is a menstrual cup different from a tampon?

While both are internal period products, menstrual cups offer several advantages:

  • Longer wear time: Cups can be worn for up to 12 hours, while tampons need changing every 4–8 hours.
  • Reusable & eco-friendly: Lunette Cups are made from medical-grade silicone and last for years, reducing waste and saving money.
  • Moisture-friendly: Tampons absorb everything including your natural moisture. Cups collect your flow, helping maintain your vagina’s natural balance.

How to insert a menstrual cup?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to inserting your Lunette Period Cup:

  1. Wash your hands and clean your cup using Lunette Cup Cleanser or a mild, fragrance-free, oil-free soap with a pH between 3.5 and 5.5.
  2. Find a comfortable position - standing, squatting, or sitting. Fold the cup into a C-shape.
  3. Insert the cup rim-first into your vagina. It will pop open once inside. Use a clean finger to check that the base feels round - this means it’s fully open.

Pro Tip: If insertion feels tricky, try using water or a water-based lubricant. And if the C-fold isn’t working for you, explore other folding techniques here.

Can I practice inserting my cup when I’m not on my period?

Absolutely and we actually recommend it! Practicing when you're not menstruating can help you get familiar with insertion and removal. Just keep in mind that insertion may be easier during your period when your vagina is naturally more moist and flexible.

I'm having trouble inserting my cup. What can I do?

First, relax. Tension makes insertion harder. Find a quiet space and take a few deep breaths. If you're still struggling:

  • Try a different fold;
  • Use water or lube;
  • Explore your anatomy with our Anatomy guide;
  • Don’t give up - it can take a few cycles to get the hang of it!

How long can I wear my menstrual cup?

You can wear your Lunette Cup for up to 12 hours, depending on your flow. If you have a heavier flow, start by emptying it every few hours until you learn your rhythm.

Can menstrual blood flow back into the uterus?

Nope. Your cervix is tiny and your uterus actively pushes blood out during menstruation. The flow cannot reverse direction.

I’m experiencing leaks. What should I do?

Leaks happen, especially when you're new to cups. Try these tips:

  • Make sure the air holes near the rim are open;
  • Confirm the cup is fully open by rotating it slightly;
  • Try wearing it lower in the vagina;
  • Experiment with different folds;
  • Still leaking? Reach out to us at info@lunette.com. 

How to clean your menstrual cup?

Before first use: boil your Lunette Cup in water for 5 minutes to sterilize it. Make sure the cup is fully submerged and not touching the bottom of the pot - placing it inside a wire whisk can help prevent damage.

During your cycle: Rinse your cup with warm water and Lunette Cup Cleanser or a mild, oil-free soap before reinserting.

After your cycle: Boil the cup again for 5 minutes before storing it in its breathable pouch.

On the go? Use Lunette Cup wipes - individually wrapped and perfect for cleaning your cup when you don’t have access to water.

How do I remove a menstrual cup?

Relax and breathe. Use your pelvic muscles to gently push the cup down. Once you can reach the base, pinch it to release the suction and slowly remove it. Avoid pulling by the stem alone to prevent spills or discomfort. Squatting or straddling the toilet can help make removal easier.

Can I use a menstrual cup with an IUD?

You sure can! As this study shows, there isn't scientific proof that tampons or menstrual cups could increase early IUD expulsion rates. Before doing so check with your doctor to ensure your IUD strings are trimmed short enough. Always break the suction seal before removal to avoid tugging on the strings (generally we advise no forceful movements around that area anyway!) 

Am I old enough to use a menstrual cup?

If you’ve started your period, you’re old enough to use a cup. We recommend Size 1 for younger users. Take your time, explore your body, and check out our Anatomy guide for support.

Can a menstrual cup break the hymen or affect virginity?

Inserting anything into the vagina - including a menstrual cup - can stretch or tear the hymen. But virginity is defined by sexual activity, not by the state of the hymen. Using a cup does not mean you’ve lost your virginity.

Will using a cup loosen my vagina?

Not at all. Your vaginal muscles hold the cup in place, and wearing one can even help strengthen your pelvic floor.

Can I sleep with a menstrual cup in?

Yes! Lunette Cups are perfect for overnight use. Sleep soundly knowing you’re protected for up to 12 hours.

How should I store my cup after my period?

Store your clean, dry cup in the breathable pouch it came with. Avoid sealed containers or plastic bags - your cup needs airflow to stay fresh.

Still have questions? No worries. Like we said at the beginning, we got you. Just give us a shout at info@lunette.com so we can get this period party started!

8 comments

Hi I would like to know!

Our recommended way to sterilise your Lunette Menstrual Cup is to boil it. Make sure your Lunette Cup is thoroughly clean before you begin, to avoid burning any residue to the cup surface.

Cleaning before boiling:
To avoid discoloration, rinse the menstrual cup first with cold water, and then use warm water and our Lunette Cup Cleanser to thoroughly wash the cup.
Rinse the cup to make sure there is no cleanser foam or residue left, or alternatively you can use Lunette Cup Wipes!

Boiling:
Please note, the menstrual cup is not intended to be boiled with any cleansers or detergents. Please use clean water only for boiling.

We don’t recommend using microwave for disinfection of the cup. Many containers that are used for this purpose may contain harmful chemicals, which might dissolve in to the water. Even though glass ware does not necessarily have the same kind of concerns, there are still few uncertainties. In our experience there is not enough information on whether or not microwaving the cup disinfects it completely or as well as boiling it in plenty of water in a pot.

For the first time of boiling, the cup should be under boiling water for at least 10 minutes, which might be hard to full-fill with a microwave. In between your cycles it has been proven sufficient to boil your cup for 5 minutes, so we now recommend that instead of the full 10 mins to save energy :)

-Team Lunette

Lunette Menstrual Mentor Juli 10, 2023

Hi, i just bought size 1 cup for me but have not used it yet.

So i wanted to know in advance:

After using it i wash it under cold water and then hot. Then i am supposed to boil it. But the problem is that i dont want to boil it in the kitchen while my parents are home. And its very rare for my both parents being away from home.

So i tought is it possible to put the cup into mug with water and put it into microwave? Or is it a bad idea?

Or can i boil the water and for example while im showering i could pour the hot water into a bowl and sterilize the cup in the bowl?

(Also im a minimalist so i dont want any gadgets meant ONLY for my cup)

I would like to know Juli 10, 2023

Hi, Cassidy! Sorry to hear your Cup is causing you trouble! Please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@lunette.fi and our Menstrual Mentors are happy to help with troubleshooting! <3
-Team Lunette

Lunette Menstrual Mentor September 24, 2020

Hi!
I’ve tried every single trouble shoot video and article, and my cup still seems to be leaking at the “front” – this is my 4th cycle using it, and I still can’t seem to get the hang of it, please help!

Cassidy September 24, 2020

Hi Garbham! We have contacted you via email for troubleshooting :)
-Team Lunette

Lunette Menstrual Mentor April 09, 2020

I have tried a cup.
worked on it to get it in vegina and then im normal with my work but after some time cup has moved upwards. Which made me difficult to pull out.
Should it be more deeper. Does it moves after insertion. Im totally confused and freaked.

Garbham Sai Sruthi April 09, 2020

Hi Rittika!

We’re so excited you’re planning on getting your first cup- and a Lunette Cup!
Generally new cup users, and younger users, find the Model 1 easier to work with as there is a learning curve with menstrual cups. Active users also find the Model 1 to be a better fit as it works better with strong vaginal muscles. Don’t hesitate to reach out to customer service at info@lunette.com, one of our Menstrual Mentors will be more than happy to answer any and all cup questions for you! :)

Best,
Team Lunette

Lunette Menstrual Mentor Dezember 03, 2019

Hey,
I have finally decided to get my first cup, and I took the PACII quiz, and got lunette 1. I also did a lot of research on lunette and I really, really like it.
However I’m still confused about the size. I have a heavy flow. The tip of my cervix sits about 55mm high on a normal day, and about 45mm high on periods. However it might be relevent to mention here, that my cervix protudes quite nicely into my vagina, both on and off periods. So I’m able to get a good grip on it.
So I was wondering if I should buy the size 2 lunette and put it up high to make my cervix sit within the cup itself, or should I buy the size 1?
I’m 22, never been pregnant, pretty active!

Rittika Dezember 03, 2019

Leave a comment

All comments are moderated before being published