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 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. If you have a high cervix, you may not be able to feel it with your fingers, which is totally normal!
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 practising before your period if you feel squeamish about touching blood. In this case, use water or water-based lubricant to make things easier.
Try different folds that accentuate the insertion point: Most use the typical C-fold. However, there are many ways to fold a Lunette. Check out the most common different folds that you can use with your period cup.
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 shorter or off completely. However, if not, you may need it to assist with 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 make the suction stronger and more difficult to remove the cup. This can feel unpleasant or even painful. 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 tweak the cup to the side. The idea is to pull an edge away from the vaginal wall to release the suction. You will hear or feel 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.
First-time users: Check that the air holes around the top are fully open. Wash your hands and clean your cup with water and mild soap (seriously, none of the scented stuff). Boil it in a large pot for 20 minutes before you use it for the first time.
Cleaning during your period: First, tip the blood into the toilet. Rinse with cold water and then wash with warm water. Use Lunette’s specially formulated menstrual cup wash to make it squeaky clean.
Your period is over — now what?: When your period is over, disinfect your cup by boiling in water for 5-10 minutes. Lunette should be disinfected before and after your periods.
Cleaning when you’re out and about: The Lunette Cupwipes are handy while camping or in a gross porta potty. They eliminate most germs and enable you to use the cup safely, even if water is not available. Wipes are packed separately so they are easy to carry with you.