9 Types of Menstrual Cup Folds: Find the Right Method
Figure out the best menstrual cup fold for your body and cup brand — there are so many techniques.
There are several menstrual cup folding methods that work well with various brands and cup sizes. If you’re having difficulties inserting the cup, try several techniques to see what works best.Â
The video below was produced by Lunette and demonstrates 9 different menstrual cup folds. However, these folds can be used with almost any brand of menstrual cup. It will take time and patience to find the fold that works best for you, so experiment with the different folds for menstrual cups until you feel comfortable. Menstrual Discs are NOT folded using these techniques. A menstrual disc is simply squeezed in half to create a ‘figure 8’ shape before insertion.
The 9 Popular Menstrual Cup Folds Explained
We have compiled short descriptions of each folding method, making it easy for you to refer to them at any time. Each description has simple instructions that you can follow with your own period cup.
1. C Fold (also known as the U Fold)
This is one of the most commonly used menstrual cup folds, often advised by cup brands as the one to start out with.
Fold the cup in half so that the lips (rim) touch together. Then bend the cup in half lengthwise. You will notice that the rim of the cup has created a ‘C’ shape.
2. E Fold
Take your menstrual cup and pinch down the right side so that the lips of the cup touch together. Then, press the left side of the cup towards the right, to form a T shape. Bring the sides of the T shape down around the pinched right side, so as to create an E shape.
3. S Fold
Holding your menstrual cup, push the lips of the cup together using your thumb and index finger to maintain a firm grip. Then, slowly push one side left and the other side right while pressing together so as to form an S shape.
4. Punchdown Fold (also known as the Shell Fold)
The Punch down fold is another very popular technique. It creates a smaller insertion area and the cup usually pops open very easily when using this fold.
Take your menstrual cup. Place you thumb on the rim and slowly push it down towards the base of the cup. Use your other hand to squeeze the edges together so that the rim stays down in the base of the cup.
5. 7 Fold (also known as the Triangle Fold)
Take your cup and fold it in half so the lips touch. Fold down the right corner to create a ‘7’ shape with the lips of the cup.
Another variation is to fold it in half so the lips touch. Bring the right corner down to the very base of the cup. This will create more of a ‘triangle’ shape.
6. Double 7 Fold
Take your menstrual cup and fold it in half so that the lips touch. Bring down the right corner about halfway. Then, turn the cup around and bring the left corner down to around the same position. Your cup should now be a nice tulip shape.
7. Diamond Fold/ Half Diamond Fold
Fold your period cup in half lengthwise, so that the lips touch. Pull the front lip of the cup down towards the base, which creates an oval shape in the top of the cup. Press down on the left side and hold, and then press down on the right side and hold. You should now have a diamond shape. This is the diamond fold.
If you are having trouble inserting the diamond fold, you can fold the cup in half lengthways (bringing the points together), to form a half diamond fold.
8. Origami Fold
While holding your menstrual cup, push the front edge about halfway down inside the cup (not quite as far as a punch down fold). Now take the right corner and fold it down to the left side.Â
9. Labia Fold
Pinch down on the top left side of the menstrual cup, so that the lips touch together. Holding the lips together, rotate the cup so that it is sideways. Create a slight indentation in the base of the cup, so that the folded section can fold down into this indentation. Now, push the edges together and you should have the smaller fold inside of the larger fold.
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Lunette Cup Wipes
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Lunette Menstrual Cup
$ 44.95 -
Lunette Cup Cleanser 100ml
$ 14.95 -
Lunette Cupwipes & Cup Cleanser
$ 29.95
Who would have thought there are so many types of folds for menstrual cups? Whether you’re a beginner or experienced cup user, it’s worthwhile to try out a few different folds and see what works for your body. This allows you to place the cup in a comfortable position and prevent leakage.
Frequently asked questions:
Learn more about folding a menstrual cup in the FAQs below.
We consider the easiest and most widely used menstrual cup folds to be the ‘C’ fold and the ‘Punchdown’ fold.
Your menstrual cup might keep on folding (or being crushed while inserted) because you have incredibly strong pelvic floor muscles. These muscles often squeeze the wall of the cup, causing it to fold. You may need to consider a firmer cup. Alternatively, you may have inserted the cup incorrectly or have a softer cup that is prone to folding. Don’t hesitate to try various menstrual cups to find the right fit.
Menstrual cups must be folded before you insert them, otherwise, the cup won’t fit through the vaginal opening. There are several different cup folds to try. Once you learn how to fold a menstrual cup, insertion becomes just as easy as using a tampon or other menstrual products.
Unlike menstrual cups, there is only one way to fold a menstrual disc. Pinch the sides of the disc with your thumb and forefinger to create a ‘figure 8’ shape. Keep holding while you insert the disc.
Occasionally, a folded menstrual cup won’t ‘pop’ open once inserted. Give it a gentle downwards tug on the stem, swing your hips in a circle (like using a hula hoop), or run your finger around the base and give it a little nudge.
No. Menstrual cup stems are designed to help you locate the base of the cup and then remove it AFTER the suction seal has been broken. Firmly pinch the base of the cup to break the suction. Then pull out while holding the cup base or stem.
Sometimes insertion may be difficult due to everything being a bit dry. Wetting the cup can help, otherwise you can rub a little water based lubricant around the rim of the cup before insertion.
If you have a high cervix, your menstrual cup may travel higher and be difficult to reach. It cannot get lost inside of you. Make sure you relax. Being tense will tighten your vaginal muscles. Squat down to shorten the vaginal canal and gently bear down with your pelvic floor muscles. You may need to try a longer cup in the future. For more help, read our menstrual cup removal tips.
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