MeLuna Instructions
General Instructions for the use of your MeLuna menstrual cup
Please review the Cleaning and Disinfection Guidelines before attempting to use your new cup.
Users should inspect the device before each use for signs of wear or damage (tearing, cracking, etc.) and replace the device if signs of wear are noted.
Insert your MeLuna
Before using your MeLuna menstrual cup for the first time, please disinfect the cup using the instructions on this site. Always clean your hands thoroughly before removing and reinserting your MeLuna menstrual cup.
Prior to inserting, fold the MeLuna menstrual cup the way that is most comfortable for you. Hold the folded menstrual cup and insert the cup with the fold facing forward. You can insert the menstrual cup while sitting on the toilet, in a standing position or while crouching – or in any position that is most comfortable for you.
Keep in mind that your vagina slants towards your back. When insterting for the first time it is sometimes helpful to think 'back and up' rather than just straight up.
Should you experience problems when inserting your MeLuna menstrual cup, we recommend the use of water based lubricant. You will find the most comfortable position of your MeLuna menstrual cup over time. Some women prefer to position it very close to their cervix, others prefer to place the cup closer to the vaginal entrance. MeLuna menstrual cups should not be inserted too shallow or close to the vaginal entrance because this could cause discomfort when sitting down.
To avoid leakage, make sure that your MeLuna menstrual cup unfolds completely after inserting it into the vagina. You can check this by twisting the menstrual cup slightly or follow the rim with your finger after insertion.
On average it is sufficient to empty, clean and re-insert your MeLuna menstrual cup two to four times a day. Please adjust the frequency of emptying, cleaning and repositioning your menstrual cup according to the volume of your menstrual flow but for safety and odor prevention, please do not leave the cup in longer than 12 hours.
In the beginning we advise you to empty, clean and reposition your menstrual cup as often as you would replace your tampons or your Maxi Pads. This gives you a good idea on how often you really need to empty your menstrual cup.
MeLuna menstrual cups may be worn day and night, but they should be emptied, cleaned and repositioned at least every 8 to 12 hours.
It is not necessary to empty, clean and reposition your MeLuna menstrual cup every time you visit the bathroom.
It is possible that the MeLuna menstrual cup shifts slightly within your vagina due to natural motion of your vaginal muscles. This will not affect the functionality or comfort.
Insertion of the MeLuna menstrual cup
For insertion into the vagina fold the MeLuna. We are showing here three examples of possible folds. There are also quite a few other ways to fold a menstrual cup. Regardless of fold style one thing to keep in mind is that insertion will be more comfortable and effective if there is still some air remaining in the MeLuna -otherwise the suction from the seal created may be too strong and uncomfortable. MeLuna can unfold just fine if sufficient air is present.
C-fold
An easy way. Press the MeLuna flat and then put both sides together.
Punch down folding
This is slightly more sophisticated folding technique. Press the edge of the MeLuna to a point with the thumb down (and inside). The major advantage of this method: It leaves of air inside the MeLuna. As a result, they can unfold better after insertion.
S-fold
Works well on larger models, such as MeLuna L and XL. Press the MeLuna flat and fold the edge in a zigzag.
Hold the cup firmly folded and insert it with the folded side first, into the vagina. This can be done sitting on the toilet, standing or crouching - whatever position is most comfortable to you. If you encounter problems with the instertion a water-based lubricant can help. You will quickly find out by trial and error what optimal positioning of the MeLuna is for you. Some women prefer to place them close to the cervix, others prefer it if it sits closer to the vaginal entrance. MeLuna should however not be located too close to the entrance of the vagina since it would be more likely to cause discomfort.
Proper placement of the menstrual cup
To avoid leakage, check after insertion whether the menstrual cup is completely unfolded. This can be determined by turning the cup or by tracing around the edge with your finger.
Due to the movement of the vaginal muscles, it is possible that the MeLuna slightly changes position during use. This does not affect functionality or comfort.
How long can the MeLuna stay in the vagina?
MeLuna can remain in the vagina 8 to 12 hours.
Usually it is sufficient to empty your MeLuna 2 to 4 times a day. Since the menstrual flow varies from woman to woman and also during the cycle, the frequency in which you need to empty the cup will also vary. To begin, we recommend that you empty the MeLuna at similar intervals as you have previously changed tampons and pads. This will give you an idea of how frequently the cup will need emptying. The menstrual cup can be worn both during the day and at night, but they should be emptied at least every 8 to 12 hours. It is not necessary to empty the MeLuna every time you use the bathroom.
Removing the MeLuna
Wash your hands thoroughly before removing the MeLuna.
Put yourself in a comfortable position, preferably a sitting position. Use your pelvic floor muscles to push the cup down and out. Find the bottom of the cup with your fingertips and gently pull the handle on the MeLuna. Then grasp the entire lower part of the MeLuna and press it together gently to loosen the slight vacuum. Please do not just pull the handle on the MeLuna (ball / stem / ring) without use of your the pelvic floor muscles. The handle is meant as a guide to find the bottom of the cup - not to completely pull the cup out.
It is important that you are patient during the first few times - it takes some practice to change the cup easily. Stay calm and relaxed. Empty after removing the MeLuna and clean it. You can then reuse the MeLuna as usual.
Tips and TricksIf you are encountering any difficulties with insertion, wear or removal the most important thing is to stay calm. Please keep in mind that inserting the cup correctly takes a certain amount of practice. It will soon become second nature. Even if you have been using tampons the experience is not transferable to the technique for insertion and removal of a menstrual cup. In most cases (> 95%!) the problem of a cup leaking, being uncomfortable to wear or a challenge to insert can be remedied by improved handling practices. You have to remember, it takes most women up to 3 cycles to properly apply a menstrual cup. There are some useful tricks that you should try, if you are having difficulties with insertion and unfolding of the MeLuna:
Did you know that the position of your cervix changes throughout your cycle? Often new customers are anxious to give the cup a 'dry run' to prepare before their period. What is important to remember though is that during your period your cervix is generally located lower, changing the position of the cup from where it would sit during a dry run. There also will be more moisture, etc. If you are opting for a 'dry run' and experience any difficulties with placement just remember that this may not be indicative of where/how the cup will sit during your menstruation. |