The way you fold your period cup before inserting it can affect how it feels and sits inside your vaginal canal. You may also find certain folds easier to insert, especially when using a softer cup, such as our Liana silky soft cup. The reason there is such a wide range of folds is due to the fact that every woman’s anatomy is different, as is her previous gynaecological and birth history, whether she has given birth vaginally or not.

C fold

This is one of the most well-known folding methods. However, if you using the cup the first time, you may find the insertion difficult as it has a wide area opening. 

  • Hold the cup with both hands just underneath the rim, so your thumbs are closest to you
  • Push the sides together to flatten the cup
  • Fold the cup in half length-ways to create the ‘C’ or ‘U’ shape
c fold

The punch-down fold

This fold might be the most comfortable because it has a small insertion point, which makes it great for beginners. It also tends to work well with softer cups like Liana silky soft.

    • Start by holding the body of your cup in one hand 
    • With your free hand, place your finger on the rim of the cup, then push it down and pinch it to hold the position 
    • Once the cup is inserted, give it a push at the base to make the rim pop open
punch down fold

Other folding methods

We recommend both the above folding methods because they are quick and easy to use. But there are other folding methods that are worth mentioning here

  • 7 fold
  • Double 7 fold
  • S fold
  • Labia fold
  • Origami fold
  • M, E, or Squiggle fold
  • Triangle fold
  • Diamond fold
  • Double diamond fold
folding methods for liana period cup

What next?

It’s important to relax your muscles when inserting your menstrual cup, so find a comfortable position. You can lie down, squat, stand with raising one leg on the toilet, sit on the toilet or simply stand up. You’ll find the position that works best for you over time. You might want to use water to make insertion easier.

Once you folded the cup by using any of the above folds, it’s important to hold it together firmly. Part the labia lips and slowly insert the cup. To avoid it popping open too early, try to keep hold of the cup while you insert it. Once the entire cup is inside of you, remove your fingers and let it open up.

If the menstrual cup has been inserted correctly, you might hear a “pop” or a suction sound which means that the cup has unfolded and created the necessary suction seal.

Insert Liana Period Cup

Check the seal

To check the cup is opened correctly inside, lightly hold the stem of the cup and try turning it 360 degrees. A correctly positioned cup will turn easily in each direction. To check it has opened enough to create the ‘seal’, gently circle your finger around the base of the cup. If it has opened properly, it will feel completely round or oval and not have any noticeable folds. 

Rotate liana period cup