JuniGuide
How to use
Your cup, step by step
Eight short steps. Tap, swipe or use the arrow keys.
Step 1 of 8
Choose your size
Juniper comes in three sizes. Tap one to see who it’s for.
For teenagers who just started their period, or women who are petite.
For most young women who have not had a full-term pregnancy.
For women who have had a full-term pregnancy.
Not sure? Take the size finderStep 2 of 8
Sterilize before you start
Before first use and between periods, boil your cup in water for 3 to 5 minutes. No soap needed: leftover soap can upset your vaginal pH.
Done! Let it cool, then it’s ready.
Step 3 of 8
Fold it your way
Wash your hands, then fold the cup. Try both folds and keep the one that feels easiest.
Press the sides flat, then fold in half into a C. It opens easily once inside.
Push one side of the rim down into the cup, then pinch. The tip is smaller, so it slides in more easily.
Step 4 of 8
Relax and insert
Being relaxed makes all the difference. Wet the rim with water, breathe slowly, and guide the folded cup in, angled toward your tailbone. It opens on its own.
Step 5 of 8
Check the seal
Run a finger around the base. If you feel a fold or a dent, gently rotate the cup, or pinch and release it, until it pops fully open. Once it’s sealed you won’t feel it at all.
Step 6 of 8
Forget about it for hours
Depending on your flow, wear it for 8 to 12 hours: swim, sleep, work out. Pick your flow to see when to empty it.
On heavy days empty it after about 6 hours; on light days it can stay in for up to 12.
Set a cup timer in the trackerStep 7 of 8
Pinch, then remove
Sit or squat over the toilet. Don’t pull the stem: pinch the base to release the seal, then wiggle it gently down and out, keeping it upright.
Step 8 of 8
Empty, rinse, repeat
Empty it into the toilet, rinse with clean water and reinsert. Out and about? Wipe it with toilet paper and rinse it properly at home. That’s it, for 5 to 10 years.
You’re ready! Questions? We’re one WhatsApp message away.
Prefer to watch?
See the punch-down fold and more in our how-to videos.
Tips & Tricks
Cases to consider before using the menstrual cup
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After Pregnancy, Miscarriage or Gynecological Surgery
This is because the menstrual cup could cause some irritation or may not fit properly for some time while a woman’s body is still sensitive, healing, and changing physiologically. Ask your doctor when it’s safe to start.
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With an IUD
If your IUD is prone to displacement, it might be preferable not to use the menstrual cup. We recommend that you consult your doctor to make sure it is safe for you.
Normally, it should be fine to use the menstrual cup with an IUD if you break the vacuum seal, and remove the cup carefully.
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Vaginismus
The involuntary contractions of the vaginal muscles might make the process of inserting and removing the menstrual cup difficult or painful.
For this reason, we advise you to consult your doctor prior to using the menstrual cup. It may become possible as your treatment progresses.
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During a Vaginal Infection
If you have a yeast infection or any other vaginal infection, pause using your cup until it has cleared, and use period panties instead.
Sterilize your cup before using it again so the infection doesn’t come back.
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Other Medical Concerns
If you have any other medical condition, notice unusual sensations, pain, or a change in discharge or smell, stop using the cup and talk to your doctor.
If you ever develop a sudden high fever, a rash that looks like sunburn, vomiting or dizziness while using any internal period product, remove it and seek medical care right away.
FAQ
Can the cup get stuck?
Definitely not! At the top of the vagina, the cervix acts like a doorway that does not allow any foreign objects to enter the uterus. The space for the cup is limited to the length of the vagina.
Will I lose my virginity?
The cup will definitely not affect virginity! Hymens look different for different girls; some women are born without a hymen. Hymens are also often elastic. That being said, the hymen cannot indicate virginity; even a doctor cannot differentiate a virgin woman!
Does cleaning the cup need soap?
Not at all. If you sterilize the cup and rinse it following our guidelines, no soap is needed in the process. Be careful: residual soap on the cup can cause vaginal pH imbalance.
For how long can I use the cup?
Depending on your flow, the cup stays in the vagina for 8 to 12 hours before it is removed and emptied. On heavy days, empty it after about 6 hours.
How many cups do I need?
You only need one cup for 5 to 10 years!
Will the blood spill and make a mess?
As long as you follow our guidelines and remove it gently above the toilet seat or in the shower, it will not be messy. Keep in mind your period blood is as clean as the rest of the blood in your body!
Is it possible to use the bathroom with the cup inside?
Of course! The cup goes in the vaginal opening, while urine and stool come out of two different openings. Take a look at our anatomy section to see how.
Can I sleep, exercise, or swim with the cup inside?
Of course you can! Once inserted correctly, the cup creates a vacuum seal and it cannot be felt at all. No worries about leaks for long hours; enjoy swimming, sleeping, and exercising care-free!
JuniGuide
Period panties guide
Several absorbent layers sit on a leak-proof fabric, with cotton against your body, so they work without pads. You can sleep in them if your flow is light to moderate; test them with your own flow first.
With a light flow, or toward the middle and end of your period, you can wear them for up to 12 hours.
| Your flow | What to use |
|---|---|
| Light | Light–Moderate panties work on their own. |
| Moderate | Moderate–Heavy on your heavier days, Light–Moderate on lighter ones. |
| Heavy | Pair them with a Juniper cup, especially on the first two days. |
Washing
- Rinse in cold water after wearing.
- Machine or hand wash cold.
- Hang to dry.
To preserve your period underwear
- Don’t use fabric softener
- Don’t tumble dry
- Don’t wash at a warm temperature
- Don’t use bleach
Period panties FAQ
How does the period underwear work?
Juniper’s period panties are made of several layers that absorb the blood and keep you feeling fresh. They are enough on their own, no pads needed!
Can I sleep with the period panties?
Yes you can! Test it with your flow first. If your flow is light to moderate, you can definitely sleep in the underwear. On the first two days of your period, with heavy flow, it can be a good idea to pair it with the period cup.
How do I choose the level of absorption?
For a light flow, choose Light–Moderate. For a moderate flow, use Moderate–Heavy on your heavier days and Light–Moderate on lighter ones. For a heavy flow, we recommend pairing your period underwear with the period cup. Yes, we call them the power couple: check out our Period Power Kit!
Can I wear the period underwear on its own?
Yes, of course! It is made to absorb blood just like pads. Depending on your needs, you might prefer to use it with the period cup, for example with an extremely heavy flow.
How long can I wear my period underwear?
It depends on your flow and the day of your period, so experiment to find what works for you. With a light flow, or toward the middle and end of your period, you can wear your period panties for a full 12 hours.
What is the period underwear made of?
Juniper’s period panties are made of layered absorbent and leak-proof fabric. The fabric against your body is cotton, to keep you comfortable.