Leaking menstrual cup – how to fix it?

Menstrual cups – the most important information

A menstrual cup is a small, flexible sanitary device that is placed in the vagina during your period and collects menstrual fluids.

• The cup collects blood and menstrual fluids inside your body . As a result, the blood and fluids are completely odorless .
• The menstrual cup is a collector that, in comparison to a pad or tampon, does not absorb fluids but collects them. Its capacity, depending on the size, ranges from 10 to 38 milliliters .
• The cup can be replaced every 3 to even 12 hours .
• This reusable hygiene product , properly cared for, can serve you for up to 10 years!
• The cup should be washed , disinfected and sterilized before first use and after menstruation. Between applications during menstruation, it should also be properly prepared for reuse. Remember: before every contact with the cup and intimate area, wash your hands thoroughly!

Why does a menstrual cup leak?

How many times has a soaked pad or tampon given you a red decoration? With a well-fitted and attached cup, you will forget about surprises. It is the most airtight option among all hygiene products.

Okay, that’s all well and good, but why is my menstrual cup leaking?

There is no single answer to this question, so we have prepared a list of reasons that may cause unwanted leaks.

The menstrual cup moves

An unstable, mobile and moving cup in the vagina leaks. If the cup moves, it does not collect all of the menstrual fluid. Its edges do not adhere to the vaginal walls, and what should fall into it simply runs off it.

And all this could be caused by an incorrect application .

You can read about how to properly apply the cup here .

The menstrual cup did not unfold and did not suck

When the cup is inside but not fully unfolded, some of the menstrual fluid will not end up in the cup but directly on your underwear.

If the cup is positioned incorrectly, you can also tell it is pressing against the vaginal walls and causing discomfort .

If the cup did not open properly, it probably did not seal either . Sucking the cup is a guarantee of its tightness . Even the smallest dent on its edge results in a lack of tightness and an easy way for the cup to leak.

Menstrual cups will not suck in if their holes at the rim are clogged . Mucus, fluids and menstrual blood can clog. Clogged holes mean that a vacuum cannot be created!

Incorrect menstrual cup size

How can a poorly sized cup cause menstrual fluid leakage?

Menstrual cups that are too small won't absorb into the vagina because they won't fit snugly against the walls. Their movement and capacity that's too small will result in leakage no matter how hard you try.

On the other hand, cups that are too large will not unfold completely, which means that menstrual fluid can bypass the inside of the cup and flow carelessly down the sides.

If you feel pressure, the cup cannot open freely – it is possible that it is too large.

Be sure to read our article on how to choose the right menstrual cup size .

Inappropriate hardness of the menstrual cup

The main role related to this property of the cup is played by your pelvic floor muscles.

A soft menstrual cup leaks because it may be squeezed too tightly by the muscles , making it difficult for it to open.

On the other hand, a cup that is too hard may adhere to the vaginal walls when unfolded, but at the same time press too hard against it , causing discomfort.

The menstrual cup is full

Heavy bleeding or wearing the cup for too long can cause it to fill to the max. This causes the excess menstrual fluid to leak out of the cup and flow down the vagina.

Despite its suction and tightness, it sometimes happens that excess fluid finds an escape route during a dynamic change in body position or during rapid contraction and relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles .

Also check out our instructions on how to remove your menstrual cup .

What to do if the cup leaks?

Above all, don't give up! Menstrual cups leak, especially when you're new to inserting them - and yes, it can be discouraging. That's why we've prepared ways to deal with leakage for you!

Relax

Muscle relaxation may be enough of a solution.

Tense muscles mean less room for the cup, which can't fully unfold and therefore suck in. So give it some room to maneuver and try to consciously relax your muscles. How?

• Take the right position – standing with your leg resting on the toilet, sitting or squatting. It is important that access to the vagina is as convenient as possible for you.
• Regular breathing and conscious muscle relaxation are the way to encourage the cooperation of the entire body.
• Find a comfortable space where relaxation and the awareness that no one and nothing will disturb this moment of closeness go hand in hand.

Gently pull on the stem or loop of the cup

This movement has the potential to encourage the cup to suck again, which this time may be completely sufficient. Remember not to pull with force, a gentle pull will suffice.

Squeeze and rotate the menstrual cup

You don't need to re-apply yet. Simply hold the base of the cup between two fingers and squeeze . While doing this, gently move it side to side and rotate it . Then release the base and check if suction has occurred.

Deform the cup with your finger

Insert your finger into your vagina. If you feel that the structure of the cup is unnatural on one side and there is a dent, try to gently deform it . This small gesture may solve the leakage problem!

Make sure the holes at the edge of the cup are clear

If menstrual fluid is trapped in the holes, it can prevent proper pressure regulation and make it difficult to suck the menstrual cup. So when washing the cup, pay attention to these tiny holes, which really make a difference!

Reapply the menstrual cup

Before re-applying, pay attention to every detail. A properly applied cup minimizes the risk of leakage!

Use a underwear liner

You will not only keep a clean head, but also your favorite period underwear.

It is possible that with time you will become so proficient that this will no longer be necessary, but especially during your first periods with the cup, you should additionally protect yourself with a liner .

What if the problem persists?

Another month, another leak, more dirty clothes, and more stress.

Have you tried the above mentioned tactics and nothing?

If your cup leaks every time you use it, the problem may be somewhere else. See what else you can do to stop leaking once and for all!

Replacing the cup

Unfortunately, sometimes this is the only solution, because although you can improve your application technique, you will not be able to change the properties of the cup. Its mismatched size and hardness can be the cause of constant leaks.

You already know that a cup that is too small, just as too large, can cause leakage – that’s why it’s so important to choose the right size. The right size cup depends on the height of your cervix , the width of your vagina and the condition of your pelvic floor muscles .

There are many cups of varying hardness on the market . If you think your cup is too soft, you can easily find a harder equivalent – ​​and vice versa!

If your pelvic floor muscles are weaker, choose a soft cup . If you are physically active and your muscles are trained, choose a harder cup .

Change of application method

There are as many ways to apply it as there are people who menstruate. Do you feel like something is wrong with you? See what you can change!

• If you have previously applied the cup while standing, try doing it while sitting or crouching (and vice versa).
• Thanks to the moisture, application is easier and more enjoyable. The slip that water provides is different from that achieved with lubricant . What do you choose?
• C or S fold , figure 7 , or maybe punchdown ? There are many options , and among them may be your favorite one that ensures zero leakage!

Check the filling level of your menstrual cup

Unfortunately, this is not possible while wearing a cup, but over time, determining the right moments of exchange will become a habit that will not leave your cup. This skill requires observing the cycle , its intensity and managing the exchange depending on the time and favorable conditions in which you prefer to empty the cup.

Visit to the doctor

If despite your best efforts the problem persists, you can visit a gynecologist or a urogynecological physiotherapist who specializes in this field. Alleviating your concerns and identifying the causes of the leaks can be a milestone on your journey with the cup.

Even though we encourage you to use a cup, your physical and mental comfort comes first!

If you feel that menstrual cups are not made for you, for your own comfort go back to pads ortampons that suited you better.

The first, second or even third time with the cup it doesn't have to be perfect. But believe me, after a few months you will get to know the properties of the cup and your body better. As a result, you will adjust the best way to live with the cup and forget about leakage once and for all!

If you have more doubts and questions about using the cup, check out our article " Menstrual cup - we will dispel ALL your fears ".

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AM van Eijk, G. Zulaika, M. Lenchner et al., Menstrual cup use, leakage, acceptability, safety, and availability: a systematic review and meta-analysis, Lancet Public Health 2019, vol. 4, p. 376-393.
C. Howard, CL Rose, K. Trouton et al., FLOW (finding lasting options for women): Multicentre randomized controlled trial comparing tampons with menstrual cups , "Canadian Family Physician" 2011, vol. 57, p. 208-215.
P. Mohan, A. Yadav, CR Belardo, Money Spent Right – Menstrual Cup for Women's Empowerment , University of Oklahoma, 2018.