How to stop your menstrual cup leaking

If you experience a leaking menstrual cup, don’t worry, you are not the only one.

A leaking menstrual cup is common if you are using a menstrual cup for the first time. It can take up to 3 cycles to fully now how to use your period cup correctly. Therefore we recommend wearing a reusable panty liner while learning how to use your menstrual cup.

However, the good news is that a leaking menstrual cup is easily fixed and we will guide you through it!

Is the menstrual cup size right for you?

Firstly, make sure that your sanitary cup is the right size for you. Using the wrong sized cup for your body is a common reason for a leaking menstrual cup. If you are using a Me Luna cup, please check our size calculator.

Every body is different and therefor it’s not a one period cup fits all. This is why Me Luna is considered the best menstrual cup on the market as it offers a large verity in size, length and softness options, to provide you with the perfect fit!

Is your menstrual cup inserted correctly?

Did you know that your cervix height and swelling can change through your menstrual cycle? It is also possible that your cervix tilts a little bit to one side during this time. Therefor it is always good to check your cervix position throughout your cycle when using a menstrual cup for the first time. You soon will know how your body works.

Positioning of your menstrual cup

Your reusable menstrual cup should be positioned just underneath your cervix as this is were your menstrual fluid is coming from. If the period cup is not close enough to your cervix, the menstrual fluid can run down the sides and therefor causing a leak.

Some cervix’s point down, while others may be angled to the left, right, forward or backward. Therefor its not necessary point your cup upwards, instead, angel it toward your cervix. You may find that pointing your sanitary cup toward the tip of your tailbone instead of pointing straight up, will give you a better seal.

Menstrual cups for a low cervix

If your cervix is low it may take a little bit longer to get the hang of using a reusable menstrual cup, without it leaking. This is especially difficult if you are using a long menstrual cup. If your sanitary cup is to long for your body, the cervix can end up sitting inside the cup. Or you may accidentally push the cup in next to your cervix. Once your period cup is inserted, check if it is sitting correctly with your fingers by running them around the rim. If not simply squeeze the base of the menstrual cup a bit and pull it a little bit lower so it is just below the cervix. If you have a low cervix you may find that a Me Luna Shorty is much easier to use.

High cervix and menstrual cups

If you have a high cervix or a long vaginal canal, you may find that your menstrual cup sometimes moves up higher. Don’t worry if your  sanitary cup moves up higher as it naturally finds it’s best position. However keep in mind that the removal might take a little bit more. If you cervix is high, you may need to consider a lager size menstrual cup or a Me Luna menstrual cup ring grip with the Nupsi extension handle.

Strong pelvic floor muscles and menstrual cup firmness

If you have strong pelvic floor muscles, your muscles may squeeze the walls of your period cup accidentally just as you would do when removing it. This means that the seal could be broken and therefor cause your menstrual cup to leak. In this case we recommend the Me Luna Sport which is a firm menstrual cup, made for woman with strong pelvic muscles.

Did your menstrual cup fully pop open?

If the menstrual cup size is right for you, the most common reason for a leaking menstrual cup is that the cup did not fully open. Reusable period cups need to fully open, so they can create a seal around your cervix so that they do not leak. Therefor it is always good to check once inserted. the problem of the menstrual cup not fully opening, is quite a common issue for woman who are using a menstrual cup for the first time. But don’t worry, we will guide you through this.

Relax

It is important that you relax during inserting your menstrual cup, as tightening your muscles will make it even more difficult for the menstrual cup to open. Don’t put yourself under time pressure! Find a position that is conformable for you, such as squatting or sitting on the toilet. Many women find inserting a reusable menstrual cup in the shower much easier, especially while putting one leg up. Remember, relax and breath.

Try different menstrual cup folds

There are many different menstrual cup folds. Experiment with different folds and find the one which works best for you. Here you will find the 3 most common menstrual cup folds.

Drying your menstrual cup rim

Even though a wet cup does make insertion easier, it may be the reason why you are having difficulties forming a seal. Try drying the rim of the period cup with some toilet paper.

Inserting a menstrual cup

Once you have inserted your sanitary cup, turn it gently and wiggle it slightly from side to side to assist with opening. Another option is to gently pull on the menstrual cup ring (or other grips). In many cases this will make the period cup pop open. If your menstrual cup ring is sticking out now, simply pull the cup back up using your pelvic floor muscles.

Make the final check

It’s always good to double check if the menstrual cup has actually opened fully. You can do this by gently pulling on the menstrual cup ring grip. If your sanitary cup has fully opened and formed a seal, you should not be able to move it without feeling the pressure when pulling on it. If you are still unsure, you can check by carefully running your fingers around the rim or body of the sanitary cup.

If you feel like your current menstrual cup may not be the right size for you, check out the large range of  Me Luna cups.