Sometimes you get the hang of a menstrual cup right away. Other times, it takes a little patience to find what works best for you. In most cases, only a few small adjustments are needed to turn you and your menstrual cup into the perfect team, without leaks or worries.
Make sure your cup opens properly
A fully opened menstrual cup is the key to preventing leaks. If the cup does not open correctly inside the vagina, it cannot create the necessary seal, and menstrual blood may leak around it.
How can you check?
Gently pull on the ball-shaped stem. If the cup resists slightly when you pull, it has most likely opened correctly. If it slides out easily, it may not be fully open and you should try inserting it again.
Check it with your finger. Run your finger around the rim of the cup. Ideally, it should sit comfortably against the vaginal walls all the way around.
Listen for the familiar sound. When inserted correctly, a menstrual cup often makes a small popping sound as it opens. If you usually hear it and suddenly don’t, it may be a sign that the cup has not opened properly.
Engage your pelvic floor muscles. Especially if you have experience with pelvic floor exercises or Venus balls. By gently contracting your vaginal muscles, you can check the position and opening of the cup.
The cup needs to sit in the right place
Ideally, the cup should sit just below your cervix. This can feel like an abstract instruction, especially if you are new to using a menstrual cup.
Your cervix also changes position throughout your cycle depending on hormonal changes. Sometimes it sits higher, sometimes lower. That is why different insertion techniques, positions, and even different cup sizes may work better on different days of your period. The Czech menstrual cup brand Whoop·de·doo is also available in a Duo Pack, allowing you to choose the right size for different phases of your cycle.
Make sure your cervix is not sitting inside the cup. If your cervix is sensitive, the suction may cause discomfort or cramps. It can also reduce the cup’s capacity and increase the chance of leaks.
A gentle self-check can help you understand where your cervix is positioned and give you an idea of how far the cup should be inserted.
What if you are struggling to insert the cup?
If the cup does not seem to sit in the right position, try changing your position. Many women find that a deep squat or standing with one leg raised on the edge of the bathtub works well.
Other things that may help:
- Try a different folding technique.
- Moisten the cup with water or add a small drop of lubricant to make insertion easier.
- Focus on relaxing your pelvic floor muscles. Deep breathing, especially under a warm shower, can help you release tension.
Most importantly, do not put unnecessary pressure on yourself. After a few attempts, you will find what works best for you. As a bonus, you may discover a lot more about your own body.
The cup overflowed because of a very heavy period
If you have an especially heavy flow, we recommend choosing a larger cup size and emptying it more frequently, especially during the first days of your period.
A menstrual cup can usually last up to 12 hours without leaking, but every body is different. For extra peace of mind, you can use a panty liner or period underwear as backup.
In most cases, the cup lets you know when it is reaching its capacity. You do not have to worry about it suddenly overflowing and ruining your favourite underwear.
The cup size or firmness is not right for you
Every brand offers slightly different cup dimensions. Pay attention not only to the diameter but also to the length, especially if you have a low or high cervix.
If possible, try to feel the cup in person and consider the firmness of the material. The type of stem also matters. A traditional stem can feel uncomfortable or even painful for some women.
The Whoop·de·doo menstrual cup has a soft ball-shaped stem that does not press or cause irritation. And one more practical tip: choose a colour you love. Clear cups can show signs of regular use sooner than coloured cups, such as a red one. Wink, wink.
The holes around the rim are blocked or too small
Some menstrual cups have holes that are so small they struggle to create the right seal. This was something we focused on during development, so our cup does not need any enlarging with a pin.
When emptying the cup, simply rinse the holes thoroughly. An interdental brush can also help if needed.
Weaker vaginal muscles
Even weaker pelvic floor muscles can affect how well your cup works. If you also experience other signs, such as occasional leaking or reduced sensitivity, it may be worth focusing on strengthening these muscles.
One option is using Whoop·de·doo Venus balls to help support pelvic floor training.
You might need to go to the bathroom
Yes, even needing a bowel movement or experiencing constipation can affect how the cup sits inside the vagina. Pressure in the area can make the cup lose its seal.
Luckily, this problem usually has a very simple solution.
A few more useful tips
Travelling: When travelling somewhere without access to running water, carry a bottle of clean water or a Whoop·de·doo cleaning spray. In places where water quality is uncertain, rinse your cup only with bottled drinking water.
IUD and vaginal ring: You can use a menstrual cup with an IUD, although it is always a good idea to discuss it with your doctor. A vaginal ring should not be used together with a menstrual cup.
When the stem feels uncomfortable: If the stem still sticks out even when the cup is positioned correctly, try turning the cup inside out and wearing it that way. Another option is choosing a smaller size. Cutting the stem is also possible, but it can permanently damage the cup.
If you experience irritation or infections: If disposable period products cause irritation or discomfort, a menstrual cup may be a great alternative. When used with proper hygiene, it can help reduce or eliminate these issues.