Sometimes your Mooncup slides in like a dream and pop! — job done. Other times… not so much. If your Mooncup feels like it’s staying a bit squashed inside, you might notice little leaks.
Don’t worry — your Mooncup hasn’t gone rogue. It just hasn’t had the space (or encouragement) to open fully. Think of it as a little origami puzzle that needs unfolding. Once it’s open, it’ll form a gentle seal and you’ll be sorted for hours.
Why the Mooncup doesn’t always pop straight open
A few things can keep your Mooncup from opening:
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Insertion angle (pointed upwards instead of towards your tailbone).
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A fold that’s too tight to spring back.
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Vaginal muscles or walls holding it closed.
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Blocked air holes.
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Or simply being a bit tense when you pop it in.
All normal. All fixable.
Step-by-step: How to pop open your Mooncup
1. Pick your fold
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Punchdown or labia folds often “release” more easily than the classic C-fold.
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Test different folds at home to find what works for your body.
2. Aim back, not up
Insert your Mooncup pointing towards your tailbone, not the ceiling. This gives it space to open beneath your cervix.
3. Wait for the pop
Sometimes you’ll feel or even hear a small “pop” as the rim expands. That’s the seal forming.
4. Do the finger sweep
Run a clean finger around the base of your Mooncup. If it feels smooth and round, you’re good. If you notice dents or folds, it’s not quite open yet.
5. Help it along
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Tug gently downwards.
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Twist the base (not the stem).
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Or press a finger against the vaginal wall to make room for the rim to expand.
6. Relax into it
Take a few breaths, or try inserting in the shower or on the loo. Relaxed muscles make the Mooncup pop open more easily.
7. Check the air holes
Before you insert, make sure the tiny holes around the rim are clear — they let in air to help your Mooncup expand.
8. Try different positions
Squat, sit on the loo, or stand with one leg raised. Sometimes a change in position is all it takes.
Position practice
It’s not just about how you fold the Mooncup — where you are when you insert can matter too. Some people find it easier squatting, others on the loo, others with one leg up like a flamingo. Play around until you find what works for you.
Size still matters
The Mooncup comes in two sizes for a reason:
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Size A – for those aged 30 and over, or who’ve given birth vaginally.
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Size B – for those under 30 who haven’t given birth vaginally.
If your Mooncup feels too small, it may not seal properly. The right size helps it sit comfortably and open as it should.
Final thought: It’s all about practice
Your Mooncup isn’t being difficult — your body and your cup are just getting to know each other. Within a couple of cycles, you’ll know your best fold, your easiest angle, and your go-to position.
And once your Mooncup pops open without fuss? That’s when you really get to enjoy what it’s all about: comfort, freedom, and a little less waste in the world.
Bottom line: A Mooncup that pops open properly = comfort, confidence, and no leaks. You’ll be a pro before you know it.
Blog disclaimer
Our blog is intended to share information and ideas around periods, health, and sustainability. While we do our best to keep content accurate and up to date, things can change over time. The information here is not intended as medical advice — for any health-related concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare professional. For more information on our claims, please see our Claims Page, and for the most up-to-date product information, please visit our Product Pages.
