Periods 101
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Why your menstrual cup might be leaking
Why your menstrual cup might be leaking
Menstrual cups have become increasingly popular among women as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional tampons and pads. However, despite their numerous benefits, some people may experience cup leaking when using menstrual cups, which can be frustrating and uncomfortable. There are several reasons why a menstrual cup might be leaking, ranging from improper insertion and sizing to issues with the cup itself. In this blog post, we will explore the common causes of menstrual cup leaks and provide tips on how to prevent them:
Understanding Menstrual Cup Leaks
Menstrual cup leaks can be frustrating and embarrassing, but they are a common issue that many users face. Understanding the reasons behind menstrual cup leaks is crucial to preventing them. Menstrual cups work by creating a seal with the vaginal wall, which prevents menstrual fluid from escaping. However, if the seal is not formed correctly or if the cup is not inserted properly, leaks can occur.
You're using a menstrual cup for the first time
Many people experience menstrual cup leaking and a learning curve when using a menstrual cup for the first time. This phenomenon isn't exclusive to menstrual cups. When you try something new, even if you've done your research, sometimes it just doesn't work as you expect it to. At first, it can feel like the new product is defective or faulty, but that's not actually the case.
You could actually call it the "learning period". Learning to use a menstrual cup is different from other methods of period care, like tampon use. Check out our blogs all about how to insert a period cup and how to remove it for a step-by-step guide.
You haven't inserted your menstrual cup correctly due to weak pelvic floor muscles
Yes, your cup might not be inserted correctly, leading to a menstrual cup leak. This is a common cause of leaks. Before using your cup, make sure that it is inserted correctly and that the cup is fully open so that suction can be formed to help prevent a leaking menstrual cup. If you're using our period cup, we recommend two types of insertion methods; the ˜U/C shape and the "punchdown" fold. Watch this video to see all the period cup folds.
U/C shape
Begin by creating a 'U' shape with your cup opening, press and hold the sides of your cup together, then fold it in half to create a 'U'. Find a comfortable position and relax your pelvic floor muscles, then gently push the cup into the vagina with the tip approximately 1cm into the vagina. The cup will now pop open inside your vagina and create a seal. Use your finger to check if the cup is fully unfolded to prevent leaks.
Punchdown fold
For those with slightly tighter vaginal walls, we'd suggest the punch-down fold as it opens more easily when inside. On one side of the cup, push down with your index finger until the wall of the cup touches the base of the cup. Then insert as above. If you're having difficulty inserting your cup, try wetting your cup with room-temperature water or using a bit of organic lubricant.
You're wearing the wrong menstrual cup size for your cervix position
It's important to do your research before buying a menstrual cup to determine which size will be most comfortable for you. Understanding your cervix position is crucial, as it can vary during different phases of the menstrual cycle and affect fluid collection in the cup. You may have the wrong size period cup if you believe you have inserted it correctly but still experience leaking.
Check your size
You can choose from three different sizes of the period cup according to your life stage:
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Teen: Perfect for those under 18 or in their early 20's with strong pelvic floor muscles
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Size B: Perfect if you are aged 18 to 30 and have not given birth vaginally
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Size A: Perfect if you have given birth vaginally or are over 30 years old.
If you order a size Teen or B and find it wiggles or leaks, get in touch, and we'll send you a larger size free of charge.
Top tips: If you can feel the cup moving around, you likely need a larger size. If you find that the "Large" size leaks, then pelvic floor exercises can help strengthen the surrounding pelvic floor muscles. Other possibilities are that you have an unusually positioned cervix. We've got a blog all about how to measure your cervix for further help.
Physical Factors Contributing to Leaks
Several physical factors can contribute to menstrual cup leaks. One of the most common reasons is a weak pelvic floor. Weak pelvic floor muscles can cause the cup to shift or move, leading to leaks. Additionally, a low-sitting cervix or a tilted uterus can make it difficult to insert the cup correctly, leading to leaks. Vaginal muscles that are too strong or too weak can also cause issues with the cups seal, leading to leaks.
Your menstrual cup might be full due to heavy flow
When your cup is full, it can cause menstrual cup leakage. Although your period cup can be worn for up to 12 hours, if you experience a heavier flow, then you may need to empty and clean your menstrual cup every 4-6 hours. You may need to only do this during the first few days of your period when your flow is generally heavier.
Fake leaks or wiping leaks
Seeing blood on your pants right after you have cleaned and reinserted your period cup may seem like it's been leaking. A lot of the time, when this happens, it is because there may be some leftover water droplets on the outside of your cup that may mix with your period blood, giving the impression that menstrual cups leak.
Normally, if you have one of these leaks, it won't get any worse, and you'll get a slightly annoying blood stain on your pants. But don't worry; you can always rely on your favourite remuvie stain remover to save the day.
We want to make sure your experience with a menstrual cup is amazing. And that means making sure you understand how to use it. Most of the time, leaks are caused by user error and it's not your fault. We've all been there, feeling frustrated and a little lost on what to do.
However, now that you have read this article, we hope you have a better understanding of why your menstrual cup might be leaking and what you can do to fix it so that you can go back to having a worry-free, leak-free period again.
Hygiene and Maintenance
Proper hygiene and maintenance are essential to preventing menstrual cup leaks. Regularly cleaning the cup and its holes can help prevent bacterial growth and odours. It's also important to empty and rinse the cup frequently, especially during heavy flow days. Using a period underwear or pantyliner as backup can provide extra protection against leaks. Additionally, practicing good hygiene habits, such as washing your hands before and after handling the cup, can help prevent infections and leaks.
