The menstrual cup is a reusable, bell-shaped product designed to collect menstrual fluid, offering an alternative to traditional pads and tampons. Achieving a successful, leak-free experience depends entirely on proper insertion and the formation of a secure seal against the vaginal walls. The primary challenge for new users is confirming that the cup is correctly positioned and fully open, as this process cannot be visually checked. This article provides clear, actionable steps to confirm successful, comfortable, and leak-free insertion immediately after placement.
Verifying the Seal and Position
Immediately after inserting the folded cup, the first step is to ensure it has fully opened, or “popped,” inside the vaginal canal. A cup that remains partially folded will not create the necessary seal and will inevitably lead to leaks. You can often feel a slight sensation or hear a minor sound, sometimes described as a “pop” or “thud,” when the cup fully opens, though this is not always noticeable.
The most reliable confirmation is the “finger sweep,” running a clean index finger around the cup’s base and rim. You should feel a smooth, firm, and fully rounded shape, indicating the rim has unfolded completely and is pressing against the vaginal wall. If you detect any flat spots, creases, or dents, the cup is not fully open, and the seal has not been established.
Next, gently grip the base of the cup, not the stem, and try to rotate it slightly. If the cup is properly sealed and open, it will resist rotation, confirming strong suction. Another check is to gently pull down on the stem or base; if you feel immediate resistance, the seal is intact, and the cup is held securely in place by a vacuum.
It is important to confirm the cup is positioned correctly below the cervix, as placing it too high or missing the cervix entirely will cause leakage. After insertion, feel for the cervix—which often feels firm and rounded, similar to the tip of a nose—to ensure the cup’s rim is surrounding it. The cup generally sits lower than a tampon, and its position should be adjusted so the stem is not protruding uncomfortably.
What Proper Placement Feels Like
When a menstrual cup is inserted correctly and has formed a seal, the primary sensation should be a complete lack of sensation. The material is designed to sit comfortably within the vaginal canal, and you should not be aware of its presence during normal activities. A correctly placed cup should not cause internal pressure or cramping.
If you feel internal pressure, a persistent dull ache, or constant awareness of the cup, it may be positioned incorrectly, or the suction may be too intense. The cup is meant to sit low in the vaginal canal. If it is pressing too high on the cervix or vaginal walls, it can cause discomfort. You should be able to sit, stand, walk, and move without the cup shifting or causing any pinching sensation.
The stem of the cup is designed primarily for removal, not insertion, and it should not protrude outside the vaginal opening. If the stem causes irritation to the labia or is noticeably sticking out, the cup is likely sitting too low, or the stem may need to be trimmed. Only trim the stem gradually and with caution, ensuring you can still reach the base of the cup for removal.
Common Reasons for Insertion Failure and How to Fix Them
One of the most frequent issues is the cup failing to fully open, preventing the necessary seal from forming. If the finger sweep reveals a dent or fold, try firmly grasping the base and rotating it 360 degrees to encourage the rim to snap open. Alternatively, insert a finger alongside the cup and gently press the vaginal wall away, creating additional space for the material to expand.
Immediate or persistent light leakage, even when the cup feels open, usually indicates the cup is not sealed or that the cervix has been missed. The cup must be positioned so the cervix sits inside it to collect the flow. If you suspect this, remove the cup, wipe it clean, and reinsert it. Make sure to aim the rim toward the cervix, which often means pointing it toward the tailbone upon insertion.
If you experience pain or a sharp, pinching feeling, the cup might be partially collapsed, or the stem may be irritating sensitive tissue. A partially collapsed cup will cause localized discomfort and leak. In this case, completely remove and re-insert the cup using a different folding technique, such as the punch-down fold, which often has a smaller insertion point.
If the stem is the source of pain, confirm it is not poking out, or consider trimming it slightly. Ensure you can still comfortably reach the cup’s base before trimming.
Difficulty reaching the cup for removal or feeling it has moved too high is common, especially for those with a high cervix. To manage this, relax your pelvic muscles and gently “bear down,” as if having a bowel movement. This action uses internal muscles to push the cup lower into the canal. Maintaining a relaxed posture is essential, as tension in the pelvic floor muscles can make both insertion and removal more challenging.