Feeling a menstrual cup when you sit down is a very common and frustrating experience that indicates the cup is not sitting in the ideal position for your anatomy. A properly placed cup should be undetectable, so if you are constantly aware of its presence, the issue is likely rooted in positioning, cup characteristics, or a combination of both. The goal is to achieve comfortable, undetectable wear, which often requires a small adjustment to your insertion technique or a change in the cup you are using.
Anatomical Reasons for Discomfort
The sensation of the cup when sitting results from the dynamic nature of the vaginal canal and surrounding musculature. The vagina is a muscular canal that changes length, shape, and angle, especially during the menstrual cycle. A primary factor is the height of your cervix, which can move lower during menstruation, shortening the available space for the cup.
When you sit, pelvic floor muscles engage and compress, slightly shortening the vaginal canal and increasing internal pressure on the cup. If the cup sits low, this downward pressure pushes it closer to the vaginal opening. The lower third of the vaginal canal contains more sensitive nerve endings, making the cup’s presence much more noticeable when it shifts downward. Furthermore, if the cup is too long or the stem protrudes, sitting will cause it to press against the delicate tissue of the labia, causing irritation.
Troubleshooting Insertion Depth and Angle
The most immediate solution involves ensuring the cup is correctly positioned. The cup should sit lower than a tampon, but not so low that it protrudes or presses on the opening. When inserting the cup, aim it toward your tailbone, following the natural backward curve of the vaginal canal, rather than straight up. Inserting the cup at a horizontal or slightly diagonal angle, usually around 45 degrees, helps it settle comfortably in the space below the cervix.
Once the cup is fully inside, confirm it has completely opened and created a seal against the vaginal walls. Check this by running a finger around the base to feel for any folds or by gently tugging on the stem. An unopened cup can shift or sit awkwardly, leading to discomfort. Also, verify that the cup is positioned beneath the cervix, as the rim resting on or suctioning to the cervix can cause sharp pain and cramping.
The stem is designed solely as a retrieval aid and should sit entirely inside the vaginal opening, or just inside. If the stem is sticking out, it will poke and irritate the sensitive vulvar skin when you sit. This indicates the cup is inserted too low or is too long for your anatomy. If you can easily reach the base of the cup, gently push it slightly higher to ensure the stem is not the source of irritation.
Selecting the Right Cup Firmness and Shape
If adjusting your insertion technique does not resolve the discomfort, the issue likely lies with the physical characteristics of the cup. The firmness of a cup is a major factor in comfort. Overly firm cups exert more outward pressure on the vaginal and bladder walls, which can be felt as a constant pressure or a frequent urge to urinate, especially when the surrounding muscles compress the cup during sitting. Switching to a softer cup can reduce this sensation, though softer cups may be more difficult to get to open fully.
Cup dimensions, specifically length and diameter, must be compatible with your personal anatomy, particularly your cervix height. If you have a low cervix, a standard-length cup may be too long, causing the base or stem to sit too close to the vaginal entrance. This proximity causes uncomfortable pressure when compressed by sitting. A shorter cup is necessary to prevent protrusion and discomfort in this case.
If the stem is causing irritation, you can trim it, but only after you are confident in your ability to remove the cup without the full length of the stem. Different stem types—like balls, flat tabs, or solid rods—can also affect comfort, so a change in design might be warranted. When modifying the cup, always trim only a small amount at a time and test the comfort level before cutting it further.