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Switched to a Menstrual Cup and It’s Leaking? Here’s Why

So, you've made the sustainable switch to a menstrual cup and said goodbye to tampons and disposable pads. You’ve got it inserted and ready for your period — and then… leaks happen.

Don’t worry — you’re not alone.
Leaking menstrual cups are common, especially during the early learning stages. In fact, most people need a few cycles to fully adjust to using their cup correctly.

In this guide, we’ll explore the most common reasons why your menstrual cup might be leaking and how to fix them — so you can experience stress-free, leak-free periods.

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1. Menstrual Cup Not Fully Open or Sealed

If your menstrual cup doesn't pop open completely, it won’t create the seal needed to prevent leaks.

What to do:

• Run your finger around the cup rim to check for folds or creases.
• Try different folds (like the “punch-down” fold) to help it open easier.
• Rinse the cup under cold water before inserting to firm it up.
• Try kegel exercises once inserted to help the cup expand inside.

Still won’t open? You might be using the wrong cup size for your anatomy. Try a different size or firmness.

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2. You Didn’t Rotate the Cup After Insertion

A quick but effective tip: rotate your menstrual cup after inserting it.

Once your cup feels open, gently grip the base and rotate it a full 360°. This helps ensure that it’s sealed correctly to the vaginal walls, preventing leaks.

Tip: Let your cup open lower in the vaginal canal, then rotate it — you can push it higher afterward if needed.

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3. Your Menstrual Cup Is Full

Although most menstrual cups can be worn for up to 12 hours, if you have a heavy flow, you may need to empty it more frequently.

Also, if your cervix sits inside the cup, it can reduce capacity and cause overflow leaks — even when the cup isn’t technically full.

What to do:

• Empty your cup more often on heavy flow days.
• Try wearing your cup lower in the vaginal canal.
• Consider a low cervix menstrual cup if your cervix sits particularly low.

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4. Your Cup Isn’t Positioned Correctly Under the Cervix

Positioning is everything when it comes to a leak-proof menstrual cup.
It should sit just below the cervix, where your period flow exits.

Everyone’s anatomy is different — your cervix could be angled left, right, forward, or back. If the cup isn’t directly under it, the blood may leak around it.

How to fix it:

• Wash your hands and use your finger to locate your cervix.
• Angle your cup toward your cervix during insertion.
• Let it open lower in the vaginal canal to ensure correct placement.

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5. The Menstrual Cup Is Too Small for Your Body

If your menstrual cup is too small, it may not seal properly with the vaginal walls — leading to leaks.

Reminder: Cup sizing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Even if you're young or haven’t given birth, you may need a larger or firmer cup based on your anatomy and pelvic floor strength.

Consider:

• Trying a larger or more bulb-shaped cup.
• Switching to a low cervix cup if your cervix sits lower.
• Choosing a firmer cup if you have weaker pelvic floor tone or experience prolapse.

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6. Air Holes Are Blocked

Most menstrual cups have tiny holes near the rim to help maintain suction. If those air holes are clogged with fluid or debris, your cup won’t form a seal — and it might leak.

How to clean the suction holes:

• Fill the cup with water, cover the top with your palm, and squeeze to flush the holes.
• Use a toothpick or pin to clear stubborn blockages.
• Pro tip: Always check the holes before reinserting a clean cup.

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What If I’ve Tried Everything and It Still Leaks?

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a certain menstrual cup just doesn’t work for your anatomy. This could be due to the shape or tilt of your uterus or the position of your cervix.

In that case, you may want to:

• Try a different cup shape or brand.
• Experiment with a firmer or softer silicone.
• Consider menstrual discs or other reusable period products.

Final Thoughts: Leaking Isn’t the End of the Road

Leaking with a menstrual cup is almost always fixable with a few adjustments to technique, size, or positioning. With patience and a bit of trial and error, most users find the perfect cup-and-fit combo and never look back.

Whether you're new to cups or just troubleshooting a recent leak, remember: your experience is valid, and the learning curve is normal. Stick with it — your perfect cup fit is out there.