Menstrual cups are convenient zero-waste alternatives to tampons and pads. Not only can you use a cup for years, they can provide up to 12 hours of protection. However, as safe as the silicone cups are, menstrual cups can still spill and leak. Read here about the possible reasons why your menstrual cup leaks and how to prevent menstrual cup leakage.
Why is my Menstrual Cup Leaking?
There can be several reasons for menstrual cup leakage. Some of the most common are:
- The menstrual cup is full
Even though you can carry your cup for up to twelve hours, sometimes it needs to be emptied more often, depending on how heavy your bleeding is. So, if you notice your menstrual cup leaking, check if it’s full. On a heavy flow day, you may need to empty your cup every four to six hours.
- Your cup has not opened completely
Your menstrual cup must open completely when you insert it. Otherwise, the blood will not flow into the cup but will run down the outside of the cup. To ensure the cup has opened completely, turn it 360° after inserting it and feel around the rim with your finger.
- You are not wearing the right size for your vagina
There are different types and sizes of menstrual cups for different body types. If you use a menstrual cup that is too big for your vagina, your body will most likely squeeze the cup, and it will leak. In this case, using a smaller cup may solve the problem.
Check out this guide on finding the right menstrual cup size for your body!
- The vacuum holes are clogged
The cup has small holes under the rim to release air pressure when the menstrual cup fills with fluid. If these holes are plugged, the pressure in the cup cannot be released, and the blood must find another way to flow. The only way then is around the cup. You can easily clean the holes with a small brush.
- The menstrual cup is not in the correct position
If the menstrual cup is inserted too high or too low, the blood cannot be collected in the cup. If you take the cup out and reinsert it, the problem can be solved. It is also important that the cup covers the cervix. Otherwise, the blood will flow around the cup.
Here is a step-by-step instruction on how to insert a menstrual cup!
Menstrual Cup Leaking while Swimming
Actually, the cup should not leak even when swimming. However, if the cup leaks during swimming and fills with water, this may be because no vacuum was created during insertion. To prevent this, you can check the correct fit of your cup again before swimming.
Why are Holes Under the Menstrual Cup´s Rim?
The small holes under the cup’s rim release the pressure when it fills with blood. If the holes were not there, the blood would not run into the menstrual cup because of the pressure but past it.
A menstrual cup can provide 100% protection when used correctly. If you are interested in other topics around health and Co., you can look at the other blog posts.