So, you finally made the switch to a reusable menstrual cup (yay, go you!), but now you’re noticing some unexpected leaks. Annoying? Yes. Fixable? Absolutely. Leaks can happen for a few reasons, and once you pinpoint the cause, it’s usually an easy fix. Here are four common reasons why your Saalt menstrual cup may be leaking—and how to troubleshoot the issue.
Your Cup Isn’t Fully Opened
After inserting your cup, check to make sure it has fully opened. If you notice dents, folds, or a lack of suction, it may not be properly sealed. To fix this:
-
Run a clean finger around the rim of the cup to feel for any folds. (If this is challenging, wet your finger, or use lubricant. Gently bear down to relax vaginal muscles.)
-
Try rotating the cup or giving the base a gentle squeeze to encourage it to pop open.
-
Experiment with different fold methods (like the punch-down or the C-fold) for a smoother insertion.
-
Once you’ve chosen your fold, insert the cup with the fold facing the floor (down). The front of your vaginal canal runs along your pubic bone whereas the back runs along soft tissue. Turing your fold to face down will help your cup open more easily.
A fully opened cup with a secure seal is key to a leak-free experience!
Cup Placement
If your cup is placed too high in the vaginal canal, next to your cervix instead of below it. When the cup is positioned too high, next to the cervix, blood will pass next to it, leading to leaks. Unlike tampons, which sit higher, menstrual cups work best when placed lower in the vaginal canal.
-
Make sure the base of the cup is easy to reach but not protruding.
-
If your cup keeps moving up, try a few Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles, which can help keep it in place.
Your Cup Has Overfilled
If you notice your cup is nearly full (¾ of the way or more) when you remove it, your flow might be heavier than your cup’s capacity allows.
-
Try emptying your cup more frequently, especially on your heavier days.
-
If you find yourself needing to empty it every few hours, consider sizing up to a higher-capacity cup for longer wear, or switch to a menstrual disc which has a higher capacity too. Learn: Is a disposable menstrual disc or reusable menstrual disc better for you?
Wrong Cup Size
A cup that’s too small may not create a strong enough seal, while a cup that’s too big may struggle to fully open. Because everyone’s anatomy is different, finding the right fit is important. If leaks persist despite proper insertion and placement, switching to a different size, firmness level, or product (like the Saalt menstrual disc) could be the solution.
Finding a leak-free fit
Leaks can be frustrating, but they don’t mean your cup isn’t working! With a little troubleshooting, you’ll be a period cup pro in no time. And for extra peace of mind using the best period underwear like Saal’s leakproof underwear can be a great backup while you perfect your cup technique. Remember, learning to use a menstrual cup is a process, and every period gets easier. You got this!
