Menstrual cups are sustainable, pocket-friendly, and great for the environment! But did you they also offer you the max comfort. While pads and tampons need to be changed every three-four hours, these reusable period products can keep you covered all day long. Yup, they provide leak-proof protection for up to eight-ten hours straight. No frequent loo visits or changes required! However, if you’re still experiencing cup leakages, here’s a handy guide to help you keep your menstrual cup from leaking:
Why Does Your Menstrual Cup Leak?
According to a study published in the medical journal The Lancet, leakage in case of a menstrual cup is lower as compared to its disposable counterparts like pads and tampons. So if your cup leaks often, here are five common reasons why it happens:
Using The Wrong Size
Menstrual cups stay in place by creating a suction grip with the walls of the vagina. However, if you’re using a cup that’s smaller or bigger for you, it might move and leak.
Wrong Cup Insertion & Placement
A menstrual cup is placed lower as compared to a tampon, but placing it too low can affect its suction and cause leakages. Additionally, the cup might be leaking because it hasn’t completely opened up inside the vaginal canal. Ideally, it should fully expand to form a suction grip but if it doesn’t, it can form a crease and cause leakages.
Bowel Movements
Applying pressure during constipation or excessive bowel movements during diarrhea can both displace the menstrual cup and cause leakages.
Not Emptying The Cup Timely
Menstrual cup can be used for eight-ten hours even if you don’t empty it. However, if you have a heavy menstrual flow, going so long without emptying it can make the blood overflow.
Careless Cup Cleansing
Menstrual cup has small holes to form a suction grip with the vaginal walls. If the cup isn’t cleaned properly, there are high chances of blood depositing in these holes and clogging them, thus hampering its suction and grip. As a result, the cup can move and leak!
4 Tips To Keep Your Menstrual Cup From Leaking
Handling the cup initially can be quite a task. So here are four tips to keep your menstrual cup from leaking if you’re a beginner:
Choose The Right Size
Finding the correct cup size comes with some hit and trial. However, you can get familiar with using a cup by considering a couple of factors. For instance, people with a shorter cervix length should opt for a small-sized cup. If you’ve had a vaginal delivery, a large-sized cup can fit you better. A medium/large-sized cup would be ideal for those with a heavy period flow. Teenagers can start off with a small-sized one. You can also refer to our full-fledged menstrual cup-size guide to get a better idea.
Wash Your Cup Thoroughly
Your menstrual cup needs a water rinse every time you empty it. But that’s not enough. You’ve got to clean it with a mild, unscented soap once a day as well as before storing it for your next cycle to get rid of blood and germs. This ensures that the cup creates a firm suction grip when used and stays in place. You can also use a soft-bristle brush to unclog the holes.
Empty The Cup Every 6-8 Hours
A menstrual cup gives up to eight hours of leak-free protection. You must not exceed this time limit and to prevent it from overflowing.
Insert The Cup Properly
A menstrual cup needs to be folded into a ‘C’ or a ‘U’ shape so that it can be inserted into the vagina easily. But make sure that it pops open once inside, otherwise it will get displaced and leak. You can do a ‘walk test’ to make sure it’s placed right. Simply walk and check if it’s moving. If you feel uncomfortable, you know you’ve got to sit on the pot again, open your legs wide, remove it and then try again. Don’t worry, after some practice, you’ll be able to get it right in one go.
Sirona Recommends Best Products To Keep Menstrual Cup From Leaking
Sirona Menstrual Cup
Made with soft medical-grade, skin-friendly silicone, the Sirona Menstrual Cup is super flexible. It can be folded into any shape and can be inserted without any hassle. With a capacity of up to 28 ML, it offers leak-proof protection for eight hours straight and keeps you comfy all day. Additionally, the cup’s got a stem at the base that makes it easily accessible during removal. Available in three different sizes (Small, medium, and large), this cup will fit you like a glove and is sure to change your period experience forever.
Menstrual Cup Wash
Made with mild and natural substances, this cleanser is tough on the germs but super gentle on the material of the menstrual cup. It decontaminates the reusable device effectively and helps it last longer.
We hope that these products and tips help you keep your menstrual cup from leaking. Here’s wishing you a happy, stain-free period.
Featured Image: Pexels
Also Read
Busting Myths About Menstrual Cups: Read this if the myths about menstrual cups are keeping you from ditching your pads and tampons for this sustainable period aid.
Period Essentials: My Top 5 Period Must-Haves!: These period essentials will take the edge off a difficult shark week and change your period experience forever.
How to Use a Menstrual Cup: Here’s a detailed guide on how to use a menstrual cup to make your sustainable switch smooth and easy.
Menstrual Hygiene: A Need of the Hour: Why do you need to maintain proper period hygiene? Find out the answer right here, right now.
Menstrual Cups for LGBT People: Menstrual cups are for everyone. Read this to learn more.
