9 menstrual cup common mistakes, and how to fix them
Lucy MeacherSwitching to a menstrual cup can feel like a learning curve. But like any new skill, it takes a little practice to feel confident.
If you’re struggling, it doesn’t mean menstrual cups aren’t for you. Often, it just means a small adjustment is needed!
Here are some of the most common menstrual cup mistakes - and how to fix them.
Choosing the wrong size or shape
Not all menstrual cups are the same - and not all bodies are either.
One of the most common mistakes is choosing a cup based purely on age, rather than:
- Your flow (light, regular, heavy)
- Your cervix height
- Whether you’ve used internal products before
- How firm or soft you prefer your cup to feel
- The type of stem you prefer
A cup that’s too large may feel uncomfortable or difficult to insert.
A cup that’s too small may fill quickly and leak.
Take a moment to think about what you actually need. If your flow is heavier, you may benefit from a larger capacity cup, like The Pink One or The Purple One. If you’re new to internal products, a smaller or softer option might feel more comfortable, like The Blue One.
The right fit makes all the difference. To find out which cup might be right for you, take our Cup Quiz! You can also find out more information on our blog.
Pulling the stem to remove it
This is a BIG one that we come across when speaking to potential customers.
The stem is there to help you locate the cup - not to pull it out on its own.
Menstrual cups form a gentle seal inside the vaginal canal. If you try to pull the stem without breaking that seal first, it can feel stuck - which often leads to stress, and that tension can make removal harder.
Instead:
- Stay calm
- Pinch the base of the cup to release the seal
- Gently wiggle it out
If you can’t reach the base immediately, bear down slightly (like you’re having a bowel movement) to bring the cup lower.
Rest assured, it will come out. It cannot get lost!
Trimming the stem too short (too quickly)
Some people find the stem feels too long at first - especially if they have a lower cervix.
Trimming can help, and is what many cup users decide to do, but cutting it all off straight away is a common mistake.
If you do decide to trim:
- Cut a small amount at a time
- Test it for a full cycle before trimming more
- Only trim when the cup is completely clean and dry
It’s much easier to cut more later than to fix cutting too much too soon! Read here for more on how to trim the stem of your cup.
Not inserting the cup far enough or checking that it has fully opened
If your cup feels uncomfortable, pokey, or noticeable when you walk or sit, it may not be inserted high enough and may not have formed a proper seal.
Menstrual cups sit lower than tampons, but they should still sit fully inside the vaginal canal - not at the entrance.
After insertion:
- Ensure the cup has fully opened
- Gently rotate it or run a finger around the base to check
- Make sure the stem isn’t protruding
If you can feel it constantly, something likely needs adjusting – but should be a quick and easy fix!
If you’ve experienced leaks or want to avoid leaks before trying a cup for the first time, read this blog post.
Emptying too late on heavy days
While cups can be worn for up to 12 hours, that doesn’t mean they’ll last 12 hours on heavy flow days.
If you’re experiencing leaks early in your cycle, it may simply be that your cup is full - not that it’s failing.
In the first few cycles, empty it more regularly until you understand your flow pattern.
There are volume lines inside each Eleria cups, which means you can keep track of your flow!
Using soap that isn’t cup-safe or body-safe!
Harsh or scented soaps can irritate both the cup and your body.
Stick to:
- Mild, fragrance-free cleansers
- Or just warm water during the day
- Sterilising between cycles, by placing in boiling water, or using the Eleria Cleaning & Sterilising Case
Panicking if it feels “stuck”
This one is super common, and often happens when you're trying a cup for the first time – everyone has been here!
It’s important to remember that menstrual cups cannot get lost inside you. The vaginal canal is a closed space.
If your cup feels hard to reach:
- Relax your body
- Squat or sit on the toilet
- Bear down gently to bring it lower
Stress tightens muscles, which can make removal trickier. Calm breathing makes a real difference, so remember to take it slow and steady.
Expecting it to feel perfect immediately
Many people assume that if it doesn’t feel easy on day one, they’ve failed.
In reality, most users take 2–3 cycles to feel fully confident.
There’s nothing wrong with you if it takes practice, you’re just like everyone else!
