Are menstrual cups messy?

Most menstrual cup beginners worry about leaks, spills, and awkward, messy bathroom moments. It’s completely normal to wonder how things will go – especially when you’re trying something new with your period care. 

But once you’ve built up a little practice and confidence, messiness quickly becomes a worry of the past.  

Find out some of the moments where things might feel messy... and how to handle them like a pro! 

Insertion: getting the hang of that perfect placement 

Part of the art of using a menstrual cup is all in the insertion. When a cup is inserted and positioned correctly, it forms a gentle seal - meaning amazing leak protection and peace of mind.  

While you’re still learning, you might get a little blood on your fingers. Totally normal (and natural).      

Quick tips: 

• Wipe your fingers with toilet paper or rinse under water and carry on 
• Try different body positions such as lying down or putting a leg up on the side of the bath. 
• Experiment with different folds until one clicks for you.  

With a bit of experience, inserting feels smooth, quick, and almost mess-free with your eyes closed.  

Removing: slow and steady wins the race

Menstrual cups collect blood rather than absorbing it. That means everything stays contained until you’re ready to empty it - which many find far less messy than dealing with a soaked pad or tampon.  

To remove your cup comfortably and cleanly: 

1. Pinch the base to release the seal 
2. Keep the cup upright
3. Remove slowly and gently

Find your sweet-spot timing for emptying, this depends on your flow and where you are in your cycle. Within a couple of periods, you’ll instinctively know when it’s time.

Public bathrooms: totally manageable 

Once you’re confident, changing your cup while out and about becomes a breeze. Remove slowly to avoid spills - most of the contents will pour straight into the toilet anyway.  

For cleaning on the go: 

• Simply wipe the cup with toilet paper and reinsert, or
• Rinse with a bottle of water, or 
• Use the Eleria Cleaning & Sterilising Case - perfect for public or shared bathrooms

Just fill before you leave home, pop your cup in when you need to change it, give it a shake, empty, and you’re good to go. Practical, discreet, and mess-reducing!

Leaks: actually far less common than you’d expect 

Did you know that a menstrual cup can hold 20-25ml of blood - compared with around 5ml in a tampon? That means fewer changes, and much less likelihood of overflow and messy moments.       

We’ve all felt that dreaded “has my tampon been in too long?” panic moment. With a cup, you’re in control.  

The key to preventing leaks? Good seal + correct positioning. 

Find out more about preventing menstrual cup leaks.  

So... are cups messy? Maybe while you’re learning, but in general... no

Making a mess in the early days is completely normal - but it doesn’t last long. With just a few cycles of practice, most users find cups cleaner and easier than disposables.  

Some quick-fire mess-minimising tips 

• Practice inserting at different positions 
• Try removing while in the shower 
• Keep the cup upright when removing
• Empty before it gets too full - learn your flow
• Relax, breathe, be patient, and take your time

The Eleria difference 

All Eleria cups are made from ultra-soft medial-grade silicone with an easy-grip base, designed for smooth control during insertion and removal.  

Worried about spilling? 

The Yellow One features an anti-spill rim and a gentle ring stem – ideal for anyone wanting extra reassurance.  

Messiness is just a phase - one that passes quickly. Soon, your cup will feel like the cleanest, simplest period routine you’ve ever had!

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Are you still not sure if menstrual cups are for you? Read more of our blog posts here, or find our FAQs here. For more menstrual cup content, find us on Instagram and TikTok.