Do menstrual cups hurt?
Lucy MeacherCurious about menstrual cups? Always wanted to try them but too nervous? We meet plenty of people who know that they are great for the environment, and help you cut down on your monthly period product spending. But one of the biggest questions we often get asked is: "Will it hurt?"
It's totally normal to feel unsure, especially for first-time users when you've been using pads and tampons for your periods.
The simple answer is NO - a menstrual cup, fundamentally, shouldn't hurt. But if it does, definitely don't give up and let it sit in your bathroom cupboard until you feel brave enough to try again. We'll take you through WHY menstrual cups shouldn't hurt, some ways to troubleshoot pain (usually it's a quick fix!), and hopefully you'll start to feel confident enough to try again or take the plunge and try a cup for the first time!
Why menstrual cups aren't supposed to hurt (the science-y bit)
Even though a menstrual cup can look a little unfamiliar at first, your body is designed to use one comfortably. Here’s the gentle science behind why a cup shouldn’t hurt (and why, for most people, it quickly becomes the comfiest period product they’ve ever used!).
Here's why:
- Your vaginal canal is naturally flexible and highly elastic
Your vaginal canal is made of soft, stretchy muscle that adapts to everyday things like tampons, penetration, or even just natural movement.
So while a cup might look bigger in your hand, inside your body it sits gently and comfortably. Your tissue is designed to stretch and relax around it, and it does this without you even noticing.
- Cups sit lower than tampons, in a less sensitive area
Unlike tampons, which sit higher near the cervix, menstrual cups sit lower down, in an area with fewer nerve endings. That’s why so many people say the same thing once they get used to their cup: “I can’t feel it at all”.
It’s truly meant to stay out of the way and be comfortable!
- Medical-grade silicone is soft, flexible, and body-safe
Eleria menstrual cups are made from medical-grade silicone, which is:
- Hypoallergenic
- Soft and pliable
- Non-porous (so bacteria can’t grow inside it)
- Softens even more with your body warmth
Once it’s inserted, it becomes even more pliable, moulding gently to your natural shape.
- The cup’s shape is designed to follow your body’s natural curve
Your vaginal canal angles slightly towards your tailbone – rather than straight upwards. A cup is shaped to follow that natural curve, so when you insert it at the right angle (back, not up), it simply tucks into place below your cervix.
No poking, no pressure - just a snug, comfortable fit, and definitely shouldn't hurt if inserted properly.
- Your pelvic floor naturally holds the cup in place
Your pelvic floor muscles work quietly behind the scenes, supporting your organs and helping the cup stay where it should.
When you’re relaxed, these muscles soften and help the cup sit comfortably.
When you’re tense or nervous (which is completely normal for beginners), the muscles tighten, and that can make insertion feel a bit trickier.
Giving yourself time and breathing deeply can make a world of difference.
If something doesn’t feel right, it’s almost always fixable!
From an anatomical perspective, nothing about a menstrual cup should inherently cause pain. So if something does feel off, it’s normally down to things that are very easy to adjust!
Troubleshooting Common Cup Concerns
Tension
As mentioned above, it’s common for beginners to feel tense when trying to insert a menstrual cup. If you can, relax as much as possible, as it’ll make the whole process a lot smoother. Remember – menstrual cups can’t get lost inside you, so you will be able to remove it. For more tips on insertion and removal, check out this blog post.
Wrong size or wrong cup
Cups that are too firm or too long can often cause pressure or poking. If you’ve tried one cup, maybe try another shape or size. Despite spending more upfront on another cup, it’s more important to find one that works for you, as that’s where you’ll save money in the long run. Besides, cup pros sometimes have multiple cups with different shapes and sizes to use on different days of their periods!
If you're not sure which cup might be right for you, take our Cup Quiz to find out.
Insertion angle
If you’re trying to insert upwards (like a tampon) instead of backwards (towards the tailbone), it can feel uncomfortable or painful. Try and get used to inserting on an angle.
Not fully popped open
When a menstrual cup is correctly inserted, it will pop open! Sometimes you can hear or feel it, but that’s how you know you’ve created the seal. If not fully popped open, you risk leakages (which nobody wants!). When inserted, try and reach to feel that the seal has been created.
Stem poking
Stems are great features of menstrual cups, because it allows you to locate and remove them safely. However, dependent on your anatomy, the stem can be a little bit too long. Don’t worry though, it’s an easy fit because you can usually trim it. Find out more about how to trim the stem of your cup here.
High or low cervix
Our anatomies are all different, which means cups sit slightly differently amongst people. Try another shape that might work a little better for you, such as The Blue One (for a high cervix), The Purple One (for a low cervix), or The Pink One (for a low or tilted cervix).
And finally, some quick tips on how to make menstrual cup use a little more comfortable!
- Choose a softer cup if you’re a beginner (The Green One or The Blue One)
- Try different folds (read more about how to fold a menstrual cup here)
- Use water-based lubricant (for smoother insertion)
- Practice removing in the shower (mess-free whilst you’re getting the hang of it!)
- Trim the stem if needed (read more on how to trim the stem here)
- Don’t pull from the stem, remember to pinch the base and break the seal before removing
- Keep breathing & relax your muscles, avoid tensing up if you can
It's important to note: most users find cups comfortable after 1-3 cycles of practice, so give yourself plenty of time to get the hang of it! Have a go at our quick tips and tricks and let us know how you get on!
