Menstrual Cup Keeps Sliding Down? Here’s What to Do
Are menstrual cup misplacements causing you distress? Uncover the reasons behind the slip and learn the ropes of proper menstrual cup usage and explore the tips and techniques that will help you avoid this common inconvenience.
Medically reviewed by
Highlights
- Causes for menstrual cup sliding down can be an improper fit, incorrect insertion technique, or weakened pelvic floor muscles.
- Experimenting with sizes and styles, double-checking insertion technique re inserting them, and strengthening pelvic floor muscles can help address this issue.
- Proper Menstrual Cup Placement is important to prevent leaks and enhance comfort levels.
Content
Are you fed up with feeling like you’re constantly checking to make sure your menstrual cup is still in place?
We’ve got some tips and tricks to help you ease this frustrating problem.
We will explore why menstrual cups tend to slip out of place and then outline the steps to keep it secure while using it.
Whether you’re new to using a menstrual cup or have been doing so for years, this guide gives valuable advice on dealing with the issue at hand!
Why Menstrual Cup Slides Down
Improper Fit
The primary reason for menstrual cup slides is often an improper fit or wrong size cup.
There are various factors such as age, whether you’ve given birth vaginally, or your pelvic floor muscle strength that could impact which size works best for you.
Insertion Technique
Another contributing factor could be an incorrect insertion and incorrect menstrual cup fold techniques.
It’s essential to make sure that the cup fully opens once the cup is inserted into the vagina to create a seal against the vaginal walls; this keeps it securely in place throughout wear time.
If not properly unfolded or situated too low in the initial positioning within the vaginal canal, there is a heightened risk of the menstrual cup leaking or slipping.
Pelvic Floor Muscles
Weak pelvic floor muscles might contribute to this issue as well since these muscles play a crucial role in holding the period cup in place.
Factors like pregnancy, childbirth, or age can potentially weaken these vaginal muscles over time.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Proper Menstrual Cup Placement
When your menstrual cup is in the ideal position, it forms a seal against your vaginal walls, effectively collecting all of your menstrual fluid without any messes or mishaps.
By finding an ideal spot for insertion and allowing the cup to sit and open fully within your vagina you’ll experience much greater levels of comfort as well as optimal functionality from your chosen product.
To check if your menstrual cup is properly inserted and has opened fully, run your index finger all around its opening and circumference.
If you feel any dents or folds in its shape, gently tug, twist, or press against its wall until it pops into place.
Invest time into learning about your body’s unique anatomy as well as specific techniques that help attain successful placements consistently over time.
You can try out different folding methods that will help ensure proper placement and positioning.
Strengthen Pelvic Floor Muscles
Weak pelvic floor muscles can cause various issues, including difficulty holding your menstrual cup, which may lead to leakage or discomfort during use.
There are several ways to strengthen these important muscle groups and improve the overall fit of your menstrual cup.
One of the most effective methods for strengthening the pelvic floor is Kegel pelvic floor exercises.
How to perform kegels:
- Locate your pelvic floor muscles – imagine you are trying to stop yourself from passing gas or urinating mid-stream
- Tighten these muscles for three seconds before relaxing them for another three seconds
- Repeat this process 10 times per set with at least three sets per day.
Another option to consider is incorporating yoga into your exercise routine – specifically poses that target and engage the pelvic region like Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana) or Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose (Viparita Karani).
These gentle stretches not only help build strength but also promote relaxation and flexibility within this area of our body.
Appropriate Size and Shape
A well-fitted menstrual cup should create a seal with the vaginal walls, preventing leakage and keeping it in place throughout the day.
With numerous brands and sizes available on the market, selecting the right menstrual cup size and shape might seem overwhelming but here are some guidelines to help you find your ideal fit.
Some people may find success with a bell-shaped cup while others might prefer a more conical or tapered design.
Age and Birthing History
Consider your age and whether or not you’ve given birth vaginally.
Menstrual cups generally come in two sizes: small (for those under 30 years old who haven’t given birth vaginally) and large (for those over 30 or who have had a vaginal delivery).
However, each brand may have slight variations in sizing so always refer to their specific sizing chart for accuracy.
Cervix Height
Take into account your cervix height as this will impact which type of menstrual cup works best for you.
To determine this measurement, insert a clean finger into your vagina during menstruation until you feel the tip of your cervix – note whether it feels low (reachable by just one knuckle), medium (reachable by two knuckles), or high (requires full finger insertion).
Depending where your cervix sits during menstruation will determine if a shorter, softer cup or longer, firm cup is needed.
Menstrual Cup Firmness
Cups come in varying levels of firmness.
Softer cups are more comfortable but may struggle to maintain their shape while a firmer cup provides more support but can potentially cause discomfort if too rigid.
The strength of your pelvic floor muscles plays an important role here; if they’re strong enough to hold up even softer cups without issues then opt for that level of firmness, however, weaker muscles might require something sturdier.
Period Cup Shape
The cup shape may also help avoid menstrual cup slipping or sliding.
Some people may find success with a bell-shaped cup while others might prefer a more conical or tapered design.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve learned more about why a menstrual cup slides down and how to address this issue.
Experimenting with sizes and styles is an important part of making sure your menstrual cup fits properly and prevents leaks.
Double checking your insertion technique may even be necessary to ensure comfort levels remain optimal.
Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles can also help to make sure the menstrual cup provides a secure fit for every period.
If you have any questions or concerns about dealing with menstrual cups or finding the right one for you, don’t hesitate to reach out for advice from experienced professionals who can offer guidance tailored to your specific needs.
FAQ
Why does my menstrual cup move down when I pee or poo?
If your menstrual cup moves while you’re using the bathroom, it’s because your pelvic area and muscles shift when you pee or push during bowel movements.
Take the quiz
Find out what you can do with our Health Assistant
Track my
Track your
Track my period
Get pregnant
Track your baby's growth
Many people find it helpful to check if their cup is still properly positioned and sealed after urinating or especially after having a bowel movement.
What to do if my menstrual cup is sitting too low?
If your menstrual cup is positioned too low, you can try the following steps to address the issue:
- Empty and rinse the cup
- Reinsert the cup higher
- Rotate or adjust the cup
- Check the suction
- Monitor for comfort, leakage and sliding down as this might indicate an improper fit
Share:
Read related topics:
