Menstrual Cup FAQ’s

Why is my menstrual cup leaking? Are they worth it?

And other questions

At Our Remedy HQ we are all about being as eco friendly as possible. We even try to cut our carbon footprint when it comes to our periods.

We wrote a blog ‘how to have an eco friendly period’ that goes into detail of different ways to turn your period green. In this post we mention a menstrual cup. Now, I know lots of our followers either use one or are interested in using one. So we thought it was about a good time to do a FAQ on menstrual cups.

As well as diving into the answers you want to know about this type of sanitary item, we will share our favourite brands.

Let’s dive in to the FAQ.

Why is my menstrual cup leaking?

There are a number of different reasons why your menstrual cup is leaking. We hear that most commonly it is due to it being the wrong size, or overflowing and in need of emptying. Another reason could be that it hasn’t opened fully to create a seal. Sometimes you might need to move the cup around a little to encourage it to open up.

Another reason we have heard is due to having a strong pelvic floor. When this muscle contracts it pinches the cup and can cause the seal between the cup and your vagina walls to break causing a leak. If this is an issue for you then try a firmer cup.

How often do you have to change a menstrual cup?

You should empty your cup at least twice a day, however this may be more depending on your flow. A decent and well cared for menstrual cup can easily last 6 months to as long as 10 years! If you notice any signs of wear and tear on your cup then it’s time to treat yourself to a new one.

Is it safe to sleep with a menstrual cup?

It most certainly is. In fact, it could be a better option than wearing a tampon in bed as these shouldn’t really be in longer than 8 hours, whereas a cup you can wear up to 12 hours.

How do you clean a menstrual cup?

When you empty your cup it is best to give it a clean. If you are at home you can wash it under the tap and use a mild soap. If you are in a public toilet then take a bottle of water in with you, rinse it out then give it a dry on toilet paper before reinserting it.

After each period you should clean your menstrual cup by leaving it in boiling water for 5 minutes. You can then wash it with a mild soap but make sure you thoroughly rinse off all the soap suds. Give it a dry with a clean paper towel or let it air dry ready for the next use.

Just as a side note, if you are on holiday, make sure you always wash your cup with drinking water.

Why does my menstrual cup smell?

If you are noticing a foul, fishy smell from your cup then it could be an infection called bacterial vaginosis. Have a chat with your doctor who will be able to carry out tests and get the problem sorted.