What to Do If Your Menstrual Cup is Hurting

12 min read
What to Do If Your Menstrual Cup is Hurting

A menstrual cup shouldn't be something you have to put up with through significant or ongoing pain. If your menstrual cup is hurting, stop and work out what is causing the discomfort rather than trying to push through it. Fit, positioning, firmness, insertion technique, friction and pelvic-floor tension can all affect comfort. Sometimes the pain isn't caused by the cup at all.

Here's how to troubleshoot the most common possibilities and when it's time to stop using the cup and seek professional advice.

In this guide

Quick takeaways

  • Pain isn't something you need to push through. Remove the cup if it is causing significant or worsening pain.
  • Fit matters. Length, diameter, shape and firmness can all affect comfort.
  • Your cervix position can change. A cup that feels comfortable on one day may feel different on another.
  • Insertion technique matters. Friction, dryness and a difficult fold can make insertion uncomfortable.
  • Pelvic-floor tension can contribute to pain. If inserting a cup is consistently painful, a healthcare professional can help investigate why.
  • Persistent or significant pain needs attention. Pain can sometimes be associated with vaginal irritation, infection, pelvic-floor problems or other health conditions.

Why does my menstrual cup hurt?

There isn't one universal reason a menstrual cup can hurt. The most useful place to start is working out when the pain happens.

Does it hurt when you insert the cup?

If insertion hurts, the problem may be related to friction, dryness, the size of the folded cup, the insertion technique or involuntary pelvic-floor tightening.

Try:

  • relaxing your pelvic floor before insertion
  • trying a different fold with a narrower insertion point
  • using a small amount of compatible water-based lubricant if the manufacturer permits it
  • inserting slowly rather than forcing the cup
  • stopping if insertion becomes painful

If inserting anything into the vagina is consistently painful, don't assume you simply need more practice. Pelvic-floor tension, vaginismus, irritation, infection and other conditions can cause painful insertion.

Does it hurt once the cup is inside?

Pain during wear can be a sign that the cup's dimensions or firmness aren't working well for your anatomy.

Consider:

  • Is the cup too long?
  • Is the diameter too wide?
  • Is the cup particularly firm?
  • Is the stem pressing against the vaginal opening?
  • Does the discomfort happen at a particular point in your cycle?
  • Does the cup seem to be pressing on your cervix or another sensitive area?
  • Does the discomfort improve when the cup is removed?

Cervical position can change throughout the menstrual cycle, so your cup may feel different on different days.

Could your menstrual cup be the wrong size?

Possibly, but “size” isn't just small versus large.

Cup fit depends on several dimensions, including:

  • Length: how long the cup is from rim to base
  • Diameter: how wide the cup is around the rim
  • Shape: the overall profile of the cup
  • Firmness: how much resistance the cup has when compressed
  • Capacity: how much menstrual fluid the cup is designed to hold

A cup can be uncomfortable because it is too long, too wide or too firm even if the manufacturer's label says it is the right size for you.

If your cup feels like it is pressing downwards, sitting too close to the vaginal opening or causing pressure, compare its dimensions with other models rather than automatically choosing a smaller cup.

Our menstrual cups comparison chart lets you compare the dimensions and features of different models.

Could your cervix position be causing the discomfort?

Yes, cervical position can be an important part of cup fit.

If you have a relatively low cervix, a long cup may feel crowded or leave the stem too close to the vaginal opening.

If your cervix sits higher, a short cup may be difficult to reach and remove.

Your cervix can also move during your menstrual cycle, so there isn't a single measurement that necessarily represents every day of your period.

You can learn how to measure your cervical position and use that information alongside the cup's actual dimensions.

Remember that cervix height is only one part of fit. Period Shop's current fitting guidance also considers length, diameter, shape, firmness, capacity and personal comfort preferences.

Is the stem causing the pain?

If the stem is rubbing against the vaginal opening or feels like it is poking you, the stem may be too long for your anatomy.

Before trimming it, check the manufacturer's instructions. Some cup stems can be shortened, while others should not be altered.

If the stem is causing irritation and the manufacturer's instructions allow trimming:

  1. Remove and clean the cup.
  2. Trim only a small amount at a time.
  3. Smoothly remove any sharp or rough edge.
  4. Try the cup again before making further changes.

If the cup body itself extends too close to the vaginal opening, trimming the stem won't solve the underlying fit issue. A shorter cup may be worth considering instead.

Could your menstrual cup be too firm?

Possibly.

A firmer cup can be easier to open for some people, but it may also feel more noticeable or create more pressure for someone who is sensitive to internal pressure.

A softer cup may feel more comfortable for some people, although softer cups can sometimes take more technique to open fully.

There isn't a universally better firmness. The useful question is whether the cup's firmness works for your anatomy and comfort.

You can compare soft and firm menstrual cups before changing models.

Could insertion technique be causing the pain?

It can.

A new menstrual cup often takes a little practice. If you're squeezing the cup tightly, rushing insertion or trying to push it into place when your pelvic floor is tense, the experience can be uncomfortable.

A few things may help:

  • Try a different fold.
  • Practise inserting the cup when you aren't rushed.
  • Relax your jaw, abdomen and pelvic floor rather than consciously tightening your muscles.
  • Use a small amount of compatible water-based lubricant if recommended by the manufacturer.
  • Don't force the cup if it doesn't want to go in comfortably.
  • Once inserted, check that it has opened according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Our guide to different menstrual cup folds shows several options to try.

What if the cup causes cramps or a dull ache?

Some people report pressure or aching when a cup doesn't suit their anatomy or is positioned uncomfortably.

If you develop cramping or a dull ache while wearing the cup, remove it and see whether the discomfort settles. If it does, consider whether the cup is too long, too firm, too wide or otherwise uncomfortable for your anatomy.

If the pain continues after removing the cup, keeps returning or is significant, don't assume the cup is the only possible cause.

Pelvic pain can have many causes. Healthdirect notes that vaginal or pelvic pain may be associated with conditions including infection, pelvic-floor dysfunction, endometriosis, urinary problems and other gynaecological conditions.

What if inserting any internal product hurts?

This is an important distinction.

If tampons, menstrual cups, fingers or other vaginal insertion are consistently painful, the issue may not be your menstrual cup.

Vaginismus, for example, involves involuntary tightening of the pelvic-floor muscles around the vagina and can make insertion painful or difficult. It is treatable, and assessment may involve a GP, pelvic-floor physiotherapist or other appropriate healthcare professional.

You don't need to diagnose the cause yourself. If this sounds familiar, consider getting professional advice rather than trying increasingly small or soft cups indefinitely.

What if you have a tilted uterus or pelvic organ prolapse?

A tilted or retroverted uterus does not automatically mean that you cannot use a menstrual cup, and it doesn't mean a menstrual disc will definitely work better.

Similarly, pelvic organ prolapse can affect how an internal product feels, but product choice should be individualised rather than based on a blanket rule.

You can read more about tilted uterus, including the different types, causes and treatments and pelvic organ prolapse.

If you have a diagnosed pelvic health condition and a cup is causing pressure, pain or difficulty staying in place, it's worth discussing your options with a healthcare professional.

What about an IUD?

If you have an IUD and your menstrual cup is causing new or significant pain, stop using the cup and seek appropriate advice.

Research into menstrual cup use and IUD expulsion is still developing. A 2023 systematic review found seven studies involving 73 reported partial or total IUD expulsions, but the studies were limited and did not consistently find a statistically significant association.

A 2024 secondary analysis of a copper-IUD trial included 1,046 participants. It found higher odds of expulsion among users of one of the copper-IUD designs studied, while the other IUD design did not show the same association. Menstrual cup users also had more accidental self-removal events with both IUD types. The findings should not be assumed to apply equally to every IUD available in Australia.

You can read our guide to menstrual cups and IUDs for more information.

If you use an IUD, follow the advice of your healthcare professional and the instructions supplied with your cup.

When should you stop using your menstrual cup?

Stop using the cup if it is causing significant, worsening or persistent pain.

You should also seek medical advice if you have:

  • pain that continues after removing the cup
  • repeated pain every time you use an internal menstrual product
  • unusual vaginal discharge or a new unpleasant smell
  • significant vaginal irritation, swelling or burning
  • unexplained bleeding
  • pelvic pain or fever
  • difficulty urinating
  • an IUD and concerns about its position or possible expulsion
  • a cup or other object that you cannot remove

Healthdirect recommends medical assessment for persistent vaginal irritation and for symptoms such as unusual discharge, pelvic pain or urinary symptoms.

Seek urgent medical care for possible toxic shock syndrome

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is rare but serious and has been associated with menstrual cups.

Symptoms can include a sudden high temperature, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, muscle aches, confusion and a red rash. Seek urgent medical care if you develop symptoms that could indicate TSS.

Australian TGA requirements also require menstrual cup information to include TSS warnings and a maximum duration of use of no more than 12 hours. Always follow the specific manufacturer's instructions as well.

What should you try next?

If your cup hurts but there are no concerning symptoms, work through the problem rather than simply putting up with it.

If insertion hurts: Try a different fold, relax your pelvic floor and reduce friction with compatible lubricant if permitted by the manufacturer.

If wearing hurts: Check the cup's length, diameter, shape and firmness.

If the stem hurts: Check whether it can be trimmed according to the manufacturer's instructions.

If removal hurts: Make sure you break the seal according to the manufacturer's instructions rather than pulling firmly on the stem.

If every internal product hurts: Consider speaking with a healthcare professional about pelvic-floor tension or another possible cause.

If the pain persists: Stop using the cup and seek professional advice.

Should you try a different menstrual cup?

Possibly.

If the cup itself seems to be the problem, changing the dimensions or firmness may help. Start with the reason you think it is uncomfortable rather than simply choosing a smaller cup.

For example:

  • Too long: consider a shorter cup.
  • Too wide: consider a narrower diameter.
  • Too firm: consider a softer model.
  • Hard to reach: consider a longer body or removal feature suited to your anatomy.
  • Stem irritation: consider a different stem design or a cup whose stem can be adjusted according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Insertion discomfort: consider a narrower fold, more practice and reduced friction.

You can compare available models in our menstrual cups comparison chart.

If you decide that a different cup may be worth trying, you can also browse Period Shop's menstrual cups and compare the available models.

What if menstrual cups simply aren't comfortable for you?

That's okay.

Reusable period care isn't one-size-fits-all. If a menstrual cup doesn't feel right after you've tried reasonable fit and technique adjustments, you don't have to keep using it.

Menstrual discs, period underwear, reusable pads and other period products offer different designs and sensations. The right choice is the one that works for your anatomy, flow, comfort and circumstances.

Our Menstrual Products Comparison Hub is a useful place to compare the options.

The bottom line

A menstrual cup should not cause significant or ongoing pain. If yours is hurting, first stop and work out whether the issue is fit, positioning, firmness, insertion friction, the stem or another factor.

If changing technique or checking the fit doesn't resolve the problem, don't force yourself to keep using the cup. Persistent or significant vaginal or pelvic pain deserves proper assessment, particularly if you have other symptoms.

If you're ready to compare alternatives, start with the Menstrual Products Comparison Hub.

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