One of the most common surprises for new cup users is how low a menstrual cup sits. If you're used to tampons, your instinct is to push it far up, but a cup works best lower down. Here's how deep to insert a menstrual cup, how to tell it's in the right place, and what to do if it sits too low or rides up.
Quick answer: A menstrual cup sits low in the vagina, lower than a tampon and below your cervix. Insert it rim-first, angled towards your lower back, only as far as feels comfortable, then check it has opened. It's usually in the right place if you can't feel it and it doesn't leak. Inserting it too high is a common cause of leaks.
Where should a menstrual cup sit?
Your cervix, the lower end of your uterus, sits at the top of your vagina. Menstrual blood flows out through a tiny opening in it. A tampon is placed high up, close to the cervix. A menstrual cup is different: it's placed low in the vagina, so the cervix stays above the cup and the blood drips into it.
That's why Lunette's diagrams deliberately show the cervix very high: to make the point that the correct position for the cup is low.
For some people the cervix drops low during their period and sits inside the cup. That's fine too, as long as it feels comfortable and doesn't leak.
How deep do you insert a menstrual cup?
- Wash your hands and get comfortable: sitting on the toilet, squatting or with one leg raised.
- Fold the cup. Use the fold that works for you; how to use a menstrual cup shows the common ones.
- Insert it rim-first, angled towards your lower back, not straight up. Follow the natural angle of your vagina.
- Stop when it feels comfortable. For most people that's lower than a tampon would go. You don't need to push it all the way to your cervix.
- Let it open. Release the fold and run a clean finger around the base. It should feel round and firm. If you feel a fold or a flat side, rotate the cup gently or pinch and release it so it pops open.
If your cervix is high, the cup may move up a little after insertion. That's normal, as long as you can still reach the base.
How do you know it's in the right place?
- You can't feel it when you sit, walk or move.
- It doesn't leak. If it leaks even though it's open, it may be sitting too high, next to or above the cervix, or tilted so it doesn't catch the flow.
- You can reach the base when it's time to empty it.
Not sure where your cervix is? Wash your hands and feel inside your vagina during your period. The cervix feels firm and round, like the tip of your nose. If you can't find it and the cup doesn't leak, there's no need to hunt for it: your cervix is simply deep, and it doesn't affect cup use.
What if your cup sits too low?
A cup that sits too low can feel uncomfortable, or you may feel the stem when you sit or walk.
- Check that it opened. A cup that's still partly folded can sit awkwardly.
- Try a slightly different angle, more towards your back.
- Look at your size. If your cervix is low, especially on heavy days, the shorter, softer Lunette Size 1 usually fits better. Size 1 is the smaller, softer cup (41 mm across, 25 ml); Size 2 is 46 mm across and holds 30 ml.
What if your cup slips down or comes out?
If the cup keeps sliding down, your pelvic floor may be holding it less firmly than it could. This is common after childbirth. Pelvic floor exercises help, and so does checking that the cup is fully open. After a bowel movement, it's worth checking the cup is still sitting properly. Read more in menstrual cups and your pelvic floor.
What if your cup rides up too high?
If your cervix is high, the cup can move up after insertion and be harder to reach. It can't get lost: the cervix closes the top of the vagina. To bring it down, relax, squat and gently bear down with your pelvic floor muscles, as if you were having a bowel movement. Our guide on how to remove a menstrual cup walks you through it step by step. If your cup often rides up, Lunette suggests Size 2 for a high cervix.
Find the cup that sits right for you
Most positioning problems come down to angle, opening and size. If you're between sizes, our menstrual cup size guide compares both, and the Lunette menstrual cup comes in Size 1 and Size 2. Still getting leaks? See why your menstrual cup might be leaking.
Menstrual cup position: frequently asked questions
How far up should a menstrual cup go?
Only as far as feels comfortable. A menstrual cup sits low in the vagina, lower than a tampon, with your cervix above it. Insert it angled towards your lower back, let it open, and check with a finger. If you can't feel it and it doesn't leak, it's in the right place.
Can a menstrual cup be inserted too far?
It can sit too high, next to or above your cervix. Then it may not catch the flow, so it leaks, and it can press on the cervix and feel uncomfortable. It can't get lost, though: the top of the vagina is closed by the cervix. Bear down gently to bring it lower.
Why can I feel my menstrual cup?
Usually because it sits too low, hasn't fully opened, or is a bit big for you. Check that it's open, try inserting it at a slightly different angle, and consider your size: a low cervix or strong pelvic floor often suits the shorter, softer Lunette Size 1.
Is it normal for a menstrual cup to move up?
Yes, especially if your cervix is high: the cup may move up after insertion. It's not a problem as long as you can reach the base to remove it. Relax, squat and bear down gently, and it comes back within reach.
How long can I leave my cup in?
You can wear a Lunette cup for up to 12 hours, including overnight. Local rules differ: in Germany and Australia the limit is 8 hours, and in France 6 to 8 hours without overnight use. Most people empty it two to four times a day.
