Vol. 4|Menstrual cups: Are they painful? Do they leak? Can you remove them? Your anxieties and questions answered 【Amina's Guide】

Feb 24, 2026
Dr.Amina’s Guide

I’m curious about menstrual cups.
But I’m a little nervous.

"Does it hurt?" "Will it leak?" "Will it get stuck inside?" "I have a short vagina, is that okay?" I will answer the honest questions that have been sent to fermata, one by one.

Estimated reading time: approx. 5 minutes Theme: Menstrual Cups / How-to / FAQ Dr.Amina’s Guide

What you'll learn in this article

  • Anxieties regarding pain, leakage, and removal of menstrual cups
  • How to choose a cup based on vaginal length and menstrual flow
  • How to use them during sports, hot springs, travel, and emergencies
  • Important safety precautions to keep in mind
Menstrual Cup FAQ

I’m curious about menstrual cups. But I’m a little nervous.

I think those feelings are completely natural.

A menstrual cup is a sanitary product that catches menstrual blood inside the vagina, rather than absorbing it on the outside like a pad. Because of this, it is only natural to feel, "Will I really be okay?" before using one for the first time.

Anxiety comes from not knowing.
And once you know, that fear will gradually diminish.

Today, I will answer the "honest questions" that have been sent to fermata one by one, from the perspective of Dr. Amina.

1 Common Questions About Menstrual Cups

Q1

Does it hurt?

Most people find that if a menstrual cup is inserted correctly, they barely feel it at all.

If you feel discomfort, it may be due to the wrong size, the cup not opening properly, the insertion being too shallow or too deep, or tension in your body.

The angle of the vagina points slightly toward your back, rather than straight up. It may be smoother to insert it with the image of angling it toward your back rather than pushing it straight up.

If you experience strong pain, or if pain persists no matter how many times you try, please stop using it and do not force it.

Q2

Will it leak?

Menstrual cups are designed to "catch" flow within the vagina rather than absorb it.

If it is opened properly and adheres to the vaginal walls, it is designed not to leak. However, leaks can occur if the capacity is exceeded or if the cup has not opened properly.

It is important to adjust based on your own flow—such as emptying it more frequently on heavy days, emptying it before going out, or using it alongside period underwear or liners until you get used to it.

Q3

Will it get stuck inside?

A menstrual cup cannot get lost inside you. Because the cervix is at the top of the vagina, the cup cannot disappear anywhere inside your body.

When removing it, always pinch the base of the cup to release the suction before pulling it out. It is important not to pull strongly on the grip or stem alone.

If you panic, you may tense your pelvic floor muscles, which can make it harder to remove. First, take a deep breath. Try crouching down, bearing down as if having a bowel movement, or relaxing your body, which may cause it to descend.

If you absolutely cannot remove it, or if you experience strong pain, bleeding, or feel unwell, please consult a medical professional.

Q4

My vagina is short, is that okay?

There are individual differences in the length of the vagina and the position of the cervix. The position can even change for the same person depending on the time in their cycle or their posture.

During your period, try checking the position of your cervix with a clean finger within a comfortable range. If you can touch it at a shallow depth, shorter types or smaller cups tend to fit better.

Conversely, if your cervix is positioned high, a cup that is too short may feel difficult to remove. If you are unsure about choosing a size, please refer to the product size charts or diagnostic guides.

Q5

Can I use it on heavy days?

On days with heavy flow, higher-capacity models may be easier to manage.

However, it is important to follow the usage time guidelines for each product regardless of the model. On heavy days, we recommend adjusting to your flow, such as emptying the cup sooner than usual or using it with period underwear or pads until you become accustomed to it.

If you experience a sudden increase in flow, large blood clots, or symptoms like anemia, please consider consulting a medical professional in addition to thinking about your menstrual cup choice.

Q6

Is it okay for sports or hot springs?

If worn correctly, it is a convenient sanitary product for use during exercise. It is a great option for those who are bothered by the stuffiness of pads during running, yoga, gym workouts, or long periods of travel.

Regarding hot springs and bathing, while many people do use them, please make your decision based on hygiene conditions, your physical condition, and facility rules.

It is also important not to force use on days when you feel unwell, feel discomfort, or feel that it hasn't been inserted correctly.

Q7

What about disposable types?

For those worried about boiling or cleaning, or for those who want to keep them on hand for travel, going out, or as disaster supplies, disposable types are an option.

They are also suitable for those who want to "try out the feeling of catching flow internally first." While they are simpler to manage than reusable types, they do require disposal, so we recommend choosing one that fits your lifestyle.

Q8

What about Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)?

Similar to tampons, reports of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) with menstrual cups are extremely rare, but they do exist.

It is important to wash your hands before and after use and to follow the usage time and cleaning instructions for each product. Avoid the self-judgment of using it beyond the recommended time just because "it can be used for a long time."

If you experience symptoms that are out of the ordinary—such as fever, rash, strong physical distress, dizziness, nausea, or pain—stop using it and consult a medical professional.

2 Dr.Amina’s Perspective | Why Menstrual Cups, Now?

Menstrual cups are not just for "highly conscious" people.

What I value is something very simple.

Creating a state where you aren't inconvenienced.

  • When your period arrives suddenly
  • When you can't change your pad in the middle of the night
  • When you forget to buy pads
  • When it's hard to get your usual sanitary products while traveling
  • When stores are closed due to a disaster

Having an option that means you won't have to worry in situations like these leads to peace of mind every month.

Menstrual cups can be used repeatedly once you have one. If you keep one in your disaster kit, it can help reduce the anxiety of potentially running out of sanitary products.

During disasters, it is not uncommon for sanitary products like pads to be in short supply. In those times, having an option that you can wash and reuse can bring great peace of mind.

And there is one more thing.

Using a menstrual cup allows you to see the volume and color of your own menstrual blood.

It’s heavy today.
It’s light.
It’s a little different than usual.

These small realizations lead to knowing your own body.

The menstrual cup is not just a choice for the environment.

Being able to manage your own body yourself—I believe that is its greatest value.

Summary

  • Most people find that menstrual cups feel minimal when inserted correctly
  • Most leaks are related to how it opens, its position, capacity, or usage time
  • When removing, release the suction before slowly pulling it out
  • It is important to choose size and shape according to your vaginal length and cervical position
  • TSS is extremely rare, but following usage time and hygiene management is crucial
  • Menstrual cups are also an option for disaster preparedness, travel, and getting to know your body

It is natural to have anxiety.

But with the right information, the fear will gradually shrink. If you find one that fits you, your month might become a little easier.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us.

Start with a menstrual cup
that fits you.

If you are unsure about the size, shape, or how to use them, please refer to the menstrual cup-related items and diagnostics on the fermata store. We have organized how-to information and features to make it easier even for beginners to choose.

View menstrual cup-related items

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