How to make your menstrual cup pop open

by Hannah Leifheit July 24, 2020

Edited: February 23, 2026

Is your menstrual cup leaking or not popping open?

Menstrual cups make life 1000% percent easier when you’re on your period, but figuring out how to use them can take a little time.

The #1 secret to a leak-free period with a menstrual cup? Making your menstrual cup pop open.

If you are more of the visual type, here is a short video for you!

Getting your menstrual cup to pop open correctly will allow it to form a tight seal so that you won’t experience any unwanted leaking. Today, we’re going to share some helpful tips to make sure your cup opens up perfectly every time.

While the cup itself is designed to be leak-free, it can take a few tries to get comfortable using and inserting it. We recommend that you practice at home first (rather than in a public restroom) so you can learn the perfect cup technique that works for you. You may even want to practice inserting your cup when you don’t have your period. If you do, don’t leave the cup in — just get familiar with how it feels when it’s inserted properly and forming a seal, and then remove the cup.

Why Won’t My Menstrual Cup Pop Open?

If you’re searching “why is my menstrual cup leaking?” or “why won’t my menstrual cup open?”, you’re not alone.

A few common reasons include:

The fold you’re using may not work well for your body
Your cup may be too soft
You may need lubrication for smoother insertion
Your cervix position may affect placement
The cup may be the wrong size

Sometimes it’s simply a matter of technique. Other times, you may need a different cup style or firmness.

First, grab some lube

If you aren’t already using water-based lubricant when inserting your menstrual cup, this can make a big difference.

A small amount of lube:

Makes insertion smoother
Helps the cup slide into proper position
Encourages the rim to pop open fully
Reduces discomfort during insertion

For many cup users, adding lube is all it takes for the cup to pop open and seal properly

This product made my cup pop right in! I was having trouble getting my cup in … This works like a charm. - Lexie

3 Easy Steps To Make Your Menstrual Cup Pop Open

Before inserting your cup, always wash your hands thoroughly. Try to relax your pelvic muscles. Tension can make insertion harder and prevent the cup from opening correctly.

Learning how to insert a menstrual cup should never be painful. It may feel unfamiliar at first, but the cup cannot get lost inside you.

Use the C-fold for insertion
The C-fold, what Pixie also likes to call the Heart Fold, is a simple fold that you can do with one hand, and that allows the cup to pop open easily.
Run a finger around the rim
After your cup is fully inserted, run a clean finger around the rim of the cup (the top). As you do, you may feel some folds or indentations.
Grab the base and twist
If you feel folds, grab the base of the cup and gently twist the cup in a circular motion. Turn the cup one full rotation. This will help it pop open and form a seal.

That’s it! For most people, following these steps will allow their cup to pop open properly and provide leak-free protection!

Why is My Cup still leaking?

If your menstrual cup is open but you’re still experiencing leaks, here are some common reasons:

1. Your Cup Could Be the Wrong Size

If your cup slides up or down significantly throughout the day, you may need a different size. While some movement is normal, excessive shifting can break the seal.

Choosing the best menstrual cup size depends on:

Cervix height
Flow level
Pelvic floor strength
Comfort preference

2. Your Flow May Be Heavier Than Your Cup’s Capacity

Menstrual cups can hold more fluid than tampons, but very heavy periods may require more frequent emptying.

Even if your cup fits correctly, you should empty and clean it at least every 12 hours.

If you’re searching “best menstrual cup for heavy flow,” you may benefit from a higher-capacity cup, like our XL Pixie Cup so you don’t need to empty it as often.

3. You Might Have a Tilted or Low Cervix

If you have a tilted cervix, your menstrual flow may run along the vaginal wall and miss the rim of the cup entirely.

In this case:

Try positioning the cup slightly lower
Angle insertion toward your tailbone
Ensure the cup sits below and around your cervix

If you have a low cervix, a Pixie Disc may fit more comfortably.

4. Your Cup May Be Too Soft

Very soft menstrual cups are comfortable, but they can sometimes struggle to pop open fully, especially for people with strong pelvic muscles.

If you consistently have trouble getting your menstrual cup to open, you may need a firmer cup that expands more easily.

Practice Makes It Easier

Menstrual cups take practice. That’s completely normal.

We recommend practicing insertion at home rather than in a public restroom. Some people even practice when they’re not on their period to learn how the cup feels when it forms a seal. Just don’t leave it in if you’re not menstruating.

Every body is different. Every cervix sits differently. And every cup user develops a slightly different technique.

Once you figure out how to get your menstrual cup to pop open correctly, you’ll likely experience: