In our DAME Period Cup customer feedback, the most common reason for stopping cup use was:
Insertion or removal difficulty (55.6% of total respondents).
That makes it the single biggest behavioural barrier.
Here’s what’s actually happening — and how to fix it.
Quick Summary
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Most insertion problems relate to fold technique or placement.
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Leaks often mean the seal hasn’t formed.
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Removal discomfort usually comes from suction not being released.
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Technique improves quickly with small adjustments.
Why Insertion Can Feel Hard
Common causes:
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Using a fold that’s too wide
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Not relaxing pelvic muscles
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Inserting at the wrong angle
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Incorrect size choice
The cup should sit lower than a tampon and angle toward your tailbone.
How to Improve Insertion
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Try different folds (C-fold, punch-down fold).
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Insert at a slight angle.
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Once inside, rotate gently to help form a seal.
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Run a finger around the base to check it has fully opened.
Leaks often mean the cup hasn’t opened fully.
Why Removal Can Feel Uncomfortable
The most common issue is suction.
If you pull on the stem without breaking the seal, it can feel stuck.
How to Remove Comfortably
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Wash hands.
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Relax pelvic muscles.
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Pinch the base (not just the stem) to release suction.
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Gently rock side to side while pulling down.
Breaking suction is key.
When It Might Be a Size Issue
If you experience:
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Persistent leaking
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Pressure discomfort
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Difficulty inserting
You may need a different size.
Bodies change over time, especially after pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my menstrual cup leak?
Leaks are usually caused by improper seal formation or incorrect placement.
Why does removal hurt?
Pain often occurs when suction hasn’t been released before pulling.
How long does it take to get used to a cup?
Many users report feeling confident after 2–3 cycles.
