If your menstrual cup stays folded, dented or doesn't seem to open fully, it doesn't necessarily mean you're doing anything wrong. Try checking the cup's position, feeling around the outside for a deep fold, gently rotating it or using a different fold.
A menstrual cup also does not need to make an audible or noticeable “pop” to be working properly. The aim is for the cup to unfold enough to sit comfortably and collect menstrual flow without ongoing leaking or discomfort.
How do you know if your menstrual cup has opened?
A menstrual cup should unfold enough to collect your flow and sit comfortably inside the vagina. It does not need to become perfectly round or make an audible popping sound.
After inserting the cup, use a clean finger to feel around the outside of the cup or around its base. You are looking for a cup that feels reasonably open rather than one with a deep fold or obvious section still tucked in.
A small amount of flattening can be normal depending on the cup design and your anatomy. The more useful question is whether the cup is sufficiently open, comfortable and collecting your flow as intended.
Leaking does not automatically mean the cup has failed to open. It can also happen because the cup is full, your cervix is sitting beside the cup, residual menstrual blood is already in the vaginal canal or the cup's size, shape or firmness does not suit you.
For more help with leaks, see Why Is My Menstrual Cup Leaking?.
What to try if your menstrual cup won't open
If the cup is still folded or dented after insertion, work through these steps one at a time rather than trying everything at once.
1. Relax and give yourself time
Tensing your pelvic floor or surrounding muscles can make insertion and positioning more difficult.
Try sitting on the toilet, squatting or standing with one leg raised and choose whichever position gives you enough room to comfortably control the cup.
Learning to use a menstrual cup can take practice, and many new users need several cycles to become familiar with insertion, positioning and removal.
If you are new to cups, a menstrual cup dry run can give you a chance to practise without also managing menstrual flow.
2. Try a different fold
There isn't one menstrual cup fold that works best for everyone.
The C-fold is a simple starting point, but you can also try a punch-down fold, 7-fold or another fold recommended for your cup.
Different folds change the width and shape of the cup during insertion, and one may give you better control or allow the rim to unfold more easily.
See our Guide to Different Menstrual Cup Folds if you want to experiment with other options.
3. Check the cup's position
A menstrual cup does not need to be pushed as high as possible.
The best position depends on the cup design and your anatomy. The important thing is that the cup is positioned so it can collect menstrual flow from your cervix.
If your cervix sits beside the cup rather than over or within the collecting area, blood can flow around the cup even if the cup itself is open.
If your cup tends to open more easily lower in the vaginal canal, you can sometimes allow it to unfold first and then gently adjust its position, as long as that is consistent with the manufacturer's instructions.
4. Gently rotate the cup
If the cup has opened partly but you can still feel a fold or dent, try gently turning the base or cup body a little.
Rotation can sometimes help the rim move into a more even position, but you do not need to spin the cup forcefully or rotate it through a full 360 degrees.
If a few gentle adjustments do not help, remove the cup and try again rather than repeatedly manipulating it.
5. Feel around the cup for dents
Run a clean finger around the outside of the cup and feel for a deep crease or section that is still folded.
If you find one, you can try gently pressing the vaginal wall away from the dent, pressing the opposite side of the cup or lightly massaging the base to encourage it to unfold.
If the cup remains significantly folded, remove it and reinsert it rather than forcing it into position.
6. Use a little compatible lubricant if needed
If insertion feels dry or there is too much friction to position the cup comfortably, a small amount of compatible lubricant may help.
Check the instructions for your cup first. Some manufacturers allow water-based lubricant around the vaginal opening if needed for comfort. Lily Cup instructions, for example, allow water-based lubricant at the vaginal opening.
Do not assume that every lubricant is suitable for every cup material, and check before applying lubricant directly to the product.
7. Consider the cup's fit
If you repeatedly have trouble getting the cup to open, the issue may not be your technique.
Consider the cup's:
- Length: Does it suit your cervical position?
- Diameter: Does the width feel comfortable and allow the cup to sit properly?
- Shape: Does the profile suit your anatomy?
- Firmness: Is the cup so soft that it repeatedly remains compressed, or so firm that it feels uncomfortable?
A firmer cup may open more readily for some people, while a softer cup may feel more comfortable but sometimes need more attention during insertion. Firmness is only one part of fit.
You can compare these features in the Menstrual Cup Comparison Chart or read Should You Choose a Soft or Firm Menstrual Cup?.
What if your cup still won't open?
If you have tried several folds, checked the position and gently adjusted the cup but it repeatedly stays collapsed, you may be dealing with a fit issue rather than a technique problem.
Ask yourself:
- Does the cup feel very soft and easily compressed?
- Does the diameter feel too wide or uncomfortable?
- Is the cup the right length for your cervical position?
- Does the shape suit where your cervix sits?
- Does the problem happen with every fold?
- Does the cup only collapse during exercise or movement?
- Does the problem vary on different days of your period?
Your cervical position can change during your period, so the same cup may sit slightly differently from one day to another.
You do not need to keep struggling with a cup that consistently does not suit you. Use the Menstrual Cup Troubleshooter to work through the problem or take the Find Your Best Fit Quiz if you think another design may suit you better.
Why is my menstrual cup leaking if it has opened?
An open cup can still leak.
If the cup is leaking but is mostly empty when you remove it, check whether:
- there is still a deep fold or indentation
- your cervix is sitting beside rather than inside or above the cup
- the shape or diameter does not suit your anatomy
- the cup is shifting during movement
If the cup is full when you remove it, the issue may simply be capacity and you may need to empty it more often on heavier-flow days.
A small amount of blood shortly after insertion can also be residual menstrual blood that was already in the vaginal canal rather than ongoing leakage.
For a more detailed guide, see Why Is My Menstrual Cup Leaking?.
When should you stop troubleshooting?
Stop and remove the cup if insertion, positioning or repeated adjustment is causing significant pain.
Do not keep manipulating a cup that feels persistently uncomfortable. If using a menstrual cup repeatedly causes pain, irritation or other pelvic or vaginal symptoms, stop using it and speak with a qualified healthcare professional.
If the cup itself is cracked, torn or otherwise damaged, discontinue use and follow the manufacturer's replacement guidance.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if my menstrual cup is open enough?
Use a clean finger to feel around the outside or base of the cup. It should feel sufficiently open to collect flow without a deep fold or obvious section remaining tucked in. It does not need to feel perfectly round.
Should I spin my menstrual cup to make it open?
You can gently rotate the cup if you can feel a fold or dent, but you do not need to spin it forcefully or complete a full rotation. If gentle adjustment does not help, remove the cup and try another fold or position.
Does a firmer menstrual cup open more easily?
Yes, a firmer cup will open more readily for some people because it offers more resistance when compressed. However, a firmer cup can also feel more noticeable. Cup length, diameter and shape should be considered alongside firmness.
Why does my menstrual cup keep folding in on itself?
Repeated collapsing can relate to firmness, diameter, shape, position or how the cup interacts with your anatomy. If several folds and positioning techniques do not solve the problem, another cup design may be worth comparing.
Can I use a different fold if my cup won't open?
Yes. Different folds change how narrow the cup is during insertion and where it begins to unfold. If your cup manufacturer does not require a particular fold, try a C-fold, punch-down, 7-fold or another recommended technique and see which gives you the best control.
Does a menstrual cup have to pop open?
No. An audible or noticeable pop is not required. What matters is that the cup is sufficiently open, comfortable and positioned to collect your menstrual flow.
Still having trouble?
If you have worked through these steps and your cup still will not open comfortably, the issue may be the cup's fit rather than your technique.
Use the Menstrual Cup Troubleshooter to work through opening, leaking, slipping, discomfort, removal and other common cup problems.
You can also compare products in the Menstrual Cup Comparison Chart or use the Find Your Best Fit Quiz to narrow down other options.