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If the La meva regla menstrual cup bothers you or leaks, it could be the technique or the size. How to distinguish it, how to measure your cervix, and what to do next.
Inhaltsverzeichnis
- Is the free menstrual cup from the pharmacy bothering you? Before giving up, measure your cervix
- What is "La meva regla, les meves regles" and what did you get?
- First, review the technique
- Signs that the size is not right for you
- How to measure the height of your cervix
- If the cup doesn't convince you, try the menstrual disc
- Can you request another menstrual cup at the pharmacy?
- Frequently asked questions about the free pharmacy cup
Is the free menstrual cup from the pharmacy bothering you? Before giving up, measure your cervix
Starting March 2024, pharmacies in Catalonia are distributing free menstrual cups. If you picked yours up, tried it, and found it uncomfortable, leaked, or you couldn't remove it easily, you might have stored it away thinking that the cup isn't for you.
In summary
If the pharmacy menstrual cup is bothering you or leaking, it may be a technique or size issue. Initially, the most common cause of discomfort is technique: make sure the cup opens fully and breaks the vacuum before removing it, and give yourself two or three cycles to get used to it. If the problem persists, measure the height of your cervix during your period. With less than 45 mm, the S size of PapayaCup is recommended, and with more than 55 mm, the L size.
Updated in October 2026
Before reaching that conclusion, it's worth understanding what went wrong. Sometimes it's the technique, which requires some practice. Other times it's the size, and to find out, there's a measurement you can take at home that, according to our size guide, is the most reliable indicator for choosing: the height of the cervix.
What is "La meva regla, les meves regles" and what did you get?
It's the campaign from the Departament d'Igualtat i Feminismes of the Generalitat that distributes reusable menstrual products for free in Catalan pharmacies. Women and menstruating individuals aged between 10 and 60 years can request it with a personal QR code downloaded from La Meva Salut. Those under 16 can obtain it through their mother, father, or guardian's code. With that code, you can choose one item only: a menstrual cup, menstrual underwear, or two cloth pads. When you collect the product, the code is deactivated.
In its first three months, more than 392,000 women collected their product, and just over half were between 30 and 49 years old, according to the report published by the Government. According to the Council of Pharmaceutical Colleges of Catalonia, the pharmacist assists and advises in choosing the product.
Still, many size guides are based on age or whether you've had vaginal births. In our size guide, we explain why we prefer to focus on another factor: the height of the cervix, which has the most influence on how the cup fits.
First, review the technique
Initially, the most common cause of discomfort with the menstrual cup is the technique. Three frequent mistakes are: the cup hasn't opened fully, it's positioned too low, or the stem is pulled without breaking the vacuum first. We explain this in detail in the article about discomfort using the menstrual cup.
To check if it has opened, run a finger around the base: it should feel round and without folds. If it hasn’t opened, twist it a bit or press the base to help it. To remove it, pinch the base to release the suction and then gently pull. The stem is for finding it, not for pulling it out. If it hurts when removing it, here’s the guide to break the suction without pain.
Give yourself time. Some women get used to it in the first cycle and others need two or three to master the technique. If you’re just starting, the beginner's guide will help you with the folds and the first removals.
Science supports this patience. The systematic review on menstrual cups published in The Lancet Public Health in 2019 analyzed 43 studies with about 3,300 women and girls. All qualitative studies described a phase of adaptation over several cycles before using the cup comfortably. At the end of the studies that measured it, more than 70% of participants wanted to continue using it. The authors concluded that it may be necessary to provide information, training, and follow-up on proper use. Therefore, if your first attempts didn’t go well, it’s worth trying again with more information before dismissing it.
Signs that the size is not right for you
If you’ve already reviewed the technique and the problem persists, pay attention to what you’re feeling exactly. This table summarizes what our size guide and the discomfort article outline.
| What you feel | Possible cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure, heaviness, or you can feel it | Menstrual cup too large or improperly placed | Check the position; if it continues, try a smaller size |
| Frequent leaks | Hasn't opened, is too small, or fills up before you empty it | Check that it opens, empty it more often on heavy days, or switch to a cup with more capacity |
| It slides down | Cup too small, or low cervix with a cup that’s too long | Measure the cervix; with a low cervix, a shorter cup |
| It's hard to reach to remove it | Cup too small, or high cervix with a short cup | A longer cup |
| The stem rubs or bothers | Cup low or long stem | Position it a bit higher or trim the stem with clean scissors, without damaging the base |
| Severe pain that doesn’t improve | Needs professional evaluation | Consult your gynecologist |
Regarding the last row, in the discomfort article we make it clear: in case of severe and persistent pain that doesn’t improve, consult your gynecologist. If the pain occurs when trying to insert it, you might also be interested in the article about menstrual cup and vaginismus.
How to measure the height of your cervix
The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Its height changes during the cycle and is usually lower during menstruation, so it’s the best time to measure it. The cup should sit entirely inside the vagina, below the cervix, without pressing against it or protruding.
Wash your hands thoroughly and find a comfortable position: sitting on the toilet, squatting, or with one leg over the edge of the bathtub. Gently insert your index or middle finger until you feel something round and firm, similar to the tip of your nose. Before removing your finger, mark with your thumb how far it has gone in and measure that distance in millimeters. If you can barely touch it, your cervix is likely high.
| Your measurement | Cervix height | Indicative PapayaCup size |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 45 mm | Low | Size S: 40 mm in diameter and 65 mm long with the stem |
| Between 45 and 55 mm | Medium | S or L, depending on your flow and pelvic floor |
| More than 55 mm | High | Size L: 45 mm in diameter and 70 mm long with the stem |
If your cervix is medium, other factors come into play. With a very heavy flow, size L, which has a larger capacity, may allow you to space out your emptying more. And with a more relaxed pelvic floor, a slightly larger menstrual cup may seal better. Compare this data with your experience using the pharmacy cup, as it may give you clues about what went wrong.
4 questions before considering the menstrual cup lost
Have you given it two or three cycles of practice?
Do you check with your finger that it opens completely?
Do you break the vacuum before removing it?
Do you know if your cervix is low, medium, or high?
If the cup doesn't convince you, try the menstrual disc
If you're not comfortable with the cup, the menstrual disc is another reusable alternative. Unlike the cup, it is not placed in the vaginal canal, but rests under the cervix, and offers up to 12 hours of protection. It also comes in two sizes: S is generally recommended for low cervix and L for high cervix. We explain this in the size guide for the disc, and if you're coming from the cup, it will help to read what changes when switching from cup to disc.
Can you request another menstrual cup at the pharmacy?
The QR code is deactivated when you pick up the product, so the campaign is designed for one product per person. If you have any questions about your case, ask at the pharmacy where you collected it.
If you're unsure between S and L, try both
With your cervix height measured, choosing is much easier. And if it's in the medium range, the Comfort Pack allows you to try both sizes and keep the one that fits your body best.
- ✓ German surgical silicone
- ✓ Lifespan of up to 10 years
- ✓ Sizes S and L in cup and disc
- ✓ Comfort Pack S+L with sterilizer
Frequently asked questions about the free pharmacy cup
Can I request another free cup if the first one doesn't fit well?
The QR code for the campaign is deactivated upon picking up the product, so it is intended for one product per person. For specific questions, consult at the pharmacy where you picked it up.
How long does it take to get used to the cup?
It depends on the individual. Some get used to it in the first cycle, while others need two or three to master the technique and feel comfortable.
Is it normal to notice the cup when wearing it?
If the size is correct and it is properly positioned, you shouldn't feel it. If you do, it may be too low, the stem might be rubbing, or the size may not be right for you.
When is the best time to measure the cervix?
During menstruation, as this is when the cervix is usually at its lowest position. If you measure it at another time in the cycle, the measurement may not be representative.
When should I consult a professional?
If you experience intense and persistent pain, strong irritation or itching, a smell that is very different from usual, fever, or symptoms of infection.
A cup that doesn't fit well the first time doesn't always mean that the cup isn't for you. Review the technique, give it two or three cycles, and measure the height of your cervix. With that information, choosing the next one is much easier, and at papayacup.com, you have the cups and menstrual discs in sizes S and L to compare.
