A recent cross-sectional survey published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology reveals that many young people encounter practical hurdles when first using menstrual cups, with only a small fraction succeeding in insertion on their very first try according to the study authors, Hennegan J, Orozco A, Head A, Marino JL, Jayasinghe Y, Lim MSC.
The research, titled “Menstrual cup acceptability and functionality in real-world use: a cross-sectional survey of young people in Australia,” gathered data from 530 respondents aged 15 to 24. Rather than a controlled clinical trial, the findings capture real-world experiences where users navigate folding techniques, product sizing, and removal procedures largely on their own.
Real-World Insertion and Removal Challenges
The survey data outlines a steep initial learning curve for first-time users. Beyond the low initial insertion success rate, 45% of respondents reported that they could not remove the cup immediately during their first attempts, and 17% required assistance from another person to take it out. Researchers emphasize that these figures point to standard user friction rather than emergency medical blockages.
During the initial menstrual cycle of use, 54% of survey participants experienced at least one instance of leakage, while 25% reported experiencing pain or discomfort. However, persistence changed these outcomes over time. Among those who continued using the product, one in two respondents reported feeling confident after three cycles of use. At the time of the survey, 55% of respondents were still using their first purchased cup, 16% had switched to a different model, and 29% had stopped using menstrual cups altogether. Among those who quit, 69% cited leaks or discomfort as the primary reason, with many stopping after just a single cycle.
Product Variety and Safety Data
The study highlights the importance of product dimensions and firmness. Only half of the survey participants knew before starting that different models adapt differently to individual bodies. Those aware of sizing variations were less likely to require outside help during removal or to abandon the product entirely.
Regarding overall safety, the Australian findings align broadly with wider medical literature. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in The Lancet Public Health, by van Eijk AM, Zulaika G, Lenchner M, et al., evaluated a number of studies and participants and concluded that menstrual cups are a generally safe option for managing menstruation.
Considerations for IUD Users
Special caution is warranted for individuals who use intrauterine devices (IUDs). In the Australian survey, 12 participants—representing 2% of the total sample—reported an IUD displacement during menstrual cup removal. While this percentage does not measure the exact risk exclusively among IUD carriers, recent literature points to a potential association that requires careful handling.
A 2023 systematic review by Bowman N and Thwaites A, alongside a 2025 French case-control study by Claire J and colleagues, noted a possible link between menstrual cup removal and IUD displacement. Medical guidance suggests that IUD users should consult a gynecologist, break the suction seal at the base of the cup before pulling, and monitor the device’s threads to ensure they remain in place.
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