Discovering the right technique for removing a menstrual cup can vary from woman to woman. While some find it a breeze, others might feel a bit flustered, worried it’s stuck. However, the majority of period cups are designed for straightforward removal once you’ve got the hang of it. Here are five straightforward tips to help you easily and confidently remove your menstrual cup.
Engage your pelvic floor muscles.
At times, a menstrual cup may shift upward in the vaginal canal, which is a natural part of it settling into its optimal position. While this occurrence isn’t cause for concern, it might pose a slight challenge when attempting to reach the cup for removal.
If the cup shifts higher up in the vaginal canal, making it harder to reach, gently engage your abdominal muscles to push downward, similar to a bowel movement. Once you’re in the correct position, insert your fingers into the vagina and utilize the cup’s stem as a reference point to guide you toward its base. Avoid pulling on the stem; instead, use it solely as a guide.
Lower yourself into a squat position while removing the menstrual cup.
If reaching the cup remains challenging, try squatting on the floor or elevating one leg by resting your foot on the toilet seat or edge of the bath. The key is finding a comfortable position that enables you to concentrate on cup removal. Squatting aids in shortening the vaginal canal, facilitating easier access to the cup.
Try to keep your body as relaxed as you can.
During the process of removing your period cup, it’s essential to maintain a relaxed state. This prevents your vaginal muscles from tensing up, which could make cup removal more difficult. If you notice yourself becoming tense, take a few deep breaths, step away for a moment, and return when you feel more at ease. There’s typically no rush to remove the cup immediately, so take your time, especially if you have a busy day ahead. Removing the cup while in the shower can aid relaxation and minimize mess.
We recommend practicing inserting and removing the cup a few times before your menstrual cycle begins. This way, you can become more comfortable with the process and feel less anxious about potential spills or the need to empty menstrual fluid.
Gently pinch and compress the menstrual cup.
Make sure your hands are clean and thoroughly dry your fingers. The drier your fingers, the smoother the process of removing the menstrual cup will be. You might find it helpful to use a bit of toilet paper to dry the base of the cup for better grip. Afterward, insert your fingers into the vagina and gently tug on the stem until you can reach the silicone base of the cup. Pinch as high up on the cup as possible, close to the top rim, and give it a gentle squeeze for a few seconds to break the seal.
Once you’ve released the air by squeezing the base, remove the cup at a sideways angle. This allows more air to enter the vagina, making removal easier.
Use your index finger to break the seal on the side of the cup.
If the pinching method isn’t effective, you can gently insert one finger alongside the cup and gradually push it in to break the seal. Once the seal is broken, you should find it simpler to press down the rim of the cup and maneuver it out. This technique is often favored by many menstrual cup users for its ease and efficiency, often accomplished in one fluid motion.
In addition to mastering the correct removal technique for a menstrual cup, it’s equally important to ensure proper insertion. Once you’ve become proficient with using a menstrual cup, you might even feel comfortable employing various removal methods. However, if you find yourself unable to remove the cup despite trying various methods, it’s possible it’s stuck. While this scenario is rare, if it occurs, we suggest seeking assistance from someone you trust or consulting a medical professional.
Menstrual cups offer a reusable, eco-friendly alternative to disposable tampons, pads, and other menstrual products. Acquiring the skill of removing a menstrual cup will empower you to use it confidently and regularly.