A menstrual cup can sometimes seem intimidating to remove, especially when it comes to figuring out the right technique. But fear not! Once you’ve successfully inserted your cup, these tips for removing your menstrual cup will make the extraction process a little easier.
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What to Know Before Removing Your Menstrual Cup
Don’t Pull the Stem!
This is crucial to keep in mind: never pull the stem of the cup without breaking the suction first. If you do, it can cause discomfort or even injury.
Secret Tip: Try in the Shower
Here’s a great secret: try removing your menstrual cup while in the shower. This will relax your body, and the water will act as a lubricant, making the process smoother and more comfortable.
How to Remove Your Menstrual Cup
1. Push Down with Your Pelvic Muscles
Sometimes, the menstrual cup may move up the vaginal canal. Don’t worry, this is completely normal as it seeks its optimal position. If you can’t reach it with your fingers, gently push down by contracting and relaxing your abdominal muscles, similar to the motion of pushing during childbirth. Insert your fingers to the base of the cup, break the suction, and then remove it.
Remember, never pull the cup by the stem; always pinch the base of the cup to remove it.
2. Try Squatting
If you still can’t reach the cup, try squatting on the floor or elevate one leg by placing your foot on the toilet seat or bathtub edge. This position will help lower the cup and make it easier to reach.
3. Stay Completely Relaxed
Just like when you insert the cup, it’s essential to be relaxed while removing it to prevent any tension in the vaginal muscles. If you feel tense, distract yourself for a few minutes and then try again. There’s usually no rush to remove a menstrual cup immediately, so take your time.
4. Secure Grip with Dry Fingers
Pinch the menstrual cup as high up as possible, close to the upper rim, and hold it for a few seconds to break the seal. Once you’ve squeezed the base to release the air, remove the cup at a slight angle. This allows more air to enter the vagina, making it easier to remove. Make sure your hands are clean and your fingers are completely dry. Dry fingers provide a better grip on the cup. You can also use a tissue to dry the base of the cup for a better hold.
5. Break the Side Seal
If the pinching and squeezing method doesn’t work, try carefully inserting a finger alongside the cup and push it to break the seal. Some people find this method easier than the pinching and gripping technique.
How to Remove a Menstrual Cup with Long Nails
If you enjoy having long nails for special occasions but forget how painful it can be when removing your cup, don’t worry, we have solutions for you.
Keeping your nails very short to avoid difficulties when removing the cup is fine, but there’s another solution: DISPOSABLE GLOVES. Using disposable nitrile gloves can provide an extra layer of protection for your fingers and your vagina.
To remove the cup with long nails, follow these steps:
- Put on latex gloves.
- Push down with your pelvic floor muscles.
- Pinch the base to break the seal.
In general, it takes a few tries to lower the cup to a level where you can use your fingertips to grip it and remove it.
Another alternative is to cut the nails on your thumb and index finger since those are the fingers you will use to remove the cup. It might look unusual, but it will definitely make you feel more comfortable, and that’s what matters, right?
What to Do When Your Menstrual Cup Gets Stuck
Not everyone who uses a menstrual cup will experience it getting stuck, but it’s quite common and can happen to even the most experienced users.
If you feel that your cup is stuck or you’re having trouble removing it, it might be too high up, sitting at an angle, or the suction seal might be too strong.
Here comes your savior: your PELVIC FLOOR.
The pelvic floor muscles are responsible for keeping everything inside you in place—your bladder, uterus, and intestines.
To free a stuck cup, you can use the “release” part of the pelvic floor exercise. This can help push the cup down and out of the vaginal canal. As you push down, insert your thumb and index finger into the vagina, and see if you can grip the base (just above the cup’s stem) enough to pinch it lightly and release the suction.
If you can reach it and release the suction, you should be able to slide it out easily.
If you’re still out of luck, take a break.
Step away from the situation, make yourself a cup of tea, and take 5 minutes to clear your mind. With a clear head (and clean hands), try again.
The Last Resort to Remove Your Menstrual Cup
If nothing works, it may be time to call a friend or partner for help or to seek professional medical attention from a doctor or gynecologist who can easily remove the cup for you.
There’s NO SHAME in asking for help or seeking medical attention. It happens to the best of us.
Whatever you do, remember to never leave the cup in for more than 8 consecutive hours, so make sure you can remove it or have it removed within that time frame.
How to Avoid Getting Your Menstrual Cup Stuck Again
- Ensure you’re using the correct cup size and fit for your body and flow. Take our menstrual cup size quiz to find out which cup is right for you.
- Avoid inserting anything else into your vagina or having sexual intercourse while your cup is in place.
- Try different folds and find the one that works best for you.
- Avoid inserting the cup too high. As long as it’s below your cervical opening, you’re good to go.
