A menstrual cup is a popular reusable hygiene product that forms a seal inside the vaginal canal to collect menstrual fluid. While effective at preventing leaks, this sealing mechanism often leads users to worry about excessive suction. Concerns about whether the cup can adhere too tightly to the body, particularly the cervix, are common. Understanding the anatomy and the cup’s function is the first step in ensuring comfortable use.
Understanding the Cervix and Suction Potential
The cervix is the lower, narrow part of the uterus that extends into the top of the vagina, serving as the origin point for menstrual flow. It is a mobile structure whose position changes throughout the menstrual cycle, often sitting lower during menstruation. The cup’s design relies on creating a light vacuum seal against the vaginal walls to stay in place and prevent leakage.
A strong seal, or what is often perceived as high suction, can occur if the cup is positioned too high or directly over the cervix. The rim of the cup may inadvertently encompass the cervix, creating a powerful, localized vacuum seal. This is more likely to happen if a person has a naturally lower cervix, as the distance between the vaginal opening and the cervix is reduced.
While the cup can create a strong seal around the cervix, it is anatomically impossible for a standard menstrual cup to physically “suck out” the cervix. The cervix is an integral part of the uterine structure and cannot be detached by the mild negative pressure created by the cup. However, a cup sealed directly onto the cervix can cause discomfort, bruising, or difficulty during removal, which is why correct placement is important.
Preventing High Suction Through Proper Placement and Sizing
Proactive steps during selection and insertion minimize the risk of the cup suctioning uncomfortably onto the cervix. The primary consideration is selecting a cup that appropriately matches the user’s cervical height. Individuals with a low cervix, where the cervix is easily reachable, should choose a shorter cup to prevent the rim from sitting directly on the cervix.
When inserting the cup, it should be aimed horizontally toward the tailbone rather than straight up, following the natural curve of the vaginal canal. The goal is for the rim of the cup to open and settle below the cervix, not around it. After insertion, a user should run a clean finger around the cup’s rim to confirm the cervix is not sitting inside or under the cup, which could cause discomfort.
Choosing a cup that is too long for a low cervix significantly increases the chance of the cup sitting too high and creating a cervical seal. A shorter, sometimes wider, cup is often a better fit, allowing the cup to open fully below the cervix while maintaining collection capacity. Ensuring the cup is fully open and sealed against the vaginal walls, and not the cervix itself, guarantees a comfortable and leak-free experience.
Techniques for Safely Breaking the Seal
Regardless of proper placement, a strong vacuum seal can still form, making it crucial to understand the safe removal process. The seal must be broken before any attempt is made to pull the cup out. Pulling the cup by the stem without first releasing the seal will result in a painful sensation and can cause irritation to the vaginal tissues.
To break the seal, a clean finger should be inserted to locate the base of the cup, the slightly firmer area above the stem. Gently pinching or squeezing this base allows air to rush in, releasing the vacuum effect with a slight sound or sensation. If the base is too high to pinch, the user can slide a finger up further to gently press inward on the rim of the cup. This action depresses the rim, introducing air and breaking the adherence.
If the cup is difficult to reach, the user can gently bear down with their pelvic floor muscles, as if having a bowel movement, to push the cup lower. Trying different removal positions, such as squatting or resting one leg on a surface, can also shorten the vaginal canal and make the cup easier to access. Taking slow, deep breaths helps relax the pelvic muscles, as tension makes the removal process more difficult.