A menstrual cup is a flexible, bell-shaped device, typically made of medical-grade silicone, that is folded and inserted into the vaginal canal to collect menstrual fluid internally. The short answer is yes, it is physically possible to have a bowel movement while wearing the cup. This question arises because the cup is worn internally and is designed to create a seal, leading users to wonder about the effect of bodily functions on its position.
Understanding Pelvic Anatomy and Muscle Function
The possibility of having a bowel movement with a cup in is rooted in the distinct structures of the female pelvic anatomy. The body has three separate openings: the urethra, the vaginal canal (where the cup is positioned), and the anus for defecation. Since these are separate tracts, the act of passing stool does not directly involve the cup’s immediate environment.
Despite being separate canals, the vagina and the rectum are separated by a thin wall of tissue called the rectovaginal septum. They share a common support system made up of the pelvic floor muscles at the base of the pelvis. These muscles form a sling-like structure that supports the bladder, uterus, and rectum.
The pelvic floor muscles contract and relax to maintain continence and facilitate the passing of waste. During a bowel movement, abdominal muscles contract and the pelvic floor muscles relax to allow stool to pass. This engagement of the shared muscle group creates the potential for interaction with the menstrual cup.
How Bowel Movements Affect Cup Position
The primary issue that arises when wearing a menstrual cup during a bowel movement is the potential for the cup to shift position. The act of bearing down, or straining, causes an increase in intra-abdominal pressure that is transferred to the pelvic organs. This pressure pushes downward onto the pelvic floor.
The menstrual cup is held in place by suction and surrounding vaginal muscles. The downward pressure caused by straining can cause the cup to descend lower in the vaginal canal, often called “birthing” the cup. This movement can break the suction seal between the cup rim and the vaginal wall.
When the seal is broken, the cup may leak immediately after the bowel movement. Significant straining, especially for users with a shorter vaginal canal or a softer cup, may cause the cup to be partially expelled. The stem may become exposed or the cup may feel uncomfortably low. Users of firmer cups often experience less displacement because the material resists external pressure more effectively.
Practical Strategies for Using the Cup While Eliminating
To minimize the impact of a bowel movement on the cup’s position, users can adopt a few strategies. The most direct approach is to avoid excessive straining. Allowing the body to pass stool without forcing it reduces the intensity of the pelvic floor muscle contraction and the subsequent pressure on the cup.
Adjusting posture can also be beneficial, as a squatting position naturally aligns the rectum for easier elimination, requiring less muscular effort than sitting upright. If a person anticipates a difficult bowel movement or consistently finds their cup shifting, removing it beforehand is a reliable option. The cup can then be washed and reinserted, completely avoiding the risk of displacement or leakage.
If the cup is left in, gently check its position and seal immediately afterward. If the cup has moved down, a clean finger can be used to gently push it back up into its original, comfortable position. Ensuring hands are thoroughly washed before and after any adjustment is important for maintaining hygiene.