Menstrual cups offer a reusable alternative to traditional period products, collecting menstrual flow rather than absorbing it. While insertion often seems manageable, the removal process is frequently the biggest source of anxiety for new users. The cup remains securely in place by creating a gentle suction seal against the vaginal walls, which must be systematically broken before retrieval. This guide provides the necessary steps to make removing your menstrual cup a comfortable and safe experience.
Setting the Stage for Safe Removal
Preparation begins with thoroughly washing your hands with soap and warm water to ensure good hygiene. It helps if your hands and fingers are completely dry, as this provides a better grip on the smooth silicone of the cup. Finding a comfortable physical position is equally important, as this allows the pelvic floor muscles to relax.
Tensing up can cause the vaginal muscles to tighten around the cup, making it difficult to reach and remove. Squatting is often recommended because it naturally shortens the vaginal canal, bringing the cup lower and making it more accessible. Other effective positions include sitting on the toilet or standing with one foot propped up on a stool. Taking a few deep, intentional breaths can help you relax your body and prevent the involuntary tensing of the pelvic muscles.
Mastering the Technique to Break the Seal
The suction created by the cup must be released before the cup can be removed without discomfort. Attempting to pull the cup out by the stem alone while the seal is intact can cause pain and may place strain on the cervix. The stem is merely a guide to help you locate the cup’s base, which is the part you need to target for removal.
Insert your index finger and thumb until you can feel the textured base or grip rings of the cup, ignoring the small stem. The most common method involves pinching the base firmly with your thumb and index finger. This action slightly folds the cup, allowing a small rush of air to enter and break the seal. You may feel a slight shift or hear a quiet sound as the suction releases, confirming that the vacuum is gone.
If you cannot reach the base for a full pinch, insert one finger alongside the cup and press the rim inward. Pushing the rim away from the vaginal wall allows air to enter the space. Once the seal is broken, the cup should no longer feel firmly locked in place and will be ready for the next step.
Gentle Retrieval and Avoiding Spills
After successfully breaking the vacuum seal, you can begin the slow process of retrieval, keeping the cup pinched at the base. Slowly pull the cup downward, using a gentle side-to-side or rocking motion to help the cup navigate the vaginal canal. This gradual movement helps to fold the cup slightly, reducing its overall diameter as it exits the body.
Maintaining a slow, steady pace is paramount to avoid spilling the collected fluid. Keep the cup as upright as possible until the entire rim clears the vaginal opening. Just as the cup is about to exit, tilt the rim slightly toward the toilet to ensure any remaining fluid is directed into the basin. Once removed, empty the contents into the toilet, rinse the cup with water, and prepare it for reinsertion or cleaning.
Addressing Difficulties During Removal
A common issue for beginners is finding that the cup has migrated too high, often occurring after sleeping or intense activity. If the cup feels unreachable, the first step is to remain calm, because panic causes muscles to contract and tighten around the cup. Try to relax and gently use your pelvic floor muscles to bear down, similar to the sensation of having a bowel movement. This gentle push brings the cup lower in the canal, allowing your fingers to grasp the base or stem.
If the cup is slippery, use the stem to gently wiggle the cup side-to-side, coaxing it down until you can reach the wider, textured base. If the seal is particularly strong and a simple pinch is not working, insert a finger further up the cup’s side and press in firmly near the rim to fully release the vacuum. Trying this process in the shower can also help you relax and make the clean-up easier should a spill occur.