The menstrual cup has become a popular alternative to traditional sanitary products, offering a reusable and comfortable solution for managing menstrual flow. Many users find the initial experience challenging due to a lack of understanding about their internal anatomy. The most important factor determining success is the position and height of the cervix, which dictates the required cup size and placement strategy. Familiarity with your body’s unique landscape is the first step toward achieving a comfortable, leak-free experience.
Understanding the Cervix’s Role in Cup Use
The cervix is the firm, narrow opening connecting the vaginal canal to the uterus, through which menstrual blood exits. For the cup to function correctly, it must be positioned directly below the cervix to collect the flow. The cup creates a light suction seal against the vaginal walls. If placed too high, the cup can sit beside the cervix, allowing fluid to bypass it and cause leaks.
Inserting the cup too high can also cause the rim to press against the sensitive cervix, leading to painful cramping or general discomfort. This happens because the suction created by the cup is not meant to be applied directly to this area. The entire cup, including the stem, should be contained within the vaginal canal. The correct fit depends on the cup’s length relative to the distance between the cervix and the vaginal opening.
Locating and Measuring Cervix Height
Identifying the height of your cervix is a necessary step in selecting the correct cup size and ensuring proper placement. The cervix is not fixed; it shifts position throughout the menstrual cycle, typically descending to its lowest point during the heavier days of menstruation. Therefore, measuring should be done during your period for the most accurate reading related to cup use.
To locate the cervix, wash your hands thoroughly and find a comfortable position, such as squatting or standing with one foot elevated. Gently insert your longest finger into the vaginal canal, reaching toward the top. The cervix feels distinctively firm, similar to the tip of your nose, often with a slight dimple in the center.
The distance you can insert your finger before touching the cervix determines your height classification. If you reach the cervix almost immediately (at your first knuckle), you have a low cervix. Reaching it around the second knuckle indicates an average height, while needing to insert your finger almost its full length suggests a high cervix. A low cervix requires a shorter cup to prevent the stem from protruding, while a high cervix usually benefits from a longer cup for easier retrieval.
Placement and Sealing Positioning the Cup
Once you know your cervix height, you can choose a suitable cup and focus on the insertion technique. The cup should always be angled toward the tailbone, following the natural curve of the vaginal canal. A popular folding method is the punch-down fold, which creates a narrow insertion point and is often easier for beginners or those with a low cervix. The cup is inserted until it is fully inside, but not pushed so high that it rests against the cervix.
For a high cervix, the cup will naturally sit deeper. Ensure the cup fully opens before it travels too far up, which could make retrieval difficult. After insertion, run a finger around the rim to confirm the cup has fully popped open and is not dented or creased. If the cup is open, it forms a seal against the vaginal walls. This seal can be confirmed by gently tugging the stem; if you feel resistance, the seal is secure.
With a low cervix, the goal is to position a shorter cup as low as possible without the stem protruding and causing irritation. It is important to ensure the cervix is sitting above the cup’s rim or, in some cases, slightly inside a wider cup, to prevent the blood from leaking down the side. Proper placement means the cup should be unnoticeable, collecting blood without pressing uncomfortably on internal structures.
Safe Removal Breaking the Seal
Safe removal requires breaking the vacuum seal before attempting to pull the cup out, which prevents discomfort and painful suction against the cervix. Tugging the stem alone is not the correct technique, as the stem is primarily a guide to locate the cup’s base.
To break the seal, first bear down slightly with your pelvic muscles, which helps move the cup lower and within easier reach. Insert a clean finger and pinch the base of the cup just above the stem to compress the sides. This action allows air to enter, releasing the suction seal from the vaginal wall. Once the seal is broken, gently wiggle the cup out, keeping it level to avoid spilling the collected fluid.