The menstrual cup is a reusable, bell-shaped device inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual fluid. Achieving a comfortable and effective fit presents a learning curve for many first-time users. A point of uncertainty involves the placement and visibility of the small protrusion at the cup’s base, known as the stem. Understanding the correct positioning of this component is necessary for a successful transition to using a cup.
The Ideal Stem Position
Ideally, the stem of a properly inserted menstrual cup should not stick out beyond the labia or vaginal opening. The goal is for the entire device, including the stem, to be fully contained within the vaginal canal. When the cup is correctly positioned, the stem should reside just inside the opening. If a user can feel the stem rubbing or poking outside their body, the cup is likely sitting too low or the stem itself is too long for their anatomy.
A well-fitting cup should position itself low in the vagina, below the cervix, but high enough that the stem is not externally noticeable. The vaginal canal’s internal nerves are less sensitive higher up, while the external vulvar area is highly sensitive. Any discomfort or irritation felt from the stem indicates that adjustments are necessary. Proper placement ensures that the stem is neither felt nor seen during normal daily activities.
Functions of the Menstrual Cup Stem
The stem’s primary design purpose is not to be pulled for removal, but rather to serve as a guide for the user. It functions as a tactile reference point, helping the user locate the cup’s base deep within the vaginal canal. When reaching inside to retrieve the cup, the stem acts as the first point of contact to ensure the user is grabbing the correct device.
True removal requires the user to slide their finger up the stem to reach the base of the cup. The suction seal must be broken by pinching or pressing on the cup’s side before it is gently pulled out. The stem is an aid in finding the wider body of the cup, which is the part designed to be squeezed for release.
Troubleshooting Stem Discomfort
Stem discomfort often arises when the cup is sitting too low, an issue for individuals with a low cervix. If the stem is poking out, the first step is to check if the cup has fully opened and formed a seal higher up. A low-sitting cup may indicate that it has slipped down or was not inserted far enough initially to sit beneath the cervix.
Users should attempt to push the cup slightly higher into the vaginal canal to allow the stem to rest just inside the opening. Before any removal or trimming, try bearing down gently with the pelvic floor muscles, which can help the cup settle into a more natural, higher position. Ensuring the seal is fully formed prevents the cup from migrating downward during physical activity.
Understanding one’s own cervix height is also an important part of troubleshooting fit. If the cervix is low, the amount of available space is reduced, necessitating a shorter cup design. Checking cervix height during menstruation can confirm if the cup is too long for the user’s internal anatomy, even when inserted correctly.
Modifying the Stem
If proper reinsertion techniques and positioning adjustments fail to resolve the discomfort, permanent modification of the stem becomes the next option. This alteration is typically necessary when the cup’s overall length is incompatible with the user’s low cervix. The process involves carefully trimming small segments from the stem until a comfortable length is achieved.
To modify the cup, it must first be removed, as trimming while inserted risks injury to the vaginal wall. Use a sharp, clean pair of scissors and cut off only a small ring at a time, testing the fit after each snip. After trimming, ensure that the newly cut edge is smooth and free of sharp points that could cause irritation.
For experienced users who consistently find the stem irritating, the final option is to remove the stem entirely at the base of the cup. This provides the shortest possible length but requires the user to be confident in locating and breaking the seal using only the base. Removing the stem is a permanent change that should only be done after all other adjustments have been exhausted.