Panic often sets in when a menstrual cup travels too high, making removal difficult. This concern that the cup is “stuck” or “lost” is common, especially for new users. The cup is not dangerous or truly lost inside your body, as the vaginal canal is a closed system. This article provides practical, step-by-step techniques to safely and calmly retrieve a high-riding menstrual cup.
Understanding Internal Placement
The fear of a cup getting lost inside is based on a misunderstanding of the vaginal anatomy. The vaginal canal is a muscular tube that ends at the cervix, not an open channel connected to the rest of the body. The cervix, which feels like the tip of a nose, is the firm, narrow opening to the uterus. This opening is far too small for a menstrual cup to pass through, effectively serving as a barrier.
A cup moves higher when it settles around the cervix in the upper part of the vagina, sometimes called the vaginal fornix. This upward migration is normal, as the cup naturally seeks a comfortable spot below the cervix. The position of the cervix changes throughout the menstrual cycle, often moving higher and pulling the cup up along with it. When you are relaxed, the vaginal muscles can lengthen, allowing the cup to ride higher, making it less accessible for removal.
Essential First Steps for Retrieval
The most important first step when your cup feels too high is to avoid panic, as stress causes the pelvic floor muscles to tense up, tightening the vaginal canal and making removal much harder. Take a few deep, slow breaths to intentionally relax your body before attempting retrieval. Once calm, ensure your hands are thoroughly washed for hygiene.
Changing your physical position is the next step, as certain stances shorten the vaginal canal and bring the cup lower. Squatting is highly effective because it naturally shortens the vaginal canal and relaxes the puborectalis muscle, helping move the cup into a more reachable position. Sitting on the toilet with your knees elevated, perhaps by resting your feet on a small stool, can also help achieve similar pelvic positioning.
The fundamental rule for menstrual cup removal is to always break the suction seal before pulling. The cup stays in place by creating an airtight seal against the vaginal walls. Pulling on the stem without releasing this seal causes discomfort and is ineffective. You must first locate the stem or base of the cup and then use a finger to gently pinch the base or press against the side of the cup’s rim. This action allows air to flow back into the cup, instantly releasing the vacuum.
Strategies for Difficult Removal
If the cup is still too far up to grasp the base, employ your pelvic floor muscles to bring it lower. This is achieved by gently “bearing down,” a movement similar to the muscle contraction used during a bowel movement. This controlled, downward push eases the cup lower into the vaginal canal, making its stem or base accessible.
Once the stem is within reach, use it only as a guide to walk your fingers up the cup’s body toward the base. Avoid pulling forcefully on the stem itself, as it is not designed to withstand the resistance of the intact suction seal. If you can only reach the side of the cup, insert your index finger alongside it and press firmly on the cup’s body to indent it and break the seal. This creates a small gap between the cup and the vaginal wall, releasing the seal and allowing you to hook your finger over the rim to gently pull it down.
For a firm grip, dry fingers are helpful, and you may even try drying the base of the cup with a small piece of toilet paper once you can reach it. After the seal is broken, you may need to fold the cup slightly while it is still inside to make the diameter smaller for a more comfortable exit. If you find yourself tensing up or becoming frustrated, take a break. Stepping away and trying again later, perhaps after a warm shower, can often lead to success because the cervix position can fluctuate throughout the day.
Adjusting Technique and Product Selection
To prevent the cup from migrating too high in future cycles, consider adjusting your insertion depth. While a menstrual cup should sit lower than a tampon, placing it just high enough to fully open and seal, but still within easy reach, will help. For many, the ideal placement is low in the vaginal canal, with the stem remaining close to the vaginal opening.
The length of the cup’s stem also plays a significant role in retrieval. If you consistently find yourself reaching deep, it may indicate you have a naturally high cervix, which requires a longer cup or one with an extended stem for easier access. If the stem of your current cup causes irritation, trimming it may be necessary, but this should only be done once you have mastered removal.
Cup firmness and overall length are also factors in its position. A cup that is too small may travel higher, while a cup designed for a high cervix will be longer, making it easier to grasp the base. If the cup remains inaccessible for a full 24 hours after your initial attempt, contact a healthcare professional for assistance.