The menstrual cup is a popular, reusable alternative to traditional period products. New users often question the function and correct final position of the stem, the small extension at the base of the cup. Understanding the stem’s role and how the cup interacts with your unique anatomy is the first step toward comfortable and secure use.
Understanding the Role of the Stem
The stem of a menstrual cup serves two primary functions related to the removal process. Its main purpose is to help you locate the cup inside the vaginal canal and guide your fingers toward the base for emptying. This is particularly helpful if you have a higher cervix, where the cup rests deeper inside.
The stem is not designed to be pulled for complete removal, unlike a tampon string. Pulling the stem without first breaking the cup’s vacuum seal can be uncomfortable and messy. Instead, the stem acts as a retrieval guide, allowing you to gently pull down until you can grasp the cup’s base to pinch and release the seal.
Determining Proper Cup Height and Placement
The correct placement of the cup’s body determines the final position of the stem. The cup is designed to sit low in the vaginal canal, positioned just beneath the cervix, which is the firm, doughnut-shaped tissue at the top of the vagina. Avoid pushing the cup too high, as it may shift into the vaginal fornix, potentially causing leaks.
Locating Your Cervix
Proper placement requires locating your cervix, as its height changes throughout the menstrual cycle and impacts the necessary cup length. During menstruation, the cervix is often at its lowest point. You can find it by inserting a clean finger until you feel a firm, round area that feels like the tip of your nose.
If you touch your cervix after inserting one knuckle or less, you have a low cervix, requiring a shorter cup or stem adjustment. Conversely, a high cervix means the cup sits deeper, making a longer cup easier to reach.
The Ideal Final Position of the Stem
The stem’s position indicates that the cup’s main body is sitting correctly and securely. Ideally, the entire menstrual cup, including the stem, should be fully inside the vaginal opening. The stem should either rest just inside the opening or be completely tucked away, depending on your anatomy and the cup’s overall length.
You should not feel the stem at all during daily activities like sitting, walking, or exercising. If the stem is protruding or pressing against the sensitive tissues of the labia, it is likely too long for your anatomy. Feeling the stem usually indicates the cup is sitting too low, which often occurs with a naturally low cervix.
Troubleshooting Stem Discomfort
If the stem causes discomfort, poking, or irritation, adjustment can be achieved through repositioning or physical modification. These methods help ensure the cup sits comfortably within your anatomy.
Repositioning
Before making permanent changes, re-insert the cup to ensure it is angled correctly toward the tailbone and has fully opened to form a proper seal. Inserting the cup slightly higher and allowing it to settle into a comfortable position can often resolve the issue.
Trimming the Stem
If repositioning fails, the stem may need trimming. This modification should only be done after using the cup for at least one full cycle. You must be confident in your ability to locate and remove the cup without the full stem length. Use clean, sharp scissors to cut the stem in small increments, about a quarter inch at a time, until it is a comfortable length. After trimming, run a clean finger over the cut edge to ensure there are no rough or jagged points.