New to using a menstrual cup and wondering how to remove it? This is something we hear a lot. Here is a quick 3-step guide to help you get started including a top tip from Gynaecologist, Dr Anne Henderson.
First things first…
It can take on average 3 periods to get used to using a menstrual cup. If you’re new to using a cup, it’s natural to feel like you’re having to ‘learn’ how best to insert and remove it. Just remember to relax, take your time and find what works for you. If you need any tips on how to insert the cup, you can find advice here.
So, how do you remove a menstrual cup? Here’s a 3-step guide:
- Step 1: Adopt a comfortable position
It’s so important to ensure you feel comfortable and relaxed. If you panic and tense up, your vaginal muscles will ‘clench’ around the cup, making it harder to remove. The more you relax, the easier the cup will slip out. We suggest removing it over the toilet in case some blood does spill out. The longer you leave the cup in, the fuller it will get and the more likely it is that you will have some blood spill as you are removing it.
- Step 2: ‘Release the seal’
To safely and comfortably remove the cup, it’s essential to ‘release the seal’. Once inserted, the cup creates a vacuum-like effect to keep it secure and prevent leaks. It’s important to release this before you remove the cup, rather than just tugging it from the stem. To release the seal, gently squeeze or pinch the cup using your thumb and index finger where the base meets the stem. As Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, Tiffany Sequeira, explains “a gentle pinch prior to withdrawing a menstrual cup this ensures that you’re not applying any unnecessary pressure to your pelvic region.”
- Step 3: Slow, steady and tilt
Taking your time and going as slow as possible will help you to smoothly remove the cup. Once the seal has released, hold on to the base and gently slide the cup out. To help prevent the contents spilling out, tilt the cup slightly so one half of the rim comes out first then tilt the other way to remove the other half.
Once the cup is out, slowly tip the blood into the toilet. It is likely that you may get a bit of blood on your fingers, but this is expected. This process of emptying the cup will help you get to know your flow and body much better, which is one of the biggest positives of the menstrual cup.
Tip from Gynaecologist, Dr Anne Henderson: What if I can’t find the cup?
If you find the cup has moved and you cannot see the stem, do not panic. In this situation, Dr Anne Henderson, recommends “bearing down to dislodge the cup. This helps it move further down the vagina. If you are still unable to reach the edge of the cup to pinch and break the seal, then resting a foot on the edge of the bath or toilet seat can help. Once the seal is broken the cup should slip down quite easily, particularly when there is menstrual blood present which can act as a lubricant.”
We hope this blog has answered any questions you have around how to remove a menstrual cup. Need to ask us a question? No problem, just drop us a DM or message anytime. Wondering whether you can use a cup with a heavy flow? Find out here.
