Removing the menstrual cupis something that makes women who want to use it for the first time nervous. There are those who fear it will hurt, those who think it might get stuck or even get lost in the body. But don't worry! It's easier than you think. With practice and this step-by-step guide, you'll see how easily you'll be removing your cup in no time.
Wash your hands and relax
The first thing to do is to wash your hands with soap before removing your menstrual cup. Don't forget that most of the infections related to its use have to do with not washing your hands properly when inserting and removing it.
Now that you've washed your hands, it's time to relax. The first few times you will probably feel a little nervous, but don't forget that the cup always comes out. It's impossible for it to get lost in your body or get permanently stuck. The muscles in your vagina are very strong, so if you get nervous these muscles will contract and make it difficult to remove your cup.
Make yourself comfortable
Find a suitable place where you don't have to worry about spotting around you. You should also find a comfortable position to make it easier for the menstrual cup to come out. Especially the first few times when you are not as familiar with the process.
We can recommend two positions: squatting is usually the easiest, because it helps the muscles push the cup out and makes it easier to remove. The other position is with one leg over the toilet bowl, which helps in the same way but may be more comfortable for you.
If you choose a more difficult position, such as lying down, the muscles do not help the menstrual cup go down as well. We also recommend waiting a little while after you get up (when you remove it in the morning) so that gravity and the weight of the blood will help it go down.
Locates the stem of the menstrual cup
If you are already relaxed and in a comfortable position, it's time to begin. Locate the stem of your cup, which should be at the entrance of your vagina, flush with the labia. The function of this stem is to help you locate your menstrual cupquickly. When you find it, move your fingers up to find the base of the cup and go to the next step.
If you have trouble finding it, one trick is to use force with your vaginal muscles, like when you want to go to the bathroom. This pushes it down and then it is much easier to remove. In fact, it's a good idea to wait until after you go to the bathroom so that the force can help you move the cup down.
Breaks the void
When your fingers are at the base of the cup, press with your index finger and thumb to break the vacuum that is created. Don't forget that it is not a real vacuum, because the cup has small holes in the upper rim that allow air to pass through.
When you break the vacuum, pull it out diagonally. That is, do not pull it out vertically because the vagina is slightly tilted backwards and you can hurt yourself. Likewise, you don't want to pull out your menstrual cup without breaking the vacuum first, because you can also hurt yourself.
Another option is to insert just one finger and squeeze the cup from the side to undo the vacuum, so you don't break it from the base. You can also try to move it carefully from side to side while lowering it to let air in and make it easier to take it out.
Other tips for removing your menstrual cup
It is important that you know your bleeding and its amount per day. Ideally, remove the cup when it is three-quarters full, because if you wait until it is completely full, the blood will come up and overflow, staining you in the process.
If you have clots, they can also get stuck between the cup and your lips, so keep this in mind and have some paper handy to wipe up the blood streaks.
Everyone has a hard time taking the cup off the first few times, but as you become familiar with the menstrual cup you will realize how it interacts with your body. Trust yourself, take a deep breath and do it slowly, you will see how easy it becomes with time.
