Help my menstrual cup is stuck!

It should be easy to remove a menstrual cup but if on an occasion you find that your period cup has travelled too high up and you are struggling to get it out... first things first, RELAX.

Removing a Menstrual Cup Stuck

Go and take a break for a moment and then come back and i'll guide you through the steps for getting that stuck menstrual cup out.

• Wash your hands
• Get yourself into a comfortable position - squatting is a great position for menstrual cup removals as it shortens the vaginal canal. If you are worried about any mess then place a towel underneath you.
• If squatting isn't working try putting one leg up on the toilet to relax the vaginal opening.
• When you can reach your menstrual cup break the seal of the cup by pushing on the side of the cup. The gendle push alters the shape and breaks the seal of the cup against the vaginal walls. Most menstrual cup users find this the easiest removal method.
• Alternatively run your finger right up to the cup's rim and press inwards to allow air to break the cups suction.

What if you can not reach your menstrual cup?

If you cannot reach your cup then try a series of small pushes with you pelvic floor muscles. Small pushes are more effective than bigger ones at bringing your cup low. Remember not to hold your breath as this will tense your muscles. Sitting on the toilet and bearing down as if you were trying to have a poo often helps move the cup lower into reaching distance.

Once your menstrual cup is within reach try and slide your index finger up alongside the cup and pushing inwards or piching the base of the cup to break the seal, this should help the cup slide out easier.

What if your menstrualcup is still stuck?

If your cup is still stuck and you feel yourself getting tense, take a few deep breaths, go and do something else, have a walk round or even have a relaxing bath and then come back. Keep repeating until you can reach your cup.

Remember relaxing is key. If you are tense your vaginal muscles will hold the menstrual cup tighter.  Don't panic it will come out and there is not usually any urgency to get it out immediately.

If you are still having trouble removing your cup and it has been in less than 8-10 hours then we recommend you stop, take a break, relax and try again later. If your cup has been in longer than 12 hours and you continue to have issues we recommend you seek medical assistance.

Prevent Your Cup Getting Stuck - Measuring for the best menstrual cup

It is important that we stress that this should not be a regular occurrence. If you are repeatedly having difficulty with removing your menstrual cup then you may benefit from a longer cup or a different cup size. We recommend you measure your cervix height; you can read how to do this in our cervix height article.

Once you've done that then fill out The Period Lady Questionnaire and we can help you choose the right product for your period.