This post and the photos within it may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, I may receive a commission at no extra charge to you.
Is it hard to remove a menstrual cup, and how to do it without making a mess?
Menstrual cups can be very intimidating. Before trying one, I remember mainly being afraid about the removing part.
That’s why I decided to share my experience and tips after 2 years of using my menstrual cup.
In this article, you will learn about:
- How to remove menstrual cup without the mess (Guide)
- Tips to removing menstrual cups without a mess
- Easiest menstrual cups to remove
- FAQ:
– Why does my menstrual cup hurt to take out?
– How do you remove a cup without it hurting?
– Can a menstrual cup get stuck in you? - Sum up
Let’s begin!
How to remove menstrual cup without the mess
Step 1: Wash your hands.
(Duh!)
You will insert your hands inside to grab the cup, so your hands must be clean. Otherwise, you might get an infection.
Step 2: Relax.
If your body is tense, the muscles down there will be tight, too. Then, you won’t be able to take out the cup.
Take a deep breath, and relax your body. This may seem like a non-important step, but it is a crucial one.
Step 3: Squat down or put one leg up.
It would be best if you find a position that’s most comfortable for you.
For example, some people squat down, others are standing up and putting one leg on the toilet or the bathtub.
(TMI alert) For me, the most comfortable one is 1) squatting down or 2) sitting on the toilet and putting one leg on the toilet seat. In that case, if something drops, it is over the toilet, and it doesn’t make a mess.
Try to experiment, and see which one works best for you. The position will help you to grab the cup since it will “push” it down.
Step 4: Push down the cup.
Sometimes your menstrual cup can move up your vaginal canal. This is entirely normal, so don’t stress if you can’t reach it immediately.
The easiest way to bring down the cup is to “push” it using your stomach muscles.
If you don’t understand what I mean, it is similar to when you need to pee or do a bowel movement.
Step 5: Grab the stem. (gently)
Grab the stem and gently pull it down, so the base of the cup gets closer.
If it is too high up, don’t forget to use your stomach muscles to bear down the menstrual cup.
Step 6: Break the seal.
Once you have located the stem with your fingers, keep pushing down.
Never pull it out without breaking the suction!
When you can get two fingers around the base, break the seal by gently pinching the cup with your fingers.
Step 7: Squeeze the cup and take it out.
Pinch the base a bit more to break the seal completely.
Squeeze it and slightly fold the cup in half sideways. Keep it under a slight horizontal angle to keep it from spilling.
This is because the vaginal canal isn’t completely straight, especially if you sit while taking the cup out.
With more practice, you will get better at this step.
Step 8: Pour the blood down the toilet and then wash the cup.
You might get some blood on your fingers since it can be outside the cup, but that’s completely normal.
Wash the cup first with cold water. If you use it immediately hot, you will get stains on the cup quicker.
After you remove the blood with cold water, you can use hot water and a bit of fragrance-free soap to wash the cup.
Make sure there isn’t any soap on the cup when you insert it back.
Tips to removing menstrual cups without a mess
1. Do it in the shower.
Some people find they have to be in particular positions – like standing in the shower, with a leg up, or sitting – to remove it.
The benefit of removing it while showering is that if you make a mess – you don’t have to worry, and you can clean it up fast.
You may have to experiment to find what works for you.
2. Empty it when it isn’t completely full.
You can wear a menstrual cup for up to 12 hours. However, the first time, consider wearing it for shorter intervals- maybe around 6-7 hours.
This is because the cup won’t be too full. In that way, you can practice removing it, and the chance of spilling and making a mess will be smaller.
3. Do not pull it out fast.
Always be gentle, and take your time. Do not rush, and don’t pull the stem firmly. If you do that, it will hurt.
4. Pee (or 💩) before removing the cup.
If you feel like going to the toilet, first do your thing, and then remove the cup. If you try first to remove the cup, it won’t be successful.
5. Prepare mentally to see blood on your fingers.
While it isn’t always the case, it can happen. If you feel incredibly uncomfortable about your menstrual blood, using a cup may be very odd initially.
Easiest menstrual cups to remove
Some menstrual cups are easier to remove than others.
That’s because of the softness, size, and stem design.
Below, you can find the 3 menstrual cup options for beginners that are very easy to remove.
1. OrganiCup
OrganiCup is one I’m currently using. I’m extremely happy with it.
It is effortless to fold, insert, and take out. You have 3 sizes to choose from, and they offer a 90-day warranty.
While it is pretty soft, it isn’t the softest menstrual cup on the market. So, if you are looking for a very squishy menstrual cup, choose one of the rest.
2. Saalt Soft
This ultra-soft (thus the name) is designed to be very gentle, flexible, and comfortable.
It is primarily for people who have had discomfort with firmer cups. The gentle design is ideal for people with bladder or vaginal sensitivity.
3. Ruby Cup
The Ruby Cup has three times the capacity of a super tampon, and it has medium or average firmness, great for most first-time menstrual cup users.
For more beginner-friendly menstrual cups, check my list with a few more options.
FAQ
Why does my menstrual cup hurt to take out?
There are a few possible answers.
First, it might be that you got the wrong size, or your cup is too stiff.
If you’re wearing a cup that is too big, too stiff, or too long for your body, it might be pressing on the vaginal walls or cervix.
This often causes pain, discomfort, or even cramps.
The other possible answer is that you aren’t too careful, you are rushing, or you are pulling the stem too harshly.
You should always be gentle. Otherwise, it will hurt.
Lastly, if you’re not entirely removing the suction, you will feel pain. When you take the cup out, always pinch the base, and try to fold the cup, so you can take it out easier.
How do you remove a cup without it hurting?
- Relax your body and muscles.
- Find a comfortable position.
- Always be gentle.
- Take your time.
- Break the seal and the suction by pinching the cup.
- Fold the cup when removing.
- Make sure the cup isn’t too big or too stiff for your anatomy.
Can a menstrual cup get stuck in you?
No – but you might feel it is stuck.
The menstrual cup can’t get lost in your body or get too high up.
Your vaginal canal is not endless. It is pretty narrow, and it ends at your cervix.
The essential thing is to relax. Squat down, and bear down the cup, by using your pelvic floor muscles (check online to see which one I’m talking about).
Please, don’t be afraid to use the cup again if it “gets stuck.” It is so much easier than you think. Just spend more time researching about it, and practice.
If you try it for a few periods and it just doesn’t work as you expected, consider switching to another eco-friendly and money-saving option, such as:
- menstrual disc
- reusable cloth pads
- or menstrual underwear
Sum up
Inserting and removing a menstrual cup can be messy.
Especially if you are using a cup for the first time, it can be a learning curve.
But once you get used to it, it becomes second nature.
Just remember that there is no right or wrong way of removing your cup.
If it’s comfortable for you, mess-free and painless, then keep doing it.
Do you have any additional tips for removing a menstrual cup without mess?
Share your experience in the comments below!
