How To Remove Menstrual Cup Without Mess
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 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.
This is what you have to do to remove your menstrual cup without making a mess –
Put one leg up (or squat down). Use your pelvic muscles to push down the menstrual cup. Grab the stem and gently pull the cup down. Then, grab the base and break the seal by gently pinching it with your fingers. Slightly squeeze, and keep under a horizontal angle to avoid spilling.
In this article, you will learn more about the steps above, and some more tips.
Table of Contents
Let’s begin!
How to remove menstrual cup without mess
Step 1: Wash your hands.
It goes without saying, but wash your hands first! You’ll be inserting your hands inside, to grab the cup, so cleanliness is crucial to prevent infections.
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 couple of deep breaths to relax your body & mind.
Step 3: Find a comfortable position.
You have to experiment to find a position that’s most comfortable for you. Some people squat down, while others stand up and put one leg on the toilet or the bathtub. For me, the most comfortable one is 1) squatting down or 2) sitting on the toilet and putting one leg on the toilet seat. If something drops, it is over the toilet and doesn’t make a mess.
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) & break the seal.
Grab the stem and gently pull it down so the base of the cup gets closer. If it is too high, don’t forget to use your stomach muscles to push down the menstrual cup.
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 6: 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 straight, especially if you sit while taking the cup out. With more practice, you will get better at this step.
Step 7: Wash the cup.
Wash the cup first with cold water. If you use it immediately hot, you will get stains on the cup more quickly. After that, you can use hot water and fragrance-free soap to wash the cup better. Ensure there isn’t any soap on it when you insert it back.
Curious about menstrual cups?
Unlock the Ultimate Menstrual Cup Handbook by joining my newsletter! You’ll also get a weekly dose of positivity with Good News Monday & get instant free access to the Almost Zero Waste Hub — a growing collection of eco-friendly resources & exclusive content.
5 tips for beginners & things to keep in mind
1. Do it in the shower
The benefit of removing it while showering is that if you make a mess, you don’t have to worry and can clean it up fast. 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, so 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, remove the cup afterward. It won’t be successful if you try to remove the cup first.
5. Expect bloody fingers
While it isn’t always the case, it can happen. If you feel uncomfortable about your menstrual blood, using a cup may feel 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. AllMatters (OrganiCup)
OrganiCup is the very first cup I got & it was a great beginner-friendly option. It is easy to fold, insert, and take out. They have 3 different sizes and 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 the next one.
2. Saalt Soft
This ultra-soft (thus the name) is designed to be 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. Flex Cup
Flex menstrual cup is designed with user-friendly features that make removal easy and comfortable. It includes a pull tab at the base for a secure grip, which is especially helpful for beginners.
Find more options in my article with the best beginner-friendly menstrual cups.
FAQ
Why does my menstrual cup hurt to take out?
It might be that you got the wrong size, or your cup might be 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 explanation is that you aren’t too careful, rushing or pulling the stem too harshly. You should always be gentle. Otherwise, it will hurt.
Lastly, you will feel pain if you’re not entirely removing the suction. When you take the cup out, always pinch the base, and try to fold the cup to 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.
- Ensure the cup isn’t too big or stiff for your anatomy.
Can a menstrual cup get stuck in you?
No – but you might feel as if 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 ”push down” the cup, by using your pelvic floor muscles (check online to see which one I’m talking about).
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:
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.
Remember that there is no right or wrong way of removing your cup and it is all about finding what works for you.
Do you have any additional tips for removing a menstrual cup without mess? Share your experience in the comments below. 🙂
