It’s been 12 hours and I’m going to change my cup but… where’s the stem? The last time I saw it, it was there but now I can’t take my menstrual cup out, what do I do?
ring a bell? Don’t panic, your menstrual cup hasn’t disappeared inside your body and you won’t have it inside for the rest of your life. The solution to remove it is very simple and involves relaxing.
Why can’t I take out my menstrual cup?
- There are several reasons that could be making it difficult to remove the cup.
- It is common to have some difficulties when you start using it. Not being used to how it works and not having much experience removing it and putting it on, it is normal for you to see it a bit complicated. But do not worry! Keep trying and you’ll get practice. The sexologist María Esclapez, author of the book “Sexual Intelligence” explains that at first, as it is a new object, it can be a bit annoying, but over time most women end up getting used to its use and find it more comfortable. and healthier than a tampon or pad.
- One of the most common reasons that complicate the removal of the menstrual cup is the lack of relaxation. If you are not completely calm and, above all, if your body is not completely calm, it will be very difficult for you to remove the glass. This is to prevent your vaginal muscles from being tense, which could make it more difficult for you to remove the menstrual cup and also cause discomfort when removing it.
- If you can’t get it out easily and you’re sure you’re relaxed, it could be that the cup has dislodged inside you. This is an infrequent option but it can happen if you have not placed it correctly or if you are not using the correct menstrual cup size.
- It is also possible that the menstrual cup has risen more than necessary, either because you have placed it wrong or because it has moved over time. Cups are usually designed in a certain shape to prevent bending, shifting, or tipping over, even when you’re doing a handstand.
What do I do if I can’t take out my menstrual cup?
- Take a deep breath and calm down
The first and most important thing to be able to take out the menstrual cup is, as we have already explained, to relax. If your body is in tension, it will be much more difficult for you to extract it.
- Get in a comfortable position
Getting into a position that is comfortable for you is very important to make removing the menstrual cup easier. In this case, and as the sexologist María Esclapez explains, a different position works for each woman, so you should try several to find out which one is best for you.
For example, some women find it more comfortable to stand up and put their leg over the toilet, but others prefer to squat. There are those who simply sit on the toilet bowl with their legs slightly apart. If you’ve ever used tampons, the most comfortable position for you may be the one you’re in to put them in.
Try to find the stem or string of the menstrual cup with your fingers. You try inserting your finger, but if you still can’t touch it, nothing happens. Keep calm!
- Push with the vaginal muscles
Gently push the vaginal muscles out, so that the menstrual cup goes down. As you can see, having full control of your body, and especially your pelvic floor, is essential for everything: to enjoy orgasms more, to avoid urine loss… The sexologist María Esclapez recommends doing some pelvic floor exercises to strengthen it, especially after childbirth.
- Move the glass with your fingers
Thanks to these movements, little by little the menstrual cup will be placed in its place until you can touch the stem with your fingers. Grasp it and gently rock the menstrual cup back and forth until it is positioned correctly.
- Pull out the cup
- When it is in the right position, it will be easier for you to pull out the stem to remove the menstrual cup. You may find it easier to insert a finger and crush one side of the menstrual cup to break the vacuum. Pull it out and you can take the cup out.
- Remember, the most important thing of all is to keep calm and your body very relaxed.
- If you can’t get used to using the menstrual cup, it may not be made for you. Many women consider her their new best friend, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to work out for you. Each person is different, and what is fantastic for one person is cumbersome and uncomfortable for another. It is, therefore, about finding the way in which you feel most comfortable and the system to collect the menstruation that best suits your needs.
