A common question from women is, “Can a menstrual cup get lost?” The short answer is: no, it’s impossible simply due to your bodies anatomy. They are simply too big to get past your cervix and should sit low in the vagina.
Most companies recommend inserting it as low as possible, as long as the stem doesn’t stick out. However, the cup can migrate upwards, especially at night when you sleep. So in the morning, when you go to take it out, it may seem like it’s lost. Rest assured—it’s not!
Read more to find out all the information you need to know about this important topic!
It’s Impossible for Menstrual Cups to Get Lost
Here are a few tips for when you feel like your period cup is lost. It’s not actually lost, but your menstrual cup is just stuck.
Tip #1: Relax and Try Again Later
Your vagina is only 4-5 inches long, so it’s impossible for Diva Cups to get lost. If you have a little bit of difficulty removing it, don’t stress about it but relax and try again in a couple of hours. Put on a pad (we love cloth ones) in the meantime to prevent leaks.
Give your body a break, okay?
Tip #2: Don’t Forget to Break the Seal
Remember to push your muscles like you’re defecating and to break the suction seal by pressing down on one side of the cup with one finger. Once you’ve broken the seal, it’s much easier to use your pelvic muscles to push it down closer to the entrance of your vagina and grab the stem to pull it out further. You should try to grab the base of the cup, if possible instead of the stem because this will help keep your cup in prime shape for years to come.
Tip #3: Get Someone to Help You
If your cup is truly stuck, then you may be quite desperate to get it out. Even desperate enough to have someone help you. Ask your partner if they can get a flashlight and check things out. It may just be tilted sideways, behind your cervix, etc., which is why you’re having a difficult time.
Besides that, you can get a doctor to help you. They’ll have it out within seconds and you can go on with your day! It’s not actually that big of a deal.
If You Truly Can’t Remove it…
Finally, if you truly cannot remove it yourself after many attempts, do not panic. If you have a trusted partner, get them to assist you. Or, go to a doctor and they will be able to remove it in seconds.
Good Positions for Menstrual Cup Removal
You can experiment to see which removal position works best for you.
Squatting
Squatting, which makes the vaginal canal shorter and pushes your menstrual cup closer to the entrance of the vagina. You can do this in the shower or bathtub, which can catch any spillage and make clean-up easier.
Sitting on the Toilet
Sitting on the toilet with your legs apart and sitting up straight which has the same effect as squatting. This is the preferred removal position for many women.
Other Positions with Legs Wide Apart
Any other position that is comfortable where your legs are wide apart. The key thing is to relax and not to stress about it. You can simply put on a pad and try again later if you’re having a hard time.
Let’s Quickly Review How to Remove a Menstrual Cup
There a few simple steps you can follow to get your cup out. We just thought you may need a brush-up.
- You should empty it every 12 hours (twice a day), or sooner if it’s full and starting to leak
- Wash your hands with soap
- Grasp the base of the cup and squeeze the two sides in to break the seal
- If you can’t reach the base, pull down gently on the stem until you can
- Can’t even reach the stem? Use the muscles in your pelvic to push down, while reaching up with your fingers
- Pull out the cup, empty it, clean it and then put it back in.
Most relevant for you is the fact that you need to use your pelvic floor muscles to push down, at the same time as reaching high up into your vagina with your fingers. This is the key for most people who are having a difficult time getting their cup out.
My Menstrual Cup is Stuck!
Can a Menstrual Cup Get Lost?
In short, no! It’s physically impossible for a menstrual cup to get lost so don’t worry about it!
Ready to Buy a Menstrual Cup?
Some of the most popular brands are the following ones listed below. Click the links to see a full review of each one.
The Diva Cup– The most popular menstrual cup in the world.
The Moon Cup– Made in the UK for those who like to shop local.
The Keeper– Made from latex, this cup can last 10+ years.
The Lena Cup– Made in the USA from top-grade medical silicone. It has some very high rankings, but is cheaper than many other cups.
Have your Say: Can a Menstrual Cup Get Lost?
Can a menstrual cup get lost? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think. Or, share your #1 tip for removing it easily.
Or, do you have any stories about your Diva Cup, or other menstrual cup getting stuck?
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