I am having problems removing the menstrual cup, what if it is stuck?
Sometimes women have trouble removing the cup because it is so far inside the vagina that they can’t get a hold of the bottom or stem (sometimes this happens during the night). In this case, after waking, wait at least half an hour to allow it to settle and then remove. Squatting (with your legs spread and bent and your heels beneath your bottom).
In the shower, for example — helps open the vagina and bring the cup down to the opening. At this point, you can grasp the lower part of the cup with your fingers, sit down in the bathtub (if you prefer) relax and remove the cup as explained above.
Another removal option is to push downward, using the same muscles as when making a bowel movement (but stop pushing as soon as you have a hold of the cup bottom). Relax, remove and reuse.
If you still have trouble with removal, insert your forefinger parallel to the cup and find the upper part of the cup edge. At this point, your thumb will naturally be positioned at the cup bottom, then gently press the cup together and grasp the cup with your thumb and gently pull. You may hear a small noise when the suction is released, but keep pulling the cup down and don’t let go. When the cup is positioned at the opening of your vagina, press the cup together just like when inserting it, so that no pressure is applied to the mucous membrane — it’s all about technique as opposed to force.
If in the case the cup is located higher in your vagina and you cannot reach the stem to grab it and pull it out, you should breathe and not panic. Take deep breaths and relax and this will help your vaginal muscles relax at an unclenched point so you can easily remove it.
You can try a few steps to get it to a lower point in your vaginal canal. Push down with your vaginal muscles and usually gravity will help the situation. If you are sitting, stand up and push down. You can also prop your leg up so you can reach into your vagina to get a grip on the stem. Once this is resolved, you may want to consider a menstrual cup with a longer stem or just practice more so that you are confident knowing that the menstrual cup will not get stuck!
