Periods can be a difficult time for any woman and if a menstrual cup gets stuck inside the vagina, in a matter of seconds, it can turn into a real panic situation for them. Some women find it simple to remove the cup, while others become overwhelmed and fear it may become trapped forever. It might be difficult to gain a firm hold on your cup or to break the seal. If the cup migrates farther up the vaginal canal or creates a seal against your cervix, this might happen.
In collaboration with The Channel 46, Dr Madhavi Reddy, Consultant – Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospitals, explains whether losing the menstrual cup inside the vagina is possible and advises on what to do if it gets stuck in there.
What Is A Menstrual Cup & How Does It Work?
Monthly cups are a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option to sanitary pads and tampons for menstrual hygiene. While they have been present since the 1930s, their use has only recently become mainstream. A menstrual cup is a little cup-shaped object made from soft silicone that is put into the vaginal canal to collect blood throughout the menstrual cycle.
Menstrual cup placement and removal from the vaginal canal, like any new experience, take some time and practice. Sliding into and out of the menstrual cup is rather straightforward after you have become used to the procedure. Relax if your menstrual cup seems trapped or missing. Remember that your vagina is a closed-ended canal where nothing can get lost. The menstruation cup will not just disappear into your body. It’s always possible to get rid of the cup.
3 Reasons Why A Menstrual Cup Can Get Stuck In There
- Suction or body motions may have caused the cup to slide up towards the cervix.
- It is possible that the cup has dislodged. It must be positioned in the vaginal canal at an oblique angle.
- It is possible that the vacuum and suction are too powerful, making it difficult to remove the cup. This is more likely to happen if the cup is a greater size than what you require.
Read: 6 Things To Know About Menstrual Cup Usage
7 Ways To Remove A Stuck Menstrual Cup
1. Take A Deep Breath & Relax
Try to relax by taking a deep breath. It may seem contradictory or impossible, but the truth is that the calmer you are, the better you will be. When you are scared or panic, your muscles stiffen up, making removal considerably more difficult. Keep in mind that there is only one route for your cup to go: out. Before you go any further, try to relax.Â
2. Clean Your Hands
While attempting to remove your cup, clean and sterilise your hands to avoid spreading germs or harmful microorganisms into your vaginal area.
3. Attempt To Remove Your Cup In A Normal Manner
Give your standard cup removal method another shot, even if you’ve tried before. It is likely that you only need one more effort to remove your cup. To determine if you can remove your cup properly, follow the removal instructions that come with your menstrual cup.
4. Find The Location Of Your Cup
Obviously, your cup is within your body, but where exactly is it? Try to find your cup’s position with a clean finger to have a clearer understanding of where it is, where it is positioned, and how it is tilted. Is it leaning to one side? Is it attached to your cervix via suction? What’s the perspective like? Answering these questions will assist you in determining how to remove your cup.
Read: 9 Period Products About Indian Brands You Didn’t Know You Needed
5. Try Breaking The Seal
Try to breach the airtight seal that your cup has established now that you have a better grasp of where it is situated and how it is orientated. The most common cause of a cup feeling “stuck” is the seal. Instead of pulling straight on the cup’s stem, attempt to get your finger around the rim of the cup. To break the seal, press in and form an imprint on the cup with your finger once it’s close to the cup. If required, crouch or sit; this will decrease the length of the vaginal canal, which will aid in breaking the seal.
6. Try Again
Don’t get too worked up if the preceding methods fail to remove the cup. Take some time to relax and unwind. After some time has passed, gather your wits and energy and try again. Try removing the cup in a changed posture, such as sitting on the toilet seat or putting up one leg on a footstool and gently pressing down.
7. Seek Help
If nothing else works, you may need to seek the assistance of a friend or partner, but the best choice is to visit a gynaecologist who can quickly remove the menstrual cup lodged inside the vagina.
5 Ways To Ensure The Cup Doesn’t Get Stuck Again
Following the below tips can get you out of the trouble of your menstrual cup getting stuck in the vaginal canal:
- Choose the appropriate size for you.
- Read the instruction booklet and make sure you know how to correctly insert and remove the cup.
- After the cup is implanted, restrict any vaginal manipulation or intercourse.
- Experiment with different folds for inserting and removing the cup to see which one works best for you.
- Don’t position the cup too high in the vagina; it should be placed somewhat lower down in the vagina at a comfortable level.
Remember that a menstrual cup getting stuck is a very normal problem all women face when using it in the initial days. There is no need to feel embarrassed and ashamed about it. It can be removed, and if you’ve mastered the proper insertion and removal techniques, such events become quite rare.
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