Why can't I insert and remove my cup properly? Tips and tricks

For first time users, Menstrual Cups can be jarringly intimidating. Especially for the desi diaspora where insertion of anything into the vagina is considered taboo. While, for a lot of people, switching to menstrual cups requires a strong resolution, problems with using the cup can immediately be a downer and make one wish they’d never tried to switch at all. 

Here are some tips to ensure the insertion and removal of your cup is smoother:

1. Relax, relax and relax!

The No. 1 tip is to RELAX! Stress, worry or tension doesn’t just stay in your mind but radiates all through your body. If you’re tense, so will your vaginal muscles be, making it difficult for the cup to be inserted or removed. For your first couple of times, make sure you’re inserting or removing the cup in a comfortable space with no hurry to go anywhere or worry about making a mess. 

2. Lubrication

Lubrication is the key to a smooth insertion or removal of the cup. Period blood and mucus does provide a good layer of it, but often the vagina might get dry on low flow days and especially if freshly washed. Lack of lubrication can make insertion or removal extremely painful. If you’re using a medical grade silicone cup, you can use coconut oil as a lube. Simply pour a couple of drops and rub it all around the cup. If you feel you still need more lubrication, you can also rub a few drops around the vagina. Make sure the coconut oil is pure coconut oil and does not contain mineral oil additives.

3. Pee and Poop

Trying to remove or insert a cup when you’re actively holding in pee or poop is a very bad idea. Always make sure your bladder is empty before you try to manipulate your cup in any way. Holding your bladder muscles or sphincter tight can also cause the vaginal muscles to tense up. 

The cup may also shift slightly while you poop, even if you’ve inserted it properly due to the muscle movement. 

4. Figure out angle 

Angles can make a huge difference in how comfortably the menstrual cup sits inside you. A slightly upward angle (leaning more towards the stomach) can put more pressure on the bladder, causing you to feel the urge to pee. 

Since everyone’s vaginas curve differently, you may need some time to figure out what angle works best for you!

5. Different folds 

There are dozens of different ways to fold a menstrual cup. Many instruction manuals often only focus on the C - Fold, which can be very uncomfortable, especially for first time users. The “Punch Down” fold, “7 Fold” or the “Origami” fold can be much more comfortable and convenient as these methods fold the cup into more compact sizes, making insertion much easier.

6. Different material/brand/shape 

The Indian Market is still lacking a little behind when it comes to variety and most brands stick with the conventional medical grade silicone cups in a bell shape, which is not very accommodating. Just like every other commodity in the world, cups, too,  can vary hugely from one brand to another. 

Many people with a low cervix may find a flatter or shorter cup more comfortable. 

Cup softness and moldability can also vary. For some people, a firmer cup may be more comfortable, while others may prefer something softer. 

Unfortunately, this is a pure trial and error method as you won’t know if a cup is comfortable for you unless you’ve tried it.

7. Trim stem 

Most cups have an extra long stem, causing the cup to either be forced way too high up inside or for the stem to uncomfortably stick out. The best resolution here is to trim the stem according to your liking. Any pair of sharp scissors may be enough to simply snip the end of the stem to make it more comfortable. 

8. Try a different position 

Squatting down on the floor is the most recommended position to insert or remove the cup. While it may be possible for you to pull the cup out when sitting on the toilet, a sitting position might not be a comfortable position for inserting the cup.  

You can also try raising one leg and resting it on the wall or a chair or a stool, if you feel uncomfortable squatting. You might also find standing with your legs spread apart more comfortable. 

9. Don’t be afraid of a little mess 

No matter how many guides or manuals you might read, at the end of the day, it is going to be difficult to insert or remove the cup everytime without getting blood on your hands or even sometimes making a bit of a mess. 

Period blood is nothing to be disgusted by! Embrace it and don’t be afraid of making a little mess or spilling a bit when removing the cup. Trust me, it’ll make the process a lot more stress free.

10. Practice 

Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get it right the first time! It is all about practice and figuring out what works for you. Each person has a different anatomy, comfort level and flow. What may work for one, might not work for someone else, but it's important not to give up. Menstrual Cups have eased the menstruating experience for thousands of people across the globe.