Getting a menstrual cup stuck in your vagina is weird. But can it really happen?

If you’re familiar with menstrual cups, you may already know the list of questions and doubts that arise when considering using one. How to use it? Will it leak? Is it safe? However, one particularly pressing question tends to rattle everyone’s mind: what if the menstrual cup gets stuck in my vagina?

Let’s address this genuine concern and determine if it’s really possible for a menstrual cup to get stuck, and if so, what should you do about it?

You are reading: Getting a menstrual cup stuck in your vagina is weird. But can it really happen?

Understanding Menstrual Cups: How Do They Work?

Menstrual cups have gained popularity in recent years as an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional sanitary pads and tampons. These small cup-shaped devices, typically made of soft silicone, are inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood, unlike pads and tampons that absorb it.

See more : Herbs for happiness: Take the Ayurvedic route to boost your mood

According to Dr. Anjali Kumar, a renowned gynecologist and founder of Maitri Woman’s Health, “Menstrual cup insertion and removal may require a little patience and practice. However, once you get used to the process, it becomes quite simple.”

So, if you encounter any difficulties with your menstrual cup, such as it feeling stuck or lost inside, remember this: your vagina is a closed-ended tunnel, and the cup cannot simply wander away. It will always be possible to remove it.

What to Do If Your Menstrual Cup Gets Stuck?

First and foremost, take a deep breath and don’t panic. There are several reasons why your cup may have become stuck:

• The cup might have moved upwards towards the cervix due to suction or body movements.
• It may have become dislocated and positioned obliquely in the vagina.
• The vacuum and suction may be too strong, making it challenging to remove, particularly if you’re using a larger cup size than necessary.

See more : Anjeer can solve your digestive problems! Here’s how to include them in your everyday diet

To tackle this situation, follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands to ensure cleanliness and prevent any potential infections.
2. Relax your pelvic floor muscles by taking deep breaths.
3. Get into a squatting position. This helps relax the pelvic muscles, shortens and widens the vaginal canal, and slightly lowers the pelvic floor. These factors make it easier for you to reach the cup’s base.
4. Gently insert one or two fingers into your vagina and try to locate the base or stem of the cup.
5. Once you’ve found the base, pinch it slightly to release the negative pressure inside the cup.
6. After releasing the suction, hold onto the stem and gently pull the cup out.
7. If the above techniques fail, take a break and try again after some time. You can attempt removing the cup in a different position, such as sitting on a toilet seat or propping one leg on a footstool and pushing down slightly.
8. If all else fails, consider asking a gynaecologist or a trained nurse for assistance.

Preventing Future Stuck Cup Incidents

To minimize the likelihood of your cup getting stuck again, keep the following tips in mind:

• Choose the right size of menstrual cup for yourself.
• Read the instruction manual carefully and understand how to insert and remove the cup properly.
• Avoid any vaginal manipulation or intercourse immediately after inserting the cup.
• Experiment with different folding techniques to find what works best for you.
• Avoid inserting the cup too high; it should be placed slightly lower down in the vagina where it comfortably fits.

Dr. Kumar emphasizes that incidents of a menstrual cup getting stuck are entirely normal. There is no need for embarrassment or shame. With familiarity and the correct insertion and removal technique, such incidents become exceedingly rare.

Remember, using a menstrual cup is a personal choice that offers numerous benefits. Don’t let the fear of getting it stuck deter you from exploring this eco-friendly and practical menstrual hygiene option.

Sources: https://ncvc.org
Category: Health