how to take out a menstrual cup
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What to Do if You Think Your DivaCup Is “Stuck”

Sometimes DivaCup removal can be tricky. Take a deep breath and try to relax—we’ve got you! There are a couple of common ways that the DivaCup can feel “stuck,” but even more ways to help you release it. 
how to take out a menstrual cup

Sometimes, DIVA Cup removal can be tricky. Especially if you’re a new menstrual cup user, a period beginner or you’re just not comfortable inserting something inside your body, yet. Don’t worry, though. Take a deep breath and try to relax — we’ve got you! 

A menstrual cup can’t get lost inside your vagina,” one WebMD article says, “But it may take a bit of practice to get the cup to fit comfortably.”

They’re right, it can’t get lost. But if your DIVA Cup feels “stuck,” there are many ways to help you release it, below.

Can the DIVA Cup get lost? 

As mentioned earlier, The DIVA Cup can’t get “lost” inside of you  — it wouldn’t be possible.

In fact, it can’t go very far. Your vaginal canal is an elastic, muscular tube that does not connect to other parts of the body and is only about 4-5 inches or 10.2-12.7cm long. 

Where should your menstrual cup sit?  

If it can’t get “lost” inside you, can the DIVA Cup sit weirdly? Yes. So let’s make sure you know where it should sit.

When inserted, your DIVA Cup should sit low at the base of the vaginal canal, away from the cervix, but positioned to collect flow. Here are some other things to keep in mind about how it should sit:

  • You should be able to locate the cup by touching the stem (it should be no more than ½ inch inside the vagina). 

  • The stem shouldn’t stick out uncomfortably and the base of your cup should be within reach so that you can grip it, pinch the base and gently pull for removal.   

How to insert The DIVA Cup

It can take some time to get the hang of a menstrual cup. But like we said, it just takes a little practice to get the hang of it. Here are some tips we follow, below:

  • Before inserting and removing, always wash your hands. 

  • Then with a gentle grip on the cup, release the suction by pinching the base of the cup. 

  • Pull from the base and never pull on the stem. 

Why does your DIVA Cup feel “stuck”?

If your cup feels “stuck” or you’re having trouble removing the cup, it’s likely one of three things;   

  1. The positioning of your DIVA Cup is wrong. If you’re wearing it during the day and the cup moves upwards, it may not have been angled correctly when inserted. If the cup is open and creates a seal, it should stay low at the base of the vaginal canal. 

  2. You may have the wrong-sized cup. Vaginal canals have different widths and heights, so it’s important to make sure you purchased the right size. If your cup is too small, it might slide down. If your cup is too big, it might slide up. We offer three sizes: DIVA™ Cup Model 0 for first-time users or slim vaginal canals, the DIVA™ Cup Model 1 for folks who have used a menstrual cup before and the DIVA™ Cup Model 2 for those who have wider vaginal canals or are post-partum.

  3. Your pelvic floor strength — or pelvic muscles — may be holding on to the cup tightly. Upon insertion, your pelvic floor muscles apply pressure to the cup to hold it in place. If these muscles are weak, the cup may shift down in the vaginal canal. If you feel like they might require strengthening, get in touch with a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist for further guidance. Alternatively, you may have very strong pelvic floor muscles. Their strength can push in on the cup, breaking the seal, and allowing the cup to shift upwards. A proper seal keeps the cup firmly in place, prevents leaks, and makes removal easier. So try to relax as much as possible before removing it.

Remember: First-time users often get excited to use their DIVA Cup overnight, but this isn’t always the best time. When we sleep, our bodies relax and if it hasn’t been inserted correctly, it may move upwards. Make your first try during the day instead!

How to remove your DIVA Cup if it’s “stuck”  

Stress can cause physiological reactions, like contracting the pelvic floor muscles and making removal challenging. In order to relax your body for easier removal, try some of these tips.

  • Focus on deep breathing in order to relax your pelvic floor muscles. Your pelvic floor muscles will naturally tense up if you are feeling stressed or anxious, so it is very important to focus on keeping your body as relaxed as possible before and during removal.

  • If you can’t remove your cup or disc on the first try, take a break and try again later. It might help to take a warm bath/shower, put on relaxing music, or go for a gentle walk, to make you feel more relaxed.

    *If you are wearing a menstrual cup, gravity will eventually bring the cup down a bit as it fills up with menstrual flow. Give it some time to fill up before trying again.

  • Try different removal positions. For example, while standing, prop your foot up on the side of the bathtub, or try removing it in the shower while in a squat position. This may help, as it brings your cervix closer to the vaginal opening.

  • If you are wearing a menstrual disc, try hooking your thumb up into the pull-tab and then pulling using your index finger. Pinching the pull-tab between your index finger and thumb may give you a better grip. Make sure to angle the disc up and toward your body as you remove and go slow.

At any point, if you’re having trouble, reach out to our Consumer Experience Team for individualized guidance.

If you are still unable to remove the DIVA Cup 12 hours after insertion, contact your healthcare provider.