How to Remove a Menstrual Cup for Beginners

So you're using a menstrual cup for the first time. You inserted it, it seems to have worked all day long, and now it's time to take it out. What do you do??

Removing a menstrual cup can be one of the most intimidating parts. Here at Viv, we used that fact to design an easier cup to remove. The ring stem on the Viv Cup makes removal a breeze. Let's talk about how to use it!

First, some pro tips:

• If you're concerned about making a mess, we always recommend removing your cup in the shower, at least the first few times. That way, everything will just wash down the drain. The warm water can also help your muscles relax!
• Speaking of relaxing muscles, that's going to be very important in the removal process. The more relaxed you can be, the easier you'll be able to slide your cup out - tensing up will only make it harder!!
• Mindset is everything. Going into your first menstrual cup experience with a "this is nbd" attitude can be the key to success. Your muscles will be more relaxed, you won't overthink it, and you'll be able to remove it easier!

Step 1. Wash your hands

I've said it before, but it's always a good reminder! You should always have clean hands when inserting or removing any period product. This prevents any risk of infections, bacteria, or pH disruption. When in doubt, wash your hands!!

Step 2. Reach up and find the ring stem

With other cups that have a stick or nub for the stem, it can be hard to find or get a good grip on it. The Viv Cup has a loop at the bottom, so you'll never "lose" your cup (it's impossible for any cup to actually get lost inside you, but some of those tiny stems will have you questioning everything). Loop a finger or even a fingernail into the ring stem to get a good grip on the cup and make sure it's angled in a good position for removal.

Step 3. Break the suction seal

This s the MOST important step in removing a menstrual cup!! The cup is suctioned to your vaginal walls when it's inside you. That's how it stayed leak-free. You can't just pull out the cup without breaking that suction seal - it would be very uncomfortable!!

To break the seal, use a finger to punch in the side of the cup, or pinch the bottom a bit until the side of the cup becomes un-suctioned from your body. If you've never used a cup before, you may think that this would make your cup overflow and cause a mess, but trust the process!! This is why we suggest removing in the shower (mostly for peice of mind) until you figure out the best seal-breaking technique for you.

Step 4. Slide the cup out of your body

Guide the cup out, using the ring stem. You can let the cup tip over and empty into the toilet or shower (wherever you're removing it). Another reason to love the Viv Cup - you won't accidentally drop your cup into the toilet because you'll be holding the ring stem (yes, this has happened with other cups😅)!

Congratulations, you did it!! You have officially removed the Viv Cup, and your first menstrual cup experience is complete. You can now rinse your cup (I suggest the Viv Cup Wash), and reinsert it, or change to any other product you want to use!

Over time, using a menstrual cup will get easier and easier, just like any other product. Remember the first time you used a tampon, and it felt like the craziest thing in the world? Then it became second nature. The cup will be the same. If you need any extra tips, or are having a particularly difficult time removing your cup, check out our Learning Center, our Menstrual Cup Guide, or our TikTok for extra help!!