Do you know what a cervix looks like? If you haven’t already searched Google images for it (which we highly recommend you do), we’re here to break it down for ya. During menstruation, the cervix plays a key role in this process. Knowing where your period comes from not only helps you understand your body more, but it empowers you!
Ok, but what even is a cervix?
It’s basically the “neck” of the uterus. Wait...my uterus has a neck….? Sort of. It’s a narrow neck-like passage that lies below the uterus and above the vagina. During menstruation, the blood travels down a pin-sized hole into the vaginal canal. How freaking awesome is that?
For some people, the cervix moves significantly lower during their period. Since the cervix is usually relatively high in the vagina and the menstrual cup is placed low in the vagina, the cervix remains above the cup. If the cervix sits low, it may be positioned inside the cup. In contrast, tampons generally sit further up inside the vagina, just where the cervix is located.
High cervix, low cervix and your menstrual cup
Menstrual cup leaks are more frequent for women when the cervix moves lower during menstruation or if their menstrual cup has been inserted too high in the vagina, (next to the cervix, or above it). The menstrual cup might also exert pressure on the cervix and cause discomfort and even pain. The best way to evaluate the position of your cervix is to determine if there’s leakage — if you’ve experienced leakage even when the cup has been opened, make sure that the cup is placed significantly lower than the cervix. In some women, the cervix fits best inside the menstrual cup – you’ll know what feels right. For many women, the cervix descends after giving birth, for others, it’s naturally situated low in the vagina. If you’ve given birth, you should exercise the pelvic diaphragm muscles by doing kegels. Keeping these muscles in shape is useful when using the menstrual cup. The upside? It also has the added benefit of reducing incontinence and improving sex. Who wouldn’t want that?
If you haven’t experienced menstrual cup leakage and still can’t seem to locate your cervix, there is no need go on an expedition. You’re just one of many women whose cervix is deep in the vagina – and it does not affect the use of a menstrual cup in any way! Remember, your body has its own divine internal landscape, so navigating this will be key to your comfort and success with your menstrual cup.
What to know more about menstrual cups? Check out our menstrual cup FAQ page!
Hi Appy!
The most important thing is to relax! If you are nervous, you may tense your muscles to make it even hard to remove the Lunette Menstrual Cup. So try to be as relaxed as possible and find a comfortable position. When being scared you automatically tense up and this makes the vaginal muscles go tense. Imagine holding something in your fist and clenching your fist really tight. It will be more difficult to pull the thing in your fist out compared to holding it relaxed in your fist. It is quite similar with being relaxed or tensed up – the tensed muscles hold your cup really tight and removal is more difficult.
When removing the Menstrual Cup, always remember to use your own muscles. Push the cup down with your pelvic floor muscles like you’d be pooping until you can get a firm grip from the bottom. Pinch the bottom with your forefinger and thumb to release the seal. Then keep pushing while slowly pulling the cup out. You can also rock it from side to side. You can fold the cup a bit with one hand by grabbing the cup with the forefinger, middle finger and thumb. Place the fingers around the cup and push your thumb between the fore and middle finger. That way you kinda fold the cup as a c-fold and it is easier to get out. Be sure not to pull it out by the stem alone – this can cause the contents to spill, may cause discomfort and can break the stem.
You can also try this trick: slide your finger along the side of the cup (your finger between the cup and vaginal wall) and bend your finger when you reach the rim. Then slowly pull the folded cup out.
Going into a deep squat with your legs apart can also help. This way the vagina is more open and the cup is automatically being moved down a bit. And then, as already mentioned above, push with your muscles as if pooping so that the cup is pushed down and grab the bottom of the cup. Squeeze it, keep it squeezed and carefully pull the cup out.
Make sure to stay relax, release the seal before pulling out and glide the cup carefully and slowly out. You can also use a water-based lubricant to soften the vaginal entrance to add glide for easier removal.
Best regards, Team Lunette
Hi, Thanks for the article.
I have been using menstrual cup for 3 years. But lately I find my cervix sitting inside the cup because of which the seal doesn’t break no matter how much I try and with utmost difficulty I pull it out. But then I get scared and push the cervix with a finger and it seems to go back to its original position during my menses. I recently switched to M size from an S size cup, and I figured maybe the cup size is not right for me. But in next cycle I tried the older size cup and it happened again. And now I am scared. I don’t know what to do.
Hi Misa,
good to hear that wearing the cervix in the cup is not causing any pain or discomfort :) Do you still have the stem on your cup? If yes, shortening or cutting it away completely makes the cup shorter and it can be worn lower in the vagina.
One thing you can try right off the bat is turning your cup inside out before inserting it. Inside out, not upside down… What this will do is shorten the cup. Please know that if you do this it will mean the base of the cup will be smooth and you won’t have the grips at the bottom of the cup to aid in removal. If you find that this works, you’ll want to trim the stem so that it doesn’t cause you any discomfort.
Best regards, Team Lunette
I have a low cervix and it sits inside my cup i am not experiencing any pain or any discomfort but i am scared. I try wearing it low but it will go higher. What should i do?
Hi Aakanchha and thank you for your message!
Sorry to hear that you’ve been having problems with your cup!
The pain is most likely caused by the fact that the cup touches your cervix. It is not dangerous but it can feel very uncomfortable or even hurt. You can avoid this by placing the cup as low as possible. Using a shorter cup may also help, as a shorter cup needs less space and is not as close to the cervix as a long cup.
If the cup rises by itself try this little trick to avoid it: when you insert the cup let it open before it is completely inside your vagina, and push it in when it has opened. This way the seal won’t become so strong :)
Best regards, Team Lunette