You may have 99 problems on your period, but your period product should never be one. Cramping, mood swings, acne breakouts, increased appetite, and headaches are just some of the symptoms people can experience during their period —which is why a period product shouldn’t add to that list or enhance any of those symptoms. If you are experiencing pain during removal of your menstrual cup or menstrual disc, here are a few causes and solutions to your issue. 

Removing Period Cup Incorrectly 

Menstrual cups are held in place by creating a seal with mild suction in the vaginal canal. Not breaking the seal of your period cup can be uncomfortable or cause pain for some people during the removal process. For extra information and support with your menstrual cup, be sure to refer to our online instructions: how to insert a menstrual cup. The base of most menstrual cups has grip rings that should be depressed/pinched to release the seal of the cup. Once the base of the cup is pinched, it can be gently wiggled out of the vaginal canal and emptied directly into the toilet. Do not pull on the stem of your cup. Many new cup users mistake the stem of their cup as a pull tab, much like the string of a tampon. The stem of your cup exists to guide your fingers to the base of your cup and should never be used as a pull tab. 

If you’re having trouble locating or reaching your cup. Check out our Removing Your Saalt Cup FAQ. 

Period Cup Is Too Big 

Finding the right period cup for you isn’t always an exact science. Everyone’s individual anatomy is unique. If inserting your period cup or disc hurts, you may need an alternative size or firmness level than, let’s say, your best friend’s period cup or disc. If you’re certain your cup is placed right and inserted correctly, try sizing down if possible.

Saalt has three cup sizes to choose from: 

• Saalt Cup Regular: The menstrual cup that started it all at Saalt. Great for those with a higher cervix or who don’t know which cup to start with.
• Saalt Cup Small: Someone with a lower cervix or smaller anatomy may benefit from this cup. (Don’t assume that because you’re a petite person your internal anatomy is also small. Get to know your cervix height here.) 
• Saalt Cup Teen: Great for teens (who typically have a smaller anatomy) and anyone who struggles with the size of inserted period products. 

If you also find your cup to be causing increased cramping and/or bladder discomfort, it could be a sign that you need a soft cup. Saalt retails a line of soft menstrual cups in the Saalt Soft Cup line. These are offered in the same sizes as the original Saalt Cup, regular and small, just in a softer silicone.  

Vaginal Dryness or Sensitivity 

Did you know water can be used as a natural lubricant? Using water or a water-based lubricant on the tip of your cup and vulva can provide a natural way to improve cup insertion and removal during your period. This added moisture can help compensate for any dryness your body may experience, which is completely normal. Estrogen is notoriously low during menses, which leads to vaginal dryness.  

Tensing up  

Do it with us, “breathe in, breathe out”. The biggest piece of advice we give to menstrual cup and disc users who are struggling with removal is to relax. When you tense up (ex: being stressed during the removal process) the muscles in your pelvic floor also tighten, which in return won’t allow your period cup or disc to be removed as easily as you’d like because it's holding onto your period product. Relaxing the muscles by belly breathing help tremendously during the removal process. It can also be challenging to remove your period cup or disc if your bowel is full. Focus on evacuating your bladder and bowel fully before attempting to remove your menstrual cup or disc. 

Finding The Right Period Cup For You

Your period product of choice should never cause further discomfort during your menstrual cycle, period (see what we did there?). If you are experiencing pain while you’re removing your period cup, it’s a sign of incorrect removal technique, size, sensitivity, or not being able to relax. Saalt is here to make your period comfortable, not painful. If you aren’t sure which of these is causing your discomfort, you can reach out to our coaches at sayhey@saalt.com.