Menstrual cups come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and finding the right fit is key. But even a cup that sits comfortably against the walls of the vagina can feel out of place if the stem isn’t trimmed.
The stem sits at the base of the menstrual cup and is designed to help you find the cup prior to removal. However, if the stem is too long, it can protrude out of the vagina or cause discomfort, Renee Wellenstein, DO, a board-certified ob-gyn, told POPSUGAR. If that’s the case, you’ll need to give it a trim.
The trick is to do it little by little, Dr. Wellenstein explained. First, practice inserting the cup a few times to ensure you feel confident with the process. Then, remove the cup and use a clean pair of scissors or nail cutters to trim a small portion off the end of the stem. “Just trim a little and then reinsert to see if more has to be trimmed,” Dr. Wellenstein said. That way, “you prevent taking off too much and making the cup unstable and ineffective. The goal is to have the stem sit just above the vaginal opening.”
