How to Remove a Menstrual Cup: Release the Seal First
To remove a menstrual cup, wash your hands, reach the base, release the seal and gently ease the cup out. Pulling only on the stem while the cup remains sealed is not the intended removal method. Lilac’s beginner guide introduces the routine; this article focuses on the removal step and preparing for it.
Prepare before reaching for the cup
Choose a bathroom where you have time and can wash your hands. Keep the supplied instructions within reach. If you are at work or away from home, check where you can clean the cup afterwards before beginning. Planning that small sequence is more useful than rushing through it.
Read the removal section of your own Quick Start Guide. The stem helps you locate the cup, while the base is the part you need to reach for seal release. Product diagrams and instructions are a better reference than comparing stem length with another person’s cup.
Release the seal before easing the cup out
- Wash your hands and choose a comfortable sitting or squatting position.
- Relax and locate the base of the cup.
- Gently pinch the base to release the seal.
- Ease it out slowly, keeping it upright as far as is comfortable, then empty it.
Hertfordshire County Council’s reusable-products guidance also describes pinching the base before removal. Do not use sharp objects or try to lever a cup out. If removal hurts or you cannot remove it, seek medical help.
If the base is difficult to reach
Pause instead of repeatedly pulling on the stem. Check your position and consult the supplied removal instructions. The Menstrual Cup Coalition describes relaxing and gently bearing down as ways to bring the base within reach. Do not strain or persist through pain.
Once the cup is out, make a note of the size and the stage that was difficult. If a similar problem keeps happening, ask for professional advice before another attempt. If the difficulty keeps happening, seek advice before choosing a different size.
Plan what happens after removal
Clean the cup according to its instructions before using it again. The CDC’s menstrual hygiene guidance recommends handwashing around product use and following the product’s care directions. Our Lilac cleaning and storage guide covers the routine between uses and between periods.
Keep a backup period product available while learning. Before a long journey, practise the complete sequence at home: find the base, release the seal, remove, empty and clean. This is a planning exercise, not a reason to leave the cup in longer than its instructions allow.
Removal questions
Should I pull harder on the stem?
No. Return to the seal-release step. If you cannot reach or release the cup, get medical help rather than increasing force. Product support can explain the instructions but cannot replace hands-on healthcare assistance.
What if I feel ill while wearing the cup?
Seek urgent medical advice for sudden fever, vomiting, rash, dizziness or confusion. The NHS explains the warning signs of toxic shock syndrome, a rare serious condition. Tell the clinician about the cup.
For questions about the Lilac cup options or the leaflet supplied with an order, contact the Lilac team. For choosing between sizes, use the size guide.
Prepared by the Lilac Team. Sources checked on 6 November 2026. Follow your cup’s instructions and seek healthcare assistance for pain or a cup you cannot remove.