Using a Menstrual Cup with Long or Acrylic Nails
When it comes to long nails and menstrual cups, a few concerns arise: the potential for internal scratches, the risk of introducing dirt and contaminants and the potential of tearing or damaging your cup.
Using a menstrual cup with long or acrylic nails can feel intimidating at first - especially when you're concerned about comfort, safety, and avoiding accidental scratching. Fortunately, with the proper technique and a mindful approach, inserting and removing your cup safely and effectively is possible. Whether new to menstrual cups or simply adjusting your routine to accommodate long nails, this guide offers step-by-step tips to help you navigate the process confidently and carefully.
Insertion Tips
- Start by ensuring your hands and nails are clean. Wash your hands thoroughly before using the cup, which is a good practice regardless. It’s also wise to file any rough edges on your nails.
- Choose your preferred fold — a suggestion might be the 7-fold because it’s flatter, making insertion more comfortable. Position your nails inward against the cup, which helps avoid scratching and gives you a better grip. See our guide to menstrual cup folds.
- Gently spread your labia, and insert the rim of the cup. Angle it according to your anatomy.
- Once partway in, remove your thumb and use your index finger (nail still angled into the cup) to guide it into position.
- Finally, check that the cup has opened fully. Using the tip of your nail to feel around the base, ensuring it’s fully expanded. (If you wear stiletto nails, you may want to be extra careful or skip this step.)
Removal Tips
- Start by ensuring your hands and nails are clean. Get into a comfortable position. It helps to sit on the toilet or squat slightly (this can also be done in the shower, relieving any fear that you may drop your cup into the toilet).
- Use your fingers to gently spread the outer labia. Use your index finger first. Place it flat against your inner labia and the vaginal entrance, with your nail pointing downward. Then, curve your finger and gently insert it, following the natural curve of your vaginal canal. The key here is slow and steady.
- Once you feel the cup's stem, continue guiding your finger until you reach the base. Be mindful to bend your finger with the canal’s shape so your nail doesn’t poke or scratch you.
- With your index finger on the bottom of the cup, gently pivot your palm outward - away from your body - to make room for your thumb. Only go as far as is comfortable.
- Insert your thumb alongside your index finger, sliding it in using the side of your nail against your finger so it doesn’t catch on anything. Once you’ve reached the base of the cup, pinch it gently between your fingers. This breaks the suction, making removal much easier. Pulling it out slowly, try to angle your nails inward toward the cup so you’re not accidentally tugging at your skin.
- It may be hard to fold the cup fully with just your fingers, so remove it halfway until your nails are clear, then fold and ease it out the rest of the way.
Having long nails doesn’t mean you have to give up on using a menstrual cup. It just takes some extra awareness and technique. Be gentle, go slow, and listen to your body - you’ll find what works best for you.
