The Pull Tab Explained: Its Role in Elys Cup Removal

The feature at the base of Elys Cup is an adjustable removal tab. It is a grip and positioning aid—not permission to pull hard, a guarantee of effortless removal, or a tool for forcing the cup out.

What a stem or tab does on a conventional cup

Many cups have a stem, ring or tab to help the user locate the base. A conventional cup may form a seal against the vaginal walls. Its instructions commonly advise pinching the base or sliding a finger alongside the rim to release the seal before removal. Pulling harder on the stem while a seal remains can increase discomfort. Designs vary, so always follow the instructions for the exact cup.

How Elys Cup differs

Elys Cup includes an air channel designed to let air circulate and reduce the suction effect during removal. The product is therefore described as designed for removal without a suction effect. This is a design purpose, not an absolute promise that suction can never occur, the cup can never feel difficult to reach, or every removal will feel the same.

The Elys design page illustrates the channel and current product shape. Avoid translating the mechanism into medical benefits or leak-prevention claims.

What the Elys Cup tab is for

The tab helps the user locate and guide the cup during removal. Current Elys information also describes it as adjustable. Follow the current product instructions before changing its length. Do not cut or alter any part unless the instructions explicitly permit it. Any permitted adjustment must be made with the cup outside the body, conservatively and without cutting into or damaging the cup itself.

Removal steps

1. Wash your hands. Choose a comfortable position over a toilet or in the shower.
2. Relax. Slow breathing can reduce pelvic-floor tension. Bear down gently if needed; do not strain.
3. Locate the base or tab. Use the tab as directed to find and guide the cup, not as a handle for a forceful pull.
4. Guide the cup out slowly. Keep the movement controlled and pause if it hurts.
5. Empty and clean it. Follow the care instructions before reinsertion or storage.

Never use tweezers, scissors or another sharp object inside the body. Do not repeatedly force a painful technique.

If the cup feels high or difficult to reach

A cup cannot pass through the cervix into the rest of the body, but it may sit higher than expected or be harder to reach when the pelvic floor is tense. Pause, breathe, change position and try again gently. The stuck-cup guide provides a calm sequence.

If you cannot remove the cup, if attempts cause pain or bleeding, or if you feel unwell, stop and seek qualified medical help. Professional removal is preferable to injury from force or tools.

Fit still matters

A tab cannot correct an unsuitable size, incomplete opening or uncomfortable position. A cup should generally feel comfortable. Persistent pressure, pain, urinary difficulty, irritation or repeated leaks are reasons to remove it and reassess the size and placement.

Wear time and care

Elys Cup can be worn for up to 8 hours and should be emptied earlier according to flow and the instructions. Wash your hands, clean the cup as directed and inspect the channel and material. A tab that is damaged during adjustment is a reason to stop using the cup and contact Elys.

Read the insertion guide, product page and FAQ before first use.

Sources

• Current Elys Cup product page (reviewed 27 August 2026).
• Current Elys design overview (reviewed 27 August 2026).
• van Eijk et al., systematic review of menstrual-cup use, 2019 (PMID 31324419).

This article provides general information and does not replace the current product instructions or medical advice.