Menstrual cup applicators and methods of using the same

A method of positioning a menstrual cup within a vagina, the method comprising:

• disposing a menstrual cup within a channel of a holder, the channel extending between a proximal end of the holder that defines a first opening and a distal end of the holder that defines a second opening, the disposing such that:
• a maximum transverse dimension of the menstrual cup and the holder together is less than 1.5 times a maximum transverse dimension of the holder alone;
• wherein each of the maximum transverse dimensions is measured perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the channel;
• inserting the menstrual cup and the holder into the vagina;
• and
• actuating a plunger having a shaft received by the first opening such that the shaft moves within the channel and along the longitudinal axis to expel the menstrual cup from the channel via the second opening;
• wherein the holder includes a sidewall that defines at least a portion of the channel and bounds the menstrual cup when the menstrual cup is disposed within the channel, and a portion of the sidewall that bounds the menstrual cup when the menstrual cup is disposed within the channel subtends an angle that is between 270 and 330 degrees about the longitudinal axis.

A menstrual cup applicator comprising:

• a holder having:
• a proximal end defining a first opening;
• and
• a distal end defining a second opening;
• wherein the holder defines a channel extending between the first and second openings, the channel:
• having a longitudinal axis;
• and
• being configured to receive a menstrual cup;
• and
• wherein a maximum transverse dimension of the second opening is at least 1.5 times a maximum transverse dimension of the first opening, each of the maximum transverse dimensions being measured perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis and between portions of the holder;
• and
• a plunger having a shaft configured to be received by the first opening such that the shaft is movable within the channel and along the longitudinal axis of the channel;
• wherein the holder includes a sidewall that defines at least a portion of the channel, and the sidewall defines a slot extending from the proximal end and through the distal end.