Hi, It is a soft bendy ring, you slighty squeeze it together and pop it in. i dont push it further up, just in and it sorts itself out.. Yes it sits sideways like a loop, so the top of the loop is nearer the cervix the bottom of the loop towards the outside and that is what you hook your finger in to take it out... I was advised by doc its fine to take it out and in, if that suits me, and that it still does its job. also for me it gave me confidence that if i had any bad feelings i could whip it out.. so for me.. its doing its job i guess. Obviously you wash it after every use, in cold water, as its the warmth of your body that triggers it to release but im guessing. I leave it in the air to dry as wrapping it up in bags might cause bacteria.. i have read that you could loose it down loo if you were straining, so safe bet take it out, as who would want to use it after its been down there lol.. the only thing i would mention, when i first used it i found it quite uncomfy, but persisted as i think you gotta give things a fair go, and where was i going to go next, only backwards to other things i had tried before... and now i have times i know its there and times i have to think did i put it in or not lol...