It is a divisive and worrying topic. On one hand, many patients with endometriosis or adenomyosis swear by La Cup to manage their heavy flows. On the other, a persistent rumor accuses internal period products of worsening the disease.
So, compatible or not? Is there a medical risk? We clarify the situation without taboos, distinguishing outdated myths from the reality of your comfort.
Article Summary
1- The Myth: Does the cup cause endometriosis?
This fear comes from an old theory (Sampson's Theory) called "Retrograde Menstruation".
The idea? Blood that does not flow fast enough would flow back through the fallopian tubes to the abdomen, creating lesions. Some have therefore deduced that a cup, by "holding back" the blood, could increase this backflow.
What science says today:
To date, there is no scientific proof showing that using a cup causes or worsens endometriosis.
- Retrograde menstruation is a physiological phenomenon observed in 90% of women (with or without a cup). Yet, only 10% have endometriosis. Backflow is therefore not the sole cause.
- The French National College of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (CNGOF) does not contraindicate the use of the cup for affected patients.
2- Why the cup can relieve certain pains
Many users (and our customers!) report feeling better when switching to La Cup, especially in cases of adenomyosis (often associated with hemorrhagic periods).
Three reasons explain this relief:
- The end of "Leak" stress: With a capacity of 30ml and 35ml (the equivalent of 3 super tampons), La Cup or The Disc offers invaluable mental respite when facing hemorrhagic periods.
- Zero drying out: Unlike tampons that absorb natural secretions, La Cup made of medical silicone respects the mucous membrane. Less irritation = fewer pain signals sent to the brain.
- Zero chemicals: No chlorine bleaching, no pesticides. For a body already in a state of chronic inflammation, removing these chemical aggressions is a real rest.
3- Cases where La Cup can hurt (Location)
However, La Cup is not magic. For some women, insertion is uncomfortable or even impossible. It all depends on the location of your lesions.
- Lesions on the cervix, vagina, or rectum (Pouch of Douglas): If you have deep endometriosis infiltrating these areas, the contact of La Cup or the suction effect (even slight) can trigger sharp pain (similar to dyspareunia during sexual intercourse).
- Very sensitive uterus (Adenomyosis): The suction effect of an ordinary cup (with a rigid stem) can sometimes cause an additional "cramp" sensation on an already contracted uterus.
4- Luneale's advice: Cup or Disc for Endo?
Do you want to test it? Here is how to choose the least aggressive model for your anatomy:
Why is it better tolerated?
- No stem: Nothing protruding or rubbing against inflamed walls.
- The Moonpad (Gentle removal): You pinch the Moonpad to break the suction seal before removing. You don't pull on the uterine ligaments like with a stemmed cup.
👉 Option 2: The Menstrual Disc (The Gentle Alternative)
If the vaginal canal is too sensitive or if the suction effect scares you, the Disc is often a revelation. It sits higher (in the fornix, a less innervated area), does not work by suction, and offers an even larger capacity (35ml) for very heavy flows.
In summary: Science does not contraindicate La Cup. It is a matter of personal feeling and the location of the lesions. If it is tolerated, it often becomes the best ally to manage the intense flows of the disease.
