Do you feel discomfort when sitting down? A tingling or rubbing sensation at the entrance of your vagina when you walk with your cup? Look no further: it's not your anatomy that is "wrong," it's the design of your menstrual cup that is to blame.
The market is flooded with cups equipped with stems (long, short, balls, ladders). Yet, from a medical and ergonomic point of view, the stem is often an aberration for intimate comfort.
So, why does it hurt? Is it dangerous to cut it? And above all, what is the anatomical solution to feel absolutely nothing? We decode the mechanics of pain, with supporting evidence.
Article Summary
1- Anatomy: Why does the stem rub in the wrong place?
To understand the pain, we must look at anatomy. The menstrual cup is placed in the vagina, an area that is generally not very sensitive at the deep end. But the stem often extends down to the entrance of the vagina, an area called the vulvar vestibule.
🔍 The vestibule problem
Unlike the deep end of the vagina, the vestibule is one of the areas richest in nerve endings in the human body. It is an area of extreme sensitivity (hyperesthesia).
Even a so-called "flexible" stem or a stem that you have trimmed remains a relatively rigid foreign body. It acts like a windshield wiper on this sensitive area with every movement of your body (walking, sports, or simply sitting).
Result: micro-inflammations, a burning sensation, and constant discomfort.
2- The stem myth: a false sense of security
Why do most manufacturers include a stem if it hurts? It is often a "psychological crutch" inherited from the tampon string.
⚠️ Danger warning: Many people (wrongly) think that the stem is used to remove the cup by pulling on it. This is false and risky.
Pulling on the stem to remove a cup creates a violent suction effect that can:
- Cause pain (sensation of suction on the pelvic organs),
- Weaken the pelvic floor over the long term,
- Displace or expel an IUD (intrauterine device) through suction.
The stem therefore has no physiological utility: it should not be used for removal, and it hinders comfort.
3- The Moonpad solution: patented ergonomics
At Luneale, we tackled the problem at its root. To eliminate the pain, we eliminated the stem. But we had to maintain an easy and secure grip.
This is where the Moonpad (our patented innovation) comes in. Instead of adding a protruding appendage, we sculpted the base of the cup so that it fits the pad of your fingers.
✅ Anatomical advantages:
- Smooth surface: No friction on the vulva or vestibule.
- Secure removal: The Moonpad forces you to pinch the base of the cup. This action is crucial because it breaks the suction seal before removal. It is the only approved method to protect your pelvic floor.
- Invisible: Once in place, it does not protrude. You can ride a bike, go horseback riding, or do gymnastics without any discomfort.
4- Comparison and Video Proof
A picture is worth a thousand words. Here is the structural difference between an ordinary cup and La Cup Luneale.
Visual comparison: On the left, an ordinary cup with a stem. On the right, the ergonomic Luneale Moonpad.
Table: The comfort match
| Criterion | Ordinary Cup (with stem) | La Cup Luneale (Moonpad) |
|---|---|---|
| Contact area | Stem in contact with the vestibule (nerves) | None (entirely internal) |
| Risk of irritation | High (mechanical friction) | Zero (smooth silicone) |
| Removal method | Risk of pulling (suction effect) | Intuitive pinching (breaking the seal) |
| Feeling when worn | Often noticeable when sitting | "Nothing effect" (Totally forgotten) |
5- What to remember
Pain during your period is not inevitable, and even less so because of your period product. An internal product should be completely forgotten.
If you feel your cup, it means it is not adapted to your anatomy or its design is obsolete. By switching to the Moonpad, you are not just changing brands; you are finally respecting your physiology and the sensitive area of your vulva.
At Luneale, our mission is to allow you to experience your cycles peacefully, with safe period products (compliant with 6h max) designed for your comfort.
Scientific sources:
- Vulvodynia (Vulvar pain) – Understanding vestibule hypersensitivity
- ANSES Recommendations – Safety of intimate hygiene products and TSS
- Anatomical Study – Innervation of the human vulvar vestibule (British Journal of Dermatology)
