Coppetta mestruale: le versioni soft e hard in silicone

Menstrual cup: an intimate revolution

MySecretCase supports women who choose to change the world through daily ethical choices, starting with a small menstrual cup that can respect the body and the environment: we want a world where the cup is the norm. There are many opinions about the menstrual cup, but we prefer facts based on scientific data and practical information. Here we will tell you everything we know about the menstrual cup and the reasons that convinced us to adopt it right away, both in life and in our shop. We will explain, in a simple and concise way, how to choose, use, and store the cup. We are sure that in the end, you will join the ranks of women who save the world one menstrual cup at a time.

• How the menstrual cup works
• All the advantages of the menstrual cup
• False myths about the menstrual cup
• Disadvantages of the menstrual cup
  • Blood leaks
  • Insertion difficulties
  • Anatomical incompatibilities
  • Maintenance
• Scientific opinions on the menstrual cup
  • Gynecologists
  • Midwives
  • Users who use it
• Cup: practical guide to use
• How to insert the cup?
  • Prepare for first use
  • Relaxation
  • Insertion
  • During flow
• How to remove the cup?
• How to clean and disinfect the cup
• Menstrual cup and virginity
• Menstrual cup and sexual intercourse
• Types of cups
  • Disposable
  • Reusable
• Cup sizes
• Cup firmness and pelvic floor
• Price of the cup
• Where to buy the menstrual cup
• Uterus
• Vagina
• Cervix (cervical canal)
• Cup brands
  • Mooncup
  • Mamicup
  • Meluna
  • Organicup

How the menstrual cup works

The menstrual cup is a device for containing and collecting menstrual blood, characterized by a bell shape, usually made of eco-friendly and biocompatible material. Instead of absorbing blood, the cup collects it. It must be inserted, removed, and emptied several times during the days of bleeding. Thanks to the adherence of the cup walls, blood is collected without remaining in contact with the vaginal walls for too long, as happens with tampons, and this reduces the onset of vaginal infections. The menstrual cup is made of medical silicone or TPE, soft and flexible, allowing for easy and quick insertion. The average size of a cup is about 4/5 centimeters excluding the stem, with an internal diameter (excluding the edges) of about ¾ cm and is normally available in the two most common sizes, M and L.

All the advantages of the menstrual cup

Why should you join the thousands of women who have chosen the menstrual cup to take care of their menstrual cycle? For many good reasons. Let's start with you. Do you have a menstrual cycle that never stops, particularly heavy or painful but want to have a life even during menstruation? The cup can help you alleviate these discomforts that arise every lunar cycle because it collects three times the blood of a super-absorbent tampon, in a practical and painless way. This capacity allows you to bleed in peace, without having to think about changing one pad after another, so you can take care of yourself, especially on the most intense days of the month. If you are active even during your cycle, the cup is perfect because you can play sports and even go swimming without fearing inconveniences.

The cup respects your mucous membranes and the environment because it allows you to drastically reduce the monthly waste production that you cannot avoid with traditional pads and tampons. If you use traditional pads and have noticed that after your cycle you are more prone to dryness, irritation, yeast infections, and bad odors, the menstrual cup can help you: sanitary pads, in addition to blood, also absorb vaginal secretions that protect you from the invasion of potentially pathogenic bacteria. With the cup, you solve the problem at its root because it maintains your natural pH. Moreover, thanks to the perfectly adhering edges, it prevents blood leakage that could cause unpleasant odors. Finally, do you really want to know how much you save? Consider that on average you spend about 40 euros a year, while with proper use and maintenance, a single cup can last up to ten years.

False myths about the menstrual cup

It should be changed once a year

The first myth to debunk about the menstrual cup is that it should be replaced once a year: if used correctly and stored carefully, it lasts for years. This, while reducing the commercial appeal for producers, enriches the ethical sense and ecological planning of the trade of a high-quality menstrual cup, designed to last. Many menstrual cup manufacturers indeed have their roots in a strong ecological spirit and a corporate mission against waste and the production of refuse.

The menstrual cup: a plastic-free cycle
It would be naive to believe that the mere use of the cup saves the world from plastic production: many cups on the market are made of TPE, thermoplastic elastomer, a derivative of plastic. Let's also add the packaging, plastic windows in the paper packaging, wrappers, and bags. We are still talking about plastic. In any case, the philosophy that supports those who produce menstrual cups is steeped in ecological awareness, and therefore there is an increasing tendency to opt for medical silicone - a synthetic compound but highly biocompatible - completely free of latex, dyes, phthalates, or toxic substances.

The menstrual cup is a novelty of the millennium
Not quite. In 1937, American Leona Chalmers invented the first rubber menstrual cup. Then the war broke out, and rubber was needed by the army to shoot at the enemy, so the production of the first cups immediately hit a snag. In any case, the American female public, rather than cleaning and reusing the medical device, was attracted by the seductive convenience of the emerging disposable products industry that was appearing on the horizon, along with the tsunami of waste that would come with it.

The size of the cup is related to the blood flow
Not always. It is possible to identify the right size by observing other factors such as age, type, and tone of the pelvic floor, any pregnancies, and births. The difference in liquid containment capacity between the two most common sizes is minimal, about 0.5 milliliters. However, both sizes can hold three times the liquid of a normal tampon, so with both sizes, the need to empty and reinsert the cup is reduced.

One cup is worth another
Absolutely not, this is a mass myth. The cup should be chosen carefully and without saving. Make sure it meets the highest quality standards: yours. Be sure to check that the cup you buy is made of excellent quality material, safe, and soft enough to comfortably adhere to the walls of the vagina. A practical tip? Make sure it is medical silicone, not food-grade, which is not as safe as the former. Check the label: choose a cup produced and packaged in a country that guarantees compliance with high quality and safety standards. Ensure that the CE mark refers to Europe and not to China!

Disadvantages of the menstrual cup

Disadvantages? None! No, that's not true, we will be honest: like everything, the menstrual cup also has its downsides. Let's see what they are and how to overcome these inconveniences.

A blood spill

In the first uses - especially during the first emptying - it is normal to have a bit of unintentional or careless blood spillage. But considering the undeniable advantages of the cup, it is worth making an extra effort. Those who have been using it for a long time assure that blood spillage decreases over time because you get used to emptying it in suitable conditions, with a skill that is acquired almost immediately.

Insertion difficulties

The same goes for insertion: especially younger girls or those who have never had sexual intercourse may encounter difficulties during the first applications. Additionally, the presence of an intrauterine device can be a hindrance in inserting the cup, so it is advisable to consult a gynecologist first. A 2012 study found that the percentage of expulsion of the device is the same whether or not a menstrual cup is used.

Anatomical incompatibilities

Sometimes specific anatomical shapes can make it difficult to use a cup: if you have fibroids or a uterine prolapse, the cup may not find the right internal placement.

Maintenance

Some people are not very attracted to the entire care and maintenance process that the cup requires, such as sterilization by boiling or using a sterilizing solution after each menstrual cycle. The truth, however, is that once you learn the simple maintenance and storage techniques, taking care of your cup becomes an integral part of the menstrual cycle and especially of menstruation, which often involves slowing down and paying more attention to the small details in personal rituals.

Now that we have given you a general overview of the cup, you just have to try it yourself and see if it works for you!

Scientific opinions on the menstrual cup

Gynecologists

The medical community considers the menstrual cup to be an absolutely safe device with no risks. Although some gynecologists have noted the possible onset of certain risks, these risks are minimized if the cup is used according to the instructions: the possibility of developing vaginal irritation, for example, is greatly reduced if you choose the right size for your vagina or if you apply a dab of lubricant before inserting the cup. Even vaginal infections, a rare occurrence when using the cup, can actually be prevented with frequent cup changes and by washing your hands before insertion and removal.

Midwives

As we said, there is a fairly general consensus on the safety of using the cup, but especially for midwives - who study and care for the pelvic floor and its functionality - there are categories of people who might benefit from consulting medical personnel before use, such as: those who suffer from vaginismus and therefore have pain during penetration, those who suffer from fibroids, endometriosis, and variations in the position of the uterus.

Users who use it

The menstrual cup has now become part of the monthly routine for many women around the world. We at MySecretCase, when we decided to produce the Norma cup, were able to rely on 1000 users who guided us in producing the best cup possible for our users. While designing the Norma cup, we asked ourselves what the right consistency would be to combine comfort and hold: the 1000 users who tried and approved Norma told us that our cup is the right balance between the firmness of Mooncup and the softness of Meluna. No vagina is the same as another and it is therefore very important to find the cup that offers the right compromise for everyone. The people who use the cup are therefore valuable consultants who provide authentic and verifiable feedback on fit, ease of application, odors, and inconveniences.

Cup: practical guide to use

The menstrual cup is designed to allow for easy and quick insertion: it folds very easily, thanks to the flexible nature of the production material and is inserted into the vaginal canal. The small holes at the top help create the right suction to adhere to the walls of the vaginal canal. Bring the two curves of the cup together and fold them in half to minimize the insertion surface. Let's see step by step how to optimize insertion, removal, and maintenance of the cup.

How to insert the cup?

At first, it may seem difficult. It may take more insertions or even several menstrual cycles before you reach a sense of comfort, but we can assure you that once you overcome the initial obstacles, your cup will become a friend you can always count on. And you will start preaching to your friends the joy of the cup just like we are doing.

Prepare for first use

Before using the cup for the very first time, proceed with a sterilization in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Do not allow the cup to touch the bottom of the pot. After sterilization, let the water in the pot cool . Wash your hands with running water and neutral soap. Rinse the cup and dry it with a clean cloth.

Relaxation

If the pelvic floor muscles are relaxed, insertion is easier. Find a comfortable position. You can lie down, squat, sit on the toilet (the easiest), or stand, perhaps raising one leg slightly on a step. For extra help, you could wet the vulva and vagina with water or lubricate with water-based lubricant.

Insertion

Fold the cup. There are different insertion techniques, and you can choose the one that works for you. The two most famous are the "punch" and the "C" method. At the moment of insertion, the cup must necessarily be folded in on itself, otherwise, as you can imagine, it will not reach the vaginal canal.

Once the cup is fully inside you, you can remove your fingers and let it open. If the insertion is correct, you might feel a slight suction or even a small sound, indicating that the cup has created the right adherence. If the base of the cup is oval and without folds, it means you have inserted it correctly. If you feel even the slightest fold, you can grasp the base of the cup (not the stem) and slightly rotate the cup until you find the perfect comfort. If you feel that the cup is well positioned, pull gently on the stem: if there is resistance, it means that the cup has created the right suction. The stem should still be completely inside you, but since we are all different, if the stem protrudes, you can shorten it with scissors.

During flow

One of the main advantages of the cup is that you can forget about it for up to 12 hours, whether it is night or day. But at first, to get to know your flow, it might be useful to empty it frequently to calculate the right continuous insertion time and the rhythm at which you should proceed to empty the cup. According to medicine, a person with a cycle can lose between 5 and 12 teaspoons of blood during menstruation. If it is your first time and you are afraid of any leaks, wear a panty liner too!

How to remove the cup?

Wash your hands
Again, wash your hands with warm water and neutral soap (even Marseille soap is fine).

Relaxation
Even during removal, the more relaxed you are, the easier it is to pull out the cup. Find a comfortable position. You can squat, lie down, get into a squat position, sit on the toilet (the easiest), or stand, perhaps raising one leg slightly on a step. For extra help, you could wet the vulva and vagina with water or lubricate with water-based lubricant.

Removal
When removing the menstrual cup, press the base of the cup to allow air to escape so that the edges of the cup are no longer adhered to the vaginal walls. Gently move the menstrual cup, also pulling slightly on the stem downwards, from one side to the other until it is completely removed. Empty the contents of the cup, into the toilet or into the ground (as shamans do), rinse (remembering the air holes too) and reinsert or proceed to sterilization before storing it. If you do not have access to running water, you can clean it with a wet wipe or toilet paper and rinse it later.

How to Clean and Disinfect the Cup

If menstruation is over, boil the cup for 3-5 minutes, disinfect with a neutral antibacterial wipe, and store the cup in a cotton bag with a drawstring to avoid dust accumulation.

Menstrual cup and virginity

Yes, if you are a virgin, you can use the menstrual cup. In fact, you can start using the menstrual cup at your first menstruation. It requires some practice before achieving the right comfort: the muscles of young and virgin people tend to be tighter, which makes insertion more difficult. Therefore, you need to practice initially. If you feel discomfort or unease, do not force the insertion but take a break. Relax and try again later. The entrance of the vagina is tighter and smaller in width compared to the rest of the vaginal canal, so proceeding gradually will make insertion easier. If you are a virgin, choose the smallest size you can find. Remember, however, that the hymen is not the seal or the "plug" of the vagina that breaks at the first intercourse because it gets "punctured": if that were the case, girls would not be able to have menstrual flow until their first sexual intercourse. Which does not happen. The hymen is a thin layer of tissue that partially covers the vagina, but it wears away for various reasons such as sports, cycling, self-exploration, or clinical examinations. According to medical standards, the rupture of the hymen does not mark the loss of virginity: you lose your virginity at the moment of the first complete penetrative sexual intercourse.

Menstrual cup and sexual intercourse

Pentrative sex (like penis in vagina), insertion of sex toys, or masturbation with finger insertion is not possible while wearing a menstrual cup. If you want to have penetrative sex, you just need to remove the menstrual cup.

Types of cups

Disposable

The disposable menstrual cup is a one-time-use cup with a soft material ring and a transparent, thin collection cup (similar to a condom, although it is clear, it is not a valid contraceptive method). It can be worn for up to 12 hours, even while sleeping and even during sexual intercourse. It eliminates menstrual odors and does not cause any type of irritation or vaginal dryness. It is available in packs of 12 or 24.

Reusable

The reusable menstrual cup is the most common and used for obvious ethical consumption reasons. It has a blood collection bell made of soft but firmer material compared to the disposable cup. It requires careful maintenance that ensures its longevity: if properly sanitized, a quality cup can last up to 10 years.

Cup sizes

Choosing the right size menstrual cup is essential: you will need to insert and wear it many times and for a long time, and it should fit perfectly. To facilitate the process, however, there are criteria that can help you navigate without problems: age and reproductive life are two decisive factors in the choice, but also the length of the cervix and the firmness of the cup material can come into play in the selection. Vaginal muscle tone varies over time and with the experience of motherhood. Generally, choose size M if you are under 30 and have not given birth. Choose size L if you are over 30 or at any age if you have given birth.

Cup firmness and pelvic floor

It is difficult to create a definitive table on the firmness of the menstrual cup to measure the right cup for your needs: the thickness of the silicone is just one of the sensitive factors that define the firmness of the cup. The shape, wall thickness, and quality of the silicone play a role in the fit and comfort of a cup, whether hard or soft, when it is inside a vagina. In general, softer silicone cups are more comfortable because they do not exert outward pressure, but it may be more difficult to get them to open inside, and some handling may be needed to get them to open. Moderately soft cups open more easily. Firmer cups are the best choice if you are using a cup for the first time because they do not require any maneuvering to open inside, although they may be felt, for example, when urinating. A hard cup is also suitable for those who engage in moderate or intense physical activity during menstruation.

Everyone will then have to choose the cup based on their subjective experience, but in general, you can choose the cup based on the tone of the pelvic floor:

• if you have a pelvic floor with average tone, Norma will work great or a tonic or semi-tonic cup
• if it is very toned (those who practice sports, those who train the pelvic floor or those who are overweight), opt for a tonic cup that opens easily
• if it is relaxed, hypersensitive, or has gone through a pregnancy, opt for a soft and flexible cup that ensures greater gentleness.

Prolonged use of the cup does not loosen the elasticity of the vagina: the vagina has muscles capable of stretching, bending, dilating a lot, and returning to normal immediately after. This means that a small object like a cup does not compromise the elasticity of the vagina.

Price of the cup

The prices of menstrual cups on the market range from 10 to 40 euros with a clear difference in quality, design, and chosen material. The cup is a good investment and quality material allows you to enjoy the comfort of a serene menstruation without discomfort or internal irritation. Also, consider that by choosing the menstrual cup, you are already saving a lot compared to using tampons or sanitary pads.

Where to buy the menstrual cup

The safest place to buy the menstrual cup is obviously our online shop because, thanks to our loyalty program, we guarantee you not only materials and workmanship of the highest quality but also a warranty that allows you to replace the cup in case of damage, to have a fresh and new cup for you. We are so passionate about cups that we have also decided to produce one: Norma. The best thing when your cycle arrives is being able to count on a welcoming friend but also solid and reliable. A friend who listens to you and knows how to contain in a soft embrace everything you let go during your blood days.

Uterus

Retroverted or retroflexed
The retroverted or tilted uterus is a uterus tilted backward towards the rectum instead of towards the bladder, with a slightly lower neck. The retroverted uterus does not preclude the use of the menstrual cup. You just need to carefully orient the cup so that the blood flows from the neck of the uterus into the cup without problems. A great way to insert the cup correctly is to study the inside of the vagina with your fingers, locating the neck of the uterus which can be recognized by its rounded shape with a closed orifice inside.

Antiversoflexed
The antiversed uterus is marked by the inclination of the uterus forward, towards the abdomen. It is a non-serious and non-pathological condition and compatible with the use of the menstrual cup. Again, self-examination can facilitate correct application.

Vagina

How to measure?
Proceed to explore your vaginal canal with your fingers. Clean your hands thoroughly first and insert your fingers: you will notice that the walls of your vagina are soft, moist, and particularly elastic and they dilate when pressure is applied.

Length
The average length of the vagina is 6-8 centimeters in the front and 8-9 centimeters in the back (at the bottom, towards the cervix). Being an elastic canal, it changes a lot in length and depth depending on the level of arousal and can also vary over time.

Depth
From the opening of the vaginal canal to the end - at the height of the neck of the uterus - there is an average depth of approximately 7.5 to 9 cm. Being very elastic, the depth can vary and the vagina can accommodate a penis of 20 centimeters when erect.

Cervix (cervical canal)

How to measure the cervix
It is important to locate your cervix for correct insertion of the cup. We all have different cervixes, and it is up to each of us to identify and "measure" it. The cup should be positioned below the cervix, otherwise, there may be blood leaks. Try to locate the cervix with your fingers: you should feel a firmer and rounder area of tissue at the end of the vaginal canal.

Cup brands:

Mooncup

A historic British brand, it began the spread of menstrual cups in 2002. It offers a cup made of soft medical silicone, latex-free, hypoallergenic, and without dyes. Mooncup supports many charities and non-profit programs in the UK and around the world.

Mamicup

It is the first menstrual cup made in Italy. It produces a cup made of certified high-quality platinum medical silicone.

Meluna

Menstrual cup produced in Germany, made of TPE, affordable and comfortable.

Organicup

The ecological menstrual cup produced in the UK since 2012 and registered with the Vegan Society.