Menstrual Cup and Disc Dangers - are there any?

Menstrual cups are typically considered to be a very safe and reliable period care option. However, some risks may occur through improper use or the improper sizing of a cup. Some of these risks may include:

Bacterial infection: Hands should be thoroughly washed before handling, inserting, or removing a menstrual cup to ensure bacteria is not introduced to the vaginal canal. The cup itself should also be properly washed and sanitised both during and at the end of each cycle.

Increased prolapse risk: A cup should NOT be pulled out by it’s stem. In order to avoid the risk of contributing to a prolapse, the suction seal of the menstrual cup must first be properly broken. This is done by pinching the base of the cup before removing it, or by running the finger up between the vaginal wall and the side of the cup, and crushing the cup in on itself. For women who have a weak pelvic floor, they are best to avoid cups without air holes, as these can sometimes create a stronger suction. For people with a weak pelvic floor, we would highly recommend trying a menstrual disc, as these do not rely on suction to stay in place.

TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome): TSS cases associated with the use of menstrual cups are very few and considerably lower than the statistics of TSS resulting from the use of tampons. To reduce any potential risk, a menstrual cup should not be worn for more than 12 hours and should be properly cleaned and sterilised during and at the end of each cycle.

Vaginal tearing: An incorrectly sized menstrual cup may be difficult to remove and in some rare cases, may result in vaginal tearing or bruising. This is more likely to occur in people who have a particularly narrow or tight vaginal canal and are using a cup that is too large or firm.

UTI’s (Urinary Tract Infections): An increase in UTI’s may occur if a cup is too big or too firm resulting in it placing pressure on the urethra. A menstrual cup should not affect urine flow, so if this appears to be happening, a softer or smaller cup may be better.

Allergic Reaction: The majority of menstrual cups are made from Medical Grade Silicone. This is naturally hypo-allergenic and if a reaction occurs, it could be that, although rare, a silicone allergy is present.

It is important to inspect your menstrual cup or disc regularly and care for it in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. If your menstrual cup begins to show signs of deterioration, severe discolouration, or develops a sticky or powdery film, then it is advised that you stop using your cup and replace it with a new one. This also applies if you begin to experience irritation while using your cup.