DANGERS OF MENSTRUAL CUPS – ANSWERS
Generally, the medical fraternity considers menstrual cups as a safe and effective tool for hygienic menstrual management.
However, if not used strictly in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, then menstrual cups could create some minor problems. In this context, it is also important to note that not just menstrual cups but all the menstrual products including tampons and pads do carry minor issues.
Therefore, safe use of menstrual cups ultimately boils down to finding the right product and using it scientifically.
Accordingly, let’s discuss some of the potential menstrual cup dangers, and how you can avoid them.
Menstrual cups are safe to use if they are scientifically handled
In most cases, menstrual cups are never dangerous provided, you diligently follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
A study by a trusted source of Lancet journal deeply analyzed the safety of menstrual cups. The study enrolled some 3,000 odd participants in total, and the overarching conclusion was that menstrual cups are tools that help manage periods in a safe and hassle-free manner.
There are no strong empirical evidence world over to suggest that menstrual cups are more dangerous than other period products such as pads and tampons.
But in comparison to pads and tampons, there is scientific evidence that menstrual cups are safer and hygienic.
However here are some potential risks
Although 90% of women in the menstrual age group have not faced any complications while using menstrual cups, however, few global studies have identified certain risk factors if not used properly. These include.
- Leakage
- pain while insertion
- allergic reactions
- urinary problems
- infection
- toxic shock syndrome (TSS)
Let’s look at these risks as well as ways to avoid them in detail:
Leakage
Pretty much like any other menstrual products there are times when menstrual cups can leak during use. However, the said leakage happens only if you use a menstrual cup of a wrong size or if the insertion technique is improper.
The best way therefore to prevent leakage is to empty the cup at regular intervals and use a cup that fits well. This is because a menstrual cup that fits well will readily create a seal around the whole of vaginal wall. As a result, it will not move much during the day, thereby avoiding leakage.
Pain or minor injuries
As a matter of truth, inserting any object right into the vagina can cause pain or smaller injuries. However, in the case of menstrual cups, such a pain or injury is likely only when the menstrual cup is inserted roughly, if you have long nails, or if the cup is far too large for your system.
Studies worldwide have indicated that only 0.15% of participants using menstrual cups have experienced pain. For them, this has largely been due to differences in anatomy or the cup being inserted in a wrong position.
Rashes and allergic reactions
A person can be prone to allergic reactions while using any product and this can be true for menstrual cups as well. However, the Lancet review found that only a miniscule section of the population have had allergic reactions while using menstrual cups. This means the theory that menstrual cups can be allergic is only an exception rather than the norm.
Moreover, since companies use different materials while producing a menstrual cup, some people may find that some brands are better for them than others.
Urinary issues
A small number of people may face urinary issues while using menstrual cups.
Additionally, in rare cases, the cup may end up pushing itself against the urethra and block it. This could result in problems while urinating.
The prime cause for urinary issues is that the menstrual cups are not inserted in the correct position.
Infections
The review by Lancet did not find any evidence indicating that menstrual cups pose an increased risk of infection when compared to other period products. In fact some studies suggest that menstrual cups are less likely to cause infections when compared to tampons or pads.
Urologists and gynaecologists at Senziwash say that sterilization is a must after the use, else it could create infections.
Toxic shock syndrome
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a serious and potentially life-threatening bacterial infection. This ailment is commonly associated with tampons but there could be certain stray instances when it can happen with Menstrual Cups as well.
Advantages of using menstrual cups vis-à-vis tampons and pads
When compared with tampons and sanitary pads, menstrual cups are:
- highly reusable, which create less waste and make it an eco-friendly alternative
- very convenient to use, as they have the ability to stay in the vagina for longer than tampons
- totally cost effective when compared with other disposable products
- less likely to cause yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis.
- less likely to cause leaks once a person becomes comfortable with using them
73 percentage of menstrual cup users in The Lancet review wanted to continue using these products after the studies were over.
However, people with severe vaginal injuries and those who are prone to vaginal infection should never use a menstrual cup.
How to safely use a menstrual cup
Before using a menstrual cup for the first time, urologists at Senziwash outline the following instructions:
- Find a cup that fits the body well and is not too soft or not too hard.
- Properly sterilize the cup by adding clean boiling water for 10 minutes after the use
- Alternatively, it is also possible to purchase sterilization tablets, which can be useful when clean hot water is not available.
- Frequently wash your hands with soap and water.
To insert a menstrual cup:
- Wet the outside of the cup with water or apply water-based lubes.
- Press the rim of the cup together so that it forms a straight line. Fold it in half so that the rim forms a “C” shape. Similarly, there are other folding techniques.
- Insert the cup with rim-first into the vagina.
- Once inside, the cup should open up and form a seal around the vaginal wall. A user can test this by running the finger around the edge.
A person can wear the cup for 8 hours at a stretch. Subsequently, they should empty it out and rinse it thoroughly before reinserting the cup again.
It is important that you don’t wear the cup for longer than 12 hours at a time without emptying and washing it.
Further, to remove the cup, you should follow the steps mentioned below:
- Wash the hands with soap and water.
- Carefully insert the fingers into the vagina and gently pull the stem of the cup.
- When the bottom of the cup is within reach, pinch it to break the seal.
- Remove the cup and empty the contents into the toilet or sink.
After each period it is important that you sterilize the cup again before storing it in a clean container until the next period arrives. Also, never share your menstrual cup with others.
In summary…
Menstrual cups are safe to use, as long as the safety guidelines are followed.
There is no strong evidence to suggest that menstrual cups are dangerous than other products.
Therefore, go ahead, follow the guidelines and use Senziwash True Cup for hassle-free and hygienic periods.
