Pregnancy And Menstrual Cups: Safe?

Menstrual cups are small, flexible cups that are inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood. They are an alternative to sanitary pads, period underwear, or tampons during menstruation. They are typically made from silicone, latex, or thermoplastic elastomers and can be worn for up to 12 hours.

Menstrual cups are generally regarded as safe within the medical community. However, there are some risks, such as pain, minor injuries, dislodging an intrauterine device (IUD), toxic shock syndrome (TSS), and urinary problems.

It is important to note that all menstrual products carry some degree of risk, and the ultimate decision comes down to finding the product and method that one is most comfortable with.

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS)

TSS is a toxin-mediated clinical illness caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. It is characterised by fever, hypotension, rash, and multi-organ failure with at least three organs being involved. It usually occurs in healthy menstruating women using intravaginal products such as tampons. These products act as a good milieu for colonisation with bacteria capable of producing toxins known as toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (TSST-1). When these toxins gain access to the bloodstream, they can induce a systemic illness that can sometimes be life-threatening.

TSS should be considered in female patients presenting with fever, rash, hypotension, and current menses. Prompt initiation of antibiotics and supportive care is critical.

Menstrual cups may be a rare cause of TSS. A 2019 review of clinical studies found only five cases of TSS after the use of a menstrual cup.

Pros and cons of using menstrual cups

Menstrual cups are a popular alternative to tampons and pads. They are flexible cups that are inserted into the vagina to collect blood. They are safe and effective, and have been around in some form since the 1800s.

Pros of using menstrual cups

• Eco-friendly and cost-effective: They are reusable, which means less waste in the form of single-use, disposable packaging. They are also cheaper than constantly buying tampons and pads.
• Long-lasting: They can be worn for up to 12 hours, which is longer than tampons. This is due to their larger capacity.
• No odour: Menstrual blood starts to smell when exposed to air. However, menstrual cups form an airtight seal, so there is no odour.
• No vaginal dryness: Unlike tampons, menstrual cups do not cause vaginal dryness.
• Mess-free sex: Soft, disposable menstrual cups are designed with sex in mind. They are shaped like a diaphragm, so they are unnoticeable to partners, and there is no blood to worry about.
• Easy to use: If you've used tampons, especially without an applicator, you will probably find menstrual cups easy to insert.

Cons of using menstrual cups

• Insertion takes time: It can be difficult to get used to inserting a menstrual cup, just like with tampons.
• Messy: Inserting and emptying a menstrual cup can be messy as it requires the use of your fingers.
• Hard to remove: Removing a menstrual cup can be tricky and embarrassing, especially in a public restroom.
• Interference with an IUD: There is a chance that a menstrual cup could interfere with an intrauterine device (IUD) by pulling on the string or dislodging it. However, a 2012 study found no evidence of this.
• Irritation: A menstrual cup can irritate the vagina if it is put in without lubricant or if it is not properly cleaned.
• Cleaning: They need to be washed after every use to avoid infection. This can be a hassle for some people.
• Finding the right fit: It can be challenging to find the perfect fit, especially if you have a tilted uterus or low cervix.

Overall, menstrual cups are safe and well-tolerated, but they may not be for everyone. The pros and cons should be weighed before making a decision.

How to use a menstrual cup safely

Menstrual cups are generally regarded as safe within the medical community. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a menstrual cup safely:

Before you put in your menstrual cup

• Wash your hands with soap and water.
• Wet the rim of the cup with water or a water-based personal lubricant. This will make it easier to insert.
• If you are using the cup for the first time, it may be uncomfortable, but "greasing" your cup can help make the process smooth.

How to insert your menstrual cup

• Wash your hands thoroughly.
• Apply water or a water-based lubricant to the rim of the cup.
• Tightly fold the menstrual cup in half, holding it with the rim facing up.
• Insert the cup into your vagina like you would a tampon without an applicator. It should sit a few inches below your cervix.
• Once inside, rotate the cup. It will spring open and form a seal to prevent leaks.
• If the cup doesn't open or feels uncomfortable, try rotating it a little. You shouldn't feel it if it's inserted correctly.

When to take out your menstrual cup

• You can wear a menstrual cup for 6 to 12 hours, depending on your flow.
• Always remove the cup by the 12-hour mark. If it becomes full before then, empty it ahead of schedule to avoid leaks.

How to remove your menstrual cup

• Wash your hands thoroughly.
• Sit or squat in a comfortable position.
• Insert your index finger and thumb into your vagina and locate the cup's stem. Just above it, you'll feel the cup's base.
• Gently pinch the base to release the seal and pull it out.
• Once it's out, empty the contents into the sink or toilet.

Menstrual cup aftercare

• Reusable menstrual cups should be washed and wiped clean before being reinserted. Your cup should be emptied at least twice a day.
• At the end of your cycle, sterilize your cup in boiling water and dry it for next month's use.

Can menstrual cups help you get pregnant?

Menstrual cups have gained popularity in recent years as an environmentally friendly alternative to pads and tampons. The cups are made from materials such as silicone, natural rubber, latex, or thermoplastic elastomers. They are inserted and used to collect blood flow, then emptied and re-inserted periodically throughout the duration of a menstrual cycle.

It's possible that using a menstrual cup could help you get pregnant, but there is no evidence that it does. Theoretically, it could help because it would keep sperm close to the cervix, and sperm can live in the uterus for several days. However, after reviewing the medical literature, there is no high-quality data about menstrual cups aiding conception. There is only anecdotal evidence that couples have used this method and think that it has helped.

How to use a menstrual cup to help conceive

If a couple is trying to become pregnant, they can have intercourse and then directly afterward, place a menstrual cup in the vagina. Leave the cup in for several hours — up to 12 hours, per device guidelines. Alternatively, semen can be ejaculated into the cup, then the cup can be inserted into the vagina.

Drawbacks

The main risks of using a menstrual cup to help conceive are potential irritation or infection. It's possible it can disrupt the normal vaginal flora and cause a yeast or bacterial vaginosis infection. Toxic shock syndrome is a very rare but serious infection that can occur from extended use of a menstrual cup (though it is more often associated with tampon use). A menstrual cup should not be left in for more than 12 hours.

What are menstrual cups?

Menstrual cups are small, flexible receptacles that are inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood. They are an alternative to sanitary pads, period underwear, or tampons during menstruation. They are typically made from silicone or latex and can be worn for up to 12 hours. Unlike tampons and pads, which absorb menstrual blood, menstrual cups collect it, thereby reducing the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS).

Menstrual cups come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are made of different components. The most common sizes are small, medium, large, and extra-large. They are also available in sizes 1 and 2 or A and B. It is recommended that you talk to a gynaecologist to be sure of which size would fit you the best.

Menstrual cups are generally regarded as safe within the medical community. They are made of medical-grade silicone, a safe and non-porous material that does not harbour bacteria. They can be washed with soap and water or sterilised between uses, making them hygienic.

The process of inserting and removing the cup can be uneasy, especially in public places. If one is wearing the wrong cup size, it can lead to irritation, itching, and leakage.

Frequently asked questions