Menstrual cups are generally considered safe objects within the medical community. However, minimal risks are likely to occur if a women's menstrual cup is not used as recommended. Remember that all menstrual products, including menstrual cups, come with a certain degree of risk.

Even though you can wear a menstrual cup for as long as twelve hours, it has potential side effects. This article will teach you about the side effects of menstrual cups and other essential things. Let’s begin.

Is it Safe to Use Menstrual Cups?

The dangers of menstrual cups are a commonly discussed topic in medical hygiene. However, they are not potentially dangerous as long as they are appropriately used and cared for. There is nothing more hazardous about menstrual products than tampons. Even though menstrual cups are similar to tampons, significant risks might incur if not used properly.

What are the Side Effects of Using Menstrual Cups?

Studies reveal that some potential risks are associated with incorrect and improper usage of menstrual cups. Some of the significant menstrual cup side effects include:

- Irritation

Irritation from menstrual cups can be caused due to several reasons. If you insert the cup without proper lubrication or cleaning, significant irritation might persist. So you need to read the instruction manual carefully before inserting it within your vagina.

- Leakage

Sometimes menstrual cups are likely to leak when it gets overfilled or do not fit properly. This issue can be resolved if you use the perfect-fitting menstrual cups and empty them regularly. So by forming an airtight seal around the vaginal wall, your menstrual cup would not move much throughout the day.

- Skin Rashes and Allergies

When any foreign body comes in contact with the skin, it might cause allergic reactions. Even though menstrual cups are made from medical-grade silicone, they are no exception for allergic reactions. Nevertheless, this is not the case unless you are allergic to silicone.

- Pain and Small Injuries

If you insert oversized menstrual cups within your vagina, minor injuries and pain might occur. Sometimes, inserting menstrual cups roughly or with long nails can also inflict pain and minor cuts.

- Expelled or Dislodged IUD

If you have an intrauterine device inserted, then a menstrual cup might reduce its effectiveness since the cup can pull the string every time it is inserted and pulled out. Thus, the IUD becomes dislodged, impeding its function.

- Urinary Issues

Menstrual cups can introduce bacteria within the urinary tract every time it is inserted. Besides, inserting any object within the vagina can irritate and disturb the urethra. Nevertheless, cases of pushing the menstrual cups against the urethra are sporadic. But when it does, the urethra becomes blocked, and it causes difficulties in passing urine.

- Toxic Shock Syndrome

It is probably the most life-threatening bacterial infection which results from Streptococcus and Staphylococcus bacteria. TSS is a prevalent cause among women using tampons. However, using menstrual cups might also trigger it in the rarest of cases.

- Severe Infections

Menstrual cups can sometimes cause severe infections in and around the vaginal portions, mostly because bacteria are transferred from hands to the cups. Infections like vaginosis and yeast infections can develop because of bacteria. It happens because the vaginal pH level considerably fluctuates.

So, washing the menstrual cups regularly with soap and water is essential.

To Conclude

Menstrual cups are highly effective once you know the proper techniques. When you are using menstrual cups, make sure you maintain good hygiene to keep out perilous infections.