Menstrual cup dangers: This period product may affect your kidneys

Menstrual cups, a reusable different to interval merchandise like tampons and sanitary pads, have develop into fairly standard over the previous years. You simply should insert the small, versatile, bell-shaped cup into your vagina and it collects all of the interval blood. These cups that are often product of medical-grade silicone or rubber can maintain the fluid till they’re emptied. You simply should observe easy steps to make use of this era product the precise method. Nonetheless, you could expertise menstrual cup risks if you happen to don’t insert it correctly. One of many issues is that it might block your urine stream and have a detrimental influence in your kidneys, medically often known as ureterohydronephrosis.

Menstrual cup risks: Know the way it’s linked to kidney issues

In the event you use a menstrual cup, ensure that to insert it correctly. When not achieved within the right method, it might probably result in swollen kidneys and ureter, which is the tube that carries your pee away from the kidneys. “The swelling of the kidney and ureter is called ureterohydronephrosis. It occurs resulting from urine buildup, which is usually attributable to an obstruction. Power obstruction could injury your kidneys,” says gynaecologist Dr Ritambhara Bhalla.

In uncommon instances, improper use of a menstrual cup can contribute to this situation, which makes it troublesome to urinate. A brand new research printed in BMJ Case Stories in February 2025, confirmed {that a} lady in her 30s had intermittent ache within the facet of her decrease again, and occasional blood in urine. It was a uncommon case of ureterohydronephrosis related to the interval product. A scan of the urinary system confirmed {that a} menstrual cup was not correctly positioned in her vagina. After removing of the interval product, researchers discovered that there was an entire regression of the signs.

One other research, printed in Urology Case Stories in 2020, confirmed {that a} younger lady skilled ache within the facet of her decrease again. It was discovered that she was utilizing a menstrual cup. When it was eliminated, the ache vanished in in the future. This was one other uncommon case of ureterohydronephrosis resulting from an improperly positioned menstrual cup.

Right here’s how utilizing this era product can have a detrimental influence in your kidneys:

1. Compression of the urethra and bladder

A agency or massive cup can press towards your bladder and urethra. “If the cup sits too excessive or is inserted at an incorrect angle, it might apply stress on the decrease urinary tract, affecting urine stream,” shares Dr Bhalla. The obstruction can decelerate or block urine stream, inflicting urine to again up into the ureters and kidneys. Over time, this stress results in swollen kidneys.

2. Elevated suction and vaginal wall stress

The interval product creates a vacuum seal to remain in place. Robust suction can pull on the vaginal partitions, not directly affecting close by constructions just like the bladder and ureters. “This stress can prohibit urine stream, resulting in urinary retention and backflow into the ureters,” says the knowledgeable.

Different menstrual cup risks

When used accurately, menstrual cup is secure, and efficient. Nonetheless, there are menstrual cup risks when used improperly.

1. Suction-related accidents

Pulling the cup with out breaking the seal may cause vaginal soreness, one of many menstrual cup unwanted side effects. It could trigger ache, cramping, or issue inserting the cup later. “At all times pinch the bottom or insert a finger to interrupt the seal earlier than eradicating the cup,” says Dr Bhalla.

2. Bacterial vaginosis

It’s an an infection that occurs when the degrees of micro organism in your vagina are out of steadiness. It results in vaginal discharge with a fishy scent, and causes discomfort down there. “It is among the menstrual cup risks, particularly if you happen to put on it for greater than 12 hours,” says the knowledgeable.

3. Poisonous Shock Syndrome

One of many menstrual cup risks is poisonous shock syndrome. It’s a life-threatening situation attributable to micro organism Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. In uncommon instances, menstrual cups also can result in poisonous shock syndrome, in line with analysis printed in IDCases in 2021. “Chances are you’ll expertise fever, rash, nausea, vomiting, and flu-like signs when you have Poisonous Shock Syndrome resulting from utilizing a menstrual cup for lengthy,” says Dr Bhalla.

4. Vaginal or cervical irritation

A big or improperly positioned cup may cause ache, cramping, or discomfort down there. Whether it is inserted too excessive, it might press towards your cervix, and trigger recognizing or irritation,” says the knowledgeable. Select the precise dimension primarily based in your cervix peak and stream to keep away from menstrual cup risks.

Menstrual cup risks: Learn how to use it accurately?

You’ll be able to keep away from menstrual cup risks by utilizing it accurately.

1. Select the precise cup

• Small cups are for youngsters, first-time customers, or ladies with mild stream.
• Massive cups are for girls who’ve given delivery or have a heavy stream.
• Smooth cups are excellent for you when you have bladder sensitivity or discomfort with firmer cups.
• Agency cups have a tendency to remain in place higher and could also be simpler to insert.
• If in case you have a low cervix, a shorter cup is best.

2. Inserting the cup accurately

• Wash your fingers correctly then rinse the cup with heat water.
• Sterilise it by boiling it for 5 minutes earlier than first use and after every menstrual cycle.
• Sit on the bathroom, squat, or place one leg on an elevated floor.
• Calm down your pelvic muscle groups to make insertion simpler, and keep away from menstrual cup risks.
• Fold the interval product in half to create a “C” form.
• Push one facet of the rim into the cup for a smaller tip.
• Fold one facet down diagonally right into a “7” form.
• Maintain the folded cup and gently insert it into your vagina at a slight 45-degree angle in the direction of your tailbone.
• Let it pop open inside and create a seal towards your vaginal partitions.
• Run a finger across the rim to make sure it’s totally open.
• Gently rotate or wiggle the bottom to enhance the seal.
• If inserted accurately, you shouldn’t really feel the product.

3. Eradicating the cup

• Once more, wash your fingers earlier than eradicating this era product.
• Pinch the bottom or insert a finger alongside the cup to launch the seal.
• Don’t pull it out by the stem alone to keep away from discomfort or suction injury.
• Empty, rinse, and reinsert if you happen to want to use it once more.

Menstrual cup risks could also be as a result of you aren’t utilizing it the precise method or sporting it for lengthy hours. “It may be worn for six to 12 hours, however it is advisable to empty each 4 to eight hours when you have a heavy interval stream,” says the knowledgeable.

In poor health-fitting menstrual cups can result in ureterohydronephrosis by blocking your pee stream. There are extra menstrual cup risks, together with Poisonous Shock Syndrome. So, select the precise dimension, firmness, and form whereas shopping for these cups, and place them accurately to stop well being issues.