Menstrual cup dangers: This period product may affect your kidneys

Menstrual cups, a reusable different to interval merchandise like tampons and sanitary pads, have turn out to be fairly common over the previous years. You simply must insert the small, versatile, bell-shaped cup into your vagina and it collects all of the interval blood. These cups that are often made from medical-grade silicone or rubber can maintain the fluid till they’re emptied. You simply must observe easy steps to make use of this era product the precise approach. Nonetheless, chances are you’ll expertise menstrual cup risks in the event you don’t insert it correctly. One of many issues is that it could block your urine circulation and have a unfavourable influence in your kidneys, medically generally known as ureterohydronephrosis.

Menstrual cup risks: Understand how it’s linked to kidney issues

In the event you use a menstrual cup, be certain to insert it correctly. When not achieved within the appropriate method, it could 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 named ureterohydronephrosis. It occurs as a consequence of urine buildup, which is commonly brought on by an obstruction. Continual 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 revealed in BMJ Case Studies in February 2025, confirmed {that a} lady in her 30s had intermittent ache within the aspect of her decrease again, and occasional blood in urine. It was a uncommon case of ureterohydronephrosis linked to the interval product. A scan of the urinary system confirmed {that a} menstrual cup was not correctly positioned in her vagina. After elimination of the interval product, researchers discovered that there was a whole regression of the signs.

One other research, revealed in Urology Case Studies in 2020, confirmed {that a} younger lady skilled ache within the aspect of her decrease again. It was discovered that she was utilizing a menstrual cup. When it was eliminated, the ache vanished in sooner or later. This was one other uncommon case of ureterohydronephrosis as a consequence of an improperly positioned menstrual cup.

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

1. Compression of the urethra and bladder

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

2. Elevated suction and vaginal wall rigidity

The interval product creates a vacuum seal to remain in place. Sturdy suction can pull on the vaginal partitions, not directly affecting close by buildings just like the bladder and ureters. “This rigidity can limit urine circulation, resulting in urinary retention and backflow into the ureters,” says the professional.

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 could cause vaginal soreness, one of many menstrual cup unwanted effects. It could actually trigger ache, cramping, or issue inserting the cup later. “All the time 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 stability. It results in vaginal discharge with a fishy odor, and causes discomfort down there. “It is likely one of the menstrual cup risks, particularly in the event you put on it for greater than 12 hours,” says the professional.

3. Poisonous Shock Syndrome

One of many menstrual cup risks is poisonous shock syndrome. It’s a life-threatening situation brought on by micro organism Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. In uncommon instances, menstrual cups also can result in poisonous shock syndrome, in keeping with analysis revealed in IDCases in 2021. “You might expertise fever, rash, nausea, vomiting, and flu-like signs if in case you have Poisonous Shock Syndrome as a consequence of utilizing a menstrual cup for lengthy,” says Dr Bhalla.

4. Vaginal or cervical irritation

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

Menstrual cup risks: Methods to use it accurately?

You may keep away from menstrual cup risks by utilizing it accurately.

1. Select the precise cup

• Small cups are for youngsters, first-time customers, or girls with gentle circulation.
• Giant cups are for girls who’ve given beginning or have a heavy circulation.
• Mushy cups are good for you if in case 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.
• When you have a low cervix, a shorter cup is best.

2. Inserting the cup accurately

• Wash your palms 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.
• Loosen up your pelvic muscle tissues to make insertion simpler, and keep away from menstrual cup risks.
• Fold the interval product in half to create a “C” form.
• Push one aspect of the rim into the cup for a smaller tip.
• Fold one aspect 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 direction of your tailbone.
• Let it pop open inside and create a seal in opposition to 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 palms 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 in the event you want to use it once more.

Menstrual cup risks could also be as a result of you aren’t utilizing it the precise approach or carrying it for lengthy hours. “It may be worn for six to 12 hours, however you want to empty each 4 to eight hours if in case you have a heavy interval circulation,” says the professional.

Sick-fitting menstrual cups can result in ureterohydronephrosis by blocking your pee circulation. 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 forestall well being issues.