Menstrual cups have emerged as a good alternative approach toward period care for women who prefer comfort with low expense. Instead of absorbing the menstrual blood like conventional pads and tampons, these small, reusable silicone cups collect the blood.

Regardless of increased popularity, there are some potential menstrual cup health risks, which, unfortunately, no one talks about. While the cups are considered harmless, improper use and lack of understanding can lead to severe health implications. 

In this article, we will discuss the health risks of using menstrual cups and offer you practical solutions to boost your health and well-being.

Menstrual Cups: What Makes Them Popular?

Menstrual cups are made up of medical-grade silicone, rubber, or elastomer, which can easily last years. These products are both economical and environmentally friendly.

Menstrual cups are widely promoted as a more “natural” approach to period care when compared to tampons, which often have clogging chemicals or synthetic fibres.

Another appealing aspect of these cups is their convenience. If you are using a menstrual cup, you would not have to worry about changing it within the next few hours, as some menstrual cups can collect blood for up to 12 hours.

When you consider all these factors, menstrual cups are no doubt a popular recommendation. But, there are several other factors that no one talks about, which we are going to discuss in the next section.

The Menstrual Cup Health Risks You Should Know

There are some potential menstrual cup health risks which many users are not aware of. Even though they are not common, you should at least know about these risks to make informed decisions.

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)

One of the most serious concerns that are associated with the use of menstrual cups is TSS or Toxic Shock Syndrome. Although TSS is very uncommon, it remains a life-threatening blood infection.

TSS is known to be common with the use of tampons, but recent evidence suggests that menstrual cups do more harm than good. A 2021 case study revealed that the overuse of menstrual cups promotes the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, the bacteria responsible for TSS.

Vaginal Infections

Another major issue is the increase in risk of vaginal infections. Since menstrual cups go straight into your vagina, they must be cleaned in between uses.

Inadequate sterilization of the cup can result in bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections. The risk of infection increases further if the cup is removed using unwashed hands, as harmful bacteria will be left deep into the vaginal canal.

Can Menstrual Cups Affect Your Vaginal Health?

The rule is simple. The menstrual cup is placed within your vaginal canal. If you are not following the right rules to use it and are not properly cleaning the cups before and after using, your vaginal health takes a toll.

Here's a brief account of menstrual cup vaginal health risks.

Changes in Vaginal pH

We know that you may assume that because menstrual cups are made from medical-grade materials, they won't cause any irritation. However, research shows that the use of a "cup" can change the natural pH balance of the vagina, resulting in infections and discomfort.

Affects Natural Bacteria

The vagina is an organ that houses a good amount of bacteria that are essential for its well-being. However, wearing a menstrual cup for an extended time may change that balance and cause dryness or irritation.

A 2023 study suggested that poor menstrual cup hygiene could lead to overgrowth of harmful bacteria and increase the chances of bacterial vaginosis.

Common Mistakes Women Make With Menstrual Cups

Menstrual cups can be useful when you are using them the right way. When you are not aware of the potential risks and the proper way of using them, you make way for unpleasant circumstances, many of which we have already discussed.

Now, we are going to understand the common mistakes women make while using menstrual cups. One of the most common and least discussed issues is getting the wrong size. The cup that doesn’t fit properly can cause all sorts of issues, such as leaks, pain, and irritation in the vagina.

Another common problem is the woman not washing their hands before taking the cup off or putting it on. Not cleaning hands can expose the vagina directly to bacteria, leading to all sorts of infections.

In the same way, many women forget to clean, or rather sanitize, the cup in between usages. You shouldn't just rinse the cup; germicidal water should be used to kill bacteria and prevent infection.

Additionally, even though you can use the menstrual cups longer than tampons and pads, there is a limit. You can only use your cup in one go for 8-12 hours, no longer than that. Using them for an extended duration can again lead to potential menstrual cup health risks, which we have already discussed.

Alternatives for Women Concerned About Menstrual Cup Health Risks

If the health risks connected with using a menstrual cup sound alarming, don't worry. There indeed exist a number of natural and safe period care alternatives. Organic pads are the best replacement since they are clean, breathable, and provide better protection.

Peuriste™ organic pads are a top choice for women in Singapore who want effective and sustainable period care. These pads have an ultra-soft, skin-friendly core that absorbs moisture and is made from organic bamboo and corn fibre.

Unlike traditional pads, Peuriste™ pads are free of harsh, irritating chemicals. Their products have also been tested and earned the Dermatest® Guarantee Seal.

Using organic pads is a great way of being environmentally conscious without compromising your menstrual hygiene. They are less likely to cause infections, irritation, and pH imbalance.

The Takeaway

Using menstrual cups is helpful, but it does come with certain risks, so you need to take extra care than usual. Women should stay aware of risks to their health and take the necessary precautions. If it's comfort you seek, then organic pads like Peuriste™ are the answer for you.