Menstrual cups have almost no history of causing toxic shock syndrome TSS , a rare, but dangerous, buildup of certain bacteria in the vagina mainly associated with high-absorbency tampons 8,9. There has only been one reported case so far of TSS linked to menstrual cup use.
In this case, a small injury to the vagina was caused during insertion, which could have been a factor in developing TSS Keep your nails short and your hands clean when inserting and removing your menstrual cup. If you wear any large rings or knuckle rings, these should be removed as well. An intrauterine device IUD is a type of long acting contraceptive that is inserted through the vagina into the uterus. The main body of the IUD sits in the uterus, while two small plastic strings hang out a couple centimeters outside of the cervix.
Many menstrual cup brands 5,11,12 provide guidance on the use of a menstrual cup with IUDs. If you want to use a menstrual cup with your IUD, here are some tips:. So far, there has only been one study that investigated if there was a link between IUD expulsion rates and menstrual cup use. While this study is a good start, more research is needed in this area. Many people safely and happily use IUDs with their menstrual cup, but of course there are also some rare stories where IUDs have become dislodged.
For more information for what is the right choice for you, ask your healthcare provider. Are vaginal fluids really all that different? In this article, we explain how to identify vaginal discharge, arousal fluid, and cervical fluid. Science is evolving each day on how coronavirus affects pregnancy, lactation, and postpartum. When you subscribe to Clue Plus, you don't only get new features: you also fund important research, support data privacy, Clue Birth Control.
Close main menu Homepage Encyclopedia. Menstrual Cycle. Birth Control. Period cups can be pretty polarizing. It seems like people either evangelize about them from the rooftops, or they have a lot of questions and apprehension.
For the uninitiated, period cups also known as menstrual cups are flexible bell-shaped devices that you insert into your vagina to catch your menstrual fluid, then can empty out however often is necessary based on the heaviness of your flow. Most brands claim you can wear a period cup for up to 12 consecutive hours safely. Size is the most important aspect of using a menstrual cup. Ross tells SELF. Some brands, like Lena, have two sizes to choose from—a smaller one and a larger one—and they typically have sizing guides online.
Other brands, like DivaCup, have more options, including one meant for total period beginners. All that said, these are just guidelines. Gupta tells SELF. Ross says. The cup is designed to open up inside your vagina and painlessly suction to your vaginal walls, which keeps it in place.
It should sit below your cervix , the narrow neck-like passage below the uterus that blood flows through to get to your vagina.
As long as your period cup is in correctly, it should feel pretty comfortable, Dr. Minkin tells SELF. Your cup should come with its own set of instructions. A person can wear a reusable cup for up to 6—12 hours before it needs to be removed and washed. Anyone with a heavier menstrual flow may need to empty their cup more frequently. Inserting and removing a menstrual cup can be messy when a person is first using one.
Some people feel squeamish or uncomfortable about their menstrual blood. Using a cup may not be a good option if this is the case. A menstrual cup can also feel uncomfortable if a person does not insert it properly or if they are using the wrong size. In addition, a person with a very heavy flow or who frequently get clots in their menstrual blood may experience some leaks. Some people are concerned about contracting toxic shock syndrome TSS , which is an infection that sometimes develops after prolonged use of tampons.
However, TSS is extremely rare when using menstrual cups or tampons. Using the cup as intended and emptying and washing it frequently can help reduce the risk of infections. There are two main parts of a menstrual cup: the cup and a thin stem at the bottom to make removal easier.
Before using a cup for the first time, it is important to read the directions on the packaging carefully and wash or sterilize it accordingly. It is best to wash the hands well with soap and water before inserting or removing a menstrual cup. To insert it, fold the top of the cup and push it into the vagina, aiming it toward the lower back. Some people find insertion easier when they are squatting. Others prefer to be standing, sometimes with one foot raised, on the edge of the bathtub, for example.
Folding the cup correctly can seem complicated at first, but there are several methods to try. Some of the more popular folds include:. The most common symptoms seem to be light periods or longer…. A period menstruation is normal vaginal bleeding that is a natural part of a woman's healthy monthly cycle. This article details the process. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.
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