Menstrual cup danger, risks and safety: TSS, IUDs, leaks—let’s break it all down!
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Time to read 10 min
Do you want to use safe, zero-waste period products with a clean, transparent composition during your period? Do you want to know more about the period cup or menstrual cup? Are you afraid the cup might get sucked up and you won’t be able to remove it? Worried about the suction effect? Afraid it will hurt or leak?
Menstrual cup danger: what are the real risks of using a cup today? Are the rumors and “things people say” actually true?
Is there any danger associated with wearing a menstrual cup? Toxic shock, IUD, shifting—what are the risks?
What are the risks when using a menstrual cup during your period? Are there any negative reviews about the menstrual cup? What are the dangers of the menstrual cup?
In this article
Three “dangers” and common myths about menstrual cups 1 – Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) with a menstrual cup How can you avoid TSS? What should you do if you have symptoms? 2 – Menstrual cup and IUD: is there a risk? Risk of IUD displacement with a cup Precautions to take with an IUD What alternatives to the cup are recommended? 3 – How do you choose the right menstrual cup size? Size S or size M: which cup size should you choose? The Loulou menstrual cup Healthy and safe A French-made menstrual cup that’s safe for your health In short. menstrual cup danger and risks FAQ – Menstrual cup dangers To go further... A French-made cup that’s safe?
Three “dangers” and common myths about menstrual cups
When we talk about the dangers of menstrual cups, the same arguments often come up. Among them:
- the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS),
- the risk of pulling out the IUD,
- the risk of pain because the cup size isn’t right for you.
To help you choose your period protection as calmly and confidently as possible, let’s go over the washable, reusable, eco-friendly cup together and look at the real and perceived risks associated with using it.
1 – Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) with a menstrual cup
The risk of developing TSS, or toxic shock syndrome, is possible if you wear a cup, just as it is if you wear a tampon. This serious but rare infection is something you should know about. Around twenty cases are reported each year in France.
With both cups and tampons, blood remains in your vagina. Harmful bacteria have time to develop (toxins produced by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus). The spread of these toxins is dangerous because they then enter the bloodstream and attack the organs.
How can you avoid TSS?
TSS is of course preventable.
- First of all, you need to know that this syndrome exists, and therefore stay alert.
- Next, menstrual cups are not dangerous if they are used correctly. You need to use them properly and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations (the instructions for use always come with the cup) in order to have a positive experience.
- So it’s important to empty your cup regularly (ideally every 4 hours), clean it properly between each use and sterilize it at the beginning and end of every new menstrual cycle.
- It’s therefore a good idea to have two menstrual cups so you can alternate and always use a perfectly clean hygiene product. You’ll feel more comfortable that way.
- We also recommend choosing period underwear for nighttime. Very comfortable, soft and super absorbent, period panties are excellent alternatives for your intimate hygiene. A cup for the day, panties for the night and you’re all set for zero-waste, comfy periods while still looking after your health!
“The risk of TSS doubles if internal protection is worn for more than 6 hours.” (study by the French National Reference Centre for Staphylococci)
What should you do if you have symptoms?
If you experience fever, vomiting, a rash or headaches, don’t hesitate—go straight to the emergency room. Remove your period product and make sure you tell the doctors that you’re on your period and were using internal protection. In cases of TSS, acting quickly is very important.
KEY POINTS
- The risk of TSS with a menstrual cup does exist, but it remains very rare if hygiene and wear-time guidelines are followed.
- No recent study shows any specific increased risk with cups compared with tampons.
- It’s very important to empty and clean your cup regularly, every 4 to 6 hours.
- You need to sterilize your cup at the beginning and end of your period.
- You must wash your hands thoroughly before every time you handle your cup.
2 – Menstrual cup and IUD: is there a risk?
Wearing an IUD and a menstrual cup at the same time is not contraindicated, but you do need to know a few key points before using a menstrual cup with an IUD.
Just a reminder: Cu-IUDs or LNG-IUS, intrauterine devices and intrauterine systems, copper or hormonal, are very practical contraceptive methods for many women and girls. IUDs are also a very reliable form of contraception—more reliable than condoms, for example.
Risk of IUD displacement with a cup
Yes, undeniably, there is a risk of IUD displacement when using a cup. This is one of the adverse effects of cups that you really need to be aware of.
The scientific study in question highlights the risk, while not advising you to stop using a cup, but rather to stay vigilant and, above all, to know how to use it properly.
Of the 309 patients analyzed, 8 experienced IUD failure, including 5 expulsions and 3 removals by the practitioner due to malposition (no patient became pregnant). Survival analysis does not show any increased risk of IUD failure among cup users compared with non-users. Study on the use of menstrual cups.
Precautions to take with an IUD
- First, we strongly encourage you to get the approval or advice of your gynecologist or midwife before using a menstrual cup to collect your flow. These health professionals can, for example, trim your IUD strings a bit shorter as a precaution, or give you advice tailored to your situation.
- Second, it’s recommended not to use a cup in the first two months after an IUD is inserted. It’s particularly in the first few weeks after insertion that the contraceptive is most likely to become dislodged. So avoid it and opt instead for external protection such as period underwear, for example.
- Third, we’d like to remind you that it’s important to know how to handle and use your washable period protection properly. Follow the instructions, the leaflet and the folding and removal guidelines carefully. Never forget to gently slide a finger along the side of your cup when removing it to break the suction seal and avoid putting unnecessary pressure on your contraception.
What alternatives to the cup are recommended?
If, in the end, the cup just isn’t for you, we can recommend two types of washable period products that are just as effective and appealing:
- The very-heavy-flow period panties are ideal if you have a copper IUD in particular (as it often causes very heavy periods). The Clara high-waisted very-heavy-flow period panties are really perfect for you, day and night. Take your time browsing our shop and all our period products.
- If you really want to stick with internal period protection without going back to tampons (and we get it!), you can always try a menstrual disc. This washable, internal period product has all the benefits of a cup while avoiding the suction effect thanks to its flatter shape.
KEY POINTS
It’s very important to avoid using a cup for at least the first two menstrual cycles after an IUD is inserted (whether hormonal or copper). Also, get into the habit of checking that your intrauterine device is still in place by feeling the strings with your fingertips. Finally, make sure you’re well informed about the different handling techniques and gestures before using a cup. 😉
3 – How do you choose the right size of period cup?
Risk of leaks, shifting, or even discomfort, the menstrual cup size is obviously important but does not pose any danger to your health or to you.
When buying your menstrual cup or cups, take the time to get well informed about the available sizes.
Size S or size M: which cup size should you choose?
At Louloucup, two different cup sizes are available:
- a size S
- and a size M. We’ve listed the features for each one.
Young girls and women with a light menstrual flow, normal or moderate, will be delighted with the small size.
Women who have given birth vaginally or who have heavy or very heavy periods (intense menstrual flow) will be satisfied with the medium size.
The menstrual cup by Loulou
Zero waste, washable, reusable, affordable, soft, healthy, French, practical, reliable, effective, eco-friendly, a great alternative to tampons and pads—the Loulou cup has only advantages!
Healthy and safe
Far better than a tampon, the Loulou menstrual cup has a composition that meets the strictest standards (FDA, USP class VI, ISO 10993-6-10, REACH and RoHS).
Free from latex and fragrance, our Loulou cups are made from medical-grade silicone without phthalates or bisphenol A. This internal hygiene product is therefore much healthier for your intimate area than a tampon or pad with a controversial composition (petrochemical derivatives, plastic, etc.).
We take great care in manufacturing our menstrual cups. Discover the full story of our French-made menstrual cup.
A French-made menstrual cup that’s safe for your health
Louloucup offers a 100% French-made cup that’s super soft, flexible, comfortable and reliable. Our menstrual cup can be worn by both teenagers and active women. Virgins can also wear the menstrual cup safely.
What’s more, using a menstrual cup is very hygienic.
The Turquoise Louloucup menstrual cup
- an ultra-soft cup made from medical-grade silicone,
- perfect for both light and very heavy menstrual flows,
- a washable period product, reusable, long-lasting and eco-friendly,
- a French-made cup of outstanding quality,
- a cup at a very low price,
- the perfect hygiene product for athletes, travelers, active women and swimmers,
- an ideal first cup for teenagers,
- a perfect period solution for those with extra-sensitive skin,
- this cup model is available in two sizes,
- The Loulou Turquoise period cup, which is safe for your health, is eligible for our custom sliding-scale bundle. Order it with a sterilizer and some period panties so you’re fully equipped for your next period.
“Nothing to complain about. Soft and perfectly shaped (no ridge at the top, and the rounded stem for removal: I love it!), ideal size for me, and I really like that the pouch is cotton.” Christine, a devoted user of the Turquoise Louloucup.
In short. Menstrual cup danger, risks, safety
Our Loulou menstrual cups have won over many customers. Reviews and feedback are super positive. When you order your cup, don’t hesitate to add a sterilizer to make sterilizing easier. It’s also really handy to pop a few pairs of period underwear into your cart. They’re perfect for nighttime.
Made in France, our Turquoise cup in size S or M ships for free, so go for it! Our cups are eligible for our sliding-scale bundle offer. You can create your own custom set of Loulou period products however you like: panties, swimsuits and cups—you have total freedom. Mix products, styles, sizes and collections to build your ideal, personalized bundle. And don’t forget: the more items you add, the more the unit price of each product goes down. 😉
FAQ – Menstrual cup dangers
Can you sleep with a menstrual cup in?
We’d rather recommend switching to period underwear at night. It’s safer and more comfortable. Some period panty styles have an absorbent layer that goes up very high, so you can sleep on your back or on your stomach without worrying about leaks or stains! To sleep soundly, even with a very heavy flow, we recommend the Jade, Mathilde, Liv or Clara styles.
Can a menstrual cup get lost in the vagina?
No, a menstrual cup cannot get lost in the vagina. It can sometimes move up quite high. You may then have some trouble reaching the stem. In that situation, you just need to push with your pelvic muscles and you’ll find that your cup comes back down.
What is the lifespan of a menstrual cup?
A menstrual cup can be used for years without any problem: between 5 and 10 years if it’s properly cared for.
Wondering how long a period product lasts is completely legitimate. It’s a fairly significant investment, so you need the reassurance that the product is robust and reliable.
How do you clean your menstrual cup?
You can find plenty of our tips in the Care Advice section of the blog. But for now, remember this: always rinse your cup thoroughly between each use and after each emptying, and don’t hesitate to sterilize it regularly. One last tip: between periods, store your cup away from dust and light.
Menstrual cup for teenagers/virgins: is it possible?
Yes. You can be a virgin, you can be a teenager and still use a menstrual cup as period protection. It’s not contraindicated.
To go further...
Camille
I’ve been writing for Louloucup for several years now, and I love chatting about everything from period underwear to grandma’s remedies for period pain! Every week I share my favorites and inspirations with one goal in mind: to help you finally experience calm, stress-free periods!
A French-made cup that’s safe?
