Are there dangers to using menstrual cups?
Are Menstrual Cups Safe?
If you’ve got a vivid imagination or are prone to compulsive searches of the internet for any negative product reviews, you may have been put off by the idea of using period cups by some of the stories you’ve read. We’d like to set the record straight and, hopefully, put your mind at rest, answering your FAQs regarding the possible dangers there seems to be with a period cup.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a get an infection from a menstrual cup?
It’s extremely rare to pick up an infection from the cup itself. If anything, you’re more likely to introduce bacteria from your hands. That’s why it’s so important that you wash your hands thoroughly every time you insert or remove the cup and you sterilize the menstrual cup before using it. Read more about How to Clean Your Menstrual Cup. If you’re out and about, and you only have water and/or scented soap to clean your period cup, only use the water. You can use a menstrual cup cleaner, cup wipes or unscented soap and water when you get home.
Can I get Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) from a period cup?
TSS is a fairly rare bacterial infection that’s associated with (but not exclusive to) tampon use. In particular, tampons being left inside the vagina for long periods). Although there have only been two cases of TSS in connection with menstrual cup use, we recommend you limit the length of time you keep your cup inside you to 12 hours (even if your flow is very light). Even better, empty it 2-4 times a day. Read more about Toxic Shock Syndrome.
Can you sleep with a menstrual cup in?
Of course you can. One of the great things about period cups is that you can sleep soundly without having to wake up to change your pad or tampon.
Is it OK to use a menstrual cup with an IUD?
Yes, absolutely. Although there are some things you need to be aware of. Check out our article ‘Using a Menstrual Cup with an IUD’ for more information.
What if I want a poo when I’ve got the cup inside me?
Simple. You have a poo, just as you would without the cup. Just remember to wash your hands before and after you go to the toilet, in case you need to check the cup is still sitting correctly.
Do I have to avoid swimming?
No. On the contrary. Menstrual cups are ideal for swimming as everything’s inside and you don’t have to worry about any strings making an unwelcome appearance.
Get in touch
Let’s see if we can help you! If you have a trickier question to ask and want to contact one of our human Menstrual Mentors on our contact page. Alternatively check out our great range of menstrual products.
Please note that we are not healthcare professionals and our advice is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, and should not be relied upon as such.
17 comments
Hi Emma! Thanks for your comment! It sounds like you’re experiencing some cervix movement, this is normal and common. We’re happy to help with troubleshooting! Just email us at info@lunette.com and we’ll get your sorted. ☺️
-Team Lunette
I bought my first cup several months ago. It was great! So much more comfortable than pads or tampons, no smell, and a smaller footprint! But after so much success the first few cycles, now I can’t seem to be able to reliably use the cup and I almost want to give up on cups all together! When I lift objects from the ground I can feel the seal break and I have to drop what I’m doing to manage a leak. And then sometimes when I insert the cup it sits so low that the pull tab pokes my underwear even after trimming it—but I can’t get the cup in any higher! Is this a matter of sizing? Should I cut the whole tab off? Can I flip it inside out so there’s no blunt edge to poke me? Why would it work seamlessly sometimes, but be so uncomfortable at other times that I have to just give up? When I use the same insertion method each time? It’s so fickle and I’m so frustrated—I just want a method I can rely on that is comfortable.
Hi Gray! Please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@lunette.com and we’d be happy to help you further with this! :)
-Team Lunette
I’m a first-time cup user and picked up a Lunette cup at a health food store while my husband and I were on our 25th anniversary trip. I already had a different cup that I had just learned how to put in the day before and it was working perfectly. I got the Lunette as a second cup so I could have a sanitized one to swap it out for during the day. The Lunette is an almost identical size and shape to my original cup so I had hopes it would work just as well.
Unfortunately, the Lunette is much stiffer. I wasn’t aware how different cups could be in that regard.
I have adult-onset muscular dystrophy and have poor grip strength. I was able to get the Lunette in after a couple tries where it popped open too soon because I couldn’t hold onto it. When I did finally get it in, it wasn’t far enough and I couldn’t move it up so I removed it. Removal was very difficult because it was too stiff for me to pinch the base effectively. I almost had to have my husband come help me.
Since I got the cup at a store rather than through the site, I can’t return it.
Is there any way to soften the cup up, you know like how you soften up a baseball glove or something? I think I could use it if it were softer.
Putting it in was a little awkward but once I looked at the instructions properly, it was very easy and I largely forgot about it on my first try. BUT I just took it back out, careful to squeeze the ridges of the cup and not only pull the cord, and it felt like it was still fully suctioned on!!!! Any tips to make that moment more comfortable would be great!
Hi Kim! So glad you are loving your Lunette Cup! Thank you for sharing your story :) You’re absolutely right that the cup touching the cervix can cause some cramping and discomfort, so taking a moment to make sure you get it in smoothly is an excellent idea. :)
-Team Lunette
First time cup user here! I used the cup for the first time today and I do recommend not just shoving it in when you are in a huge hurry. I accidentally forgot to bring mine with me to work and I ended up starting my period with just a cloth pad and nothing else. BIG MISTAKE. As a heavy bleeder, I drove in a hurry back home to insert it and then jump back in the car to go back to work. If you shove it in, you will likely end up with a very severe cramp that feels extremely sore for a good bit until you adjust it. This cramp likely happens as a result of the cup touching or hitting the cervix. Thankfully, after adjusting though I found it to be amazing! I feel much dryer than I did with a pad or tampon (yes even the ultra absorbency ones) with maybe one little leak and that is it. Pretty impressed so far. So glad I decided to try it!
Hi Jass!
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@lunette.com and we’re more than happy to troubleshoot what’s not working! :)
-Team Lunette
Hi Nicole!
So sorry you experienced this! We would love to troubleshoot why this might have happened- please feel free to email us at info@lunette.com and we’ll get to the bottom of it! <3
-Team Lunette
I got my cup in the mail a week ago and was very excited to try it out. But I can’t get it to pop for me, it’s been two days. Tried every suggestion I seen online. I wish I could enjoy the excitement of being tampon free.
I hope someone with advice sees this! I’ve been using a menstrual cup for over a year now, I live near the ocean and swim frequently. Today I was playing in large waves – getting tossed around in the shore break.
when I emptied my cup at home it was FULL with water!
It made a different sound than it usually does when I was “un-suctioning” it. And when I went to pour it into the toilet it was 95% water. Now I’m freaking out that I’m gonna get an infection or something because dirty ocean water was sitting in my cup for like 3+ hours.
Any advice?!
Hey Sayali!
Great question! Difficulty going to the restroom with your cup in can typically be avoided by repositioning the cup in your vagina.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@lunette.com with any other questions you may have! <3
Hello,
It’s my sixth month using Lunette cup and I love it absolutely.
Few things still bothering me:
1. I feel like it presses on my bladder and I have difficulty urinating when the cup is sitting inside.
2. At times I feel difficulty having a complete bowel movement as well due to the cup.
I will appreciate any suggestions or improvisations!
Regards- Sayali
Thanks for all the comments!
Kristine mccaddon: We’re so happy you love your Lunette!! If you feel like your cup is pressing on your bladder, please reach out to us at info@lunette.com. We have all kinds of tips and tricks on becoming a menstrual cup pro!
MUskaan: YES!!!
Nina: If you don’t have the Lunette Feelbetter Cup Cleanser or Cupwipes, we recommend you use a mild, fragrance-free, oil-free soap to wash your menstrual cup.
I love the menstrual cup. My uterus is tilted and my cervix can sit very low. Tampons are useless and I’m allergic to pads (they are gross anyways). It did cause me some incontinence, but I’m giving it another try.
Can I use it at night time….???
Can I use vagisil women’s cleanser to wash my menstrual cup? It may not be correct but my thinking is if a cleanser is gentle and good enough for intimate areas, is it okay to use for menstrual cups?
