Menstrual cups are everything an ideal period aid should be. They’re comfortable, leakproof, pocket-friendly, and safer for the environment and your vagina. But despite all the good they have to offer, they’re yet to replace sanitary napkins as the mainstream period hero. Have you ever wondered why though? The answer is simple. Unlike pads, cups are inserted into the vagina to collect period blood. Naturally, anything worn internally would raise concerns, questions, and inhibitions. That’s why we’re here to clear the air on one of the biggest cup queries ever and help you walk the good walk: can using menstrual cups cause urinary tract infections? Read on for all the deets:
What Is A UTI?
Before we discuss whether menstrual cups can cause UTIs, let’s understand what this infection is all about in the first place. In the broader sense, a urinary tract infection is an infection in the urinary system constituting the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. According to the Singapore Medical Journal, it is caused by microscopic bacteria, and rarely, even fungi. These microbes enter the urethra, travel up to the bladder, uterus, and kidney, and can infect these organs severely. While UTI in the lower urinary tract including the bladder and the urethra can cause a lot of discomfort, if the infection spreads to other parts like the kidneys, it can have serious health repercussions.
Causes Of UTI
Poor intimate health and hygiene practices are the main causes of UTIs. Now, these can include using scented intimate hygiene products, douching, not washing your intimate area once a day, touching it with dirty hands, wearing a pad or tampon for too long, and having unprotected sex with an infected partner. However, UTIs can also be genetic. In many cases, UTIs may even reoccur due to infection by the same pathogens if proper intimate hygiene is not maintained.
Symptoms Of UTI
Here are some striking symptoms of UTIs that you need to know about:
-A constant urge to urinate
-Heaviness or pain in the pelvic area
-Frequent urination
-Cloudy urine
-Passing a small amount of blood through the urine
-Strong-smelling urine
-Fever and chills
-Excessive vaginal discharge
-Nausea
Can Using Menstrual Cups Cause UTI?
Now, let’s get to the million-dollar question: can using menstrual cups cause urinary tract infections? Let’s answer this in two parts. Firstly, when it comes to touching the vagina or inserting anything into it, there’s always a high risk of introducing bacteria into the vagina involved. So yes, anything from dirty hands or a tampon to a contaminated menstrual cup to even an unclean vibrator can cause a UTI.
Now, let’s get to the second part. The degree of UTI risk associated with a menstrual cup also depends on one’s personal hygiene and how responsibly the cup is used. For instance, using a dirty cup, improper insertion, wearing it for too long without emptying and washing it, and not emptying the cup properly can shoot the UTI risk drastically.
How To Prevent UTIs While Using A Menstrual Cup
Given the multitude of benefits that menstrual cups have to offer, making an effort to cut out the UTI risk due to these reusable devices is totally worth it. Here’s how you can steer clear of UTIs if you’re a cup user or are planning to switch:
Always Use A Sterilised Menstrual Cup
Your cup cleansing routine is as important as your skincare rituals. You’ve got to sterilise the cup once before using it, at least once or twice during shark week, and once before storing it for your next cycle. Doing so is literally a cakewalk. All you need to do is to boil some water in a clean pan and dip your washed menstrual cup in it for five to ten minutes. You can even use a cup steriliser to make your life easier.
Wash Your Menstrual Cup Everyday
It’s important to wash your cup with a mild, unscented cleanser and water once a day to keep infections at bay. Additionally, you must empty the cup every three-four hours to make sure the blood collected in the cup doesn’t act as a breeding ground for bacteria. It’s also safer to rinse it with clean water after emptying it and before putting it back on in order to get rid of germs. Pro tip: use a gentle-bristled brush to unclog the suction holes of the cup to make sure it’s thoroughly cleaned and fits properly when you wear it next.
Insert The Cup Properly
Always take a little “walk test” after inserting the cup to make sure it feels comfortable and doesn’t move. If not placed properly, the cup can block the urine passage. If you’re already vulnerable to UTIs, this can aggravate your problem as holding in the infected pee can make the infection spread further up the urinary system.
Wash Your Hands Before & After Changing
You must always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before removing or inserting your menstrual cup. This can ensure that any bacteria on your hands don’t contaminate the menstrual cup and infect the vagina or the urinary tract.
Store Your Menstrual Cup Properly
The right way to store your cup after shark week is to wash it with soap and water, sterilise it, let it dry, and keep it in a cotton pouch to prevent any bacterial or fungal growth inside it. Even though the cup is safe to use as is during your next menstrual week, you must still clean and sterilise it before inserting it if you’re already prone to UTIs.
Sirona Recommends Best Products To Prevent UTIs
Sirona Menstrual Cup
Available in three different sizes–large, medium, and small–the Menstrual Cup is made with 100% medical-grade silicone and fits like a glove. This funnel-shaped device is super-safe to use and can hold 28 ml of blood at once. It keeps you comfy and offers leak-proof protection for eight hours straight.
Sirona Menstrual Cup Wash
Sirona Menstrual Cup Wash is made with mild and natural surfactants. It removes microbes without degrading the silicone of the menstrual cup and deodourises the device with its safe and gentle cleansing action. The best part? It is super-safe for the skin and doesn’t irritate the vagina or the sensitive genital skin.
Sirona Menstrual Cup Sterilizer
This machine is a must-have if you’re a menstrual cup user. It helps decontaminate the cup minus the hassle of boiling water. It kills 99.9% of germs in only three minutes and makes your cup super-safe for reuse. All you’ve got to do is to add water into the holding area of the device, place your washed cup inside the sterilizer and switch on the device. Wait for three minutes, let the device cool and tada! Your cup’s ready to be reused safely.
Folks, a menstrual cup is definitely the best period aid ever but its safe use boils down to proper cleansing and handling of the device.
Featured Image: Pexels
Also Read
How to Remove Stuck Menstrual Cup: Menstrual cup stuck? Here’s what to do
How to Use Intimate Wash: Here’s how to use an intimate wash on your sensitive genitals.
Can a Virgin Use A Menstrual Cup?: The most-asked menstrual cup question answered.
Menstrual Cup Size Guide: Wondering how to choose the right size of menstrual cup? Follow this guide.
How to Use Sanitary Pads: The best way to use a sanitary pad for a leak proof period explained.