The risk of TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome) is mainly associated with tampons and is extremely low for people using menstrual cups. However, TSS cannot be out-ruled if you leave either product in for too long.
They've been proven to be safe and very effective. Another benefit of using them — they're more eco-friendly than pads and tampons. And while sales didn't take off when they were first introduced commercially, the global market for menstrual cups is now expected to hit $1.89 billion by 2026.
Although rare, toxic shock syndrome (TSS) has been long associated with tampons. The menstrual cup is made of flexible hypo-allergenic silicone, allaying concerns that fibers or chemicals are left behind in the vagina.
Natural period products like organic pads and tampons, menstrual cups, and wipes are the best options because they're nontoxic and made more sustainably than traditional products that use plastics and harsh chemicals, along with other no-nos.
Menstrual cups are far better than their predecessors and experts do recommend them across age groups. Other than being environmentally friendly, and budget-friendly, it also maintains the vaginal pH and eco flora, and prevents vaginal infection.
If you face problems peeing with a menstrual cup, chances are the cup has been inserted at the wrong angle and is putting pressure on your bladder. The best thing to do is to remove your cup and reinsert it. When inserting, make sure you angle it towards your tailbone and not upwards.
The firmness of a reusable menstrual cup means it will be pretty uncomfortable for you if it is pushed upwards or sideways against the cervix during intercourse. Plus, your partner is very likely to feel the cup during penetration.
The number one reason why your cup might be leaking is because it hasn't completely unfolded. When your cup is inserted, it should “pop open” so that it suctions to the walls of your inner genitals. If the cup doesn't fully expand, there will be a crease that causes it to leak.
Use a tampon, sponge, or cup while swimming
If you can't or don't want to use a tampon or alternative product like a sponge or menstrual cup, you have a few options. If your flow is light, you can wear absorbent swimwear or a dark-colored suit to prevent stains.
Menstrual cups are not associated with change in vaginal flora, with some data indicating decreased rates of urogenital infection, including bacterial vaginosis, compared with sanitary pad or tampon use.
Remember that when it comes to tampons and swimming, tampons have a string – so if you want to avoid having a string sticking out, then go for a menstrual cup. Menstrual cups are also more sustainable compared to tampons as they are reusable, and you can put a menstrual cup in before you even start your period.
It holds more.
A menstrual cup can hold 1 ounce of liquid, roughly twice the amount of a super-absorbent tampon or pad. The difference can be a comfort on your heavy flow days. You can have mess-free sex. Most silicone and rubber menstrual cups must be removed before sex.
Everyone's cycle is different, but according to Dr. Gupta, if you find yourself having to empty a full cup every two hours or so and sizing up doesn't solve the problem, that's a good sign that your period is heavier than average.
Those same relaxing muscles that can cause your cup to shift may mean leaking if your menstrual cup isn't 100% perfectly placed. But it's okay! This is more likely to happen when you're a bit new to positioning your cup.
Using a menstrual cup that's too big or too small is one of the most common reasons for leakage. If, for example, when you've got your period you're thinking “I can feel my menstrual cup” it may be that you need to use a different cup size – or simply trim the cup's stem to fit the shape of your body.
It doesn't react with the blood or tissues of the body. Therefore, it is very unlikely to cause infection or any other potential harm. The menstrual blood collected inside the cup doesn't get oxidised as it doesn't come in touch with air. Thus, it reduces any risk of infection.
Your menstrual cup is designed to form a seal with the vaginal walls, which keeps it in place. When this seal isn't created or is compromised, it can cause your menstrual cup to move or slip down.
If your menstrual cup causes any pressure on the cervix, you will feel it. It might be your stem rubbing against your opening. This happens when the cup isn't positioned entirely straight. It is not open fully.
In general, spraying your cup off with water, or wiping it with clean toilet paper is enough until you get home and can wash it well. That being said, you may want to consider some of these menstrual cup wipes if you're camping or traveling, and have limited access to potable water.
After another round of testing, including five additional cups and seven new discs, we still think Cora's The Easy-Does-It Cup is the best choice for first-time cup users. And we now recommend the Saalt and Flex Reusable discs. Over the span of just three cycles, a reusable menstrual cup or disc can save you money.
Nothing should be sticking out, but it should be only just inside you. In some cases the menstrual cup may rise up higher and then settle in it's own position. Do not be alarmed by this, it just means you may have to reach a little further in to remove it.