Menstrual Cups and Kidney Injury: Understanding the Risks

29 days ago | 5 Views

Menstrual cups have become a popular eco-friendly and healthier option compared to traditional sanitary pads and tampons. They're sustainable, user-friendly, reusable, and cost-effective. But if not used correctly, they can cause some serious issues. Dr. Sarika Pandya, a consultant urologist at the Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology in Hyderabad, mentioned in an interview with HT Lifestyle that improper use of menstrual cups could result in hydroureteronephrosis, which is the swelling of one or both kidneys and the ureter.

Menstrual cups and their potential link to kidney damage?

The ureter runs pretty close to the vaginal wall as it heads to the bladder. Dr. Sarika Pandya mentioned that menstrual cups are made to create a seal against the vaginal wall, but if they apply too much pressure, they might actually squeeze the ureter.

Here are some potential health issues that can arise from using menstrual cups.

Squeezing of the urethra and bladder

A sturdy or big cup can push against your bladder and urethra. This pressure can slow down or even stop urine from flowing, which might cause urine to back up into the ureters and kidneys. If this keeps happening, it can result in swollen kidneys over time.

Boosted suction and tension in the vaginal walls

Menstrual cups form a vacuum seal to keep themselves secure. The strong suction can tug on the vaginal walls, which might have an impact on nearby areas like the bladder and ureters.

Here are a few prevention tips to follow to avoid injuries due to menstrual cups.

Here are some ways to avoid kidney damage

Pick the right mug:

Small cups are great for teens, newbies, or women with a lighter flow. Large cups are better suited for those who have given birth or experience a heavier flow. If you have a sensitive bladder or find firmer cups uncomfortable, soft cups are the way to go. On the other hand, firm cups usually stay put better and can be easier to insert.

Make sure to place the cup in the right spot:

If it's put in the right way, you won't even notice it.

Take the cup away every so often:

Be careful not to just yank it out by the stem, as that can cause discomfort or even suction damage. If your menstrual cup doesn’t fit right, it could block your urine flow and potentially harm your kidneys. Plus, there are other risks with menstrual cups, like the chance of toxic shock syndrome.

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