Menstrual cup dangers: myth-busting the fear factor!
If you’ve got a vivid imagination or a habit of doom-scrolling negative product reviews, you might be feeling a little spooked about using a menstrual cup. We get it. But let’s set the record straight and give you the facts, so you can feel confident, safe, and empowered.
Can a menstrual cup cause infection?
Infections from menstrual cups are extremely rare. The real risk? Bacteria from your hands. That’s why hygiene is key:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before inserting or removing your cup;
- Sterilize your cup before each cycle;
- Use unscented soap and water or a dedicated menstrual cup cleanser;
- Avoid scented soaps, they can disrupt your vaginal pH.
If you’re out and about, rinse with clean water and do a deeper clean when you get home.
Can you get toxic shock syndrome (TSS)?
TSS is a rare but serious bacterial infection most commonly linked to tampon use, especially when left in too long.
To stay safe:
- Limit wear time to 12 hours max;
- Empty your cup 2 - 4 times a day, even on light-flow days;
- Clean your cup properly between uses.
Is it safe to sleep with a menstrual cup in?
Yes! One of the best things about period cups is overnight protection. No leaks, no midnight pad changes, no stress. Just make sure your cup is inserted correctly and emptied before bed.
Can you use a menstrual cup with an IUD?
Absolutely, but with care. Studies show a potential risk of IUD displacement if the cup is removed improperly. Here’s how to stay safe:
- Check your IUD string length with your doctor;
- Make sure the string sits above or inside the cup;
- Always break the suction seal before removing your cup;
- Wait 2 - 4 weeks after IUD insertion before using a cup.
What if you need to poop while wearing a cup?
Go for it. Your bowel movements won’t affect the cup’s position. Just:
- Wash your hands before and after;
- Do a quick check to ensure the cup is still sitting comfortably.
Can you swim with a menstrual cup?
Yes, yes, yes! Menstrual cups are perfect for swimming:
- No strings;
- No leaks;
- No worries.
Everything stays tucked inside, so you can dive in with confidence.
Period cups are safe, sustainable, and empowering. Like any period product, they come with a learning curve, but the risks are minimal when used correctly.
photo: Lunette
21 comments
Hi Katyayani!
Most users are anatomically capable of using either size Lunette, but one may be a more comfortable fit over the other. We believe that the most important factor when choosing the size is the amount of flow. Size 1 is smaller and softer. It is best for light flow and good cup for beginners. Size 2 is made of firmer silicone than size 1. It is suitable for heavy flow because it is bigger and holds more liquid than size 1.
Have you checked your cervix? If you can barely reach it or can’t reach it at all your cervix is high. If you’re able to reach it easily, it is low. With a high cervix you can use both sizes but with a lower one I’d recommend purchasing size 1 since it is shorter than size 2.
Menstrual flow varies during periods and on a heavier day you will need to empty the cup more often than on lighter days, no matter which size it is.
There are many factors that can affect the cup size, but the flow is the most important. Other factors can be age, location of the cervix and sensitive bladder – these can also be key issues when choosing the size.
For washing your hands you can use regular soap. Just make sure to thoroughly rinse your hands so that no foam is left on your hand and fingers.
We however do not advise using regular soap (or shower gel, detergent, etc.) for your menstrual cup. These products are not good for many reasons: their pH is normally not optimal, they can contain oils which is super bad for the cup and they can leave some remains and residues on the cup, which can irritate the vagina and/or cause damage to the menstrual cup. Perfumed soaps with unknown pH values might coat the cup with a layer of irritants that could damage the precious mucous membrane of the vagina. Some of these soaps may also contain agents that might damage the silicone.
Best regards, Team Lunette
hi im 37 yrs i have two c-section for the first 3days i wil have heavy flow which type cup should i use and im a working women if i dnt have unscented soap to wash my hands how should i wash hands n cup.
Hi Marta! Sorry to hear your Cup has been causing you discomfort! The larger size Model 2 Lunette Cup will not be doing damage to your vagina, but you might benefit from switching to the smaller Model 1 Cup. 😊 The Model 1 is made out of softer material and is a bit shorter. If you have a low cervix or bladder sensitivity the Model 1 is recommended. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@lunette.com so our Menstrual Mentors can offer more troubleshooting! 💙
-Team Lunette
Hi! I’ve been using lunette cup for almost 18months now but have just realised I was probably using the wrong size (that’s the reason why sometimes it felt quite uncomfortable and annoying). I’m 28 and never given birth but I haven’t been using your smaller size, infact I think I’ve been using cup B. Would have this created any problem in my cervix or vagina? I have to say, I haven’t been in any pain or anything, I only got diagnosed of polycystic ovaries over these 18 months but I wouldn’t say this was the reason?
Thanks for your answer and time 😊
Hi Roosa! You can use our amazing Lunette Cupwipes to clean your hands and the Cup while at school in a public bathroom stall. :) Don’t hesitate to reach to us at info@lunette.com if you have any more questions, our Menstrual Mentors are happy to help!
-Team Lunette
My period started when I was in fifth grade (now I go to my first year (freshman) and I just got a menstural cup today. I have been looking information about menstural cup. But one thing I forgot was that I need to wash my hands and that I need to be on my menstural cycle while certing the cup in. Does anyone know if this can be dangerous.
Any help would be amazing, thank you!
Hi, Megh! It can be a bit uncomfortable if you’re poking around the vagina for a longer period of time, but it’s not dangerous if you’re being gentle. :) If you experience pain when the cup is in you should remove it immediately. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@lunette.com if there’s anything we can help with!
-Team Lunette
Is it harmful if give several attempts while fixing your menstrual cup and in the end u failed to do it so. Does vagina feel stressed ?or it’s just a mind thing? I’m on my periods and 1st day I was able to insert the cup but today I’m not. And now I’m feeling as if I harmed her!
Hi Rosanne,
Great question! It really comes down to getting to know your flow a bit more intimately with a menstrual cup than you would with a tampon or pads. One of our amazing Menstrual Mentors will be happy to answer any and all questions and offer more guidance if you reach out at info@lunette.com! :)
Best,
Team Lunette
If I naturally have quite a heavy flow, how can I tell when the cup is full?
Hi SREYASREE,
Please discontinue use of the cup immediately if you suspect the numbness is related to the menstrual cup and consult a physician. Please also reach out to us at info@lunette.com if you suspect the numbness is related to your menstrual cup so that we can investigate the matter.
Best,
Team Lunette
I started using menstural cup since yesterday. Now have numbness on my right leg fingers… Is the numbness is since yesterday I am feeling numbness…is it because of my menstural cup? …plz reply….
Can you use the cup with bacterial vaginosis?
Hi Naira!
No need to worry about this. The blood is flowing out of pin-sized opening in the cervix and the menstrual cup can’t get into the womb through this opening (and neither can a tampon).
Best regards,
Team Lunette
Do it moves inside body in vagina, by any chance? I have a fear that it may move inside body and remain their for lifetime unless done surgery?
Great question, Raji Karthick!
Urinary tract infections are typically caused from bacteria getting into the urinary tract. This can happen in a number of ways.
That being said, you want to make sure you’re always thoroughly washing your hands prior to inserting or removing your cup to avoid introducing bacteria into the urethra.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@lunette.com if you have any other questions!
Is there any possibility of getting urinary infection when we use menstrual cups
This is a great question, Mandavi.
But don’t worry, your blood is not going to flow back into your uterus through the pin-sized cervix. Instead the blood will collect in your menstrual cup until it is emptied. If the cup becomes full before it’s emptied, you’ll notice that it’s time to empty it.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@lunette.com with any other questions you may have!
When we lie down does blood goes back into the uterus ?if yes please tell me it cause any harm or if no ,how it remain intact to the cup.p lease reply it is confusing me alot.
Hey Maddie Knox,
Great question!
Your Lunette Menstrual Cup can be worn for up to 12 hours straight, depending on how heavy your flow is. Once removed, you’ll want to properly clean your cup before reinserting it.
For more information on how to take care of your cup, please read our blog article: How to Clean Your Lunette Cup <3
After I take my cup out and clean it, mind you this being after 12 hours, can I put it back in immediately? is the 12-hour rule for the total time in a day?
