It’s important to make sure you’re using your cup correctly, as you could do some serious damage otherwise. That’s why the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy is calling on manufacturers of to include better safety advice.
“Some of the information included with menstrual cups can be hard to understand and not accurate, particularly the advice about taking the cup out,” explains physiotherapist Kate Lough.
“With many women using cups, this issue needs highlighting and manufacturers should provide credible advice from a respected source that is clear and easy to follow.”
Many brands recommend using your pelvic muscles to bring the cup lower in the vagina. However, Lough stresses this can actually lead to pelvic organ prolapse.
Not entirely sure what that means? The NHS website defines the condition as when “one or more of the organs in the pelvis slip down from their normal position and bulge into the vagina.”
“It can be the womb (uterus), bowel, bladder or top of the vagina. A prolapse is not life-threatening, but it can cause pain and discomfort.”
Pelvic floor exercises and lifestyle changes can improve these symptoms, although medical treatment may be needed in some cases.
“Bearing down on the cup to push it within reach of your fingers is not good pelvic floor advice. It counters the advice women would be given to avoid prolapse,” Lough continues.
Bottom line? Always make sure that the seal of your cup is fully released before removal. And check in with your GP or local sexual health clinic if you’re not 100 per cent sure you’ve been doing it correctly.
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