Using menstrual cups incorrectly can cause kidney problems

Doctors warn that improper menstrual cup placement can not only cause leakage but can also lead to serious kidney-related complications, according to Sci Tech Daily.

Complications of using a menstrual cup incorrectly can include kidney swelling due to blocked urine flow into the bladder - Photo: SCI TECH DAILY

Complications can include kidney swelling due to obstruction of urine flow into the bladder. The warning comes after a report in BMJ Case Reports in which a young woman was treated for kidney swelling.

Kidney swelling due to menstrual cup use

The report highlights the growing popularity of menstrual cups as a sustainable method of menstrual use. While complications are rare, the authors note that potential risks include pain, vaginal injury, allergic reactions, leakage, urinary incontinence, dislodged intrauterine device (IUD) and infection.

Doctors treated a woman in her 30s who noticed blood in her urine and had pain in her right hip for about six months.

Three years ago, she had surgery to remove a 9mm kidney stone. She also uses a copper IUD. Every month, on her heaviest days, she uses a menstrual cup and changes it every 2-3 hours.

On scans, doctors found no signs of kidney stones, but discovered swelling in her right kidney and ureter. The images also showed the menstrual cup was located right next to the opening of the ureter into the bladder.

The doctor asked her to stop using the menstrual cup during her next period and return for a follow-up visit in a month. The results showed that the swelling had reduced, urine flow was normal, and the symptoms had completely disappeared. This led the authors to conclude that the menstrual cup had blocked the flow of urine from the right ureter.

Six months later, when re-examined, the patient said she only used the menstrual cup for 3-4 hours when swimming and did not dare to use it regularly because of fear of complications.

Limited research

"To our knowledge, only a few similar cases have been reported previously. In most cases, imaging showed resolution of hydroureteral congestion," the authors said.

They also noted that in three cases, the patients continued to use the menstrual cup without a recurrence of symptoms, with one opting for a smaller cup size.

Doctors stress that women and health workers need to be provided with accurate information about how to use menstrual cups as well as the potential risks.

They explain: "The last part of the ureter enters the bladder and is located near the vagina. This can affect the drainage of urine. Therefore, correct placement and choosing the right cup size and shape are very important to avoid negative impacts on the urinary tract."

Menstrual cups can now be purchased and used without medical advice, highlighting the importance of providing clear and detailed instructions to users.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/su-dung-coc-nguyet-san-sai-cach-co-the-gay-van-de-ve-than-20250209111816805.htm