Can using a menstrual cup cause UTI?

A menstrual cup is a well-liked interval product that’s reusable and simple to deal with. You don’t have to fret about stains and leaks whereas utilizing a menstrual cup. In contrast to sanitary pads, menstrual cups are positioned into the vagina to gather interval blood. However placing something down there could make you are concerned and have a whole lot of questions on it. One of many widespread considerations is that if menstrual cups could cause urinary tract an infection or UTI.

What’s urinary tract an infection?

Urinary tract an infection or UTI is quite common amongst ladies. A micro organism enters the urinary tract by way of the urethra and begins rising within the urinary bladder. The signs usually embrace burning and frequent urination. Based on a 2016 examine revealed within the Singapore Medical Journal, it’s introduced on by tiny micro organism and, very sometimes, fungi. These micro organism enter the kidney, uterus, and bladder by way of the urethra and might trigger severe infections in these organs. A urinary tract an infection (UTI) within the decrease urinary tract, which incorporates the bladder and urethra, might be very uncomfortable, however it could even have main well being penalties if it travels to different organs just like the kidneys.

What are the causes of UTI?

A urinary tract an infection is generally as a result of poor intimate well being and hygiene habits. Utilizing perfumed private hygiene merchandise, douching, touching your genital space with unclean palms, not washing it as soon as a day, utilizing a pad or tampon for an prolonged time, and fascinating in unprotected intercourse with an contaminated accomplice are a few of the notable causes of UTI. However genetics can even play a job in UTIs, says obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Aruna Kalra.

Can utilizing a menstrual cup result in UTI?

Whenever you contact the vagina or introduce one thing into it, you run the hazard of introducing micro organism into the vagina. In different phrases, sure, a UTI might be introduced on by every little thing from soiled palms to a tampon to a contaminated menstrual cup to an unclean vibrator, says the professional. Nonetheless, one’s cleanliness and the way the cup is used play a job within the degree of UTI danger linked with a menstrual cup. Utilizing a grimy cup, inserting it incorrectly, sporting it for prolonged intervals with out emptying and cleansing it, and improperly emptying the cup can all considerably improve the possibility of contracting UTI.

Easy methods to keep away from getting UTI whereas utilizing a menstrual cup?

Listed below are some methods to forestall UTI whereas utilizing a menstrual cup:

1. Use a sterile menstrual cup always

Identical to your skincare habits, your cup cleaning routine can be essential. The cup must be sterilised as soon as earlier than use, a few times all through the menstrual cycle. All it’s a must to do is place your cleaned menstrual cup in a clear pan of boiling water and go away it there for 5 to 10 minutes. For added comfort, you may additionally use a cup steriliser.

2. Clear your menstrual cup day-after-day

Wash your cup as soon as a day with water and a gentle, unscented cleanser to maintain infections at bay. To keep away from micro organism from rising within the blood collected within the cup, you additionally have to empty it each three to 4 hours. Furthermore, it’s safer to provide it a fast rinse in clear water to eliminate any micro organism earlier than reinstalling it after emptying.

3. Insert the cup correctly

After inserting the cup, at all times do a fast “stroll take a look at” to verify it feels safe and doesn’t transfer, suggests Dr Kalra. Incorrect placement of the cup might hinder the urine circulation. This may make your situation worse if you’re already liable to UTIs as a result of holding the contaminated urine in, could cause the an infection to maneuver additional up the urinary tract.

4. Wash your palms

It’s advisable to completely wash your palms with cleaning soap and water earlier than taking out or placing in your menstrual cup. By doing this, you’ll be able to stop any micro organism in your palms from stepping into the menstrual cup and infecting your vagina or urinary system.