The short version:
Menstrual cups are safe to use. As with any period care product, it is absolutely necessary to keep it clean, don’t leave it in too long and to use a trusted brand..
Behind the science of toxic shock syndrome:
Every so often a clickbait article headline graces our newsfeeds which admittedly can be difficult to ignore. Recently a French study has been quoted on menstrual cups having increased risk of TSS.
A big claim right? Menstrual cups have been a trusted period care product for decades. There are globally only few cases of TSS in connection with menstrual cup use that have been reported since their invention in the 1930s. These were possibly caused by prolonged use.
Behind the article headline, the study shows that:
- Instead of being performed using actual human vaginas they used sterile plastic bags derived from hydrocarbon. Doesn’t take a great scientist to realise the flaw there! Our vaginas are wonderfully more complex both physically and chemically than...er...a bag.
- The study hasn’t even been concluded yet.
- Contrary to what has been reported in the press, the only conclusion to be made from the study thus far is that no periodic system is more favourable to TSS development than another.
So, what’s the real deal?
Here’s what you really need to know about menstrual cups and TSS:
Are menstrual cups more dangerous to use than tampons?
Nope!
Do menstrual cups protect you from TSS?
Like with any period care product you cannot have zero risk of TSS. But a clean, properly-used menstrual cup means the chances are very small.
Should I continue to use my menstrual cup at night?
Sure thing! 10 to 12 consecutive hours is the recommended usage time.
How can I make sure my menstrual cup is clean enough?
Check out this handy guide for your peace of mind.
Are Lunette menstrual cups safer to use than other menstrual cups?
Always choose a trusted brand and with Lunette you’re in safe hands. Our cups are made from the highest medical grade silicone which is BPA free and contains no chemicals.
Have any other questions?
Leave a comment below or ask us on Twitter or Facebook.
Let's keep busting the myths and spreading the word!
Want to buy a menstrual cup? Check out our full range of menstrual cups and period products.
I am a menstrual cup user and I decided to question this ‘new’ information regarding cups and TSS, I’m glad I did!
It’s nothing to worry about… the average number of people in the UK who develop TSS in a year is roughly 42 in a population of around 60 million, subtract the 60% of these cases that have nothing to do with menstruation and the number is even lower, as a menstruating woman, I have a 1 in 2,500,000 chance of developing TSS, to put it into perspective, my chances of being in a fatal road accident are 1 in 20,000…
TSS is rare and should never be ignored but sensational stories like this should be taken with a pinch of salt!
(information taken from the CDC paper studying the Clinical and Molecular Epidemiology of Staphylococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome in the United Kingdom)
What are the case reports you’re referring to that were both from prolonged use? The 2015 report “A confirmed case of toxic shock syndrome associated with the use of a menstrual cup” mentions the patient noticing a problem “by day 7” but also says she “used appropriate hygiene when handling and changing the cup” meaning that she did not leave it inserted for 7 days straight. One case is still one case (and it hasn’t caused me to quit using my cup) but it’s misleading to neglect to mention a reported case that did not involve prolonged use.
I am 22years old, lean and thin. I look young compared to my age. Which size I must use?