Apprehensive about menstrual cups inflicting urinary tract an infection? We let you know if there’s a connection between menstrual cups and UTI.
A menstrual cup is a well-liked interval product that’s reusable and straightforward 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 worried and have numerous questions on it. One of many widespread considerations is that if menstrual cups may 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 the urethra and begins rising within the urinary bladder. The signs usually embody burning and frequent urination. Based on a 2016 research revealed within the Singapore Medical Journal, it’s introduced on by tiny micro organism and, very occasionally, fungi. These micro organism enter the kidney, uterus, and bladder by 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, may 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 usually as a result of poor intimate well being and hygiene habits. Utilizing perfumed private hygiene merchandise, douching, touching your genital space with unclean arms, 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 associate are a few of the notable causes of UTI. However genetics may also play a job in UTIs, says obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Aruna Kalra.
Can utilizing a menstrual cup result in UTI?
While 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 may be introduced on by every little thing from soiled arms to a tampon to a contaminated menstrual cup to an unclean vibrator, says the professional. Nevertheless, one’s cleanliness and the way the cup is used play a job within the stage of UTI threat linked with a menstrual cup. Utilizing a grimy cup, inserting it incorrectly, carrying it for prolonged durations with out emptying and cleansing it, and improperly emptying the cup can all considerably improve the prospect of contracting UTI.
Easy methods to keep away from getting UTI whereas utilizing a menstrual cup?
Listed here are some methods to stop UTI whereas utilizing a menstrual cup:
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1. Use a sterile menstrual cup always
Identical to your skincare habits, your cup cleaning routine can also be essential. The cup must be sterilised as soon as earlier than use, a few times all through the menstrual cycle. All you need to do is place your cleaned menstrual cup in a clear pan of boiling water and depart it there for 5 to 10 minutes. For added comfort, you may additionally use a cup steriliser.
2. Clear your menstrual cup on daily basis
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 must empty it each three to 4 hours. Furthermore, it’s safer to present 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 check” to verify it feels safe and doesn’t transfer, suggests Dr Kalra. Incorrect placement of the cup might hinder the urine circulation. This could make your situation worse in case you are already susceptible to UTIs as a result of holding the contaminated urine in, may cause the an infection to maneuver additional up the urinary tract.
4. Wash your arms
It’s advisable to totally wash your arms 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 arms from stepping into the menstrual cup and infecting your vagina or urinary system.
