If you've ever had a UTI, you know it's something you definitely want to avoid! So, it's completely understandable when people ask, "Can using a menstrual cup cause a UTI?"
The short answer is no, the menstrual cup itself won't give you a UTI. However, it all comes down to how you use and care for it.
In this blog, we'll explore everything you need to know about menstrual cups and UTIs, clear up some common misconceptions, and share useful tips for ensuring your periods stay safe and healthy.
What is a UTI?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) happens when parts of your urinary system—like your bladder, urethra, or kidneys—get infected. UTIs can be mild, causing discomfort and pain in the bladder, or they can be more serious, leading to bigger health concerns.
What causes UTIs?
UTIs are usually caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract. According to WebMD, about half of all women will get a UTI at least once, while for men, it's around one in ten.
Generally speaking, women are more prone to UTIs mainly because of their anatomy.
Factors like frequent sexual activity, hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause, and a history of UTIs can also up the chances of getting one.
If you’ve had a UTI before, you might be more likely to get them again, which can lead to what's known as a chronic UTI.
What are some UTI symptoms?
When you have a UTI, you might feel pain in your lower belly or pelvis, need to pee a lot, or even notice blood in your urine.
These are common UTI symptoms and can signal a bladder infection, also called cystitis. If the infection reaches your kidneys (pyelonephritis), you could experience fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting.
While UTIs are usually not too serious, ignoring them can lead to bigger problems like chronic UTIs, kidney damage, and even sepsis, a life-threatening condition.
So, it's important to treat UTIs promptly to protect your bladder health and avoid any long-term health issues.
How can I ensure UTI prevention?
As mentioned before, UTIs can happen when bacteria gets into your urinary system. Here are some helpful tips to avoid them:
Stay hydrated
Drinking water IS the solution to most problems! Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day to help flush bacteria out of your urinary system.
Practise good hygiene
Always wipe front to back, and make sure you always pee after sex to remove any bacteria that might have entered. Also, never hold your pee, go to the bathroom as soon as you feel the need! Holding in urine can encourage bacterial growth.
Your vagina really doesn’t need much to be clean and healthy, avoid scented products like sprays, douches and powders that can irritate you down there.
Use breathable underwear
Wear cotton underwear and avoid tight-fitting pants to keep the area dry and reduce bacterial growth.
Use proper birth control
Some birth control products such as diaphragms and spermicides increase UTI risk, avoid using these and seek medical advice on the best birth control for you
Regular check-ups
Visit your doctor regularly for check-ups, especially if you are more prone to UTIs and seem to be getting them often. This will help address any other underlying issues that might be causing them.
Choose the right period product
This is extremely important! Some menstrual products like scented pads or tampons can irritate your urinary tract and increase risk of infection.
Because they absorb blood, they need to be changed very frequently to avoid long exposure to the dampness and irritants which may increase the risk of UTIs.
Menstrual cups are a great alternative because firstly, they’re inserted and they collect and not absorb blood, hence decreasing the risk of infection. Secondly, they do not contain scented irritants and are actually much cleaner!
The Asan cup is actually made from 100% medical grade silicone, the same material that is used in heart stents and breast implants and is super safe for your body!
Read why menstrual cups are a better alternative to pads and tampons.
Also, according to a recent study, not only do menstrual cups not cause infections, they’re actually good for your vaginal health because they help maintain the pH balance, which promotes healthy and good vaginal flora and fauna.
Read this blog to learn more about menstrual cups and how to use them.
How do I prevent UTI while using a menstrual cup?
When it comes to using a menstrual cup, extra care is key since you reuse it.
But don’t worry—getting a UTI with proper personal care and sanitation is pretty rare. Just make sure to sterilise your cup and keep everything clean to avoid any risk of bacterial infections.
If you already have an existing UTI, then we advise taking a break from your menstrual cup until it clears up. Make sure to sterilise the cup in boiling water before you use it again.
Tips to prevent UTIs when using a menstrual cup
1. Clean the menstrual cup before each menstrual cycle, including the first time you ever use it.
Cup cleaning is essential in preventing the entering and growth of bacteria in the urinary system upon cup insertion.
Follow this guide on how to clean a menstrual cup.
2. Thoroughly rinse the cup with clean water in between each insertion.
If you’re using the Asan cup, make sure you check the air holes and ring after rinsing to ensure they’re completely clean.
3. Sterilise the cup in boiling water for 10 minutes between each period cycle. Cup sterilisation makes sure that it’s sanitised and free of any bacteria before being inserted.
If you don’t have access to boiling water, you can read this blog for tips on how to sterilise your menstrual cup without boiling.
4. Wash your hands with soap and water whenever inserting or removing the cup.
5. Although not essential, you can also use Asan’s one-drop cleanser for extra cleanliness and hygiene. Just squeeze one drop of this natural cleanser onto your cup and rinse thoroughly with normal water.
The important thing to remember is that consistent hygiene is the most significant factor in UTI prevention. This is why health education, cup safety and good hygiene practices are extremely necessary.
