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 concerned and have a whole lot of 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 girls. 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. In accordance with a 2016 research printed 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 the urethra and may trigger critical 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 might 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 fingers, 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 task 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 all the things from soiled fingers to a tampon to a contaminated menstrual cup to an unclean vibrator, says the skilled. Nonetheless, one’s cleanliness and the way the cup is used play a task within the stage of UTI danger linked with a menstrual cup. Utilizing a grimy cup, inserting it incorrectly, carrying it for prolonged intervals with out emptying and cleansing it, and improperly emptying the cup can all considerably improve the prospect of contracting UTI.

The right way to keep away from getting UTI whereas utilizing a menstrual cup?

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

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1. Use a sterile menstrual cup always

Similar 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 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 might also 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 must empty it each three to 4 hours. Furthermore, it’s safer to offer 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, all the time do a fast “stroll check” to ensure it feels safe and doesn’t transfer, suggests Dr Kalra. Incorrect placement of the cup might impede the urine move. This may make your situation worse in case you are already vulnerable 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 fingers

It’s advisable to completely wash your fingers with cleaning soap and water earlier than taking out or placing in your menstrual cup. By doing this, you may forestall any micro organism in your fingers from entering into the menstrual cup and infecting your vagina or urinary system.