Doctors Warn: Proper Placement of Menstrual Cups Essential to Prevent Kidney Issues

Health professionals are raising awareness about the potential risks associated with improper placement of menstrual cups, following a case reported in the BMJ Case Reports. The study highlights a concerning incident involving a young woman who developed a condition known as uterohydronephrosis--characterized by swelling of the kidney due to obstructed urine flow.

The use of menstrual cups has gained popularity as an eco-friendly alternative for managing menstrual flow. However, medical experts caution that while complications are infrequent, they can occur. Reports indicate that potential issues include pain, vaginal injuries, allergic reactions, leakage, urinary incontinence, dislodgment of intrauterine devices, and infections.

The case in question involved a woman in her early 30s who experienced blood in her urine and intermittent pain on her right side for about six months. She had previously undergone surgery to remove a kidney stone and was using a copper intrauterine device for contraception. During her heaviest menstrual days, she opted for a menstrual cup, which she emptied every two to three hours.

Upon examination, scans revealed no kidney stones but indicated a swollen right kidney and ureter. Alarmingly, the scans also showed that the menstrual cup was positioned near the ureteral ostium, the entry point of the ureter into the bladder. After being advised to refrain from using the menstrual cup, a follow-up scan a month later showed a reduction in swelling and normal urine drainage from both kidneys.

With the resolution of her symptoms, the medical team concluded that the cup had likely obstructed urine flow from the right ureter. During a follow-up appointment six months later, the patient reported using the menstrual cup only occasionally and expressed apprehension about resuming regular use due to potential complications.

The authors of the report emphasize that there are only a handful of documented cases similar to this incident. In most cases, follow-up imaging indicated improvement in the condition after discontinuing the use of menstrual cups. Some patients resumed using menstrual cups without experiencing a recurrence of symptoms, with one opting for a smaller size.

Medical professionals stress the importance of educating women and healthcare providers about the correct use of menstrual cups and the associated risks. They note the proximity of the ureters to the vaginal canal, which can influence urine drainage. Correct positioning and selecting the appropriate size and shape of the menstrual cup are crucial to avoid adverse effects on the urinary tract.

Currently, menstrual cups are sold without the necessity of clinical guidance, highlighting the need for comprehensive educational materials for users. Enhanced awareness and proper usage instructions could mitigate the risks associated with these devices.