The cups which claim to last for up to ten years were originally presented as a sustainable alternative to single-use tampons and pads.
Menstrual cups are used by a large number of women all over the world. The cups fit in to the vagina to collect period blood, however, these devices are not currently regulated, and the Victoria Derbyshire programme recently reported that it had been told incorrect use of these menstrual cups could result in some women suffering pelvic organ prolapse.
According to the National Health Service (NHS), pelvic organ prolapse is “when one or more of the organs in the pelvis slip down from their normal position and bulge into the vagina.” The NHS claims although a prolapse is not life threatening, it can cause pain and discomfort.
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy is calling for the cups to be better regulated. Physiotherapist Kate Lough commented: "Having looked at some of the information on some of the cups - particularly the information about taking the cup out -[it] is not correct and is hard to understand.
"Using your pelvic floor muscles to bring the cup lower in the vagina is not correct. Bearing down on the cup to push it within reach of your fingers is not good pelvic floor advice. It counters the advice women would be given to avoid prolapse."
A woman whose name was not disclosed told the Victoria Derbyshire programme she started using the cups two months ago. The woman has two children and had not previously had any prolapse-related issues. She commented: "It was great at first [using the cups]... I was a convert." However, she encountered a problem and was referred by her GP to a gynaecologist, who, she said, told her she had experienced a minor vaginal prolapse "that probably happened because of the cup". The woman claims she was advised not to use the cup anymore.
Although very little research has currently been conducted on these devices, it is important to note that most women do not experience any issues with these devices, and a report in the Lancet Public Health journal last year concluded that menstrual cups were a “safe option.”