Is using the cup safe?

Allergies, materials & quality standards

Our cup is safe for internal use and contains no BPA, latex, or allergens. It is AllergyCertified, registered with the Vegan Society, and meets strict material standards (USP Class VI and 21 CFR 177.2600). Under EU law, although the cup is not classified as a medical device, it complies with international ISO 10993 standards for biocompatibility (gentleness on the body) and is certified for up to 29 days of use.

However, if you have any allergies or any wider medical concerns, we always recommend consulting your doctor before using the cup.

IUD-safe

It is safe to use the cup if you have an IUD. Should you decide to use a cup in conjunction with your IUD, we recommend the following:

  • Consult your doctor before using your first cup and if you need to shorten your IUD string.
  • Wait 2-3 full cycles after your IUD insertion to use the cup and give your IUD enough time to settle.
  • When inserting, place the cup near your vaginal opening and as low as possible. 
  • When removing, always break the suction seal first. 

There have been rare cases where an IUD has been dislocated, but those are often due to issues with personal usage of the cup or anatomical factors. 5% of IUDs are naturally rejected by the body within the first 3 months after insertion.

Prolapse-safe

The cup is prolapse safe. A 2019 study published in The Lancet: Public Health examined 43 studies involving 3,300 women and girls in both high- and low-income countries to evaluate the use, safety, and leakage of the menstrual cup and concluded a positive result. This report appeared in a BBC article of the following year.

However, if you have a prolapse, we always recommend consulting your doctor before using the cup.

TSS-resistant

While Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is often discussed in relation to tampons, it is a rare condition linked to specific bacterial infections that can occur independently of any period product.

To develop TSS, a person must already carry a specific strain of bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus). These bacteria can produce harmful toxins when they multiply in absorbent environments, such as tampon fibers or unhealed wounds.

Unlike pads and tampons, the cup collects flow rather than absorbing it. This prevents the oxygen-rich environment that promotes rapid bacterial growth. The cup does not absorb natural vaginal moisture, preventing dryness and protecting your natural pH balance.

Even for those who carry staph bacteria in their vaginal flora, the risk remains minimal. We recommend washing your hands thoroughly before using the cup, emptying it after 8-12 hours, and sanitizing it between periods.

Symptoms include sudden fever, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, fainting, or rashes. These can occur during or immediately following a period. If you experience any of these symptoms, remove your cup and seek medical advice immediately. Do not use a menstrual cup or any internal vaginal devices if you have been previously diagnosed with TSS.

Yeast-infection-free

There is no known increased risk of yeast infections associated with menstrual cup use. Generally, bacterial infections are more likely to be transferred from your hands to the cup than to originate from the cup itself. However, if you use the cup while you have an active yeast or bacterial infection, the microorganisms can remain on the surface. If the cup is not thoroughly sterilized before its next use, you could potentially reinfect yourself. Although medical-grade silicone does not support bacterial growth, manual transfer of bacteria is still possible.

Learn more about using a menstrual cup with an IUD: allmatters.com/iud-and-the-cup/

Learn more about cup safety: https://www.allmatters.com/cup-safety, or please write to us at support@allmatters.com.

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