Menstrual cups, such as the DivaCup, Lunette, and Lena, have become a popular alternative to pads and tampons. Although they are an environmentally friendly option, they may be just as dangerous as tampons when it comes to certain health risks. A new study suggests that menstrual cups may lead to toxic shock syndrome (TSS).
If you suffered TSS after using a menstrual cup, contact a product liability lawyer from Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C.. We will evaluate your situation and help you file a claim against the liable party. To learn more during a free and confidential consultation, contact us at (312) 236-2900 today.
A menstrual cup is a flexible cup-shaped device that is inserted into the canal of the vagina during a woman’s menstrual period in place of a tampon or pad. The cup is reusable and may be cleaned by the user between uses. Many health providers and menstrual cup makers have claimed that menstrual cups are environmentally friendly and also safer than tampons.
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a condition caused by a buildup of bacteria that creates toxins. TSS is more common among women who use tampons for an extended period. The longer an individual uses a tampon, the higher their risk of developing TSS.
Symptoms of TSS include a rash, fever, and low blood pressure. Symptoms are commonly confused with other conditions, so it is frequently misdiagnosed. Treatment includes antibiotics, drainage of any abscesses that may have formed, and blood transfusion.
TSS was first identified in 1978, but it became well known in the 1980s. In 1980, 812 cases of TSS were reported due to the use of tampons. In response, tampons changed manufacturing practices, and only 61 cases were reported in 1989. In 2016, only 40 cases of TSS were published in the United States.
Recently, a study in the scientific journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology suggested that menstrual cups increase a person’s risk of TSS.
The study tested 15 different tampons and menstrual cups to determine the growth of bacteria such as Staphylococcus, which is the most common bacteria that leads to TSS. They found that all of the tampons and menstrual cups indicated a possibility to grow the bacteria. However, because the menstrual cups allow for more oxygen to enter, bacteria are more likely to develop in menstrual cups than in tampons.
Thus, menstrual cups may be even more dangerous than tampons when it comes to the risk of TSS.
In response to the study results, several menstrual cup manufacturers have commented. Lunette stated in a blog that there have only been two cases of TSS connected with menstrual cup use globally, and those cases are related to prolonged use. It is well known that TSS is related to the longer-than-average use of a single tampon, and that appears to be the case with menstrual cups as well.
Lunette reassured users that proper use of menstrual cups with regular cleaning results in minimal risk of TSS.
It has been well publicized that teens are the highest risk group for toxic shock syndrome. Teens are more likely than adults to wear two tampons at once and wear a tampon or menstrual cup for an extended period. To combat this, it is important to educate teens on the best practices when using a tampon or menstrual cup.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to a menstrual cup or TSS, you should contact a product liability lawyer at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. right away. We can thoroughly investigate your case and help you seek compensation for your injuries and losses.
Contact us at (312) 236-2900 today to set up a free, initial consultation.
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