Menstrual Cups & Endometriosis

The use of mentrual cups (The Instead® Softcup®, The Keeper, The Mooncup, Lunette, Diva™ Cup) seems likely to increase the risk of endometriosis. This video explains that risk for users - a risk the US FDA has called "plausible." Currently, none of menstrual cups warn users about endometriosis. Dr. Armand Lione of Associated Pharmacologists & Toxicologists explains these concerns. For more information, visit: www.assocpharmtox.org.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• endometriosis
• information
• risk
• FDA
• explain
• warn
• Armand
• Lione
• label
• labelling
• menstrual
• cups
• increase
• explains

[AssocPharmTox]

Thank you! After 2 years of being vilified for trying to explain some of the basic physiology behind the use of these products, it's gratifying to receive a comment that reflects the spirit behind the video.

Some of the manufacturers have at least mentioned the issue in their packaging, but none have tried studying the question. The FDA cited the "physiological plausibility" of the concerns, but the organization does not seem to have the testicular fortitude to act on behalf of the consumers.

[GonzoNomad]

The entire argument displays an ignorance of female anatomy on par with thinking a tampon can get lost in your uterus.

If menstrual cups can cause endometriosis, then why don't all women get endometriosis every time they lay down at night? Wouldn't 8 or 9 hours of "back-up" flow back through the cervix?

And why hasn't a single case of endometriosis caused by cups EVER been reported in their 80-year existence?

Retrograde menstruation is only a theory, and a poor one with no evidence at that.

[IronOxideCorset]

I think he's a shill for the tampon/menstrual pad industry.

[donnad23]

sorry can you tell me how your nauropath tested for intolerance? remember EVERYONES body is different! although you went weak i did not and i have endo and possibly pcos. your body along with the other patient might be allergic to something in the product and your body is sensitive to that produce. it doesnt mean its a bad product it means YOUR body is sensitive to it and had a reaction. my ob/gyn is also a nauropath on the side so im sure he knows about this if i ask him

[JBO2493]

@donnad23 I was not talking about testing for medical disorders. I was talking about testing for intolerance to certain personal care products for which this method is extremely useful. (Though I agree the term "diagnostic kineasiology is extremely misleading, sorry!). I went weak on the cup as did another person in the clinic. I doubt your professor will know anything about this method. Then again I doubt he or any conventional doctor could help me with PCOS like my naturopath did...

[donnad23]

@JBO2493 do you realize that the diagnositic muscle testing isnt a definate testing for disorders? diagnostic testing is only an examination not a diagnosis or conclusion! there has to be more research on the silicone rather than examine it. if you dont mind please tell me the procedure you and your nautopath used to test the silicone? im premed and i graduate this year so when i start medical school this year i will ask my professor about this method

[JBO2493]

I have no scientific knowledge. Just "gut" and my gut tells me that this man has a point. Menstrual blood is not designed to be "collected" inside the body but to leave it as nature intended. I was really into cups when I first found out about them for ecological reasons but now want to switch to reusable cloth pads and at a push... one of those organic sponges. I don't think the back flow argument counts in the case of lying down at night as even then blood still comes out of the body.

[JBO2493]

@donnad23 Sadly I was an enthusiast until I tested mooncupuk with my naturopath (using diagnostic muscle testing) and we found the so called medical grade silicone to be toxic for me and another longterm female user. The safest and most eco way of dealing with periods is reusable sanitary towels... (though slightly less convenient.) I am also intruigued by the "sponges" out there. If you want to keep on with cups at least change material to the latex keeper or meluna. The silicone is NOT safe xx

[marler3]

The idea of retrograde menstruation is a myth that has been debunked by basic science.

First of all, they used to argue that women could not be upside down while on their period, because of retrograde menstruation.

BUt that doesn't make sense because, actually, your vaginal canal is not "upside down" unless you are laying down. So what would women do when they are sitting, or laying down?

Endometriosis *might* be linked to tampons, but not for that reason. Cups have no affect on this

[donnad23]

this is NOT true. im 20 and ive had endo since i was 10 (officially diagnosed at 17) i cannot use tampons ot pad because i swell and it makes my cramps worse. i switched to the mentraual cup and had NO issues. tampons contain dioxins which can cause endometriosis. menstraul cups are medical grade sillicone and dont contain dioxins which is safe for your health

[booklover1425]

There are nothing in this damn world that has absolutely no side affects. Tampons have TSS risks but not everyone gets them endometriosis has connections with menstrual cups? Screw you, it doesn't happen to everyone and impretty sure it's genetic

[IfYouStartMeUp]

Personally I think it is very considerate and generous of him to bring up the potential concerns of this product for the health and safety of women.

Worth considering and worth more research. Excellent video expressing the "Potential Concerns" of these products. Thank You!