Menstrual Cups and Birth Control, Can it Affect Your IUD?

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(Newswire.net — July 11, 2019) — Menstrual cups are in, and sanitary pads are out! If you are a woman who has been using birth control like IUD, then you probably are wondering if it works for you, right?

Of course, there are no newly famed products that have not gone through skeptic criticisms or some rumors circling around the society. As for menstrual cups and its connection with birth control items like the IUD, people say you have to think twice and thrice before you purchase one.

So, why? Well, according to the said rumors, the same suction action that keeps the cup from leaking blood all down your vaginal walls might also pull out the IUD or Intrauterine Device that you are using. 

Now that is something you would actually not only consider once, twice, nor thrice, right? Since pregnancy and your comfortability during menstruation is at stake. 

Thus, in today’s article, this alleged so-called unsuitable pair will be explained thoroughly and hopefully would clear all your doubts about using IUD and menstrual cup at the same time.

What the Professionals Say

Dr. Conti, M.D of Stanford University which is a clinical assistant professor in obstetrics and gynecology that is also a fellow of Physicians for Reproductive Health stated that removing the menstrual cup in general, does not affect nor dislodge the IUD since the suction alone is not enough to pull it out.

Now, what if there are other factors than the suction alone? Dr. Conti added that the IUD strings could actually get caught (theoretically speaking) around the edge of the cup that might tug it out if you snag the strings along with the cup during the removal. However, in reality, its possibility is almost zero to none.

On the other hand, Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, M.D which is also a clinical professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive science at Yale University’s School of Medicine also backed up the statement of Dr. Conti—that there is not enough suction to pull out and dislodge the IUD during the menstrual cup removal.

Tips on Menstrual Cup Removal If You’re Worried

Just like there is a proper way of inserting a menstrual cup, which involves twisting and having a proper position, removing the cup also has its own ways too. Actually, you can look for websites like daisymenstrualcup.com for some advice and tips about the menstrual cup, just in case you want to look for another site to gather information.

Now, if you are worried about accidentally pulling your IUD while attempting to remove your menstrual cup, then this might work for you since there is an excellent practice for removing it so that you will not disrupt your birth control.

First, go slow in removing the cup; if you are feeling any discomfort or tugging higher up in your pelvis’ area, then stop and try pulling the cup on a different part. However, when in doubt, consult a woman’s healthcare provider.

What you need to know about gripping the cup is that it depends on the model that you are using. But, if you are using the standard cone-shaped menstrual cup, then you can comfortably grip it at its base and pinch it to break the seal which eases up the vacuum effect. 

The strings of your IUD are most likely not long enough to reach all the way down to your menstrual cup’s bottom. But if you are really concerned and worried, then you should familiarize yourself with the way how menstrual cup and IUD feel before you embark on the said products.

Using the Birth Control Ring and Menstrual Cup?

Since there are other birth controls that women go for, IUD is not the only ones that seem to have a “problem” with menstrual cups. This type of birth control is flexible rings that are also worn inside the vagina which prevents pregnancy by releasing the hormones into the body.

So, if you are one of those women who see it might be an issue if you use rings and menstrual cup, then you had it totally wrong since it is not a problem. 

Just like with the IUD, using the rings with menstrual cups should be fine. Just a pro tip: if you insert your menstrual cup, then make sure your ring is all the way in and slowly remove your menstrual cup during removal.

Takeaway

So, what answer does this discussion leads to? If you have observed, the rumors that were circling around the women’s circle is not entirely true. Although there might be some truths due to doubts and skepticism, what we can get from here is that you should not always listen to rumors, especially if they have no proof.

After all, that’s said and done, the point of this article is that IUD, rings, and menstrual cup can co-exist with each other. You only need to know what to do and be knowledgeable enough about these kinds of products.