Health issues of the menstrual cup

Are there any health risks of using a cup?
Is the cup safe?
  • The medical-grade silicone is proven by the 60 years to be perfectly safe and free of health risks. That’s why this material is used as a cardiac valve replacement.

  • The material of the cup is also antibacterial. Bacteria is not able to „hold onto“ this material. Menstrual cup made of medical-grade silicone doesn’t allow bacteria to multiply. Also, the cup is sealed in the vagina through the whole duration of use and isn’t connected to the outside environment which is not the case of for example tampon’s string. Therefore the cup becomes one with the woman’s body.

  • The menstrual cup doesn’t affect the environment of the vagina, like pH and moisture. It is a completely neutral element inside the human body. The cup also adapts to the shape of the vagina and doesn’t press against it.
LUNACUP menstrual cup passed the complete sets of tests of the Czech National Institute of Public Health with flying colors.
There are no health risks and issues connected with the use of menstrual cups. We don’t recommend using the cup in days following the childbirth as the blood needs to flow freely from the vagina.

A lot of women got rid of vaginal yeast infections and inflammations when they switched to a cup. Your period is more natural and healthier with a menstrual cup.
Some women even use the cup outside their periods, for example as an extra precaution when visiting swimming pools using chlorine to treat water. The menstrual cup protects the vagina environment using suction.
The menstrual cup collects blood. Isn’t that harmful?

This common fear is based on the traditional need to apply absorptive materials when dealing with blood flows and it has been debunked. The blood is collected and removed in several hours.


The menstrual blood flows slowly from the cervix through the opening of the pinhead. The blood is collected in a cup whether you sit or lie.


Even when you are standing on your head, the blood is not coming back through this opening. No matter what feminine hygiene product you use, the blood currently in the vagina will always flow in that direction. It is perfectly normal and poses no risk. Vagina separates the outer and inner environment. Moreover the menstrual cup creates suction that prevents the outside air to get in. This prevents menstrual blood to go off and so it can’t produce an unpleasant smell unlike with napkins where blood interacts with air and bacteria.


Did you know? Did you know that napkins and tampons aren’t sterile? Cellulose-based materials used in the production of tampon or pad go through the whole manufacturing process and are wrapped afterward. When it comes all the way to you there is really no guarantee it is bacteria-free. You don’t even have the option to sterilize it yourself. On the other hand you can always clean or sterilize your cup in the comfort of your home.

What is the opinion of gynecologists?

Many gynecologists rate the cup very well and promote its use. Unfortunately, most of the gynecologists are men and can’t enjoy the comfort, freedom and health benefits brought by the use of a menstrual cup.  Their opinions are based on second-hand information. Read some of their statements:

Gynecologist, MUDr. Helena Maslova

„A menstrual cup is more than suitable and eco-friendly in addition.“ 

Gynecologist, MUDr. Marcela Bittnerova

„Because of used material, a menstrual cup doesn’t cause vaginal yeast infection. Because of the way it is inserted it doesn’t prevent the flow of blood from the uterus. It is suitable for every woman who had intercourse.“

Gynecologist, MUDr. Lukas Hruban

„It is a cheap and clean way. I don’t have any complaints at all.
It is a risk-free alternative that is worthy of recommendation.“

Can the cup block menstrual flow as tampons do?

The use of a menstrual cup doesn’t pose any dangers to your period as sometimes tampon does.

Cups and Toxic Shock Syndrome
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is quite a rare, possibly lethal condition. It was described in 1978 for the first time. In more than half of the cases it occurs with women and girls during their period or shortly after it. It occurs more frequently with women younger than 30 years of age. With adolescents, more than 90 % of cases related to the use of tampons. There are many causes of TSS and this condition affects not only women, but men and children as well.
Cups and Toxic Shock Syndrome
Unlike tampons and napkins, our menstrual cup is made of a material that was designed to be implanted into the human body therefore doesn’t pose any risks and is used in medicine for more than 60 years. Because of the material used, our menstrual cup doesn’t affect the natural environment of your body. No changes in pH, no drying the membranes, no bacteria multiplication and no allergic reactions. As there is still a risk of TSS with menstrual cups, the risk is significantly lower.
If you have been diagnosed with TSS before, do not use any internal vaginal products including LUNACUP menstrual cup.

Please observe the following hygiene procedures:
  • Remove the cup and rinse it with water at least every 12 hours.
  • Sterilize your cup at the end of every period.

  • If you suffer from any kind of inflammation caused for example by injuries, kidney or urinary tract infections, gum inflammation refrain from using a cup temporarily.

  • In case of sudden fever, rash, blood pressure fall, diarrhea, vomiting, remove the cup and visit your general practitioner.

  • Do not lend the cup you use to anybody, not even for just showing, not to mention testing.

  • Keep your cup in a supplied pouch in a dry, clean place with sufficient air circulation.