Menstrual cups, whatever the brand, could be dangerous for our health. If until then, it was rather tampons that were decried, now researchers from Lyon wish to warn of the danger represented by "cups", these small silicone cups which are gaining more and more followers among women. What are they accused of? They would be responsible for a greater number of toxic shocks. The infection, caused by Staphylococcus aureus, leads to the proliferation of toxins and can lead to amputation of the lower limbs or even death. In any case, this is the conclusion of the National Reference Center for Staphylococci (based in Lyon), which analyzed 700 used tampons.
It is the site of the CHU (emergency hospital center) of Lyon which makes the conclusions of the study. A table (very easy to understand) shows the impact of the most used products during menstruation on our body. And the figures send shivers down your spine… The probability of proliferation of a staphylococcus is increased by 150% by a cup, while it is less than 10% for tampons (even less than 1% for Tampax, for example). ). The reason ? The diameter of the cup being larger than that of a tampon, its insertion is synonymous with the introduction of air, therefore oxygen, which promotes the proliferation of bacteria. Should we be worried? Yes and no. The researchers cannot be 100% sure that the toxic shocks are linked to the products (cups or tampons). On the other hand, it is the fact of keeping these protections too long that boosts the risk of toxic shock. Their recommendation? Never wear a tampon or menstrual cup for more than 4 to 6 hours at a time, and do without it at night. We have been warned.
