Menstrual cup was long considered a Holy Grail product for women, who raved about its many benefits, both economic and environmental. It was constantly compared to the tampon, which unlike the cup, was most likely to end up in your nearest landfill and also pose a danger to your life. For the uninitiated, tampons are generally spoken about in the context of toxic shock syndrome, a life-threatening complication caused by a toxin released by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Menstrual cup fans may not be very happy to know that the cup may not be very safe as previously thought. A recent study conducted by researchers at a university hospital in Lyon found out that the menstrual cup may also be responsible for toxic shock syndrome. What’s worse is that it may be even more dangerous than the tampon!

Since October 2017, researchers have been trying to understand how toxic shock syndrome, the bacteria and the conditions that cause it. Around 700 used tampons and menstrual cups (yikes!) were studied for the purpose. Researchers found that none of the products encouraged the growth of the trouble-causing bacteria. They, however, pointed out that compared to the tampon, menstrual cups pose a greater risk of producing the dreaded toxic shock-causing bacteria. Cups allow the entry of air into the vagina, unlike the tampon, and creates a fertile ground for the dangerous bacteria to proliferate.

What Should Be Done?

Before you haul your menstrual cup out of the window, note that the scientists don’t recommend you stop using it. Instead, they expect you to follow some basic hygienic practices, which will prevent the growth of the toxin-producing bacteria. Here’s the right way to use the menstrual cup:

1. Always wash your menstrual cup before use, even if it is a new one.

2. Buy sterilising equipment or boil your menstrual cup for around 10 minutes before use.

3. Use unscented soap to wash your cup between uses.

4. Don’t sleep with the menstrual cup on.

5. Empty and clean it every 5-6 hours.

While the risk of toxic-shock syndrome is higher with the cup, it other benefits clearly outweighs its cons. Menstrual cups are a cost-effective, eco-friendly solution for women who spend a lot of money on sanitary pads and tampons every month. All you need to do is follow strict hygiene while using the cup and there won’t be any reason to worry about toxic shock syndrome.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 03, 2018 06:09 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).