All You Need to Know About Using an IUD and Menstrual Cup

By Phia

All You Need to Know About Using an IUD and Menstrual Cup

All You Need to Know About Using an IUD and Menstrual Cup

Substituting a menstrual cup for your standard tampon or pads when it’s your time of the month is becoming increasingly popular for several reasons, including cost savings and waste reduction.

But, for those who have an IUD, there are a few special considerations to keep in mind before making the switch. Let’s take a closer look at all you need to know about IUD and menstrual cup relationships to help you feel more secure in your period decision.

Using the Phia menstrual cup with an IUD

Is It Safe to Use an IUD and Menstrual Cup?

The short answer is yes. You can safely use a menstrual cup with an IUD. That being said, we want to make sure you are fully informed of all of the facts, which is why we find value in providing the good, bad, and ugly of what our research has found, including the somewhat recent IUD menstrual cup drama.

Medical professionals were completely confident that there were no additional health risks in using a menstrual cup with an IUD versus other traditional forms of period practices out there until recently.

In April of 2020, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists published a study stating an increased risk of IUD dislodge in women who use menstrual cups versus pads or tampons. 

While this is a critical study that should not be overlooked, it’s important to note that this specific study was conducted explicitly in women using copper IUD. So far, this is the only study showing these results. Additionally, no details have been shared regarding which copper IUD was used, the length of the strings, and other critical facts. 

Despite being the only study of its kind thus far, it’s worth noting. So, yes, menstrual cup and IUD use is safe. While there might be a slight possibility of an increase in dislodging in specific devices, there have been no signs proving this to be of immediate concern.

Keep this in mind when it comes time to decide on your period solutions, and always be sure you are using your menstrual cup the right way to minimize any potential risk.

Menstrual Cup

IUD and Menstrual Cup Tips

Because a menstrual cup sits inside the vagina, there is a possibility of moving your IUD when inserting or removing your cup. To lower the chances of dislodging your device while using a menstrual cup, follow these tips carefully:

Size Does Matter

Not all cups are created equal. If you’ve been shopping around the menstrual cup market, you’ll quickly find that many companies offer varying sizes, of which you should be mindful.

If you aren’t sure of your proper fit, check out our Phia Cup, which is as close to a "one size fits all" size as possible in a menstrual cup. Our cup has been tested by various women, including women who have and haven't given birth. Through our extensive tester feedback, we found that our size works best for both groups.

Mind Your Strings

When inserting your menstrual cup, you want to make sure you mind your IUD strings. The last thing you want is for your strings to get caught between your vaginal wall and the cup, increasing the risk of movement or dislodging during removal. Always ensure your IUD strings are positioned inside your cup.

Break the Seal

Your menstrual cup should create a suction upon insertion to be fully effective. When it comes time to remove, you’ll want to remember this and first break the suction seal. Without breaking the seal, you might create too much pressure in the suction, which can dislodge your IUD. 

One rule of thumb we always recommend is to press your cup into the shape of the letter C before trying to remove it. This method is a sure-fire way to help release some of that pressure from the suction.

Pay Attention

If you have had an IUD inserted, undoubtedly, your health care professional has told you to inspect your strings regularly. While this is easy to forget, it can be critical for monitoring any changes to your device.

Checking your strings often allows you to know what they should feel like when your IUD is placed correctly. Changes to your strings, such as feeling longer or shorter, could be a sign that your IUD has moved.

Snip, Snip

If you find that your IUD strings are constantly getting in the way of your menstrual cup, it might be worth having a conversation with your health care professional to see if they can cut your strings shorter.

You’ve Got Options

Always remember that you’ve got tons of menstrual cup options out there. If one particular brand or size isn’t working out for you, that doesn’t necessarily mean there isn’t an alternative out there for you. Don’t be discouraged!

How Soon Is Too Soon?

Maybe you are a die-hard menstrual cup user already and are looking into getting an IUD. If that’s the case, you might be wondering how soon after your IUD insertion are you able to return to using your beloved cup.

Side effects from IUD insertion generally last around three months as your body adjusts to this foreign object. While there is some concern surrounding the use of menstrual cups and dislodging or expulsion of IUDs, many don’t realize that sometimes the body just naturally chooses to reject the IUD.

Because you want to be sure to let your body do its thing, we recommend waiting around three months before using your menstrual cup to be on the safe side.

Do You, Boo

At the end of the day, it’s your period and, therefore, your decision on how you would like to handle it. Don’t let anyone pressure you into using a method you don’t feel entirely comfortable with. And, as always, if you have any questions or concerns, never hesitate to reach out to your health care provider.

When in doubt, always keep your safety the number one priority. If not you, who will?

IUD