Menstrual cups are an increasingly popular alternative to established menstrual items such as tampons and sanitary napkins, among other things because they protect the environment and our wallets. In contrast to tampons and sanitary napkins, the menstrual cups do not absorb the blood, but the liquid collects in the cup. If the cup is full, it must be emptied and rinsed out. According to many manufacturers, a menstrual cup can remain in the vagina for up to 12 hours. With good care, a menstrual cup can be used for years.
How long exactly Sandrine Graneau wore her menstrual cup that day, she no longer knows, reports the French newspaper "Le Parisien". According to the report, she left the menstrual cup in her vagina for too long and subsequently fell ill with Toxic Shock Syndrome, or TSS for short.
How to recognize Toxic Shock Syndrome
Toxic shock syndrome is a bacterial poisoning that can have life-threatening consequences. If the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus spreads in our body, this is initially shown by symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and dizziness. If the poisoning is not recognized and treated in good time, it can lead to severe circulatory and organ failure.
The bacteria can spread if products such as tampons or menstrual cups are in the body for too long. Colloquially, TSS is therefore also called "tampon disease". However, the risk of a TSS does not only arise when using period products. The Robert Koch Institute informs: "TSS can also occur as a complication in women with diaphragms, in the puerperium, with infectious abortion and in non-obstetric gynecological surgery. TSS can also result from skin diseases, burns, insect bites, varicella lesions and surgical wounds regardless of gender. "
Feet and fingers had to be amputated
Sandrine Graneau's infection was first manifested by stomach pain and a drop in blood pressure. Toxic shock syndrome was diagnosed in the hospital. The bacteria had spread from her abdomen in her bloodstream. The triple mother had to stay in hospital for three weeks in April 2019. Her kidneys, lungs and liver were damaged by the bacteria. In addition, the report said the infection had started destroying the tissues in her arms and legs. To prevent further destruction of their organs, the doctors decided to amputate both feet and several fingers. In the meantime, nine months have passed and the Frenchwoman is learning to walk with prostheses in a rehab.
How we can protect ourselves from toxic shock syndrome
According to Sandrine Graneau, there was no clear indication of the maximum length of time on the packaging of her menstrual cup. The report does not contain any additional information on their hygienic handling of the product, which is very important for period products and which can also have an impact on a possible infection with bacteria.
Of course, we wanted to know exactly how we can protect ourselves from infection with Toxic Shock Syndrome when using menstrual cups. Basically:
- The menstrual cup should be out 100% medical grade silicone consist.
- she should emptied regularly and cleaned properlyto avoid infection.
- Before using it for the first time during your period, you should take the cup disinfect,
To disinfect, put the cup for 5 to 10 minutes in boiling water, ideally in a whisk, because nothing can melt like this.
- Before introducing and removing period products always wash your hands thoroughly,
We also asked two period product manufacturers for an assessment of the case in France and their tips on the hygienic use of menstrual cups. Here are their answers:
Ann-Sophie Claus, founder of "The Female Company":
"As a provider of organic tampons, organic panty liners, organic sanitary napkins and the menstrual cup, we have given all of our products a lot of thought about TSS, researched all the studies and talked to medical professionals. Our goal is to offer safe products and especially those where you can be sure about the ingredients, for example because our organic cotton is grown without chemicals and pesticides. Nevertheless: following the instructions for use in the menstrual cup is very important. Particularly important: wash your hands and Empty and boil the menstrual cup regularly so that the risk can not be completely eliminated – but minimized. If you want to be completely sure, we recommend switching to alternatives to the menstrual cup (eg organic pads). For complete transparency, we offer on our website in the 'Vulva Mag' lots of articles on the topic and clarify on Instagram GTV can even find a video interview with an affected woman. "
Cordelia Röders-Arnold, Head of Menstruation by "einhorn":
"It is very fundamental that good hygiene must be observed when using tampons and menstrual cups. Before each insertion and removal of the menstrual cup, the hands must be thoroughly washed with soap."
You can find a lot more information about alternative period products here: Tampons with plastic? Never again! This is how menstruation lasts. Also here all information about the menstrual cup.
Sources used: leparisien.fr, Robert Koch Institute, The Female Company, unicorn