In a survey published this Wednesday and reported by France TV Info, France's Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) has issued an urgent warning about menstrual cups.
The authority states that while this investigation found no migration of chemical substances from the analyzed products, user guidance on proper usage is often insufficient or misleading, creating a serious risk of toxic shock syndrome.
More cost-effective and eco-friendly than tampons, menstrual cups can trigger toxic shock in women carrying specific Staphylococcus strains. Trapped menstrual blood fosters bacterial growth and toxins that may poison the body—a potentially fatal condition known as toxic shock syndrome (TSS).
These rare incidents are preventable by adhering to evidence-based recommendations, which are inconsistently provided due to lacking regulations. "User information differs from brand to brand and rarely covers all essential guidelines," the DGCCRF emphasizes.
Notices vary, recommending 4-12 hours or even overnight wear. Yet health experts insist on limiting use to 8 hours maximum and avoiding sleep with the cup in place. Risks mirror those of tampons from a bacteriological standpoint.
As a reminder, TSS stems from a bacterium found in about 4% of women. Diagnosis is challenging amid scarce studies and statistics, hindered by menstruation taboos. Stay informed and safe.
