Caution patients about concomitant use of menstrual cup and IUD

Takeaway

• Menstrual cup use with intrauterine device (IUD) may increase risk for expulsion.

Why this matters

• 12% of US contraceptive users choose an IUD.
• Although this is a small survey study, patients should be counseled about the use of a menstrual cup with an IUD.

Key results

• 56 (8.8%) of participants experienced IUD expulsion.
• 74.5% reported expulsion during the first year of use.
• 19.7% used a menstrual cup.
• Menstrual cup use was associated with an increased risk for IUD expulsion (OR, 2.75; P=.002).
• No significant increased risk for IUD expulsion with tampon use.

Study design

• Cross-sectional survey in 2018.
• Participants were recruited from 2 Internet recruitment platforms (n=902).
• Women with past or current IUD use included (n=638).
• Funding: None.

Limitations

• Convenience sample.
• Could not verify the use of menstrual products.