Can a menstrual cup cause a UTI? Current evidence does not suggest menstrual cups increase the risk of urinary tract infections, but hygiene, fit and positioning still matter. Here is what you need to know.

Menstrual cups have become an increasingly popular alternative to pads and tampons. They are reusable, can be worn for several hours at a time and, when the right cup is fitted correctly, many people find them comfortable and convenient.

But one question comes up frequently: can a period cup cause a UTI?

The short answer is that menstrual cups have not been shown to increase the risk of urinary tract infections when used as intended. However, good hygiene and comfortable positioning are still important.

Here is what the research tells us, what to look out for and how to use your menstrual cup confidently.

What Is a UTI, and What Does It Have to Do With Period Cups?

A UTI, or urinary tract infection, is an infection affecting part of the urinary system. Bladder infections are the most common type of UTI, although infections can also affect the urethra or kidneys.

UTIs are usually caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract through the urethra.

Common symptoms can include:

• Pain, stinging or burning when you urinate.
• Needing to urinate more frequently or urgently than usual.
• Cloudy or strong-smelling urine.
• Lower abdominal discomfort.
• Blood in the urine.

UTIs are more common in females because the urethra is shorter, making it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder.

So where does a menstrual cup fit into this?

A menstrual cup sits inside the vagina rather than the urinary tract. The two systems are separate, but because the vagina, urethra and bladder sit close together within the pelvis, hygiene and cup positioning are still worth considering.

Can a Period Cup Cause a UTI?

Current research does not suggest that menstrual cups increase the risk of UTIs when used as intended.

A 2026 review looked at menstrual cup use and different types of vaginal and urinary infections. It found no increased infection risk among menstrual cup users, although the researchers noted that the available evidence is still limited.

An earlier review published in The Lancet Public Health also found menstrual cups to be a safe option for period care overall, although a small number of urinary symptoms had been reported.

So it is more accurate to say that menstrual cups have not been shown to increase UTI risk, rather than claiming that a UTI could never occur while using one.

There are still two practical things worth paying attention to: hygiene and how the cup is positioned.

1. Not Cleaning the Cup Properly

Good hygiene matters whenever you insert or remove a menstrual cup.

UTIs generally occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra. Washing your hands before handling your cup and following the manufacturer's cleaning instructions can help reduce unnecessary bacterial transfer around the genital area.

Your menstrual cup should also be cleaned between uses and sterilised between cycles according to the instructions provided with your cup.

2. Cup Positioned Incorrectly

A correctly positioned menstrual cup should not normally interfere with your ability to urinate.

However, if a cup is sitting in a way that creates pressure around the bladder or urinary tract, you may notice a slower urine stream, difficulty emptying your bladder or unusual pressure.

Rare case reports have described menstrual cups pressing on nearby urinary structures when positioned incorrectly. These cases appear to be uncommon, but they are a reminder that your cup should not make it difficult to urinate or cause new pain.

3. Touching the Cup With Unwashed Hands

Your hands naturally come into contact with bacteria throughout the day, even when they appear clean.

Washing and drying your hands before inserting or removing your cup is a simple step that helps maintain good menstrual cup hygiene.

How to Prevent UTIs When Using a Period Cup

Menstrual cup use has not been shown to increase UTI risk, but good hygiene and a comfortable fit are still important. These habits can help you use your cup safely and confidently.

1. Keep It Clean

• Wash and dry your hands before inserting or removing your cup.
• Clean your cup according to the manufacturer's instructions between uses.
• Sterilise your menstrual cup between cycles as directed.
• Avoid harsh or strongly fragranced cleaning products that may irritate sensitive tissue or leave residue on the cup.

If you use an Inoya Period Cup, follow the care instructions provided with your cup. The Inoya Steriliser can also be used to sterilise your cup in the microwave according to the product instructions.

2. Get the Cup Position Right

Your menstrual cup should feel comfortable once it is properly positioned. You should not experience ongoing pressure on your bladder or difficulty urinating.

If your urine stream feels noticeably slower, you struggle to empty your bladder or the cup feels uncomfortable, remove it and try reinserting it.

Sometimes cup size, firmness or shape can also affect how comfortable a cup feels for your body.

3. Empty It Regularly

Follow the recommended wear time for the menstrual cup you use and empty it sooner if your flow requires it.

For the Inoya Period Cup, follow the wear and care instructions supplied with your product rather than exceeding the recommended wear time.

FAQs

Can a Menstrual Cup Block My Pee?

A menstrual cup does not sit inside the urinary tract, so it does not literally block the urethra from within.

However, a cup that is incorrectly positioned may occasionally create pressure around nearby urinary structures. If you notice difficulty urinating, a slower-than-usual stream, persistent pressure or pain while wearing your cup, remove it and reposition it.

If the problem continues, stop using the cup and speak with a healthcare professional.

How Do I Clean My Cup to Avoid UTIs?

Good menstrual cup hygiene starts with clean hands.

• Wash and dry your hands before inserting or removing your cup.
• Clean the cup between uses according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Sterilise your reusable cup between menstrual cycles as directed.
• Avoid strongly fragranced or harsh cleaning products that may irritate sensitive tissue.

Remember that UTIs can occur for many reasons, so good cup hygiene cannot guarantee that you will never develop one. However, it is an important part of using a reusable menstrual product appropriately.

I'm Prone to UTIs. Can I Still Use a Period Cup?

A history of UTIs does not automatically mean you cannot use a menstrual cup.

If you experience recurrent UTIs, notice urinary symptoms specifically when wearing your cup, or find that a cup makes it difficult to urinate normally, speak with your GP or another qualified healthcare professional.

It may also be worth considering whether a different cup size, shape or firmness would be more comfortable for your body.

When Should You See a Healthcare Professional?

Speak with your GP or pharmacist if you develop symptoms that could indicate a UTI.

These may include:

• Pain, burning or stinging when urinating.
• A frequent or urgent need to urinate.
• Cloudy or strong-smelling urine.
• Blood in your urine.
• Lower abdominal discomfort.

Seek prompt medical attention if you develop fever, nausea or vomiting, or pain in your lower back or sides, as these can occur with a kidney infection.

The Bottom Line

So, can a menstrual cup cause a UTI? Current evidence does not suggest that menstrual cups increase the risk of urinary tract infections when used as intended.

Good hand hygiene, appropriate cup care and comfortable positioning are still important. Your menstrual cup should not make it difficult to urinate or cause persistent pressure or pain.

If something does not feel right, remove the cup and pay attention to what your body is telling you. Period care should work with your body, not simply be something you have to tolerate.

At Inoya, we believe period care deserves more thought, from the materials used to the way a product is designed and experienced in everyday life.

About the Author

Helena Uhm
Founder of Inoya | RN, MPH

Helena is the Founder of Inoya, an Australian period care company focused on raising the standard of period care through thoughtful product design, better material choices, transparency and a science informed approach. Drawing on her background as a registered nurse and public health practitioner, Helena is passionate about helping women make informed decisions about their menstrual health and the products they use on and in their bodies.

Last reviewed: September 2026

References

• Healthdirect Australia: Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• van Eijk AM et al. Effect of menstrual cups on vaginal health, reproductive tract and urogenital infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis. EBioMedicine. 2026.
• van Eijk AM et al. Menstrual cup use, leakage, acceptability, safety, and availability: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet Public Health. 2019.
• Stolz A et al. An improperly positioned menstrual cup complicated by hydronephrosis: a case report. Case Reports in Women's Health. 2019.

Medical disclaimer: This article provides general educational information and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional if you are concerned about your symptoms.