Blood in urine while cup is in place
Today I noticed that there was blood in my urine while I am having my period (with the cup in place). Initially I thought it was because my cup was too full and it was leaking (I had not changed it for more than 15 hours on a relatively normal flow day – day 3 – but there was no spotting on my panties). My bladder also feels full. However, even after I had emptied the cup (which was maybe 80% full), put it back and ensured it was properly sealed, I still noticed blood in my urine with some fresh blood when cleaning (no stains in panties again). There was slight pain on peeing and feels like I’ve been holding my pee for a long time. I removed the cup again and there was no blood in or around it. I’m wondering if this is unusual and if I should see a doctor. I can’t seem to find anything online about menstrual blood somehow finding it’s way into the bladder (which seems to be the case).
Hello There!
First, I am not a doctor. There are no doctors or healthcare specialists on this site that I know of. For your health and safety, I would suggest seeking medical attention if this continues.
With that out of the way, I know that bladder or bowel issues can be caused by a cup. Particularly firm or very firm ones. However, everyone has their own description of soft and firm, so what may be soft to me, may also be firm for you.
Anyhow, a firm cup can be applying pressure to the bladder, urethra, or bowel making you feel like you need to urinate more often, make you feel like you didn’t empty your bladder all the way when you do, make you have a slow urine stream, and/or make you constipated.
This can contribute to UTIs if the bladder is not emptied, leaving urine, along with bacteria, to multiple. In your case, I would suspect cystitis which is a UTI of the bladder.
Although some people don’t experience any symptoms, some common ones with this particular type of UTI are; blood in urine, extra pelvic pressure, abdominal pain, and pain or burning while you urinate.
I would also like to point out that most cup companies suggest removing the cup every 12 hours. Leaving it in for 15 hours at a time may also be contributing to your issue.
Again, I would seek medical attention if this sounds like something you’re experiencing. A doctor can assess if it’s a minor infection that can be treated with over the counter remedies or if it’s serious enough that you will need medication.
I would stop using a menstrual cup or at least this particular menstrual cup until this issue is cleared.
After, if you would still like to continue using menstrual cups, I would suggest a softer one that doesn’t apply an excessive amount of pressure to these sensitive areas.
If you need help finding a couple that might work better for you, I’d be happy to narrow some down if you share which cup and size you are using.
Until then, good luck & good health <3
Red Herring
@redherringtv
RedHerringTV on YouTube
