Doctors at Orchus University Hospital in Denmark reported a case where a mispositioned menstrual cup could trigger ureterohydronephrosis, a condition in which the ureter and kidney enlarge because urine flow is blocked. The finding appeared in UN Case Reports. The report shows how a common personal hygiene device, when not placed correctly, may interfere with urinary drainage and why correct fit matters for safety.
While such misplacement is rare, it can, in some instances, harm kidney cells and raise the risk of acute kidney injury over time. The medical literature on this topic remains sparse, with only a few similar cases described to date. The rarity does not lessen the possible consequences, so doctors emphasize vigilance among users and among clinicians evaluating unexplained urinary symptoms.
In the described study, clinicians examined a 30-year-old woman who reported blood in the urine and pain on the right side and in the lower abdomen for about six months. Her history included prior removal of a kidney stone. She also reported regular use of a menstrual cup for menstrual management, which she had relied on for some time without earlier problems.
The menstrual cup is a medical grade silicone device that collects menstrual blood by forming a seal inside the vagina. In recent years these personal hygiene tools have grown in popularity because they last long and reduce waste, making them a favored option for many people seeking a reusable alternative to disposable products.
Imaging with CT showed the cup beside the right kidney with the ureter dilated, appearing to sit at the ureteral orifice. After medical guidance, the patient stopped using the cup and returned for re-evaluation within a month. The follow-up indicated that the misplacement had interfered with normal urine flow, and the symptoms eased after discontinuation and monitoring.
The authors urged clinicians and patients to stay aware of possible risks linked to such hygiene products. Awareness can lead to earlier recognition of symptoms and prompt management if a misplacement occurs, reducing potential harm to kidney function.
One commentator in the study noted that choosing a shape and size that fits well helps prevent adverse effects on the upper urinary tract, and gives practical steps people can take to minimize risk during use. This view aligns with broader medical cautions about providing clear instructions on how to insert, wear, and monitor these devices.
Earlier researchers explored new routes to cut kidney-related mortality and improve early detection of kidney diseases. This ongoing work informs safer guidelines for common female health products and underlines the need for careful clinical assessment when urinary symptoms appear.