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Menstrual Cups Fail to Warn of Endometriosis Risk

Armand Lione

Manufacturers of menstrual cups have been notified they "fail to warn" of endometriosis risk. (PRWEB) July 12, 2005 -- Two public interest groups have notified the manufacturers of Menstrual Cups that they fail to warn users of an increased risk of endometriosis. An estimated 7 million women in the U.S. suffer from Endometriosis, with millions more worldwide. The definitive cause of the disease remains unknown, though it is believed to be multi-factorial in origin, including genetic and immune factors, as well as exposure to environmental toxicants. Research has demonstrated that the retention of menstrual discharge promotes the backflow of endometrial cells from the uterus into the pelvic cavity, which is believed to increase the risk of endometriosis in some women. Menstrual Cups are products placed in the vagina or over the cervix during menstruation to retain menstrual fluid for later disposal. Some women are choosing these menstrual products as alternatives to tampons or absorbent pads, without adequate warnings about the risk of endometriosis. In letters to each of the Cup manufacturers, the association between endometriosis and the use of Menstrual Cups is supported by a statement from the United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA), calling the association “physiologically plausible.” Currently, none of the Menstrual Cups mention endometriosis on their packaging. Associated Pharmacologists & Toxicologists ((APT) www.assocpharmtox.org) & The International Endometriosis Research Center ((ERC) www.endocenter.org) have previously petitioned the FDA regarding the endometriosis risk associated with the use of the Menstrual Cups. The FDA noted the “plausibility” of the association in its response to that petition. Armand Lione, President of APT, said: “Despite the FDA’s public statement more than a year ago on the likely risk of endometriosis from the use of menstrual cups, the FDA has not taken any action to inform Cup users. We hope that calling attention to the manufacturer’s liability associated with this failure to warn will get these companies to quickly add information on endometriosis to their products.” Heather Guidone, Director of Operations for the ERC said, "we owe it to women and teens to be vigilant in our investigation of all potential contributors to this insidious disease." The two U.S. manufacturers of Menstrual Cups are Instead Inc.(www.softcup.com [La Jolla, CA]) and The Keeper (www.keeper.com [Cincinnati, OH]). The Diva Cup (www.divacup.com) is manufactured in Ontario, Canada, and the MoonCup (www.mooncup.co.uk) is a British product.