How long can you use a menstrual cup? Explaining the safe wearing time

"Can a menstrual cup really last 12 hours?"
"Is it okay if I don't change it frequently like a sanitary napkin?"

If you have never used a menstrual cup, it may be difficult to imagine wearing it for long periods of time.
You may feel anxious about leaking menstrual blood or forgetting to change your diaper.

This article explains how long to wear a menstrual cup and precautions to take when using it safely.
By the time you finish reading, you'll understand why the continuous use time is limited and learn some tips on managing your menstrual cup.
If you are planning to purchase a menstrual cup but are unsure about how to use it, please refer to this article.

Menstrual cups can be used for 8 to 12 hours straight.

While this varies depending on the individual's menstrual flow, most menstrual cups can generally be used for 8 to 12 hours continuously.
The continuous use time is set to reduce the risk of contracting an infection.
Please note that the usage time is set by the manufacturer and product, so you must adhere to the specified time for the product you are using.

From here, we will explain in detail the risks of using a menstrual cup continuously for long periods of time, and the precautions to take when sleeping, when it is easy to exceed the continuous use time.

Menstrual cup The risk of leaving it on for a long time

Avoid leaving the menstrual cup in your vagina for longer than the recommended continuous time.
Wearing the cup for a long period of time can cause bacteria to grow inside the cup, which can lead to toxic shock syndrome (TSS).
Although TSS is extremely rare, menstrual cups must be handled with care because they are inserted into the vagina.

To keep your menstrual cup clean, follow these tips:

• Wash your hands thoroughly

• Cleaning and reinserting your menstrual cup

Regardless of the amount of flow, remove and clean your diaper every 12 hours.

Also worth reading: What is TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome) that is said to be caused by tampons and menstrual cups?

Things to keep in mind when sleeping with a menstrual cup

When sleeping with a menstrual cup, you need to be careful about leaking menstrual blood and exceeding the continuous use time. To prevent these, keep the following in mind.

• Check that it is fitted correctly

• Use a menstrual cup that lasts a long time

• Discard menstrual blood just before going to bed to avoid exceeding the continuous use time.

If you are worried about whether you are wearing it correctly or whether it will leak, you can feel more secure by using napkins or absorbent shorts in combination.

Also worth reading: Will using a menstrual cup while sleeping cause reflux? 4 tips to prevent leaks while sleeping!

Does your menstrual cup leak on the second day? Why does it leak even if you use it for the specified time?

Even if you wear it correctly and follow the recommended usage time, menstrual blood may leak.
Here are some of the main reasons why:

• Heavy menstrual flow

• Not fitted correctly

• The size is not right for my body

Once you know the cause of the leak, you can take immediate action to prevent it or to deal with it if it does occur.

Heavy menstrual flow

If your flow is so heavy that it exceeds the capacity of the menstrual cup , leakage may occur.
The amount of menstrual blood varies from person to person and also depends on the day of the period , but generally it tends to be heavier on the second or third day.
Therefore, we recommend using it at home until you are able to gauge your menstrual flow.
If you use absorbent shorts or thin pads in combination, you can rest assured that even if your diaper is full and leaks, you can deal with the problem immediately.
Gradually get used to using it while keeping track of your menstrual flow.

Not fitted correctly

Menstrual cups can leak if not fitted correctly.
Correct wearing involves the positioning, opening of the cup, and direction of insertion.
The correct position is when the entire cup fits inside the vagina and the stem (handle) does not protrude.
Also, menstrual blood is more likely to leak if the cup is not fully open inside the vagina.
If you feel like your cup isn't opening properly, try adjusting it using the following method:

• Pinch the stem and shake it gently

• Rotate left and right

• Move gently to adjust

When inserting the cup, aim it at your anus. Inserting it at the correct angle will help the cup to stay in place.
If you still leak after trying these things, it's possible that the menstrual cup you're using doesn't fit your body properly.

The size is not right for my body

If the size or shape of the menstrual cup is not right for your body, it may cause menstrual leakage.
If you choose a small size from the start because you are worried about inserting it, the size and amount of menstrual flow may not be appropriate, increasing the chance of menstrual leakage.

First, try a standard M size and prioritize getting used to the menstrual cup. Check the amount of leakage, menstrual flow, and fit during use, and then decide on the size that's right for you.

Also worth reading: Do menstrual cups leak? Tips and tricks to prevent leaks, and how to use them comfortably

Things to keep in mind to use your menstrual cup safely

To use a menstrual cup safely, it is important to follow two rules:

• Check the product wearing time

• Disinfect properly

Following these steps will reduce the risk of infection and make using a menstrual cup more comfortable.

Check the product wearing time

The continuous wearing time for menstrual cups varies depending on the manufacturer, so be sure to check before use .
If you don't wear it for the required amount of time, it can not only cause leakage and discomfort, but also increase the risk of infection.
It is important to check the official website or instruction manual to understand how many hours of continuous use it can have.

Disinfect properly

Since menstrual cups are used repeatedly, they should be boiled and disinfected before and after your period to remove any germs .
There is no need to boil and disinfect the product while using it during your period, but you should wash it thoroughly with soap and running water once a day.

There are two ways to sterilize it: boiling it in a pot or placing it in a heat-resistant container and sterilizing it in the microwave.
At murmo, we offer "clean pots" that can be sterilized by boiling more easily.
If you are wondering how to sterilize by boiling or what items to prepare, consider purchasing one along with your menstrual cup.

Also worth reading: How to clean your menstrual cup? How to sterilize it by boiling it
Also read: How to Clean Your Menstrual Cup: Other Cleaning Methods Aside from Boiling

Frequently asked questions about continuous use time of menstrual cup

We answer some common questions beginners may have about how long a menstrual cup can be used continuously.
Please use this as a reference to use your menstrual cup comfortably.

What is the maximum time a menstrual cup can be used?

It varies depending on the manufacturer, but it's usually between 8 and 12 hours .
The murmo menstrual cup can be left in for up to 12 hours.
Regardless of the amount of menstrual flow, remove the cup within the time specified by the manufacturer.
After emptying the menstrual cup, wash it with mild soap and running water before reinserting it.

What happens if I leave my menstrual cup in for too long?

The menstrual blood that accumulates inside the menstrual cup is heated by body heat, creating an environment that is conducive to the growth of bacteria.
If you have used the menstrual cup for longer than the recommended continuous wearing time, wash your hands as soon as possible before removing it.

To prevent forgetting to change your menstrual cup, try the following:

• Use the alarm function on your smartphone

• Make it a habit to change your contact lenses every time you shower or bathe.

To use a menstrual cup safely, make sure you don't exceed the recommended time.

On heavy menstrual flow days, how often do you change your diaper?

The amount of menstrual blood varies from person to person, and just like with sanitary napkins, the frequency with which menstrual cups should be changed also varies, so it is not possible to say in general how many hours per day they should be changed.
However, if you have a heavy flow, the cup may overflow and leak even within the specified time.
Therefore, until you get the hang of when to change your menstrual cup, use it at home and use absorbent shorts or napkins to prevent leaks.

How long should I disinfect my menstrual cup?

When using a microwave, the recommended time is 500W for 5 minutes .
At Murmo, we recommend our "Clean Pot," a product made specifically for menstrual cups that can be easily sterilized by boiling in the microwave. It's easy to keep your cup clean, and it's also useful for storing it between uses.

summary

The usage time for menstrual cups varies depending on the manufacturer, but most last between 8 and 12 hours.
They can be used for a longer period of time than sanitary napkins as they do not need to be changed frequently.
However, wearing it for longer than this time can not only cause menstrual leakage, but also increase the risk of infection.
Be sure to remove it within the specified time, discard the menstrual blood, and then reinsert it.
In addition, proper disinfection before and after your period is essential for proper use of your menstrual cup.

At murmo, we offer a "clean pot" that allows you to easily disinfect your menstrual cup .
If you purchase it at the same time as your menstrual cup, you won't have to worry about sterilizing it and you can use it right away.
Please consider it.