5 ways to prevent menstrual leakage during the night! Also introduces ways to not panic if menstrual blood leaks

Some people may be worried about menstrual blood leaking while they sleep.

The thought of menstrual blood leaking and staining your clothes and bedding while you're resting can be distressing and make it hard to get a good night's sleep.

In fact, taking the right measures can prevent menstrual leakage at night and may help support the shallow sleep that tends to occur during menstruation.

In this article, we will explain how to deal with side leakage and back leakage, which are common during menstruation, as well as how not to panic if you do leak.

By reading to the end, you will be less worried about menstrual blood leaking at night and will be able to sleep comfortably during your period.

Causes of menstrual leakage at night

There are two types of nighttime menstrual leakage: "side leakage" and "rear leakage," and the possible causes for each are as follows.

Once the cause is identified, it becomes easier to take action.

Let's take a look at each one.

Causes of side leakage: Pads not properly fastened, shorts too loose

The main causes of menstrual blood leaking sideways at night are when the pad is not properly secured or does not fit properly with the underwear .

As you unconsciously change positions while sleeping, your sanitary napkin can easily shift position, increasing the risk of side leakage. In particular, if you are wearing loose shorts, the sanitary napkin may not be firmly fixed in place and may easily slip off.

Causes of rear leakage: Incorrect size of pad, influence of sleeping position

The main causes of nighttime rear leakage are the wrong size pad and sleeping position .

If the pad is too short, it will not be able to absorb all the menstrual blood that flows backwards while you sleep, making it more likely to leak.

Additionally, sleeping on your back increases the risk of menstrual blood flowing backwards, increasing the risk of back leakage.

Prevents nighttime menstrual leakage

If you are troubled by nighttime menstrual leakage, try the following:

• Gather the napkin
• Use winged napkins
• Choose the right shorts for your body

Take precautions by being mindful of "wearing your sanitary napkins correctly."

Gather the napkin

Side leakage at night can be easily prevented by making sure the gathers on the napkin are standing up properly.

The gathers are folded inside the package, and if worn as is, they will not function as intended.
After putting on the pad, gently spreading the gathers outwards and standing it up will act as a barrier to prevent menstrual blood from leaking sideways, reducing the risk of side leakage.

Make sure the gathers are properly set before going to bed.

Use a winged napkin

Using pads with wings may help prevent side leakage at night.
The wings are attached to the shorts, preventing the napkin from slipping off even when you move around during sleep.

If you are already using a winged type and are experiencing leaks, the wings may not have been attached properly.

Please pay attention to the following points when wearing the product.

• When removing from the package, make sure the adhesive on the wings does not stick together.
• Spread the wings out to the left and right and attach them without wrinkling.

By making good use of the wings, you can reduce side leakage at night.

Choose the right shorts for your body

If the shorts fit your body properly, they will hold the pad in place and prevent leakage from the sides even when you move around during sleep.

If the shorts are too big, there will be a gap between them and your body, making it easier for the napkin to slip off.
On the other hand , if it's too small, it may be difficult to keep the napkin in place .

Ideally, measure your waist and hips before purchasing.
The waist is measured at the narrowest part, and the hips are measured at the most protruding part when viewed from the side.
If you measure yourself beforehand, you can choose shorts that fit you even if you can't try them on.
Also, a deeper waistline will wrap the entire pad more securely and fit your body better than one with a shallow waistline.

By choosing shorts with your size and waistline in mind, you can reduce the risk of side leakage.

Prevents nighttime menstrual leakage

If you are suffering from back leakage at night, try the following measures:

• Improve your sleeping position
• Use pads that match your menstrual flow

Another option is to consider changing your sanitary products.

We will explain in detail.

Improve your sleeping position

By changing your sleeping position, you can reduce the risk of back leakage during the night.
When you sleep on your back, gravity tends to cause menstrual blood to flow towards your back.
Therefore, sleeping on your side with your knees bent will reduce the risk of back leakage.

Since this is a different position than usual, it may feel strange at first.
Until you get used to it, it may be a good idea to stabilize your posture by using a body pillow or placing a cushion under your body.

Use pads that match your menstrual flow

By choosing a pad that matches your menstrual flow, you can reduce nighttime leakage.
If the absorption capacity is low, the menstrual blood will not be absorbed completely and will leak out the back.

If you are concerned about leakage, use products with high absorption capacity, such as "for heavy days" or "for especially heavy days."
Additionally, changing them before bedtime will maximize absorption and further reduce the risk of back leakage.

Also worth reading: How many ml of blood do you lose per day during your period? Two reasons why your menstrual flow may increase or decrease

If you want to sleep well at night during your period, consider reconsidering your sanitary products.

If you are worried about menstrual leakage, consider using a menstrual cup or Tampons are recommended .
Both are sanitary products that are inserted into the vagina, so there is less risk of them slipping out, allowing you to sleep peacefully.
We will explain in detail.

Menstrual cup

Using a menstrual cup is an effective way to prevent nighttime leakage .
Since it is inserted into the vagina, there is less risk of it slipping out and it is less likely to leak.
The length of time menstrual cups can be used varies, but some can last up to 12 hours. [1]

Menstrual cups are recommended for those who are worried about whether they will be able to wake up in time to use a tampon or who want to sleep longer and more comfortably .
On days when you're worried about heavy flow, combining a menstrual cup with absorbent underwear can provide more peace of mind.

Also worth reading: Do menstrual cups leak? Tips and tricks to prevent leaks, and how to use them comfortably
Also worth reading: How long can you use a menstrual cup? Explaining the safe wearing time

tampon

Tampons are another type of menstrual product that can help prevent nighttime leakage.
Like a menstrual cup, it is inserted into the vagina, so if inserted properly it is less likely to slip out and there is less risk of leakage.

However, it is important to observe the usage time.
Prolonged use increases the risk of infection, so be sure to follow the product's instructions.
Many tampons can be worn for up to eight hours. [2]
If you sleep less than eight hours a night, using tampons can help you sleep better.

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

Don't panic if your period leaks at night! Prepare in advance

To avoid panicking if you experience menstrual leakage at night, it is a good idea to prepare the following:

• Use a waterproof sheet
• Keep in mind how to remove menstrual blood
• Use bedding and shorts in colors that don't show menstrual blood

Knowing these measures will help you deal with any leaks that may occur.

Use a waterproof sheet

Even if menstrual blood leaks during the night, you can deal with it calmly by laying down a waterproof sheet.
This is because the mattress will not get dirty and the burden of cleaning up afterwards is significantly reduced.

If your period leaks into your shorts or pants, you can deal with it quickly by simply hand washing them and putting them in the washing machine.

However, if the mattress also gets soiled, you will have to wipe off the menstrual blood and then dry it, which is often too much to handle during the busy morning hours.

To prevent this , lay down a waterproof sheet so that any leaks can be dealt with quickly.

Keep in mind how to remove menstrual blood

If you experience menstrual blood leakage, don't panic; remember the correct way to let it out.

Here are some tips on how to get rid of menstrual blood:

• Rinse with water below 40°C
• If the stain remains, use a liquid enzyme bleach.

Using hot water will cause blood proteins to clot, making them difficult to remove. Therefore, be sure to wash your diaper in water below 40°C before the menstrual blood dries. [3]

If the stain remains after rinsing with water, apply liquid oxygen bleach to the stain and launder it immediately. [3]

Use bedding and shorts in colors that don't show menstrual blood

To prepare for menstrual leakage at night, it is a good idea to wear bedding and underwear in colors such as red or black, which will make menstrual blood less noticeable.
There is a possibility that faint stains may remain, so choosing a color that does not make stains more noticeable can reduce visual stress .

Be mindful of the color when choosing items you will use repeatedly.

Frequently asked questions about preventing nighttime menstrual leakage

We answer frequently asked questions about preventing menstrual leakage at night.
Make sure you have the right knowledge so you can get a good night's sleep even during your period.

I have a heavy period and feel like I'm leaking. Is there anything I can do to reduce the amount of menstrual flow?

Using low-dose birth control pills may help control menstrual flow. [4]
However, if your menstrual flow is so heavy that it leaks through your pads day and night, it may be a sign of an underlying uterine disorder.
It may be a good idea to have your uterus checked by a gynaecologist.

What can I do if the napkin wings leak?

If you are still experiencing leaks even when using winged napkins, keep the following in mind:

• Is the napkin in place?
• Use highly absorbent napkins
• Are the shorts the right size for your body?

If you still experience leaks despite being aware of these precautions, using tampons or a menstrual cup can reduce the risk of leaks .

summary

To prevent side and back leakage during the night during menstruation, it is important to wear your pad correctly and choose the right sanitary product.
You can reduce side leakage by gathering your napkin or using a napkin with wings.
You can also prevent back leakage by changing your sleeping position and choosing a pad that matches your menstrual flow.

Additionally, using tampons or menstrual cups can also be effective. Find out what works for you and ensure a good night's sleep.

Also worth reading: Why are menstrual cups recommended? | 6 reasons why beginners should choose Murmo

References
[1] Voluntary Standards for Menstrual Cups | Japan Sanitary Materials Industry Association
[2] Voluntary Standards for Sanitary Tampons | Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
[3] Laundry 119 | Japan Soap and Detergent Industry Association
[4] 60% of women experience menstrual leakage. Treatment to reduce bleeding is recommended to prevent anemia. | Working Women's Wellness Improvement Committee (Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Industrial and Labor Affairs)