Until what day of your period can you use a menstrual cup? Introducing recommended items for the days nearing the end of your period

Can I use a menstrual cup at the end of my period?
"I want to know how to use it correctly and have a comfortable time."

For those of you with questions like these, this article will explain in an easy-to-understand manner the period during which a menstrual cup can be used and the precautions you should take. We will also introduce examples of how to use different sanitary items.

Using a menstrual cup effectively should help reduce discomfort and stress during the second half of your period.
Please try to find a way to use it that suits you.

You can use the menstrual cup until your period stops.

Menstrual cups can be used during your period, as long as you have menstrual flow, until your period ends.
If you notice that there is no menstrual blood in the cup, it is fine to check that your period has ended.

However, you can only leave the menstrual cup in for a maximum of 12 hours. [1]
Even if the amount of menstrual flow is small, be sure to remove the diaper and wash it within the allotted time.

Even if you are concerned about discomfort towards the end of your period, using a menstrual cup effectively can help you feel comfortable until the end of your period.

Recommended sanitary items for when the end of the season approaches!

In addition to menstrual cups, we also recommend the following sanitary items that are easy to use towards the end of your period:

• Water-absorbing shorts

• cloth napkins

Some are easy to put on and take off and feel gentle on the skin, making them ideal for relaxing. Let's take a look at the characteristics of each.

Water-absorbing shorts

As your period comes to an end, we recommend using absorbent shorts.
The benefits of using absorbent shorts towards the end of your period are as follows:

• There is no need to worry about soiling underwear or clothes, and there is no need to change it like with sanitary napkins.

• Thin types for light days are less stiff and more comfortable.

• It can be washed and reused, which reduces waste and is environmentally friendly.

Absorbent shorts are an attractive option for those who want to spend their final days stress-free and sustainably.

cloth napkins

Cloth napkins are also recommended for when you're nearing the end of the day.
It is breathable and does not get stuffy, so you can stay comfortable while preventing skin problems.

They are often made from materials such as organic cotton and silk, and one of their appealing features is that they are gentle on the skin.
Like absorbent shorts, they can be washed and reused, making them an economical and environmentally friendly choice.

Cloth napkins are a good choice for those who want to incorporate sustainable items while minimizing the burden on their skin.

Sanitary item usage schedule example

To make your life more comfortable, it's important to use different sanitary items (absorbent shorts and cloth napkins) depending on the season.
Here is an example of a usage schedule for each stage.

The period that is likely to begin

During this time, we recommend using absorbent shorts and cloth napkins .
It reduces waste and costs.
You will have less worry about getting your clothes dirty and can go about your daily life more calmly.

The period that has just begun

Once your period starts, start using a menstrual cup.
The advantage of this period is that the amount of menstrual blood is relatively light, so the cup has more capacity and you don't have to change it as often.

In fact, in an original survey conducted by Murmo, 11.8% of respondents said that menstrual cups are useful on days when menstrual flow is light.
This is thought to be because people appreciate the fact that they can use the cup for long periods of time comfortably without worrying about leaks.

However, the amount of menstrual blood varies from day to day depending on your physical condition and hormone balance. Furthermore, it is safer to switch from regular underwear to absorbent underwear or cloth pads.

Also worth reading: [Latest survey data from 2024] What is the usage rate and awareness rate of menstrual cups, and what is the real deal about menstrual cups?

High volume period

During heavy flow periods, a menstrual cup can be helpful.
If you have a heavy flow, the cup may fill up quickly, so switching from your regular panties to absorbent panties or cloth pads can help prevent leakage and staining your clothes.

Once you get used to using a menstrual cup and can keep track of your flow, you can gradually move on to using the cup alone.

The period is about to end

Even if your period has almost stopped flowing, it is okay to continue using a menstrual cup until your period has completely stopped.

What you need to know besides "how long should you use a menstrual cup?"

In addition to the duration of use, there are other things you need to know to use a menstrual cup correctly.

• Boil and disinfect your menstrual cup before and after your period.

• Remove the menstrual cup at most every 12 hours

• Don't use a menstrual cup that is too big or too small from the start

I will explain each one.

Boil and disinfect your menstrual cup before and after your period.

Menstrual cups should be sterilized by boiling to prevent bacterial growth. [1]

Disinfection should be done twice:

• When your period starts and you start using a menstrual cup

• When storing your menstrual cup after your period ends

The basic method of disinfection is boiling in a pot or microwave.
A simpler method is to use a microwave, which requires fewer supplies and you don't have to keep an eye on it like you do with a pot.

However, if you do not prepare a heat-resistant container of the appropriate size, sterilization may not be performed properly and bacteria may grow.
Therefore, we recommend using a sterilization container specifically designed for menstrual cups when boiling them in the microwave.

At murmo, if you purchase the special container at the same time as a menstrual cup, you can get an 800 yen discount.
Please consider this as one of your options.

＼ murmo first set is here /

Remove the menstrual cup at most every 12 hours

Be sure to remove your menstrual cup within 12 hours at the most .
If used for longer than the recommended time, there is a very rare risk of developing toxic shock syndrome (TSS). [1]

Usage times vary depending on the product, so please check the usage times listed in the instruction manual or packaging.

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

Don't use a menstrual cup that is too big or too small from the start

Choosing the right size menstrual cup is important for comfort and to prevent leaks.
If you are using it for the first time, we recommend starting with the standard M size.
By using the medium size, you can more easily determine the size that is right for you, such as "Maybe a little bigger would be better."

However, if you choose a size that is too large from the start, it may require more force to fold or be difficult to insert.
On the other hand, if it's too small, it won't fit properly inside the vagina and may leak more easily due to its small capacity.

Therefore, it is a good idea to start with the medium size and then check the fit and see if there are any leaks before reconsidering the size.

Everyone's physical condition and menstrual flow volume vary. The first step to finding the cup that's right for you is to start by choosing a size that's comfortable for you.

Frequently asked questions about menstrual cup lifespan

We will explain the points that many people are concerned about when using menstrual cups in a Q&A format.
By gaining the correct knowledge, you will be able to use it more comfortably and safely.

Can I use a menstrual cup outside of my period?

Basically, it can only be used during menstruation.
A menstrual cup is a feminine hygiene product that collects menstrual blood. [1]
Therefore, it cannot be used when you are clearly not menstruating.

However , there is no problem with using it when your period is coming to an end and you are only losing a small amount of menstrual blood.

If you are concerned about vaginal discharge, we recommend using panty liners or absorbent shorts.

Will using a menstrual cup cause menstrual blood to leak?

Even if you use a menstrual cup, you may still leak blood.
Below are the main reasons why menstrual blood leaks:

• Not fitted in the correct position

• The cup is nearly full of menstrual blood

• The size and shape are not suitable for the body

• The cup is not open inside the vagina

In particular, when you are not used to using a menstrual cup, there is a risk of leakage if you do not place it in the correct position or do not know when to change it.

If you are worried about menstrual leakage, you may want to consider using thin pads in combination with them, or switching from your regular shorts to absorbent shorts or cloth pads.

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

I suddenly noticed that I had no menstrual blood (my period had ended), is this okay?

There is no problem if you use a menstrual cup towards the end of your period and before you know it, your period has ended.
However, once you notice that your period has ended, you should stop using the menstrual cup.
Also, avoid using a menstrual cup when you are clearly not on your period.

summary

Menstrual cups can be used on any day of your period as long as you are still bleeding.
Stop using the cup when there is no more menstrual blood inside.

At murmo, chat support via LINE is available exclusively to those who purchase a menstrual cup.

If you're having trouble using a menstrual cup, such as "I want to use it until my period ends, but it's difficult to insert," please feel free to contact us.

References
[1] Voluntary Standards for Menstrual Cups Created by the Japan Sanitary Materials Industry Association | Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare