Assessing Overnight Use of Menstrual Cups

Assessing the Safety of Sleeping with a Menstrual Cup In

Menstrual cups offer a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to pads and tampons for period management. Small and flexible, some brands like the DivaCup claim you can safely keep them inserted for up to 12 hours. But can you really sleep with a menstrual cup in place overnight?

Benefits of Menstrual Cups

Silicone menstrual cups collect rather than absorb menstrual fluid. Inserted correctly, the rim creates a light seal with the vaginal walls to stop leaks or spills. Menstrual cups hold far more fluid than tampons or pads before needing to be emptied.

As reusable products lasting for years that generate little waste, menstrual cups provide environmental and economic incentives to replace disposables. They cause no drying effect or risk of abrasions linked to prolonged pad or tampon use.

Overnight Use Considerations

The 12-hour safety window for continuous menstrual cup wear forms the basis for sleeping with one in. Still, individual body shapes, sensitivity, flow levels, and sleeping positions factor into overnight comfort.

Inserting cups too high or wearing incorrectly sized ones raise risks of discomfort or leakage defeating their purpose. Try an initial short-term wear first before relying solely on menstrual cups overnight.

Inserting Menstrual Cups Correctly

To understand if you can sleep comfortably and leak-free with a menstrual cup in place, first learn proper insertion methods during conscious hours.

Preparing New Cups Before Insertion

Prior to the first use, thoroughly clean and sanitize new menstrual cups by boiling in a pot of water for 5-7 minutes. This removes any residual manufacturing chemicals while disinfecting.

Sterilizing cups between cycles also prevents bacteria or odors. After each removal, wash cups using mild, unscented soap and water before wiping down with rubbing alcohol.

Folding Techniques to Aid Insertion

The tight seal forming against vaginal walls keeps menstrual cups securely in place once inserted. But getting them situated initially while collapsed takes practice.

Fold or roll cups tightly before inserting, easing them in at an angle aiming slightly backward towards the tailbone not straight up. Release carefully once past the pelvic muscles. Run a finger around the base to check placement.

Determining If Overnight Use Works

Assess your individual comfort levels and overnight tendency to shift sleeping positions before relying solely on the DivaCup or other menstrual cups at night.

Trying an Initial Short-Term Wear

Test wearing your menstrual cup for just a few hours while awake and active first. Move about, stretch, use the bathroom. If you cannot feel it at all, try keeping it in place up to 8 hours during times you will be awake to gauge reactions.

Switch to a pad as backup overnight for the first few cycles while evaluating if longer duration wear feels right for your body and flow level.

Assessing Insertion and Seal

Make sure to insert cups fully past pelvic floor muscles so they open completely with the base positioned just above the vaginal opening not protruding at all. A too shallow seal risks leaks and discomfort.

Ideally choose a softer cup with airflow holes if sleeping on your back or stomach to prevent suction issues. Try different folds if insertion proves difficult each cycle until finding the best individual fit.

Emptying and Removing Menstrual Cups

While menstrual cups can safely stay inserted for up to 12 hours, most women empty and reinsert them more frequently to manage heavier flows. Learn proper techniques to prevent messes or pressure damage during removal.

Locating the Base for Removal

Before pulling out menstrual cups, first locate the base by squatting and bearing down gently with pelvic muscles until you can grasp the very bottom of the cup without pinching the rim or sides.

A long, narrow cup and laid back angle usually allows the path of least resistance during removal to minimize any discharge. Withdraw slowly and steadily without breaking the seal prematurely.

Spill-Free Emptying Strategies

Hover carefully over the toilet before breaking the suction. You can pinch the base or twist slightly rather than just pulling straight down to control flow speed and avoid splatters as contents release.

Rinse cups thoroughly after each removal before reinserting. Take a bathroom break if waking during the night to empty before attempting to sleep again with cup in place.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.