One of the benefits of using a menstrual cup or disc is that you can insert it and not think about it all day. But that doesn't mean we should get too comfortable. "The general recommendation is that you can leave a menstrual cup in for eight to 12 hours," gynecologist and obstetrician Amy Roskin, MD, JD, and chief medical officer at The Pill Club, tells POPSUGAR.
While we've all left a cup in for an extra hour or two, or maybe even 24 hours — during a recent period I did the unthinkable and left my menstrual cup in for an entire weekend!
I thought I took it out Friday night before bed, which was the last day of my period, so I didn't even think about it. Then on Sunday, when I went to find it in the bathroom sterilize it, so it'd be ready for next month, a wave of shock and disbelief rushed over me — it was still inside of me! I've never removed my cup so fast in my life. Two-day-old period blood smells pretty foul, and I thought for sure I had some sort of infection. I was so scared and couldn't call my gyno until Monday morning when the office was open.
Thankfully, she reassured me that everything was going to be OK, but here's what you need to know if you've left menstrual cup in too long.
How Long Can You Leave a Menstrual Cup In?
Again, the general recommendation is eight to 12 hours. So you can wear them when you're sleeping or all day long. That being said, if there's any leakage, or if you're experiencing a heavy flow, Dr. Roskin recommends taking it out sooner to empty and clean it.
What Happens If You Leave a Menstrual Cup in For More Than 12 Hours?
Just take out the menstrual cup and clean it thoroughly, Dr. Roskin says. Most people are concerned about toxic shock syndrome (a life-threatening condition caused by certain bacteria), which is often associated with tampon use during menstruation, per Cleveland Clinic. But "the risk of infection or toxic shock is small because menstrual cups are generally made of silicone or rubber and aren't absorbent like tampons," says Dr. Roskin. That doesn't give you the green light to leave it in 15 or more hours on purpose, though. Set a reminder on your phone to take it out at the end of the day in order prevent bacteria buildup and give yourself peace of mind.
Can You Leave a Menstrual Cup in For 24 Hours?
Dr. Roskin reiterates that the risks of infection or toxic shock are usually low with a menstrual cup. However, there is an increased risk for other infections if you leave it in for too long — like say, for more than a day. If you forget to remove your menstrual cup, check in with your healthcare provider. Also be on the lookout for pain, fever, and/or bad-smelling vagin*l discharge.
Should I Throw Out a Menstrual Cup That Has Been Left in Too Long?
If the menstrual cup is reusable (made from silicone or latex), you should be able to clean and sterilize it instead of throwing it out, Dr. Roskin says. However, it's really important to clean all of your reusable products thoroughly, according to the product instructions, and to dry them completely to reduce bacterial growth, she adds. If you don't clean them effectively, this can lead to irritation and, in some cases, infection. Most manufacturers recommend sterilizing a menstrual cup between cycles, usually by boiling it. But if you're at all concerned, or the foul odor doesn't go away after sterilizing it in boiling water, it's better to be safe and buy a new one.
— Additional reporting by Melanie Whyte
FAQs
What To Do If You Leave Your Cup/Disc in For Too Long. As soon as you realize you've left your menstrual cup or disc in for more than 12 hours, wash your hands, pinch the base, and remove it. Empty the cup in the sink or toilet and thoroughly wash it with pH-balanced, oil-free, mild cleanser, like DivaWash.
What happens if you forget to remove your menstrual cup? ›
However, there is an increased risk for other infections if you leave it in for too long — like say, for more than a day. If you forget to remove your menstrual cup, check in with your healthcare provider. Also be on the lookout for pain, fever, and/or bad-smelling vagin*l discharge.
Can you get toxic shock syndrome from menstrual cups? ›
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare but life-threatening condition caused by an infection. It can happen when using a tampon or menstrual cup, or from an infected wound. Symptoms develop quickly and you need urgent treatment.
Is it safe to wear a period Cup for 24 hours? ›
It is important never to wear a cup for longer than 12 hours at a time without emptying and washing it, even if it is not full. To remove the menstrual cup: Wash the hands with soap and water. Carefully insert the fingers into the vagin* and pull gently on the stem of the cup.
What's the longest you can leave a menstrual cup in? ›
A menstrual cup can be worn up to 12 hours. Typically, tampons or pads should be changed every four to six hours. The cup allows for more time between emptying, especially on light days. Using a menstrual cup prevents the need to carry extra pads or tampons, which many women find burdensome and even embarrassing.
Can I get TSS from pulling out a dry tampon? ›
Expert analysis says the more absorbent the tampon, the more bacteria it can hold onto. That, paired with a tiny tear from something like pulling out a dry tampon before it's saturated with blood, can introduce the bacteria into the body.
Can menstrual cups cause prolapse? ›
To date, there have been no peer-reviewed studies that show a direct relationship between menstrual cup use and damage to the pelvic floor.
What happens if you don't sterilize your menstrual cup? ›
Why is it important to sterilize your menstrual cup? Menstrual cup disinfection is a very important step to using your cup. Sterilizing your cup ensures that it doesn't carry any germs or bacteria that can damage the cup or harm your body once it's inserted.
How soon do toxic shock syndrome symptoms appear? ›
How soon after exposure do symptoms appear? TSS can develop within 12 hours in some cases.
Can a menstrual cup damage the cervix? ›
Even though there have been rumors about it, there is currently no known evidence of menstrual cups damaging your cervix. If your cup is the right size and in the right place, there should be no issues of pain or problems with your cup getting stuck to your cervix.
Toxic shock syndrome is serious and life-threatening. Symptoms can progress quickly, and immediate treatment is necessary. Shock, organ failure, amputation of limbs and death can occur if toxic shock syndrome is left untreated.
What happens if you leave a menstrual cup in for 2 days? ›
In order for TSS to develop, the bacteria present needs to grow to a stage where it can become toxic and harmful. The way in which this can happen is if your tampon or menstrual cup is left in for too long – in most cases, far too long, such as several days.
Why can't I pee with my menstrual cup? ›
If you face problems peeing with a menstrual cup, chances are the cup has been inserted at the wrong angle and is putting pressure on your bladder. The best thing to do is to remove your cup and reinsert it. When inserting, make sure you angle it towards your tailbone and not upwards.
What to do if menstrual cup is too long? ›
The Two Things You Do If Your Cup Is Too Long
The most cost-effective option is to shorten your menstrual cup by removing the handle. This is a significant first step if your cup is uncomfortable because you can feel the handle when wearing it. Be careful not to cut a hole in the bottom!
Can you leave a menstrual cup in for 48 hours? ›
Menstruation Cup (Moon Cup)
You can wear a menstrual cup for 6 to 12 hours, depending on whether or not you have a heavy flow. This means you can use a cup for overnight protection. Must be sterilized and washed in between use!
What happens if my menstrual cup is too full? ›
Sensation of Fullness: As your cup fills up, you may start to feel a slight pressure or sensation of fullness in your vagin*. It's a gentle reminder that it's time to consider emptying your cup. Leakage: If you experience unexpected leaks or seepage, it could be an indication that your cup is nearing its capacity.
When should you throw away a menstrual cup? ›
Most menstrual cups can be reused for 5-10 years, but should be replaced if you notice any damage like cracks, tears or holes developing.
Why is it so hard to remove a menstrual cup? ›
A menstrual cup that's too small for your body can be more difficult to remove. For example, you may have a higher cervix, meaning that a shorter cup will travel further up the vagin*l canal and be harder to reach. Bigger cups tend to be longer, so you may need to try one of these instead.
