Can you sleep with a menstrual cup?

You’ve heard about all of the benefits of using a menstrual cup over tampons or pads, but when it comes to actually making the switch to a menstruation cup, you’re likely to have a lot more questions than you thought you would. Such as, can you sleep with a menstrual cup? So, before you go out and purchase your first DivaCup, we’ve rounded up some of the most commonly asked questions about menstrual cups – so you know exactly what it’s like to use one.
RELATED: Menstrual cups vs tampons
RELATED: Why you should embrace period positivity
Can you sleep with a menstrual cup?
One of the most commonly asked questions asked by first-time menstruation cup users is whether or not you can sleep with your menstrual cup in. The answer: You sure can! And when inserted properly, there’s actually less chance of leakage when sleeping with a menstrual cup than if you slept with a tampon in or while using a pad.
How often should I change my menstrual cup?
It’s generally recommended that you should change your menstrual cup every six to 12 hours, but this depends on the type of cup your using and where you’re at in your cycle. To be safe, you should change it before the 12-hour mark.
Do they ever leak?
If you’ve inserted your menstrual cup properly, you shouldn’t experience any leaks at all! They also hold far more liquid than tampons, which is excellent news for anyone who has a heavy flow and is constantly stressed about spotting.
Will using one really save me money?
It sure will. One cup can last for several years) just think about all of the money you would have spent on tampons or pads in that time!). Plus, aside from saving you coin, it’s also saving the environment too since menstrual cups are reusable.
Can you use a menstrual cup after childbirth?
Yes, The DivaCup comes in three different sizes: The DivaCup Model 1 is for women under 30 who have never given birth, The DivaCup Model 2 is for women over 30 who have delivered vaginally or by caesarean, and The DivaCup Model 0 is for anyone who is new to periods or those 18 years and under.
Have you ever used a menstrual cup? Would you try one?
45 Member Comments
I'm glad I don't have to make these types of decisions anymore after going through early menopause 20 years ago.
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Interesting questions
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I haven’t had a period since early 1990s (due to hysterectomy) and I don’t think these were around back then. Not sure if I’d try one, but I have heard some good feedback about them.
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They do still leak so you need a back-up liners or the underwear
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Have never heard of them but this was very interesting to read about. Thank you for the education.
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I've used mine at night and it has never leaked!
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This doesn't sound like the one I would ever try. It seems too much of a work to clean & sanitize the cup after each use.
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I've been using the diva cup and contrary to what the article says it leaks! Not a lot but enough that you will need period panties as a backup.
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I don't really like the idea of it and it seems a messy business to wear and remove.
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I love my cup...
Going on to nearly a decade of exclusive use and now I pair it with period underwear.
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The underwear? Never seen this. Do people wear this solo? Would be uncomfortable having the stuff spill freely hehe...after using cup for so long, do not like the 'wet feel' when it all just spills =0
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I haven't tried the underwear myself as I am more than comfortable with the security of the menstrual cup but I have seen a brand at Woolworths but I don't recall if I saw the undies in the menstrual or pads/tampons section of the store.
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I wear mine as a backup on heavy days and by itself on lighter days. They're pretty good, I use thinx but I also heard some good things about modi bodi.
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I could never wear them solo but use them as back up.
Modi Bodi is an Australian brand and Ruby Love is a U.S brand.
Cute designs too.
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I suffer from menorrhagia (sorry TMI!) so I doubt I'd be able to use a cup. :(
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I can't see myself using these just because they look like they're a lot of effort.
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One size does not fit all is what I am seeing from a lot of peer reviews. Until that is addressed sufficiently, amongst my other concerns, I'm not interested.
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So much cleaner and helps with cramps, plus it much better for the environment.
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I'm just going to say talk to your ob/gyn about using these and the recommendations of leaving it in for up to 12 hours is a big no.... but as people get militant about defending using them for this long I'm not going to bother arguing. Please see a professional and not take internet advice from unqualified people because you are leaving it inside your body. Toxic Shock Syndrome has an increased risk for cups. Again, see a professional first.
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im with you duality ....I was also told that its a big no to keep a tampon in over night and for night time you are better off to use a pad. Either way this is thankfully something I no longer have to worry about thanks to a hysterectomy.
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Have never used one and don't really like the idea of it personally.
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Never tried one , I just don't find it appealing .
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I used mine for about 10 years (no longer need period stuff, thank god) and I loved it. Less hassle, saved money (it lasted all that time), and found it much less crampy than using tampons. I didn't use it at night though. I don't know why I never tried it.
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Yes! Using one as I type. And I do use it overnight too. Why no one told me about these years ago? Waaah....just found out about them about 2, 3 years ago. The stuff is a life saver!
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