How long can you safely wear a menstrual disc?

You can safely wear a menstrual disc for up to 12 hours — depending on your flow, the type of disc you're using, and how comfortable you feel.

Here’s everything you need to know:

⏰ How Long Can You Safely Wear a Menstrual Disc?

✅ Standard Wear Time:

  • Most reusable and disposable menstrual discs are designed to be worn for up to 12 hours.

  • This is similar to menstrual cups but longer than tampons or pads, which usually require changing every 4–6 hours.

💡 Important: If you have a heavy flow, you may need to empty the disc more often — around every 6–8 hours.

🧫 Why 12 Hours Is the Limit

  • Wearing a menstrual disc beyond 12 hours increases the risk of bacterial growth and potential complications like toxic shock syndrome (TSS) — although this risk is extremely low with discs.

  • It’s also about hygiene: even though discs collect rather than absorb, menstrual fluid should be emptied before it sits too long.

🛑 What If You Accidentally Wear It Too Long?

Don’t panic. If you’ve left your disc in longer than 12 hours:

  1. Remove it gently as soon as you remember.

  2. Check for odor or discomfort — signs that it may have sat too long.

  3. Wash or dispose of it properly:

    • Reusable disc: Rinse, wash with mild soap, and boil/sterilize before reuse.

    • Disposable disc: Discard it and wash your hands thoroughly.

  4. If you feel feverish, dizzy, or unwell, contact your doctor — just in case.

🧼 How Often Should You Empty a Disc?

Flow Level Recommended Emptying Time
Light Every 10–12 hours
Medium Every 8–10 hours
Heavy Every 4–6 hours

👩⚕️ Is It Safe to Sleep With a Menstrual Disc In?

Yes — one of the biggest perks of a menstrual disc is that you can sleep with it comfortably and safely overnight. Just make sure to:

  • Insert a clean disc before bed

  • Remove and clean it first thing in the morning

  • Don’t exceed the 12-hour window

🛍️ Shop Trusted Menstrual Discs

📝 Final Tip

To stay safe and comfortable:

  • Always wash your hands before and after insertion

  • Set a reminder or alarm if you're worried about forgetting

  • Listen to your body — remove it sooner if you feel pressure or discomfort

Back to blog