One of the biggest advantages of a menstrual cup is that it can usually be worn for much longer than a pad or tampon. But does that mean you should always leave it in for 12 hours?

Not necessarily.

A bohokiwi menstrual cup can be worn for up to 12 hours, but how often you need to empty it depends on your flow, the size of your cup and where you are in your cycle.

The simple answer is:

Empty your menstrual cup before it becomes full, and never wear it for longer than 12 hours at a time.

How often should you empty your cup?

There is no single schedule that works for everyone.

On heavier days, you may need to empty your cup every few hours. On lighter days, you may be able to comfortably wear it for between 8 and 12 hours.

Your emptying routine may also change throughout your period. It is common to empty your cup more frequently during the first few days and less often as your flow becomes lighter.

You do not need to wait until the cup is completely full. Emptying it earlier is perfectly fine, particularly when you are learning how much menstrual fluid your cup holds.

How often should new cup users check?

When you first start using a menstrual cup, try checking it after approximately two to three hours.

Look at how full it is when you remove it. This will help you estimate how quickly it fills on different days of your period.

For example:

• If the cup is only partly full after three hours, you may be able to wear it for longer next time.

• If it is nearly full, plan to empty it sooner.

• If it has overflowed, shorten the time between emptying or consider whether a larger cup may suit your flow.

After a few cycles, most users become familiar with their own pattern and no longer need to check as frequently.

Does cup size affect how often you empty it?

Yes. A higher-capacity cup can collect more menstrual fluid before it needs to be emptied.

bohokiwi menstrual cups are available in three sizes:

• Mini holds 15 ml

• Regular holds 20 ml

• Large holds 25 ml

The Mini cup may be suitable for teenagers, first-time users, smaller bodies and lighter-flow days. The Regular cup works well for many people with a light to moderate flow, while the Large cup provides additional capacity for heavier days.

However, capacity is not the only consideration when choosing a cup. Comfort, cervix height, pelvic floor strength and body shape also affect which size is suitable.

Many people use one size during lighter days and another during heavier days.

How do you know when your cup is full?

A menstrual cup does not usually provide a clear signal when it is full, but you may notice:

• Leaking after the cup had previously been secure

• A bubbling or gurgling sensation

• Menstrual fluid appearing when you wipe

• A heavier or lower feeling inside the vagina

• The cup beginning to overflow

Leaking does not always mean that the cup is full. It can also happen if the cup has not opened properly, is positioned beside the cervix or does not suit your body or flow.

If your cup leaks shortly after insertion, check that it has opened fully and is correctly positioned before assuming it needs to be emptied.

Can you wear a menstrual cup overnight?

Yes. A bohokiwi menstrual cup can be worn overnight, provided the total wear time does not exceed 12 hours.

Empty and clean your cup immediately before going to bed, then remove it and empty it when you wake up.

On particularly heavy nights, you may prefer to use a larger-capacity cup or add period underwear as backup protection. If your cup regularly overflows overnight, you may need to empty it during the night or use additional protection.

Should you empty your cup before swimming or exercising?

You do not have to empty a menstrual cup every time you swim, exercise or leave the house.

However, emptying it beforehand can provide additional peace of mind, particularly if:

• You are having a heavier-flow day

• You will be away from a bathroom for several hours

• You are going swimming

• You are travelling

• You are attending school, work or a long event

• You are unsure how full the cup already is

Starting with an empty cup reduces the likelihood of it filling while you are busy.

What should you do when emptying your cup?

Always wash your hands before removing or reinserting your menstrual cup.

To remove it:

1. Relax your pelvic floor muscles.

2. Use the stem to locate the base of the cup.

3. Pinch the base to release the suction seal.

4. Gently move the cup downward and remove it.

5. Empty the contents into the toilet.

6. Rinse and clean the cup before reinserting it.

Do not pull the cup out using only the stem while the suction seal is still in place.

During your cycle, rinse the cup with cold water first to help reduce staining. You can then wash it using warm water and a mild, fragrance-free and oil-free soap. Rinse thoroughly before reinserting.

You do not need to sterilise your cup every time you empty it. Thoroughly clean and sterilise it between cycles according to the bohokiwi care instructions.

What if you are using a public bathroom?

Using a menstrual cup away from home may feel difficult at first, but you have several options.

You can:

• Empty the cup and wipe it with clean toilet paper before reinserting it

• Carry a small bottle of water for rinsing

• Use an accessible bathroom with a private sink

• Take a second clean cup and store the used one safely until you get home

Wash the cup properly as soon as you have access to clean water.

What happens if you forget to empty your cup?

Remove and clean the cup as soon as you remember.

Do not deliberately wear a bohokiwi menstrual cup for longer than 12 hours. Toxic shock syndrome is rare, but it is a serious illness associated with internal menstrual products, including menstrual cups.

Remove the cup and seek urgent medical help if you suddenly develop symptoms such as:

• A high temperature

• Vomiting or diarrhoea

• Dizziness or confusion

• Severe muscle pain

• A widespread rash

• Feeling suddenly and seriously unwell

Always follow the instructions supplied with your menstrual cup.

Could frequent emptying indicate a heavy period?

Some people naturally have a heavier flow, particularly during the first few days of their period.

However, consider speaking with a doctor or another qualified health professional if you regularly:

• Fill or overflow your cup every one to two hours

• Need to use several period products together

• Pass large blood clots

• Bleed for longer than seven days

• Feel unusually tired, weak, dizzy or short of breath

• Find that your bleeding interferes with school, work, sleep or everyday activities

A menstrual cup can help you understand your flow because you can see approximately how much fluid you are collecting, but it should not be used to diagnose a medical condition.

Finding the routine that works for you

How often you empty your menstrual cup will probably change from day to day.

During heavier days, you may need to empty it every few hours. During lighter days, you may be comfortable wearing it for much longer.

Check your cup more frequently when you first begin, learn how your flow changes throughout your cycle and remember the maximum 12-hour wear time.

Once you understand your own routine, using a menstrual cup can become a simple and reliable part of managing your period.