A menstrual disc is a flexible, ring-shaped product placed high in the vaginal fornix to collect menstrual fluid. It is secured by tucking its front rim behind the pubic bone. Although the disc cannot get lost inside the body because the cervix acts as a barrier, removal can sometimes be challenging. This difficulty is usually temporary and related to anatomy or technique, not a sign that the device is permanently trapped. The sensation of a “stuck” disc means it is sitting higher than usual or is firmly lodged in its intended position.
Why Removal May Feel Difficult
The primary reason a disc feels difficult to retrieve is its deep placement within the vaginal fornix at the base of the cervix. Once inserted, the disc’s rim is secured behind the pubic bone, which acts like a shelf to hold it in place. This secure tuck prevents leaks but requires a specific maneuver to release. If the pubic bone is prominent, the tightly lodged rim can feel out of reach.
The position of the cervix, which changes naturally throughout the menstrual cycle, also influences removal difficulty. For individuals with a high cervix, the disc may rest further back and higher up, requiring a greater reach. Muscle tension significantly contributes to the problem, as anxiety or fear causes the pelvic floor muscles to clench. This tightening shortens the vaginal canal and can pull the disc even higher, making it feel inaccessible.
The disc does not rely on suction to stay in place, unlike menstrual cups. However, the tight fit against the vaginal walls and the secure tuck behind the pubic bone can create a seal that resists initial removal attempts. If the disc is full, the weight and volume of the collected fluid can also make it slightly more difficult to maneuver.
Step-by-Step Removal Troubleshooting
The first step in retrieving a disc that feels stuck is managing muscle tension by practicing deep, slow breathing. Relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles is necessary to allow the disc to drop lower and become more accessible. Once a calm state is achieved, changing physical position can significantly aid the process.
Try moving to a deep squat, which naturally shortens the vaginal canal and lowers the cervix. Alternatively, sitting on the toilet or standing with one leg elevated on a stable surface can also provide better access. These positions use gravity and anatomical changes to move the disc closer to the vaginal opening.
Next, gently bear down using the same muscles employed during a bowel movement. This action engages the pelvic floor muscles, which can help to “untuck” the disc’s rim from behind the pubic bone. The goal is not a hard push, but a mild, sustained contraction to bring the disc’s rim slightly forward and lower.
After untucking the disc, insert a clean finger—typically the index or middle finger—to locate the front rim. Slide the finger until it hooks beneath the rim or hooks over the top of the rim. For discs without a removal aid, the hook-and-pull technique is the most common method. Once the rim is secured, pull the disc out slowly, keeping it level to minimize the chance of spillage.
Proper Technique and Medical Guidance
Difficult removal can often be prevented by ensuring the disc is correctly sized and inserted for individual anatomy. A disc that is too large or too small may sit awkwardly, making removal harder, particularly if the pubic bone shelf is not prominent. Proper insertion involves pushing the disc back and down toward the tailbone, then tucking the front rim securely behind the pubic bone.
It is helpful to practice insertion and removal a few times before a period to become familiar with the technique and your body’s response. Maintaining a relaxed state during both insertion and removal is important, as tension is the most common barrier to easy retrieval. If removal attempts are unsuccessful after changing positions and bearing down, take a break and try again later.
When to Seek Medical Help
There is a clear threshold for when self-removal attempts should cease and medical help is necessary. If the disc remains inaccessible or unmovable after multiple, dedicated attempts over a period of 6 to 8 hours, contact a healthcare professional. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience significant pain, unusual discharge, fever, or severe discomfort. Medical professionals are trained to easily remove the device, and the situation is rarely an emergency.