It is a common fear for new users to wonder, “Can a menstrual disc get stuck?” This concern is understandable, but the direct answer is reassuring: a menstrual disc cannot become truly lost or permanently stuck inside the body. The disc is a flexible, shallow, ring-shaped device, often made of medical-grade silicone, that collects menstrual fluid. Unlike a menstrual cup, which sits lower in the vaginal canal and relies on suction, the disc is held in place by different anatomical structures, making its function and removal distinct. While it is anatomically impossible for the disc to travel beyond the cervix and into the uterus or abdominal cavity, removal can sometimes be challenging, which leads to the feeling that the disc is “stuck” or out of reach.
How the Menstrual Disc Sits in the Body
The menstrual disc is positioned high up in the vagina, specifically in the vaginal fornix, the wider space surrounding the cervix. Its placement is similar to that of a diaphragm used for contraception. The disc is not held by suction, but by the tension created between the posterior vaginal wall and the pubic bone. The back rim is pushed behind the cervix, while the front rim is securely tucked just above the pubic bone, which acts as a shelf to keep it in place.
This high placement allows the disc to have a large fluid capacity and, for some, to be worn during penetrative sexual intercourse. The cervix itself acts as a barrier, connecting the vagina to the uterus, and its opening is far too small for the disc to pass through. The disc simply rests in the widest portion of the vaginal cavity, collecting fluid as it exits the cervix.
Factors That Make Removal Difficult
The sensation of a disc being “stuck” is usually a result of its high-up placement combined with physiological factors that make it difficult to reach. One common cause is a high or tilted cervix, which can push the disc deeper into the vaginal fornix, making the rim hard to hook with a finger. Furthermore, the disc may be seated particularly snugly behind the pubic bone, requiring a deliberate action to dislodge it.
Natural body movement can shift the disc higher, especially during physical activity or bowel movements. Bearing down, such as when using the toilet, can temporarily push the disc forward—a phenomenon known as “auto-dumping”—but the disc can then re-seat itself high and tight. Anxiety is also a significant issue, as stress causes the pelvic floor muscles to involuntarily contract and tighten around the disc, effectively pulling it higher and making the vaginal canal narrower.
The lack of a stem or cord on many disc designs means the user must rely on hooking a finger under the rim, which requires a certain finger length and dexterity. If the disc is full, the material can be slippery, further complicating the grip needed to pull it out. High cervix and tensed pelvic floor muscles create a scenario where the disc is simply out of comfortable reach, leading to the anxious feeling that it is immovable.
Step-by-Step Guide for Retrieval
The primary step for difficult removal is to prioritize relaxation, as muscle tension is often the main obstacle. Taking several slow, deep breaths helps consciously relax the pelvic floor muscles, which loosens their grip on the disc. It can be helpful to try removal in a private, comfortable setting, such as a warm shower, to reduce environmental stress.
Changing positions can significantly alter the angle of the vaginal canal and bring the disc lower. Squatting with feet flat on the floor or sitting on the toilet with your knees higher than your hips are two positions that shorten the vaginal canal and allow for easier access. Once in a relaxed position, a gentle bearing down, similar to the effort used for a bowel movement, can help. This action uses the abdominal muscles to push the disc slightly forward and down, causing the front rim to pop out from behind the pubic bone.
With the disc nudged into a more accessible position, insert a clean finger—typically the index finger—and slide it along the vaginal wall until the rim is located. Hook the finger underneath the rim and pull the disc out horizontally, keeping it as level as possible to prevent spillage. If the rim is too slippery, some users find it easier to use their thumb and index finger to pinch the rim together before pulling. If multiple attempts over a period of 12 hours are unsuccessful, or if any severe pain is experienced, contact a healthcare provider for assistance.