A menstrual disc is not a form of contraception and will not prevent pregnancy. The device is designed exclusively for menstrual hygiene, serving as a flexible receptacle to collect fluid during a person’s period. Its sole purpose is to manage menstrual flow, not to block sperm or alter reproductive function in any way. The disc’s design, material, and method of placement are geared toward comfort and capacity, which makes it fundamentally unsuitable for the precise requirements of a barrier contraceptive.
How Menstrual Discs Are Designed to Work
Menstrual discs are typically made of soft, medical-grade silicone or polymer, featuring a flexible outer rim and a shallow collection basin. This design allows the disc to be folded easily for insertion into the vaginal canal. Once inside, the disc is pushed high up into the vaginal fornix, the wide space at the top of the vagina behind the cervix.
The rim of the disc is then tucked securely behind the pubic bone to hold it in place. This positioning allows the disc to cover the cervix, creating a leak-proof barrier against menstrual fluid, which is collected in the basin. Unlike a menstrual cup, the disc does not rely on suction to stay put, but rather on the support of the pubic bone. This placement provides a high capacity for fluid collection, allowing for up to 12 hours of wear time.
Why Menstrual Discs Do Not Prevent Pregnancy
While a menstrual disc is positioned to cover the cervix, the opening to the uterus, it fails to provide the tight, impenetrable seal necessary to block sperm. The disc’s rim is soft and pliable, designed to conform to the anatomy for comfort and fluid collection, not for microscopic barrier protection. The flexibility and movement of the disc mean that tiny gaps can easily form between the rim and the vaginal wall.
Sperm are microscopic and highly mobile, capable of navigating these small openings to bypass the disc and enter the cervix. Furthermore, the disc’s position is not entirely static; physical activities or deep penetration during intercourse can cause the disc to shift. This shifting, sometimes called “auto-dumping,” temporarily breaks the seal and creates a pathway for sperm. Finally, menstrual discs are not treated with spermicide, a chemical agent that kills sperm and is a standard component of approved barrier methods.
Dedicated Barrier Contraception Methods
People seeking non-hormonal, internal barrier methods should look to products specifically approved for contraception, such as diaphragms and cervical caps. These devices are fundamentally different from menstrual discs, even though they occupy a similar area. Diaphragms and cervical caps are classified as medical devices and require a prescription, often needing a fitting by a healthcare provider to ensure a precise size.
The design of a diaphragm or cap is intended to create a much more secure seal against the vaginal walls and cervix. Their materials are generally stiffer and more dome-shaped to maintain this tight barrier. Crucially, these contraceptive barriers must be used in conjunction with a spermicidal gel, which is applied to the device before insertion. The spermicide acts as a chemical defense, killing any sperm that might bypass the physical barrier, which is necessary to achieve contraceptive efficacy.
Safe Use and Health Considerations
For safe use, menstrual discs must be handled with appropriate hygiene. Users must wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water before insertion and removal to minimize the introduction of bacteria. Reusable discs require cleaning with mild soap and water after each use, followed by sterilization, such as boiling, between menstrual cycles, per the manufacturer’s instructions.
It is important not to wear a menstrual disc beyond the recommended maximum time, typically 12 hours, to reduce the risk of bacterial overgrowth. Improper use of any internal menstrual product can potentially lead to Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), a rare but serious bacterial infection. If the disc is worn during sexual intercourse, users must remember that it offers no protection against pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). A dedicated barrier method, such as a condom, must be used for protection.