Menstrual discs are a modern alternative to traditional period products, offering a flexible, circular design that collects menstrual fluid instead of absorbing it. Unlike tampons or menstrual cups, which sit lower in the vaginal canal, the disc is positioned higher up, tucked beneath the cervix. This placement has led to interest from users who want to know if it allows for sexual activity during menstruation. The simple answer is yes; a menstrual disc is specifically designed to be worn during penetrative sex, offering a potentially mess-free experience.
The Design Feature That Allows Penetration
The ability to have penetrative sex while wearing a menstrual disc is rooted in its unique anatomical placement. The disc is designed to sit in the vaginal fornix, the widest part of the vagina located at the very back, just beneath the cervix. This high positioning means the main part of the vaginal canal remains unobstructed and available for intercourse.
The disc’s flexible rim is the key to its secure fit, held in place by being tucked behind the pubic bone. This design ensures the disc covers the cervix to collect blood. Since the disc is flat and soft, it conforms to the body’s shape and moves out of the way when the vagina naturally lengthens and expands during sexual arousal and penetration.
This configuration is the primary distinction from menstrual cups, which sit lower in the canal and would interfere with penetration. The disc’s placement high above the canal allows the penis, fingers, or sex toys to move freely without displacing the product or causing discomfort. While some individuals may notice the rim during deep penetration, the soft, flexible material generally makes it unnoticeable for most users and their partners.
Ensuring Proper Placement Before Intercourse
To ensure a comfortable and mess-free experience, proper disc placement is important before engaging in sexual activity. Users must first pinch the flexible disc into an oval or figure-eight shape and insert it into the vagina, angling it downward and backward toward the tailbone. Once fully inserted, the front rim must be firmly pushed up and tucked behind the pubic bone.
Checking for a secure tuck minimizes the risk of shifting or leakage during sex. The disc is correctly placed when the user cannot feel it internally and the rim is securely anchored behind the pubic bone. Communicating comfort levels with a partner is also important, ensuring that any potential discomfort can be addressed before penetration begins.
If the disc is not pushed back far enough into the fornix or the rim is not fully tucked, the disc may become dislodged more easily during intercourse. A quick check with a clean finger just before sex confirms the front rim is still securely positioned, maximizing the chances of a seamless experience.
Aftercare and Removal Considerations
The friction and deep penetration during intercourse can sometimes cause the menstrual disc to shift slightly within the vaginal fornix. This movement can occasionally lead to “auto-dumping,” where some collected fluid spills out. Users should be aware that a small amount of blood may escape onto the sheets or body immediately following or during the activity.
If the disc is still in place after sex, the user should wait a short period before attempting removal, as the disc may have moved higher up the canal. Remaining upright for 20 to 30 minutes allows the disc to settle back into its lower, more accessible position. When ready to remove the disc, the user should bear down with their pelvic floor muscles, similar to a bowel movement, which helps to untuck the rim from behind the pubic bone.
Once the rim is untucked, a clean finger can hook onto the front edge, and the disc should be pulled out horizontally to keep it parallel to the floor. This careful removal technique helps manage the collected fluid and reduces the likelihood of spillage. If significant leakage occurred during sex, the disc may have been full or slightly displaced, and checking the fit and flow level before the next use can help prevent a recurrence.