A flex disc is a barrier-style menstrual product that collects fluid rather than absorbing it, unlike traditional tampons and pads. This disposable or reusable device consists of a flexible ring and a soft, leak-proof basin, designed to be worn internally for up to 12 hours. Its unique placement allows it to accommodate a greater volume of menstrual fluid than most other internal products, often equivalent to five or more super tampons.
The Design and Placement Mechanism
A flex disc is composed of two primary components: a firm but pliable outer rim and a soft, film-like basin. The rim provides the structure needed for insertion and removal, while the basin is the catchment area that holds the menstrual flow. The disc’s function relies entirely on its specific anatomical placement within the vagina.
The device is designed to sit in the vaginal fornix, the widest part of the vaginal canal, located at the very back and surrounding the base of the cervix. When properly positioned, the flexible basin tucks beneath the cervix, ensuring that menstrual fluid flows directly into it. The seal that prevents leakage is created by tension against a bony structure, not by suction.
The front edge of the rim is secured by tucking it firmly behind the pubic bone, which acts as a natural shelf. This tuck holds the disc in place and prevents shifting. The pressure exerted by the pubic bone keeps the collecting basin open and positioned correctly beneath the cervix. This placement leaves the vaginal canal clear of obstruction.
Practical Steps for Insertion and Removal
To prepare the disc for insertion, wash your hands thoroughly. The disc must be folded by pinching the rim lengthwise to form a long, tapered shape, sometimes described as a figure-eight. Finding a comfortable position, such as sitting on the toilet or standing with one leg elevated, helps with the process.
The folded disc is then inserted into the vagina, aiming the disc backward and slightly downward toward the tailbone. Continue to push the disc along the vaginal canal as far as it can comfortably go until the rim is felt past the cervix and into the fornix. The final step is to use a finger to push the forward-facing edge of the rim up and behind the pubic bone until it locks into place. A correctly inserted disc should not be felt internally.
For removal, it is helpful to sit over the toilet and relax the pelvic floor muscles, which can be accomplished by taking a deep breath or gently bearing down. Reach a clean finger inside until the rim is located, then hook the finger underneath the rim to dislodge it from the pubic bone. The disc should be pulled out slowly and kept as level as possible to minimize the risk of spilling the collected fluid. The contents are then emptied into the toilet before the disc is disposed of or cleaned and reinserted.
Understanding Hands-Free Emptying
A unique characteristic of the flex disc is “hands-free emptying,” often called auto-dumping. This occurs when the user engages their pelvic floor muscles while sitting on the toilet, such as during a bowel movement or urination. The act of straining causes the pelvic floor to shift and contract.
This muscular movement momentarily nudges the front rim, causing it to untuck slightly from the pubic bone. When dislodged, the collected fluid spills into the toilet without the disc being fully removed. This partial emptying helps extend the total wear time for individuals with heavier flows.
Once the straining stops and the pelvic floor muscles return to their relaxed state, the disc typically reseats itself naturally behind the pubic bone. Some users may need to gently re-tuck the rim with a clean finger to ensure a secure seal after a hands-free empty. This feature works because the disc is held in place by tension, not suction.