A period disc is a flexible, ring-shaped device worn internally to manage menstrual flow. Unlike tampons or menstrual cups, which sit lower in the vaginal canal, the disc is positioned much higher and deeper within the body. Its primary function is collection rather than absorption, holding the menstrual fluid until it is manually removed. This design offers up to 12 hours of wear time for many users.
Anatomical Placement and Collection Mechanism
The period disc relies on specific anatomical placement within the vaginal cavity. The disc is inserted high up into the vaginal fornix, which is the widest part of the vaginal canal located just beneath the cervix. This positioning allows the device to fully cover the cervix and collect the fluid as it exits the uterus.
The disc is held securely in place by a structural anchor point rather than by suction, as is common with menstrual cups. Once the body of the disc is pushed as far back as it will go, the front rim is tucked upward and behind the pubic bone. This anatomical fit uses the pubic bone as a shelf, locking the rim into a stable, leak-resistant position.
Step-by-Step Insertion Process
The process begins with thorough hand washing and finding a comfortable position, such as sitting on the toilet or squatting. The wide, shallow disc must be folded by pinching the opposite sides of the rim together. This collapses the disc into a long, narrow shape, often resembling a figure-eight.
The pinched disc is then guided into the vaginal opening, aiming horizontally backward and downward toward the tailbone. It is important to push the disc in as far as the finger can comfortably reach, ensuring the back rim is fully seated in the posterior fornix. Finally, use a finger to push the front rim of the disc upward until it securely catches behind the pubic bone, resulting in a comfortable, leak-free experience.
The Removal and Disposal Procedure
To prepare for removal, wash hands and assume a comfortable position, such as sitting over a toilet. The most common method involves reaching a finger inside until the front rim of the disc is located. The user then hooks a finger under the rim or the removal tab, if one is present. The disc should be pulled out slowly and horizontally, keeping it level to minimize the risk of spillage.
After removal, the collected fluid is dumped into the toilet. If the disc is disposable, it is discarded; if reusable, it is washed for reinsertion. A unique functional aspect of period discs is a phenomenon known as “auto-dumping.”
Auto-dumping occurs when the user bears down, such as during a bowel movement, causing the pelvic floor muscles to contract. This muscle movement slightly shifts the disc’s position, momentarily dislodging the front rim from behind the pubic bone. This temporary dislodgement allows a portion of the collected fluid to spill into the toilet. The rim snaps back into its locked position once the muscles relax, which is convenient for those with a heavier flow.