A menstrual disc is a flexible, rimmed device worn internally to collect menstrual fluid, offering a distinct alternative to traditional products. Unlike a menstrual cup, which sits lower in the vaginal canal and uses suction, the disc is positioned high up in the vaginal fornix, the wider space just beneath the cervix. Its rim tucks securely behind the pubic bone to hold it in place, allowing it to collect fluid. While new users often worry about mess during removal, the correct technique makes the process clean and straightforward. This guide provides practical steps for safe and mess-free removal.
Preparing for Disc Removal
Proper preparation reduces the likelihood of spillage. First, ensure proper hygiene by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 to 30 seconds to prevent introducing bacteria.
It is helpful to relax your body, as tension causes the pelvic floor muscles to tighten, which can firmly hold the disc in place and make removal harder. Finding an optimal position is also crucial; the most common technique is sitting on the toilet.
Alternatively, some users prefer a low squat or standing with one leg propped up. Adopting one of these positions shortens the vaginal canal and brings the disc closer to the opening, minimizing the need to strain.
The Step-by-Step Removal Technique
The core of mess-free removal requires a precise, controlled motion to prevent spillage. Once in position, slightly bear down with your pelvic floor muscles, similar to a gentle push during a bowel movement. This action causes the disc to untuck from behind the pubic bone, bringing the rim into a more accessible position.
Next, insert a clean finger, usually the index finger, until you locate the front rim of the disc. For discs with a notch or loop, hook your finger underneath or through the removal feature. If the disc lacks these features, simply hook your finger under the front edge of the rim.
The key is to pull the disc out while keeping it as level as possible, parallel to the floor or your body. This technique ensures the contents remain within the basin during exit. Pulling too quickly or at a downward angle can tilt the disc, resulting in spillage.
Guide the disc out slowly and steadily, maintaining horizontal alignment over the toilet. As the front rim emerges, some users gently pinch the rim together with a second finger. Pinching the disc lengthwise helps fold it slightly, further containing the fluid for a cleaner exit. Once the disc is completely out, empty the contents into the toilet before rinsing.
Addressing Difficult or Messy Removal
If the disc migrates higher during wear, making it hard to reach, a deep squat can help by physically shortening the vaginal canal. Removing the disc after a bowel movement can also be effective, as bearing down naturally shifts the disc out of its tucked position.
A common event is “auto-dumping,” where fluid releases when bearing down. This occurs because the change in pelvic pressure causes the front rim to momentarily untuck, allowing a small amount of fluid to escape. This is a natural function of the disc’s design, not a sign of improper fit.
To manage auto-dumping, you can deliberately allow this partial emptying while sitting on the toilet before reaching for the disc. Once the initial release occurs, the disc is less full, making the subsequent full removal less messy. If mess remains a major concern, removing the disc while standing in the shower allows any spillage to be immediately washed away.
Menstrual discs do not rely on a vacuum seal, unlike menstrual cups. The disc is held in place solely by the tension of its rim tucked behind the pubic bone. Therefore, there is no need to worry about breaking a seal, which simplifies the removal process compared to cup usage.
Cleaning and Storage After Use
Immediately after removal and emptying, rinse the menstrual disc. Always use cold water first to rinse away fluid, as hot water can cause blood proteins to coagulate and stain the silicone. After the initial rinse, wash the disc with warm water and a mild, unscented soap.
Avoid using harsh chemicals, strong detergents, or soaps containing synthetic fragrances or oils, as these can degrade the medical-grade silicone. Residue from harsh soaps can also cause irritation when the disc is reinserted. After washing, the disc is ready for reinsertion or long-term storage.
At the end of each cycle, a deeper cleaning is recommended to sanitize the disc thoroughly. The most common method involves boiling the disc in water for five to ten minutes. Ensure the disc does not rest directly on the bottom or sides of the pot, which can cause scorching.
Before storing, the disc must be completely air-dried to prevent the growth of bacteria or mold. Once dry, store the disc in a breathable pouch, such as a cotton bag. Avoid airtight containers, as these can trap moisture.