A menstrual disk offers a modern, high-capacity alternative to traditional period products, collecting rather than absorbing menstrual fluid. Its unique design features a flexible outer rim and a shallow, bowl-like collection basin, differing significantly from the bell-shaped menstrual cup. The disk sits much higher in the body, positioned in the vaginal fornix, the wider space at the top of the vaginal canal, and is secured behind the pubic bone.
Unlike a cup, which uses suction, the disk relies on anatomical placement for stability, resting against the cervix and tucking behind the pubic bone. Disks are available in both reusable medical-grade silicone and single-use disposable options. This high placement leaves the vaginal canal unobstructed, allowing for mess-free penetrative sex while wearing the device.
Preparing for Insertion
Successful insertion begins with hygiene and finding a comfortable position that allows for pelvic muscle relaxation. Always start by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water. Many users find that sitting on the toilet, squatting low, or standing with one leg elevated offers the best angle for insertion.
Before insertion, fold the flexible disk by pinching the two sides of the rim together, creating a long, elongated oval shape. Hold this pinched shape as you gently guide the disk into the vaginal canal, angling it downward and backward toward the tailbone. This angle is necessary because the vaginal canal is naturally tilted toward the back of the body.
Continue to push the disk as far back as it will comfortably go, ensuring the collecting basin fully covers the cervix. Secure the front rim by tucking it up and behind the pubic bone, which you can locate by feeling for a firm ridge. Once properly secured, the disk should be stable and unnoticeable. If the disk is not tucked far enough, it may leak or cause discomfort, signaling the need to push the rim higher until it locks into position.
Step-by-Step Removal
Removal requires a careful approach to minimize mess, as the disk collects a significant volume of fluid. The ideal posture is usually sitting on the toilet, allowing any spillage to drop directly into the bowl. Some users find it helpful to bear down gently with their pelvic floor muscles, similar to a bowel movement, which helps dislodge the front rim from behind the pubic bone.
Once the rim is untucked, insert a clean finger—either the index finger or thumb—to locate and hook beneath the front rim. Some disks feature a removal notch or loop designed to aid in this process. After hooking the rim, pull the disk slowly and steadily outward, keeping the collection basin parallel to the floor.
Keeping the disk level as it exits the body is the main technique for avoiding spillage. The disk must fold slightly to pass through the vaginal opening, and some fluid may spill if the device is full. Removing the disk while in the shower is an effective strategy for beginners to manage potential mess.
Cleaning and Storage
Reusable menstrual disks require careful cleaning after each removal and proper sanitization between cycles. After emptying the contents into the toilet, the disk should be immediately rinsed with cool water. Using cool water first helps prevent staining, as the iron in menstrual blood can set into the material when exposed to heat.
Following the cold rinse, wash the disk thoroughly with warm water and a mild, unscented, oil-free, and pH-balanced soap. Use a cleanser specifically designed for menstrual products or a gentle, pH-neutral alternative to avoid irritating the vaginal environment. Ensure all soap residue is completely rinsed away before reinsertion.
Between menstrual cycles, the disk should be sanitized by boiling it in a pot of water for five to seven minutes. Use tongs to ensure the disk does not rest against the bottom of the pot, which can cause the material to melt or degrade. Once dry, store the disk in a breathable cotton pouch or container, avoiding airtight containers that can trap moisture and promote bacterial growth.
Addressing Common Usage Concerns
Occasional leakage is often the result of the disk not being tucked correctly behind the pubic bone during insertion. If you notice leaks, gently push the front rim higher until it feels securely positioned. Persistent leaks can also indicate that the disk is either too large or too small for your individual anatomy, allowing fluid to bypass the collection area.
If you feel the disk internally or experience discomfort, the device likely has not been pushed back far enough into the vaginal fornix. Relaxing the pelvic floor muscles during insertion and aiming the device toward the tailbone helps ensure it sits high enough to be unnoticeable. Discomfort may also occur if the rim has slipped out from behind the pubic bone, requiring a simple re-tuck.
A phenomenon known as “auto-dumping” occurs when the contents of the disk empty partially while the user is on the toilet. This happens because bearing down causes the pelvic floor muscles to relax, temporarily shifting the disk and allowing the front rim to untuck. This hands-free emptying is normal for many users and can be leveraged to manage heavy flow without full removal.