A menstrual disc is an internal period product designed to collect menstrual fluid. Unlike traditional tampons or pads, this device sits much higher within the vaginal canal, resting in the vaginal fornix. It is a shallow, circular item that provides up to 12 hours of wear time. Discs are available in both reusable and single-use disposable forms, offering users a choice between an environmentally-conscious option and maximum convenience.
Understanding the Disc’s Unique Design
The menstrual disc is characterized by its wide, flat, and shallow shape, distinct from the bell-shaped design of a menstrual cup. It consists of a flexible, circular rim surrounding a soft, collapsible collection basin. The rim provides the structure necessary to keep the disc securely positioned once inserted.
The materials used vary depending on the product’s intended use cycle. Reusable discs are typically manufactured from medical-grade silicone, a material chosen for its flexibility, durability, and biocompatibility. Disposable discs, on the other hand, are often made from polymer plastics, which are designed for a single use before being discarded.
The disc’s shape allows it to conform to the internal anatomy, which is a major factor in its comfort and effectiveness. The flexible basin can hold a significant volume of fluid, while the rim’s structure is engineered to tuck behind the pubic bone. This placement allows the disc to remain stable and leak-free throughout the day.
Practical Use: Insertion and Removal
Using a menstrual disc requires a specific placement technique that differs from tampons or menstrual cups. To insert the device, the user first pinches the wide rim together lengthwise, folding the disc into a narrow, elongated shape. The folded disc is then inserted into the vagina, angling it backward and downward toward the tailbone.
The disc must be pushed in until the back edge settles into the vaginal fornix, the space located just beneath the cervix. The final step is tucking the front rim of the disc upward behind the pubic bone. This bone acts as a shelf that holds the disc firmly in place, creating a barrier to collect the flow.
Proper removal involves a careful two-part process, ideally done while sitting over a toilet. The user must first insert a finger to locate the front rim of the disc, which is tucked behind the pubic bone. Bearing down gently with the pelvic muscles can help dislodge the rim from the bone, bringing it lower for easier access.
Once the rim is accessible, the user hooks a finger underneath it and slowly pulls the disc out, keeping it level to minimize spillage. Because the disc collects a large volume of fluid, this removal step often requires practice to avoid a mess. It is beneficial to try the first few removals in the shower to become familiar with the technique.
Key Advantages Over Traditional Menstrual Products
The menstrual disc offers a high capacity for fluid collection. While traditional tampons and cups hold between 20 to 30 milliliters, many discs can hold up to 60 or 70 milliliters of menstrual fluid, benefiting individuals with a heavier flow. This increased capacity allows for the maximum 12-hour wear time, even on heavier days.
The disc’s design offers a unique advantage for those who use an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control. Unlike menstrual cups, which rely on a light suction seal to stay in place, discs are held by the pubic bone and do not create a negative pressure seal. This non-suction mechanism reduces the theoretical risk of dislodging an IUD upon removal.
A distinguishing feature reported by many users is the phenomenon known as “auto-dumping” or self-emptying. During a bowel movement or when urinating, the pelvic muscles contract and relax, which can temporarily push the disc’s front rim out from behind the pubic bone. This slight shift allows a portion of the collected fluid to drain into the toilet before the rim automatically tucks back into place.
The ability to wear the disc during sexual intercourse is another advantage. Because the disc sits high up at the base of the cervix, it leaves the lower vaginal canal unobstructed. This positioning allows for mess-free penetrative sex, which is not possible with tampons, pads, or most menstrual cups.
Addressing Common Difficulties and Concerns
New users often face a learning curve regarding the initial placement of the disc, which may lead to temporary leakage. The most frequent cause of leakage is failure to fully tuck the front rim high enough behind the pubic bone. If the disc is not securely locked into place, it can slip out of position, or the fluid may bypass the collection basin entirely if the disc ends up in front of the cervix.
Removal is widely cited as the messiest part of the user experience, particularly for beginners. Because the disc is full of fluid and must be pulled out past the narrow vaginal opening, it is difficult to extract without some spillage onto the fingers or surrounding area. This is why many experienced users recommend removing the disc while in the shower or while seated on the toilet.
Another challenge is the need for dedicated cleaning and sanitization routines for the reusable discs. While disposable versions are simply thrown away, reusable discs must be emptied, rinsed, and washed with soap after each use. They also require sterilization in boiling water at least once per cycle to prevent bacterial build-up and maintain hygiene.