Menstrual disks are a modern alternative to traditional period products, designed for internal use to collect menstrual fluid instead of absorbing it. These devices are becoming popular for their extended wear time and comfort, offering a different approach to managing a period. The fundamental function of the disk is collection, allowing it to be worn for up to twelve hours before needing to be emptied. This method provides a practical and sometimes more comfortable option for many users.
Defining the Menstrual Disk
A menstrual disk has a distinct, shallow shape, resembling a small, flexible bowl or diaphragm with a firm outer rim. It is manufactured from medical-grade materials, most commonly silicone, polyethylene, or a polymer blend, ensuring it is body-safe and non-absorbent. The disk’s design is wider and shallower than a menstrual cup, giving it a flat profile when inserted. This structure allows the disk to be collapsed for insertion and then expand to fit snugly in a high area of the vaginal canal.
The design of the disk is engineered to sit in the vaginal fornix, which is the wide space at the top of the vagina, right below the cervix. This placement is much higher than where a tampon or menstrual cup sits. The rim is held securely in place by a bony structure. Options are available as both disposable, single-use products and reusable disks that can last for years with proper care.
How Menstrual Disks are Used
Using a menstrual disk begins by washing your hands thoroughly and finding a comfortable position, such as sitting on the toilet or standing with one leg elevated. The disk is folded by pinching the rim together, which makes the wide, circular shape narrow like a tampon. The pinched disk is then inserted into the vaginal canal, aiming it backward and downward toward the tailbone, rather than straight up.
Proper placement is achieved when the disk is pushed as far back as it can comfortably go, covering the cervix entirely. The final, and most important, step is tucking the front rim of the disk up behind the pubic bone (pubic symphysis). The pubic bone acts as a shelf to lock the disk in place, securing the rim and preventing leaks. When it is correctly positioned, the user should not be able to feel the disk at all.
A unique feature of the disk is the potential for “auto-dumping,” or passive emptying, which can occur when using the toilet. The act of bearing down during a bowel movement or even urination can cause the pelvic floor muscles to contract and slightly shift the disk. This momentary displacement can cause some of the collected fluid to release into the toilet. Once the muscles relax, the disk typically settles back into its secure position behind the pubic bone to continue collecting.
Removal involves inserting a clean finger into the vagina and hooking it under the front rim of the disk to gently pull it out. To make removal easier, some users find that bearing down slightly with their pelvic muscles can untuck the rim from behind the pubic bone. It is helpful to keep the disk level during the process to minimize the chance of spillage before emptying the contents into the toilet.
Key Differences from Menstrual Cups
While both menstrual disks and menstrual cups are internal, reusable collection devices, their function and fit are significantly different. A menstrual cup is bell-shaped and sits lower in the vaginal canal, relying on a slight suction seal to remain in place and prevent leakage. The disk, conversely, is flatter and wider, nesting much higher in the vaginal fornix and staying secured by the tension of its rim tucked behind the pubic bone, requiring no suction.
The absence of suction makes the disk a preferred option for people who use an intrauterine device (IUD), as there is less risk of dislodging the birth control device upon removal. Furthermore, the disk’s high and shallow placement leaves the vaginal canal unobstructed. This anatomical difference means that the menstrual disk can be worn safely during penetrative sexual intercourse, a major functional benefit that traditional menstrual cups do not offer. Disks also often boast a higher capacity than most cups, sometimes holding the equivalent of five or more super tampons, which is useful for those with a heavier flow.
Maintenance and Safety
For reusable menstrual disks, proper maintenance is necessary to ensure longevity and hygiene. During a period, the disk should be emptied, rinsed with cold water to prevent staining, and washed with a mild, unscented soap before reinsertion. Between cycles, the disk must be sterilized by boiling it in water for a few minutes to kill any remaining bacteria. Reusable disks, typically made from medical-grade silicone, have a long lifespan, often lasting between five and ten years with good care.
When it comes to safety, all internal period products carry a minimal risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), a rare but serious bacterial infection. Menstrual disks are generally considered a lower risk option than tampons because they collect fluid rather than absorbing it, and are made from non-absorbent materials that do not promote bacterial growth in the same way. However, it remains important to follow the recommended maximum wear time of twelve hours and always use clean hands during insertion and removal to minimize any potential risk.