The menstrual disc is the newest addition to the reusable period product lineup. It’s built for comfort, convenience, and the ultimate period freedom—you can do anything while wearing it.
One of its biggest selling points?
You can have comfortable, mess-free period sex while wearing it! Sounds too good to be true, right? I was skeptical at first but I’ve loved having mine, so give it a try! You deserve better from your period products.
Here’s what we’re covering in this guide:
- What is a Menstrual Disc?
- The Learning Curve
- What Size Disc Should I Order?
- How to Use a Menstrual Disc
- Which Menstrual Disc is Right for Me?
Before I got married, I had a premarital check-up with my doctor and ended up getting an IUD.
One of the benefits of this IUD is that my periods have been lighter—but in the beginning, I was spotting a LOT. This went on for a few months after the IUD insertion.
My doctor advised against using a menstrual cup as the suction, if not properly released, can dislodge an IUD. I definitely didn’t want to have a surprise baby as a newlywed, so back to disposable period products I went.
Needless to say, I got pretty sick of using light tampons and endless pantyliners. The overall dryness from the tampons, moisture from the liners, and unnecessary discomfort for the smallest amount of blood wasn’t enjoyable either.
Can You Use a Menstrual Disc with an IUD?
While I was at the IUD insertion appointment my doctor mentioned that menstrual discs can safely be used with an IUD because they’re suction-free.
Bonus: you can also have mess-free period sex with a menstrual disc on! Check out this post if you want to learn more about other sexual intimacy tips and resources for newlyweds.
I wish I had ordered one that same day! Instead, I kept thinking the spotting was almost done when in reality it dragged on for weeks.
As an added cherry on top, I started my period the day before my wedding. At that moment, I definitely wished I had ordered a menstrual disc earlier.
In an effort to make my wedding day (and wedding night) easier, I rushed to my local Walmart to see if they had one in stock. Unfortunately, they only had disposable menstrual discs on the shelves.
Even though I was comfortable using menstrual cups, I still had to figure out how to use a disposable disc. In my opinion, disposable menstrual discs are a little more complicated to use than reusable ones.
We went on a cruise for our honeymoon, and you’d better believe one of the first things I did after we got off the ship was order a reusable menstrual disc. I’m not even kidding about that, I actually ordered it from the airport.
When it came in the mail I started using it and never looked back. It makes periods so much easier, and the thumb notch on my favorite period disc in particular makes removal a breeze. I couldn’t recommend it more!
I want to share what I’ve learned with you so your periods can be easier as well. So let’s get started! Here is the complete guide to menstrual discs.
What is a Menstrual Disc?
A menstrual disc is a bowl-shaped period product with a thicker rim. It sits under your cervix, with the bottom end tucked up behind your pubic bone in your vaginal canal.
Most menstrual discs are made of silicone, but there are also disposable menstrual discs made of medical-grade polymers that are a much better alternative to disposable period products for both you and the environment.
Unlike tampons, menstrual discs don’t absorb blood, they simply collect it as it leaves the cervical opening. In that aspect, they work similarly to a menstrual cup—but there are a few key differences between the two.
Menstrual Disc vs Menstrual Cup:
- Menstrual discs do not use suction to stay in place. If a menstrual disc doesn’t use suction, how does it stay in? Well, the thick rim of the menstrual disc is tucked in at the top of your vagina into what’s called the vaginal fornix. This is the upper back edge of your cervix. The other side of the period disc rim is tucked behind your pubic bone to keep it in place. With those two points of contact, that disc isn’t going anywhere.
- They work well with IUDs.Without suction, the risk of dislodging an IUD is exponentially reduced. In other words, if an IUD is your preferred form of birth control, menstrual discs should be your preferred reusable period product.
- Menstrual discs sit higher in the vaginal canal. A menstrual disc sits just under your cervical opening, a spot that can only be reached by the rim of a menstrual cup. Because discs are shorter than cups, they sit much higher and leave the vaginal canal open.
- They have only one method of insertion. There are many different menstrual cup folds that can be used to insert the cup. Discs, on the other hand, have one fold. You just pinch the disc in half, making an almost figure-8 shape when pinched in the middle. This keeps the insertion process pretty straightforward as you follow the same exact process every time.
- You can have sex while using a menstrual disc. You definitely can’t have sex with a menstrual cup in, but you can with a disc when worn, it doesn’t seem like it’s that far up as you can still reach it with your fingers, but your vagina actually elongates during arousal and foreplay. Trust me, it can be comfortably worn. Just give it a try!
The Learning Curve
As with menstrual cups, and anything new in general, there is a short learning curve when making the switch to a menstrual disc. I don’t say that to scare you off, just to make sure you’re aware and have realistic expectations.
It will take some trial and error to figure out how to get your menstrual disc into the correct position.
While you’re figuring it out, I recommend wearing a reusable pantyliner or pair of period underwear as a backup to your disc so you, quite literally, have all your bases covered. Check out this guide to cloth pads and period underwear for more information.
What Size Disc Should I Order?
Most menstrual discs are one-size-fits-most, but some brands offer two different size options. The following three factors have the biggest impact on what size disc will work best for your body:
- Cervix Height: If you have a low cervix, a smaller size disc may be more comfortable for you.
- Menstrual Flow: If your flow is on the lighter side (think light-normal flow), a smaller disc may be the better choice. The bigger size would still work, but if you don’t need the extra capacity you can eliminate it.
- Age & Experience: The smaller disc might be a better choice and fit for young or petite women; however, if you have no experience using reusable period products, it will likely be easier for you to take them for a test drive using the larger size disc.
All in all, don’t stress about what size menstrual disc you order—either should work just fine, but one may work slightly better or be a little more comfortable for you.
How to Use a Menstrual Disc
Inserting, removing, and cleaning a menstrual disc is very similar to using a menstrual cup with a few small differences.
Menstrual Disc Insertion
Before insertion, make sure you wash your hands and sterilize your menstrual disc. Next, get into a comfortable position for insertion—I recommend one foot elevated on the toilet seat or edge of the tub.
There is only one way to fold and insert your menstrual disc. You simply pinch it in the middle to make a long fold in the shape of a figure-8 and hold it with the rim facing up.
Using your free hand, gently part your inner labia. Pinch your disc together with your other hand and slowly insert it into your vaginal opening with the thumb notch being inserted last if your disc has one.
Continue pushing your period disc into position until it reaches the top corner of your cervix, the vaginal fornix. When the top edge of your disc’s rim hits that point and can’t go any further, use your thumb or index finger to push the portion of the rim that you’re holding (or the thumb notch, if you have one) up just past the pubic bone.
Once the rim has been tucked behind your pubic bone your disc is in place and you can go about your day for the next 4-12 hours!
Menstrual Disc Removal
When it’s time to remove your menstrual disc, wash your hands and sit in a comfortable position with easy access. I’d suggest either removing your disc while sitting on the toilet seat, holding a slight squat while hovering above the toilet, or better yet, in the shower. Changing your reusable menstrual disc in the shower is especially helpful if you’re a beginner or have a heavy flow.
Insert your thumb and index finger (or whatever fingers are the easiest for you to maneuver and grip) while bearing down (pushing) with your pelvic muscles.
When you feel the rim of your menstrual disc, hook your finger into the thumb notch of your disc and slowly pull down at a slight angle, trying not to angle the disc too much.
If you don’t have a thumb notch, use your two fingers to pinch the rim until you have a good grip on it, and continue to remove it the same way.
Continue pulling your disc downwards until you reach your vaginal opening, then carefully pull it through, keeping it as parallel to the ground as possible and pinching the rim together as you did during insertion to make it more comfortable.
After your menstrual disc is out, empty the contents into the toilet and rinse your disc with cold water to help prevent staining. Finally, wash your disc with cup wash or gentle soap and reinsert it as normal.
Tips for Using Your Menstrual Disc
It’s very important that you wash your hands before inserting or removing your disc. You don’t want to introduce any new bacteria into your vagina!
By keeping everything clean and changing your disc at least every 12 hours, you drastically reduce your risk of developing toxic shock syndrome (TSS).
If you notice any spotting or pink color on the toilet paper when you wipe, your menstrual disc likely shifted when you used the bathroom.
This is actually called ‘self-emptying’ and occurs when the rim of your disc temporarily moves out of position. This typically happens while you’re seated and pushing with your pelvic muscles, and allows for the disc to empty its contents into the toilet.
If your disc is full you can use this technique to intentionally push the rim out of place to empty the contents. Afterward, you can simply reach a finger up to the rim of your menstrual disc and tuck it back behind your pubic bone.
If self-emptying wasn’t the cause of the spotting and your disc was in place the entire time, there may have been menstrual blood along your vaginal wall from your last disc removal and reinsertion that has slowly made its way down and out.
On heavier days you can wear a reusable panty liner or pair of period underwear in addition to the disc for extra protection. I’d also recommend doubling up the period protection in the beginning, or on a daily basis, whatever you’re most comfortable with.
To make removal and cleanup easier, particularly on heavy-flow days, change your menstrual disc in the shower with the help of a handheld shower head. You’ll not only keep everything mess-free by doing this but also save yourself a lot of extra toilet paper or flushable wipes.
How to Clean & Sterilize Your Menstrual Disc
When your cycle is over, sterilize your disc with this easy-to-use microwaveable sterilizer to prevent any bacteria from growing on it before your next period starts.
You can also boil it for a few minutes or clean it with 70% rubbing alcohol, but the microwavable sterilizer is the easiest way to go. I love mine!
Over time your menstrual disc will become discolored. One of the well-known facts about blood is its staining ability, and that still applies here.
Luckily, there’s an easy way to remove the stains! Every 3-4 cycles, simply soak your disc in 3% hydrogen peroxide. I usually soak my disc for 8-24 hours (or longer, as needed) in a 50/50 mix of peroxide and water.
You can always soak it in straight hydrogen peroxide to remove the stains quicker, but I don’t mind the longer soaking time. The diluted peroxide will also be a bit gentler on the silicone over time.
Which Menstrual Disc is Right for Me?
Now that you know what a menstrual disc is and how to use it, let’s figure out what disc is right for you.
Best Reusable Menstrual Disc
Most menstrual discs are reusable and made of silicone. Here are three of the best reusable menstrual discs and their distinguishing features:
Saalt Menstrual Disc
The Saalt menstrual disc is my personal favorite as it works for everyone, from beginners to experienced disc users, with features including:
- A thumb notch for easy removal
- 2 size options for petite individuals or those with a low cervix
- Grip ridges along the thin silicone bottom for easier use
- A softer silicone material for extra comfort
The Saalt menstrual disc is my go-to reusable period product. Easy to insert and remove, compatible with an IUD, and soft silicone that’s comfortable to wear at all times.
Flex Menstrual Disc
The Flex reusable menstrual disc is another great option! It’s a little different from the Saalt disc in a few ways:
- Instead of a thumb notch, it has a continuous rim that you pinch to remove
- It has the smallest insertion point as there’s a small notch in the rim that allows the edges to come closer together when pinched
- It’s made of firmer silicone, which can make it easier to open and self-empty when full
The Flex menstrual disc is a great choice if you’re looking for the easiest-to-insert option.
Cora Menstrual Disc
The Cora menstrual disc offers features from both the Flex and Saalt discs:
- Thumb notch for easy removal (just like the Saalt disc)
- Firmer silicone for easier self-emptying and opening (like the Flex)
If you’re looking for a slightly firmer disc that still has the ingenious thumb notch feature, check out the Cora menstrual disc!
Best Disposable Menstrual Disc
If you want to try menstrual discs without committing to a silicone one just yet, or if you don’t like the idea of rinsing and cleaning a reusable menstrual disc, the disposable Flex menstrual disc is a great alternative!
You can still have the same 12-hour wear time, can’t-even-feel-it comfort, and mess-free period sex that isn’t possible with disposable tampons.
If a disposable disc sounds like the best fit for you, check out the Flex disposable menstrual disc.
Menstrual discs are a great reusable alternative to tampons. They will save you money in the long-run as they can last for up to 10 years! Discs can also reduce cramping and period pain, and eliminate uncomfortable dryness that tampons sometimes cause.
They can be worn for 12 hours at a time, and you can even have mess-free period sex while wearing one!
If you want to experience the ultimate period comfort and freedom while also saving money each month, try a menstrual disc today!
Not sure if menstrual discs are right for you? Check out the 5 best reusable period products to explore other alternatives.
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