How to Remove a Menstrual Disc: 5 Easy Tips
Removing your menstrual disc is easy! Follow these tips to get a menstrual disc out in seconds, or do a removal free autodump.
Since there is no suction involved, removing a menstrual disc is typically much easier to do than removing a menstrual cup. However, removing a menstrual disc is also a messier process. The most mess usually happens as the disc is dislodged from behind the pubic bone. This action causes the disc to tilt downwards, spilling some of the contents.
By using the following 5 removal tips, you will be well on your way to quickly and easily removing your menstrual disc. Before getting started, make sure to wash your hands with warm water and a gentle soap.
1. Practice before your period
Due to the messier nature of menstrual disc removal, it’s a great idea to practice removing it before you are on your period. This will reduce the angst and the ‘ick’ factor you may experience while learning how to locate and remove your disc while also dealing with menstrual fluid mess. You may find it helpful to wet the disc with some water, or rub a small amount of water-based lubricant around the rim to make insertion easier.
This is also a great time to practice feeling for your pubic bone and for your cervix, helping you know whereabouts the disc needs to sit.
2. Decide the best way to 'hook' the disc
For discs that do not have a removal notch or tab, there are 3 ways to remove it. You can:
a) Hook your finger under the rim and pull down to dislodge it.
b) Use your thumb and forefinger to pinch and grab the rim of the disk and pull it downwards.
c) Hook your forefinger up and over the front of the disc’s rim and pull it downwards. This option may be messier as it is more likely to spill the contents of the disc. You will also need to be careful not to scratch yourself with your fingernail as you reach up and over the rim.
For discs that have a removal notch or stem, simply use your forefinger to locate these items and remove the disc as normal.
When you remove the disc, try to keep it at a horizontal angle. You can also pinch the sides together as the front of the disc reaches the opening of the vagina, to help hold the contents within the disc.
3. Practice in the shower
Whether you are removing a menstrual cup or a disc, doing so in the shower is a great option! Any mess washes straight down the drain, you are normally nice and relaxed, and you can stand or squat to practice.
The shower is also a nice stress free environment when getting acquainted with your vaginal anatomy and correct disc positioning.
4. Learn how to 'auto-dump'
‘Auto-dumping’ or ‘self-emptying’ is a feature unique to menstrual discs, that usually occurs while going to the loo. A combination of the sitting position and a change in the pelvic muscles, causes the disc to tilt slightly, emptying some of the contents into the toilet without you having to do a thing. Once you have finished on the loo, the disc usually returns to its normal position behind the pubic bone. If this doesn’t happen, a little upward nudge on the front rim of the disc should fix it. This feature is loved by many disc users, especially those with a heavy flow, as it means complete removal and reinsertion of the disc is not necessary. It also saves getting menstrual fluid all over your fingers.
If the disc doesn’t auto-dump on it’s own, gently bearing down with your pelvic floor muscles may be enough to set things in motion. If you still can’t get the process to work, you may need to try a different sized disc.Â
For people with weak pelvic floor muscles or any degree of prolapse, they may find that the disc dislodges much easier and it will likely need manual re-positioning once you have finished going to the toilet. It also means the disc could have a higher proabability of dislodging at other times as well.
5. Grab with some toilet paper
It is almost impossible to reduce all mess associated with removing a menstrual disc. Practice, and your level of flow will definitely make a difference, but unlike a menstrual cup which can be removed virtually mess free, a disc is likely to spill some of its contents on the way out.Â
On your heavy days or when the disc is going to be particularly full, hold a piece of toilet paper between your thumb and forefinger as you grab the rim of the disc. The toilet paper will absorb any spillage, reducing how much ends up on your fingers.
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Frequently asked questions:
Learn more about how to remove a menstrual disc in the FAQs section below.
Since there is no suction involved, removing a menstrual disc does not hurt if you are using the correct technique.
If you experience any pain or discomfort while taking out the menstrual disc, we recommend trying a different disc size or brand.
You should not wear your menstrual disc for more than 12 hours without removing, emptying, and washing it. Even if you are a pro at the auto-dump, your disc should be fully removed and cleaned at least every 12 hours.
No. A menstrual disc cannot get lost inside of you. Your cervix is like a closed doorway at the end of your vaginal canal, meaning that no cup or disc can travel beyond it.Â
If you are having trouble reaching or removing your menstrual disc, you may have a high cervix and should probably consider a different sized disc, or one with a removal tab.
Yes. Since you can wear a menstrual disc for up to 12 hours, you can definitely sleep with it overnight. Discs typically have a higher capacity than menstrual cups, making them an ideal overnight solution for people with a heavy flow.
Learn more about menstrual disc and cup removal:
10 tips for first time menstrual cup use
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How long can you wear a menstrual cup?
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