How to use a Menstrual Disc
Using a menstrual disc is a learning curve. It takes patience and sometimes a few cycles to become comfortable inserting and removing it, so that it is positioned correctly and does not leak or cause discomfort. For maximum wearing comfort, and to ensure easy insertion and removal, it is important to select the correct size menstrual disc. Contrary to popular belief, no menstrual disc is a ‘one size fits all’ product. They are a ‘one size fits most’ item. Every person’s anatomy is different, including varying cervix heights, organ placement, and vaginal space.Â
New menstrual discs are not supplied in a sterile state. Before first using your disc, be sure to sterilise it according to the manufacturers directions. You should also sterilise your disc at the end and beginning of each period. Once your disc is sterilised and dry, it is ready for use.
Step 1: Prepare
Thoroughly wash your hands. You may find it helpful to lubricate the rim of the disc and the entrance to your vagina with a little water or water-based lube prior to insertion. The shower is also a great place to practice inserting and removing your menstrual disc, giving you range of movement, and less mess to deal with.
Step 2: Fold
Unlike menstrual cups that can be folded in several different ways, menstrual discs are typically only folded one way. Pinch the two sides of the disc together, creating an elongated shape, with the front of the disc (end with a tab, string, or notch) at one end of the fold and the back at the other.
If your disc does not have a removal aid (ie. nixit), then it doesn’t matter where you pinch the sides, as there is generally no ‘front’ or ‘back’.
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Step 3: Fold and hold
Once you have pinched your menstrual disc in half, hold it firmly between your thumb and forefinger.
Step 4: Insertion
With a firm hold on the disc, gently guide the back of the disc into the vagina. You can do this while standing, sitting, squatting, or while in the shower. Through practice, you will find the position that is most comfortable and efficient for you. Continue guiding the disc towards the tip of your tail bone, so that it ‘scoops up’ and sits behind your cervix in the vaginal fornix. Then use your forefinger to push the front of the disc up behind the pubic bone. Nothing should be protruding from the vagina (including any tabs).
It is sometimes helpful to feel for your cervix and your pubic bone before inserting your menstrual disc, to help give you a better idea of where you need to position it.
If correctly inserted, your cervix should be sitting inside or just above the body of the disc, and you should not be able to feel the disc or experience any discomfort.Â
Once the disc is in place, you can wear it for a maximum of 12 hours or overnight.
Step 5: Removal
For discs that have a removal notch or stem, simply use your forefinger to locate the aid. Gently pull the front of the cup down from behind the pubic bone and continue to slowly remove the disc from the vagina.Â
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.Â
Try to keep the disc at a horizontal angle while removing it. You can also pinch the sides together as the front of the disc reaches the opening of the vagina, to help reduce spillage.
Once you have removed the cup, tip the contents into the toilet, sink, or shower.
Step 6: Cleaning
Rinse your menstrual disc under cold water first and then warm water. This will help reduce the chance of staining. Ensure the disc is sufficiently cleaned before re-insertion, including under the rim and around any notches or tabs. If water is not available (such as when in a public restroom), you can wipe the disc with some paper towel, toilet paper, or a menstrual cup wipe, and then reinsert it (note: if using a wipe, the cup must be dry before re-inserting). Once home again, give the disc a thorough wash.
Step 7: Storing
Once your period is finished, thoroughly wash and sterilise your menstrual disc. This can be done by boiling your disc in a pot of boiling water, or by using a menstrual cup microwave steriliser. If boiling on the stove, place the disc inside a whisk to prevent it touching and burning on the base of the pot. Once the disc is dry, store it in its carry pouch or a breathable container.
Read the manufacturers instructions
All menstrual discs sold by MCA Online come with detailed manufacturers usage instructions. While the above steps provide a generalised guide for using a menstrual disc, the particular brand you purchase may have some additional information or tips for success.Â
Always read the label and use only as directed. If symptoms occur as a result of using a menstrual disc, please consult your doctor/healthcare professional
Explore our favourite menstrual discs:
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Sale!
Hey Zomi Menstrual Disc
Original price was: $ 55.00.$ 50.00Current price is: $ 50.00. -
Saalt Menstrual Disc Duo Box
$ 89.95 -
Hello Disc
$ 49.95 -
Sale!
Nixit Menstrual Cup
Original price was: $ 74.95.$ 69.95Current price is: $ 69.95.
Frequently asked questions:
Learn more about menstrual discs with the FAQ’s below.
No. A menstrual disc should not cause any pain. In fact you should not be able to feel a correctly sized and inserted menstrual disc at all. If you can feel your disc or experience any pain, you may need a different style or size.
On average, menstrual discs hold around 50ml of fluid, making them a great option for people with a heavy flow. This is compared to a regular tampon that holds approximately 5mls, or a super tampon that holds around 10-12mls. Some discs, such as the nixit and Ziggy (size B) hold up to 70ml.
If you have a low cervix, we would recommend you select a smaller diameter disc.
We always recommend speaking to your health care provider before using a menstrual disc with an IUD. However, many women do wear the two together.
Menstrual discs are favoured to menstrual cups, as they do not rely on suction to stay in place, reducing the possibility of dislodging the IUD.
Yes. A menstrual disc is messier to empty than a menstrual cup. As the front of the disc is pulled down from behind the pubic bone, menstrual fluid often spills out of the disc. The amount will depend on experience, technique, and your level of flow. You can hold some toilet paper between your thumb and forefinger as you grab the disc, allowing it to absorb some of the spillage.
No, a menstrual disc cannot get lost inside of you. A disc cannot go any further than the cervix and will always remain in the vaginal canal. If you have trouble reaching your disc to remove it, you may have a high cervix and a disc that is too small. You may need to consider a larger disc or one with a removal tab or string.
No, a menstrual disc or cup should not be used for post childbirth bleeding. Your body has just undergone a lot of changes and things are very roomy up there. It is best to wait until your normal period has returned before using a menstrual cup or disc.
Learn more about menstrual cups and discs:
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