Menstrual Disc Sizing - which size do you need?
This article is for anyone who is confused about which size menstrual disc to buy.
Are menstrual discs truly a ‘one size fits all’ reusable period option? The answer is Yes AND No. While menstrual discs are commonly sold as ‘one size’, the fact is that all the brands vary in diameter, capacity, and style. Every person’s anatomy is different and there are four main factors we think are important considerations when selecting a menstrual disc size.
4 Menstrual Disc Sizing Tips
While these menstrual disc sizing tips will help in most cases, we always recommend first checking the sizing guidelines for the specific brand of disc that you intend to purchase. We have also listed all the diameters and capacities of the various brands we sell on our compare page.
1. The Height of Your Cervix
We would consider cervix height to be the most important factor to consider before purchasing a menstrual disc. We highly recommend that you check the position/height of your cervix. If you have a low cervix (short vaginal canal), there is less room between the vaginal opening and your cervix, meaning you may find a smaller diameter and depth disc more comfortable. You may also find a disc with a small loop, notch, or plain rim more comforatble than one with a string or longer tab.
Conversely, if you have a high cervix (long vaginal canal), then you will most likely find a ‘one size’ or larger diameter disc more suitable. A larger disc will be able to reach further to sit within the vaginal fornix behind your high lying cervix. Discs with removal tabs are also a good option, as these will be easier to reach and remove should the disc travel up your vaginal canal towards your cervix.
2. Your Level of Flow
The vast majority of menstrual discs have a capacity much higher than standard menstrual cups. Discs typically hold around 50ml, which is more than 4 super tampons, and an average of 20ml more fluid than large sized menstrual cups. This is one of the reasons they have become so popular.
Higher capacity = less emptying
This is a real incentive for people who cannot take regular bathroom breaks, or who may have a heavy period flow.
A few of the disc brands that offer different size options will suggest choosing a size based on your level of menstrual flow. If you have a light flow, choose the smaller size, if you have a heavy flow choose a larger size.
Regardless of your level of flow, you should empty your disc at least every 12 hours.
3. Are You a Teenager or Not Had Penetrative Sex?
We recommend the smaller sized menstrual discs for teenagers or people who have not had penetrative sex. Â This is due to having a potentially un-stretched hymen and/or tighter pelvic floor muscles. A smaller cup or disc is generally recommended for young people wanting to reduce the risk of stretching their hymen. At this point, it is worth mentioning that the hymen can sometimes be torn or stretched while participating in various forms of sport and also when using tampons. In some instances a woman may in fact be born without a hymen at all. An un-stretched hymen may make the insertion of larger discs more difficult and occasionally painful.Â
Discs are also very big to look at and may seem quite daunting to someone just beginning their menstrual journey. The smaller discs, while still big, are at least a little easier to handle and insert for young users.
4. Vaginal Space
This is not something you are likely to know until you have tried a menstrual disc. It will become more obvious if your anatomy favours a smaller or larger disc once you have tried one and perhaps experienced insertion issues.
If you find that while trying to insert a disc, it seems to ‘spring’ out of place and feels like there just isn’t enough room for it to fit, you may need to consider a smaller size.
If you can insert the disc without trouble but find that it continually dislodges from behind the pelvic bone, you may need a larger disc.
If you are having trouble inserting your disc, or if you are experiencing leaking, rule out user error before purchasing a different disc. There are 3 common reasons why your menstrual disc might not be positioned properly:
- You have not placed the disc far enough in to be sitting behind the cervix. Try inserting your disc while squatting. This position helps you position the disc deeper, making it more likely that it is positioned behind the cervix in the vaginal fornix.
- Your disc is hitting the front of your cervix. When inserting, try to angle your cup down towards the tip of your tailbone, rather than at an upwards angle. You are trying to ‘scoop’ your cervix into the disc.
- You may not have the front rim properly tucked behind your pubic bone. Feel for your pubic bone before inserting the disc, so you know where it is located. Once the disc is inserted, push the front rim up as far as you can to ensure it is tucked in place.
Disc Brands Offer Varying Sizes for Different Needs:
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Hey Zomi Menstrual Disc
$ 44.95 -
Sale!
Saalt Menstrual Disc Duo Box
Original price was: $ 89.95.$ 79.95Current price is: $ 79.95. -
Sale!
Hello Disc
Original price was: $ 59.95.$ 54.95Current price is: $ 54.95. -
Ziggy Cup
$ 54.95
In most cases, the above suggestions will solve any menstrual disc sizing questions that you may have. However, if you are still unsure what size to choose, please do not hesitate to contact us; we’re more than happy to assist. Some brands also offer Duo Box’s which contain two different sized cups. These are more economical and are great if you still can’t decide what size to try.Â
Frequently Asked Questions:
No. Even though menstrual discs are similar in size to diaphragm (a common contraceptive device), menstrual discs will not protect against pregnancy or STI’s.
Yes. Menstrual discs can be used for mess free period sex.
In most cases, partners cannot feel the menstrual disc during sex. However, this will depend on the disc you use, whether it has a removal tab, and the height of your cervix.
Some discs have thinner silicone than others and may be less noticeable.Â
Tabs, loops, and removal strings may be felt during sex as these are not as soft and thin as the silicone body of the disc.
If you have a low cervix, the disc will be positioned closer to the vaginal opening and may make it slightly more noticeable.
Yes. As with menstrual cups, teenagers can also use a menstrual disc. We would recommend choosing a small size disc for those early in their menstrual journey. If the size of a disc seems too daunting, a teen size menstrual cup may be a better option.
Yes. The high capacity of menstrual discs make them a great option for wearing overnight, especially for people with a heavy flow.
It depends on the brand of disc. Brands such as nixit are perfectly round with no defined front or back.
If a disc has a notch, removal tab, loop, or string, this is usually considered the front of the disc and tucks up behind the pubic bone.
Learn more about using menstrual discs:
How to check Your cervix position
How to Check Your Cervix Position: Low vs. High Cervix Your cervix position is a major factor in which menstrual cup you should purchase Learning how to check your cervix position will help you determine which menstrual cup length and shape to choose, as well as whether or not you should trim the stem. It
5 Menstrual Disc Removal Tips
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
How to use a menstrual disc
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