Menstrual Discs

Menstrual discs are flexible, shallow discs that insert into the vagina and sit behind the pubic bone to collect period blood. They hold 50–70 ml of fluid, more than cups or tampons, allowing 10–12 hour wear. Discs uniquely allow mess-free period sex since they sit higher than cups, making them popular for users wanting intimacy during menstruation.

About Menstrual Discs

Unlike period cups that create a seal in the lower vaginal canal, menstrual discs sit in the vaginal fornix—the wide area around your cervix, behind the pubic bone. They do not rely on suction or seals. Instead, the disc's flexible rim tucks behind your pubic bone and rests against the back wall of your vagina, creating a physical barrier that catches menstrual blood as it exits the cervix.

This higher positioning makes discs feel very different from cups. Many users report not feeling discs at all once properly positioned. The design also allows for mess-free penetrative sex during periods—the disc compresses during penetration but stays in place, catching blood without interfering with intimacy. This unique feature makes discs popular for users who want to maintain sexual activity during menstruation.

How Menstrual Discs Work

Squeeze the disc into a figure-eight or taco fold, insert it angled toward your tailbone (not straight up), then push it back and up toward your cervix. The back rim tucks behind your cervix while the front rim tucks up behind your pubic bone. When positioned correctly, you should not feel the disc at all—no pressure, no awareness of foreign object sensation.

To remove, hook your finger under the front rim and pull down and out. The disc should come out horizontally to minimize spilling. Empty contents into toilet, rinse with water, and reinsert. Some users experience spilling during removal—this is normal and improves with practice as you learn the right angle and speed for your body.

Discs Versus Cups

Discs hold more fluid—50–70 ml compared to cups' 15–40 ml. This higher capacity means longer wear times even on very heavy flow days. Discs sit higher, behind the pubic bone, while cups sit lower in the vaginal canal creating a seal. This positioning difference means discs allow penetrative sex; cups must be removed first. Discs work better for users with low cervixes who find cups uncomfortable, though they require more precise insertion technique.

Many users find discs easier to remove than cups since there is no seal to break—just pull and go. However, insertion is trickier, requiring practice to position the disc correctly behind the pubic bone. Some people prefer cups; some prefer discs. Many try both to see which feels more comfortable and suits their lifestyle better.

Sizing and Fit

Most menstrual discs come in 1–2 sizes based on whether you have given birth vaginally. Smaller sizes suit most users without vaginal births; larger sizes work for those who have delivered vaginally. The sizing is less varied than cups because discs work differently—they sit in the vaginal fornix, which has more room and flexibility than the lower canal where cups sit.

Cervix height matters less for discs than cups since discs tuck around the cervix rather than sitting below it. However, very low cervixes can make disc placement challenging. The disc rim must tuck behind the pubic bone; if your cervix sits too low, there may not be enough space for proper positioning. Most users with typical anatomy find discs work well regardless of exact cervix height.

Capacity and Wear Time

With 50–70 ml capacity, discs hold significantly more than cups (15–40 ml) or super tampons (12 ml). This high capacity makes them ideal for very heavy flow or overnight use. Most users empty discs twice daily—morning and evening—even on their heaviest days. Some users with lighter flow go the full 12 hours between changes, making discs extremely convenient for busy schedules, travel, or situations where frequent bathroom access is limited.

Period Sex and Intimacy

The ability to have mess-free penetrative sex during periods is a major advantage for many disc users. The disc compresses during penetration but stays positioned, continuing to catch blood. Most partners cannot feel the disc during sex. This feature allows spontaneous intimacy without worrying about period timing or dealing with post-sex cleanup from unprotected period sex.

While discs reduce mess during period sex, they do not provide pregnancy or STI protection. Users needing barrier protection during period sex can combine discs with external condoms or internal condoms. The disc catches menstrual blood while the condom provides disease and pregnancy protection, allowing comprehensive safety during menstrual intimacy.

Auto-Dumping Feature

Some users experience "auto-dumping"—the disc empties partially when you use the bathroom. Bearing down during urination or bowel movements can shift the disc position, allowing some blood to pour out. This is not a failure; it is a design feature for some users. Not everyone experiences auto-dumping, and whether it happens depends on your anatomy and pelvic floor muscle control. If it happens for you, consider it a convenient mid-day emptying that extends wear time between full removals.

Learning Curve and Practice

Discs have a steeper learning curve than cups—most users need 3–4 cycles to feel confident with insertion, positioning, and removal. Common challenges include: not pushing the disc back far enough (it sits lower than you expect), front rim not tucking behind pubic bone (leads to leaks or feeling the disc), and spilling during removal. All of these improve with practice as you learn your anatomy and the right angles for your body.

Some users find discs easier than cups despite the learning curve because there is no seal to create or break. Others prefer cups' more intuitive positioning. Neither is inherently better—they suit different preferences and anatomies. Trying both helps you discover which works best for your body and lifestyle needs.

Cleaning and Care

Rinse the disc with water after emptying, then wash with mild unscented soap before reinserting. At the end of your cycle, sterilize by boiling in water for 5–10 minutes or using sterilizing solutions. Store in breathable fabric pouches—never sealed plastic containers. With proper care, reusable discs last 5–10 years. Disposable disc options also exist for users wanting convenience without long-term commitment, though these cost more over time.

Comparison Table

Alternative Internal Collection

Users finding discs difficult or uncomfortable may prefer the different mechanics of period cups. The Period Cups collection offers internal collection using suction seals lower in the vaginal canal. Cups suit users with lower cervixes, those who find disc positioning tricky, or people who do not need the period sex capability that makes discs unique.

Barrier Protection During Period Intimacy

While discs allow mess-free period sex, they provide no STI or pregnancy protection. The Female Condoms collection offers internal barrier options that can be used alongside menstrual discs for protected intimacy during menstruation. Female condoms insert separately from discs, providing disease and pregnancy prevention while discs handle menstrual flow.

Hormonal Health Throughout Your Cycle

Menstrual cycle management connects to broader hormonal health affecting energy, mood, and comfort. The Female Sexual Health Supplements range supports hormonal balance, cycle regularity, and period-related symptoms. Understanding how menstrual products fit within comprehensive cycle wellness helps address both the practical period management and underlying hormonal health factors.

Cycle-Related Energy and Desire

Hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle affect energy and libido—many experience decreased desire during menstruation despite the physical capability for comfortable intimacy with discs. The Libido Energiser collection includes products supporting desire and energy during hormonal low points. Combining practical period solutions like discs with hormonal support addresses both physical and biochemical aspects of menstrual cycle wellness.

Broader Period Product Context

Menstrual discs represent one high-capacity internal option within diverse period management approaches. The Menstrual Wellness collection includes various reusable products—internal collection, external protection, and combination kits. Understanding how discs compare to other options helps build complete period routines matching your capacity needs, intimacy priorities, and lifestyle demands.

Menstrual discs offer high-capacity internal collection with 10–12 hour wear time and unique period sex capability. These shallow discs sit behind the pubic bone, holding 50–70 ml of fluid while allowing mess-free intimacy during menstruation. Adultsmart lists disc sizes, capacities, and insertion techniques so you can choose options matching your anatomy and lifestyle priorities with confidence.