If you’ve heard about menstrual discs but aren’t quite sure what makes them different—or whether they’d actually work for your body—you’re in the right place.
Menstrual discs have quietly become one of the most talked-about reusable period products, and for good reason. Many people who struggled with menstrual cups find discs surprisingly easier to use. No complex folds, no suction, and when positioned correctly, you genuinely can’t feel them.
But discs aren’t perfect for every body, and understanding how they actually work—before you try one—can save you a lot of frustration. This guide covers everything: how to insert and remove a disc properly, why leaks happen and how to fix them, and which disc might be worth trying first.
What Is a Menstrual Disc?
A menstrual disc is a reusable internal period product that collects menstrual fluid rather than absorbing it. Unlike pads or tampons, nothing is soaked up—the disc simply holds the blood until you remove and empty it.
The key difference from a menstrual cup is where it sits. Cups sit lower in the vaginal canal and rely on suction to stay in place. Discs sit higher, in the vaginal fornix—the space just below your cervix. The front rim tucks behind your pubic bone, which acts as a natural shelf to hold everything in place.
Because the vaginal fornix is relatively similar in size across most bodies, the majority of discs are sold as one-size-fits-most. That said, anatomy still matters more than that label suggests—more on that below.
Why Many People Find Menstrual Discs Easier Than Cups
If cups haven’t worked for you, or you’ve been too intimidated to try one, discs are genuinely worth considering. The learning curve is gentler for most people.
Folding is simple. Every disc folds the same way: squeeze it in half into a figure-8 shape. That’s it. No C-fold, punch-down fold, or origami experimentation required.
There’s no suction. If you’ve ever struggled to break the seal on a cup—or found the sensation uncomfortable—discs sidestep that entirely. They stay in place mechanically, not through suction.
Positioning is more forgiving. With cups, placement has to be fairly precise for the suction to work. Discs have a little more tolerance, which makes them less frustrating during the learning phase.
How to Insert a Menstrual Disc (Step by Step)
Before you start: Wash your hands and rinse your disc.
1. Get comfortable. Sit on the toilet, squat, or stand with one leg raised. There’s no single correct position—use whatever lets you relax.
2. Fold the disc. Squeeze it in half and hold it firmly. Two hands are fine at first; most people move to one hand with practice.
3. Angle downward, not upward. This is the step most people get wrong. Your vagina doesn’t go straight up—it angles back toward your tailbone. Insert the disc aiming down and back, not up.
4. Push it all the way back. Keep going until the disc won’t go any further. At that point it should be sitting behind your cervix.
5. Tuck the front rim behind your pubic bone. Use a finger to push the front rim upward until it clicks behind the pubic bone. This is the most critical step. Most first-timers don’t tuck high enough because it feels like too far—but as long as it’s comfortable, go higher than your instinct tells you.
When it’s in correctly, you shouldn’t feel it at all.
How to Remove a Menstrual Disc
- Wash your hands
- Sit on the toilet or squat
- Hook a finger under the front rim
- Pull horizontally, not straight down—this keeps the disc level and reduces spills
If it feels hard to reach, bear down gently with your pelvic muscles to bring the disc lower.
And if you’re worried about it getting lost: it can’t. Your cervix acts as a natural barrier. If you’re struggling, take a break, relax, and try again when your muscles aren’t tense.
Why Discs Leak (and How to Fix It)
Leaks almost always come down to one of three things:
The disc isn’t behind the cervix. If it’s sitting in front of the cervix instead of behind it, blood will flow straight past it. Re-insert with a stronger downward angle and push further back before tucking.
The front rim isn’t fully tucked. If the pubic bone isn’t catching the rim, the disc will shift during the day. Tuck higher—it usually needs to go further than feels natural.
The size isn’t right. Too large and the disc feels springy and pops out of place. Too small and it slips and moves. This often takes some trial and error.
For a deeper look at what’s going wrong and how to fix it, read: Menstrual Disc Problems: Leaks, Slipping & Messy Removal Fixed
When a Disc Might Not Work for Your Body
Discs fit most bodies—but not all.
Retroverted cervix. If your cervix tilts strongly toward the back vaginal wall, the disc may bump into it rather than sliding behind it. Some people work around this with a scooping motion during insertion; for others, there simply isn’t enough space.
Shallow pubic bone. The pubic bone is what holds the disc in place. A shallower pubic bone gives the rim less to grip, and the disc may slip more easily. In this case, a menstrual cup—which relies on muscle tone and suction—may actually suit your body better.
Severe uterine prolapse. If your cervix sits very low, there may not be enough space for a disc to tuck properly. External options or guidance from a pelvic floor specialist are worth exploring.
Which Menstrual Disc Should You Try First?
Not all discs are the same, and the right one depends on your flow, anatomy, and personal preference. Here are three worth considering:
Saalt Disc — A well-loved option made from soft, flexible medical-grade silicone with a helpful removal notch. Made in the USA and built to last up to 10 years. A good all-round starting point for beginners.
LUMMA Disc — Comes with a silicone string for easier removal, which many people find reassuring when they’re just starting out. Includes a carrying pouch and is available in multiple sizes.
nixit Disc — Ultra-soft and designed to hold up to 6 tampons’ worth of fluid. A popular choice for heavier flows and for people who want a very flexible, low-profile fit.
Not sure which size or firmness is right for you? Read: How to Choose the Right Menstrual Disc Size: Diameter, Firmness & Cervix Height Explained
Final Thoughts
Menstrual discs can be an excellent option—especially if cups haven’t worked for you. Success comes down to four things: the right angle on insertion, pushing it fully back, tucking the rim securely behind the pubic bone, and understanding your own anatomy.
If it works for your body, a disc can feel like nothing at all. If it doesn’t, that’s not a failure—different bodies suit different products, and figuring that out is part of the process.
Have you tried a menstrual disc? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear how it went.
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