So you tried a menstrual disc—maybe because cups weren’t working, or you heard they were easier, or you loved the idea of no suction—and now you’re dealing with leaks, slipping, or a straight-up crime scene every time you remove it.
I get it. Discs can feel like magic when they work, but when they don’t? It’s frustrating.
Here’s the good news: most disc problems have clear causes and fixable solutions. Let’s troubleshoot what’s going on so you can figure out whether you need a different technique, a different size, or maybe just a different disc altogether.
Problem #1: My Disc Is Leaking
This is the most common complaint, and honestly, it’s usually not about your flow—it’s about placement or fit.
Why Discs Leak
1. The disc isn’t tucked behind your cervix
If the disc is sitting in front of your cervix instead of behind it, blood flows outside the disc and you’ll leak constantly.
How to tell: When you remove your disc, is there blood both inside AND outside of it? That’s a telltale sign the cervix isn’t sitting inside the disc basin.
The fix:
- Insert at a downward angle toward your tailbone, not straight up
- Push the disc all the way back until it can’t go any further
- Use a finger to check that your cervix is sitting inside the disc (it should feel like the tip of your nose through the basin)
- Try a scooping motion during insertion—angle down, then scoop under the cervix
2. The disc isn’t tucked behind your pubic bone
If the front rim isn’t securely tucked behind your pubic bone, the disc can slip throughout the day.
The fix:
- After inserting, use your finger to push the front rim upward until it tucks behind your pubic bone
- Don’t be afraid to push it higher than feels natural—it needs to be secure
- The pubic bone acts like a shelf holding the disc in place
3. The disc is the wrong size
Even though most discs are “one size fits most,” sizing absolutely matters.
If the disc is too large:
- It feels springy or “bouncy”
- It pops out of place easily
- The rim won’t stay tucked
If the disc is too small:
- It feels like it’s floating around
- It slips down throughout the day
- You get slow, consistent leaking
The fix: Try a different size. Even 1mm can make a huge difference. If your current disc is 69mm and slipping, try a 70mm. If it’s popping out, try 68mm or smaller.
4. Residual blood after auto-dumping
If you’re seeing light spotting on a panty liner after you pee, that’s usually not a leak—it’s leftover blood from auto-dumping.
The fix:
- After the disc auto-dumps, use your finger like a squeegee to wipe the vaginal walls
- Use wet wipes or damp toilet paper to clean thoroughly
- This is completely normal and doesn’t mean your disc isn’t working
Problem #2: My Disc Keeps Slipping Out
If your disc feels like it’s constantly sliding down or falling out, something’s not fitting right.
Why Discs Slip
The disc is too large or too firm
This is counterintuitive, but a disc that’s too large is often the culprit when it keeps popping out of place. Firmer discs are also more “springy” and less likely to conform to your body.
What people describe:
- “It slips down after 20 minutes”
- “It popped out as soon as I stood up”
- “The middle doesn’t fully open and it feels crumpled”
The fix:
- Try a smaller diameter disc
- Try a softer disc that conforms better to your anatomy
- Brands like Hello Disc, Cora, and Saalt tend to have average firmness compared to the very firm Flex/Softdisc
Your pubic bone shape
Some people have a shallower or less prominent pubic bone, which makes it harder for a disc to stay tucked securely.
The fix:
- You might need a firmer disc (counterintuitively) so the rim “grabs” better
- Or you might do better with a cup, which relies on muscle tone instead of the pubic bone
You’re not tucking it far enough
Many first-time users don’t push the disc in far enough because it feels like it’s going “too far.”
The fix:
- Push the disc all the way back until it physically can’t go any further
- Use your thumb (not just fingers) to get deeper insertion if needed
- Tuck the front rim higher than feels natural
Problem #3: Auto-Dumping (When It’s Normal vs. When It’s Not)
Auto-dumping is when your disc empties itself while you’re using the bathroom. For some people, it’s a game-changer. For others, it’s a nightmare.
What Auto-Dumping Feels Like
When you sit on the toilet and pee (or poop), you naturally bear down slightly. This can make the disc shift just enough to release some blood into the toilet. Then it settles back into place.
What’s normal:
- Auto-dumping only happens when you’re purposefully sitting on the toilet
- You bear down slightly and the disc empties
- A quick kegel or push with your finger tucks it back behind your pubic bone
- Light spotting afterward from residual blood
What’s NOT normal:
- Auto-dumping when you sneeze, cough, laugh, or squat
- The disc fully untucking and leaking constantly after bathroom use
- Having to completely remove and reinsert the disc after every bathroom trip
Why Unwanted Auto-Dumping Happens
The disc is slightly too large
If your disc is just a bit too big, it won’t stay completely secure and will auto-dump too easily.
The fix:
- Try a disc that’s 1-2mm smaller in diameter
- A properly fitted disc might not auto-dump at all—and that’s actually ideal
You have a very heavy flow
If your disc is extremely full, it’s more likely to auto-dump or leak during movement.
The fix:
- Empty your disc more frequently before it gets completely full
- Consider a larger capacity disc if yours fills up too fast
If You Can’t Auto-Dump (And Want To)
Some people find their disc is so secure that they can’t get it to auto-dump even when they try.
The fix:
- Bear down harder while on the toilet
- Lean forward or backward slightly to change the angle
- Try a slightly larger disc (if yours is very snug, it might not have room to shift)
Problem #4: Messy Removal (AKA the Bloodbath)
Let’s be real: disc removal can get messy, especially on heavy days.
How to Reduce the Mess
1. Empty before it’s completely full
An overflowing disc is much messier to remove.
2. Bear down to bring it lower
Sit on the toilet and bear down gently. This brings the disc into easier reach and empties some of the contents into the toilet first.
3. Keep it tilted upward as you remove
Hook your finger under the rim and pull horizontally (not straight down), keeping the disc angled upward so blood doesn’t spill.
4. Use the “thumb trick” for low cervix users
If you have a low cervix and the disc feels stuck:
- Insert your thumb (not fingers) as far as possible
- Find your cervix and the rim of the disc
- Bear down while working your thumb up toward your belly button
- Tuck your thumb between your cervix and the disc rim
- The disc will pop out from behind your pubic bone and slide out like a drawer
This technique works like magic for people with low cervixes who struggle with the standard “hook and pull” method.
5. Wrap your finger in toilet paper
Before you start removal, wrap your finger in a bit of toilet paper or hold a folded piece in your other hand. It helps catch drips and makes cleanup easier.
6. Accept that some mess is normal
If you’re being super careful to avoid pain (keeping the disc partially folded as it exits), it’s going to be a bit messier. But that’s okay—managing mess is a logistics problem, not a failure.
Problem #5: “It Worked Before, Now It Doesn’t”
This one is confusing and frustrating. Your disc worked perfectly for a cycle or two (or even months), and suddenly it’s leaking or slipping.
Why This Happens
Your anatomy changes
- Postpartum: After having a baby, your pelvic floor and anatomy shift. A disc that worked pre-pregnancy might not work 13 months postpartum.
- Hormones: Your cervix position changes throughout your cycle. A disc that fits on day 1 might not fit on day 3.
- Pelvic floor changes: Strength training, pelvic floor therapy, or even aging can change muscle tone.
The fix:
- Try your disc again after a few more cycles
- Consider a different size if your body has changed significantly
- For postpartum users: wait 8+ months after birth to reassess—your body is still settling
You’re inserting it slightly differently
Sometimes we unconsciously change our technique without realizing it.
The fix:
- Go back to basics: check your angle, check that it’s behind the cervix, check that it’s tucked
- Watch a tutorial video again to refresh your memory
Quick Troubleshooting Checklist
If your disc isn’t working, run through this list:
☐ Is the disc behind my cervix? (Check with a finger—you should feel your cervix through the basin)
☐ Is the front rim tucked behind my pubic bone?
☐ Am I inserting at a downward angle (toward my tailbone)?
☐ Am I pushing it far enough back?
☐ Is the disc the right size for my anatomy?
☐ Is it too firm or too soft?
☐ Am I removing it before it’s overflowing?
When to Try a Different Disc (Or Give Up on Discs Altogether)
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a disc just doesn’t work for your body.
Signs it might not be the right fit:
- You’ve tried multiple sizes and they all leak or slip
- Removal is consistently painful
- You have a very low or tilted cervix that makes placement impossible
- You have a shallow pubic bone that won’t hold the disc in place
What to try instead:
- A menstrual cup (relies on muscle tone, not the pubic bone)
- Period underwear or reusable pads
- A different disc brand with a different shape or firmness
Not every product works for every body, and that’s okay. It’s not a personal failure—it’s just anatomy.
Final Thoughts
Discs can be amazing when they work, but they do have a learning curve—and sometimes a trial-and-error process to find the right fit.
If you’re struggling, don’t give up immediately. Try adjusting your technique, checking your placement, or experimenting with a different size or brand. Most disc problems are solvable once you understand what’s causing them.
But also give yourself permission to move on if discs just aren’t working for you. There are so many great period products out there, and the goal is finding what makes your life easier—not forcing something that doesn’t fit.
What disc problems have you run into? Drop a comment—I’d love to help troubleshoot!