Menstrual discs are a reusable internal period protection option that more and more people are curious about—and for good reason. For many, discs feel easier to use than menstrual cups, more comfortable during wear, and surprisingly secure once placed correctly.
That said, menstrual discs aren’t magical or perfect for every body. Understanding how they work, where they sit, and what can cause issues like leaks or slipping can make the difference between a great experience and a frustrating one.
This guide will walk you through:
- What a menstrual disc is and how it works
- How to insert and remove it properly
- Why discs often feel easier than cups
- Common mistakes and troubleshooting
- When a menstrual disc might not be the best option for you
What Is a Menstrual Disc?
A menstrual disc is a reusable period product designed to collect menstrual fluid internally. Unlike pads or tampons, it doesn’t absorb blood—it collects it.
Unlike menstrual cups, which sit lower in the vaginal canal and rely on suction, menstrual discs sit higher in the body, in a space called the vaginal fornix. This is the area below the cervix and above the vaginal canal.
Because the vaginal fornix is generally similar in size across many bodies, most menstrual discs are marketed as one size fits most.
When positioned correctly, the disc rests behind the cervix and is held in place by tucking its front rim behind the pubic bone.
Why Many People Find Menstrual Discs Easier Than Cups
One of the biggest reasons people switch to discs is ease of use.
Compared to menstrual cups, discs often feel:
- Simpler to insert
- Less intimidating
- More forgiving with positioning
Simple Folding
Menstrual discs all fold the same way:
- Squeeze the disc in half
- This creates a slim figure-8 shape
No complex folding techniques. No trial-and-error origami.
When folded, the disc becomes narrow—similar in width to a tampon—making insertion easier for many users.
No Suction
Discs do not use suction. This can be especially appealing if:
- You dislike the feeling of suction
- You’ve had trouble breaking cup suction
- You find cups uncomfortable or painful
How to Insert a Menstrual Disc (Step by Step)
Before inserting your disc:
- Wash your hands
- Wash your disc
Clean hands and a clean product help prevent infections.
1. Get Comfortable
Find a position that feels right for you:
- Sitting on the toilet
- Squatting
- Standing with one leg raised
There’s no “correct” position—comfort matters most.
2. Fold the Disc
- Squeeze the disc in half
- Hold it firmly so it stays folded during insertion
If you’re struggling to keep it folded, you can use two hands at first. With practice, many people switch to one-handed insertion.
3. Angle Matters
This is one of the most important (and most misunderstood) steps.
Your vagina does not go straight up.
When inserting the disc:
- Aim downward and back, toward your tailbone
- Do not push straight up
Think of sliding it back, not up.
4. Push It All the Way Back
Continue inserting until you feel the disc can’t go back any further.
At this point, the disc should be sitting behind your cervix.
5. Tuck It Behind the Pubic Bone
This step is critical.
- Use a finger to push the front rim of the disc upward
- Tuck it behind your pubic bone
The pubic bone acts like a small shelf that holds the disc in place.
Many first-time users don’t tuck the disc high enough because it feels like it’s going too far. As long as it isn’t painful, it’s usually safe—and necessary—to tuck it higher than you think.
If the disc isn’t fully tucked, it may slip or leak.
How to Remove a Menstrual Disc
To remove:
- Wash your hands
- Sit on the toilet or squat
- Hook a finger under the rim
- Pull horizontally, not straight down
Pulling horizontally helps reduce spills.
Empty the disc into the toilet, rinse it with water, and reinsert if needed.
If removal feels difficult:
- Try bearing down gently with your pelvic muscles
- This helps bring the disc lower and easier to reach
And no—your disc cannot get lost inside you. The cervix acts as a natural barrier. If you’re struggling, take a break, relax for a bit (maybe take a warm shower), and try again when your muscles aren’t tense.
Why Discs Leak (and How to Fix It)
Leaks usually mean one of three things:
1. The Disc Isn’t Tucked Behind the Cervix
If the disc is sitting in front of the cervix instead of behind it, blood will flow outside the disc.
Solution:
- Reinsert while angling back toward your tailbone
- Push it farther in
- Make sure it’s fully behind the cervix
2. It Isn’t Tucked Behind the Pubic Bone
If the front rim isn’t securely tucked:
- The disc can slip
- It may move during the day
Solution:
- Tuck the front rim higher
- Don’t be afraid to push it farther back (as long as it’s comfortable)
3. The Size Isn’t Right for You
Even though discs are mostly one-size-fits-most, size can still matter.
- Too large → feels springy, pops out of place
- Too small → slips, moves, leaks
This often takes trial and error to figure out.
Anatomy Matters: When a Disc Might Not Work Well
Menstrual discs fit many bodies—but not all.
Retroverted or Backward-Facing Cervix
If your cervix tilts far toward the back vaginal wall:
- The disc may bump into it instead of sliding behind it
- This can cause constant leaks
Some people succeed by using a scooping motion during insertion:
- Angle downward
- Scoop the disc under the cervix
For others, there simply may not be enough space for a disc to tuck properly.
Pubic Bone Shape
Discs rely on the pubic bone to stay in place.
- A deeper, more pronounced pubic bone tends to hold discs securely
- A shallower pubic bone may allow the disc to slip more easily
If discs constantly move out of place, a menstrual cup—which relies on muscle tone and suction—may work better for you.
Severe Uterine Prolapse
If the cervix sits very low or near the vaginal opening:
- There may not be enough space for a disc to tuck
- Both discs and cups may be difficult to use
In these cases, external options like pads or period underwear, or guidance from a pelvic floor specialist, may be more appropriate.
Can You Feel a Menstrual Disc?
When positioned correctly:
- You shouldn’t feel it at all
- You can move freely
- You can swim, exercise, dance, and go about your day
Because discs sit high in the body, many people forget they’re even wearing one. That “nothing” feeling is actually the goal.
Final Thoughts
Menstrual discs can be an excellent option for comfortable, reusable period care—especially if cups haven’t worked for you.
Success with a disc comes down to:
- Proper angle (back, not up)
- Full insertion
- Secure tucking behind the pubic bone
- Understanding your own anatomy
If it works for you, a disc can feel effortless. If it doesn’t, that’s not a failure—bodies are different, and different products suit different needs.
If you’re experimenting with menstrual discs for the first time, give yourself patience, practice, and grace. Learning your body is part of the process, and there’s no rush to get it perfect on the first try.
Have you tried a menstrual disc? I’d love to hear about your experience—drop a comment below!