How to choose menstrual disc
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Choosing a menstrual disc is simpler than menstrual cup, but it is still not straight forward. Understanding the characteristics below offers you a direction to consider what kind of disc fits you more and anything you should pay attention to.
Softness
Most menstrual discs are made with silicone, offering various softness. Unlike menstrual cups, only the rim of menstrual discs make most contact with our bodies, so softness often refers to the rim but not the body(the arc collecting menses).
Generally speaking, as the disc has to be folded into an digi-“8”-like shape, a firmer disc would help push into the vagina smoothly, and would be easier to be tucked behind the public bone. A softer disc would be harder to be inserted as the vaginal muscles would give pressure to the disc, but it would be easier to be removed.
Also, as “auto-dumping” is a result of the displacement of the menstrual disc, a softer disc would be easier to be pushed to displace compared to a firmer disc. However, a firmer but larger disc would be easier to displace as it is already in a compressed condition. Nevertheless, as auto-dumping is not a function by design, we would not recommend you to put it in your priority when considering a menstrual disc.
The vagina fornix is wider than vagina canal and sits farther than other organs, so the softness of discs affect less on the comfortness and leakage than menstrual cups.
Although softness affects less than menstrual cups on usage, such an assortment is subjective, so we suggest you try one and see what “soft” and “firm” means to you when talking about discs.
Shape
Menstrual discs sit in the vagina fornix behind the public bone to collect menses directly from the cervix, so usually they come in a circular shape to fit in the anatomy. However, as the menstrual disc would not form a seal inside the fornix while the vaginal wall would also not give pressure to the disc to hold it, menstrual discs might rotate while wearing. The position or direction of notches would also change, so that users might find it more difficult to remove the disc. An oval-shaped menstrual discs may help reduce such issues.
Size (diameter)
Sizes of menstrual discs refer mostly to the diameter only. While the menstrual disc sits in the vagina fornix with its rim, the diameter plays a decisive role to determine whether a disc can be used or not.
Most brands offer only one size(one size for all) for their discs, but there are brands offering several sizes for choosing. Unlike menstrual cups, the size choice of menstrual discs relies simply on the height of the cervix, as the height indicates how much room you can insert a disc. People with a lower cervix should choose a smaller disc, while people with a higher cervix can have more flexibility in sizes. In other words, menstrual cup users do not need to compare the sizes of menstrual cups currently using while choosing menstrual discs. Nevertheless, if you have difficulty during insertion, if you have already trimmed down the grip of your cup or have difficulty in excretion during wearing, you are recommended to try a smaller disc first.
Grips, notches and ribbed tabs
Removal of menstrual discs is simple: simply pull the whole disc out. There are three common designs of removal aids to make disc removal easier: notches under the rim, removal ring or stem near the rim, and simple, stemless design.
Disc with notches is the most common design. Simply hook your finger into the notch and pull the disc out when removing. Some brands added more than one notch to ensure an easy reach to the notches even if the disc rotates.
Disc with grip is a friendly product to people who are not familiar with body exploration. There are plenty of designs of disc grips, like stem and rings, to serve different needs. Users cannot pull the menstrual cup out directly with the grip before breaking the seal, or it may bring injuries to the vagina. However, as there is no seal forming while using menstrual discs, users may simply pull the disc out with the grip. Be gentle or it may hurt and menses may spill out. Also be cautious the direction of grip should be pointing towards the vagina orifice during insertion.
Stemless design is also common in the market. Users do not need to worry about the direction of insertion or if the disc would rotate inside the vagina. Simply hook any part of the disc rim and pull the disc out for removal. Some brands also add ribbed tabs to help users grab the disc easier during removal.
Be noted that you need to insert your finger deeper for removal if you are using a stemless disc or a disc with notches as you have to reach the rim. If you are not ready, you may consider a disc with grip.
How to measure the height of cervix:
The height of the cervix reflects how much room your vagina fornix has for a menstrual disc, so it also decides which size of disc you can use. We strongly recommend you to take a measurement before making a purchase.
The cervix feels like a soft, tiny doughnut at the end of your vagina. Put a finger inside the vagina on your first bleeding day to see if you can touch the cervix. You may not be able to touch it if it is high enough. If you can touch it, measure the distance between your finger tip to the vagina orifice, then check the size recommendation from the brand. Be aware that each brand has its own definition of “Low Cervix”, “Normal/Regular Cervix” and “High Cervix”. Check carefully before purchase.
Recommendation:
Switching to a menstrual disc might be a completely new experience, even for a menstrual cup user. It takes time to get used to it, so it is okay for you to have confusions or frustrations. Rather than expecting to find a dream disc or to master it very soon, we believe it is good for you to think you are gonna have a taste of how a menstrual disc works and whether it fits your body and lifestyle. Once you decide to keep using it, you may consider, with reference to the disc you have been using, whether you want another disc in different size, softness or function or for different situations. Don’t need to feel bad if you want to switch to using other products after this trial.
We strongly recommend you to measure your cervix height before purchase to avoid discomforts. As the menstrual disc sits in the deepest part of the vagina, users may feel nervous for the first time, especially while removing. Discs with grip can help reduce such frustration by providing an aid to reach and remove much easier. If you are a cup user and find it difficult to insert even when you have trimmed down the grip, or have difficulty in excretion during wearing, you are recommended to try a smaller disc first.
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