Menstrual Disc FAQ

User experience will be affected by factors like design, size and softness of the disc. Even if you are not new to menstrual discs, you might still have frustrations while you are using a new disc. The following are some commonly faced situations and related suggestions for your reference.

Usage:

1. What is the difference between a menstrual cup and a menstrual disc? Which one is better?
• Both cup and disc are designed to collect menses inside the body. Menstrual disc sits at the deepest part of the vagina, while the menstrual cup sits inside the vagina canal, so the menstrual disc fits users with a low cervix better. Users have to make sure the menstrual disc covers the cervix and is tucked behind the public bone, while menstrual cup users have to make sure the cup is fully unfolded and the rim forms a seal. The chance of having bladder pressure is lower when using menstrual discs, but users would have to insert their fingers deeper to reach the disc rim during removal, and the chance of menses spilling out would also be higher than menstrual cups.
• Both discs and cups have their own pros and cons, so there is no “better” option between menstrual discs and cups. Users should refer to their own living style to see which one suits their needs better. For example, menstrual discs are less considerable if you cannot acquire clean water easily in your workplace.
2. “Auto dumping” sounds marvelous! I am switching to menstrual discs because of this!
• “Auto dumping” is popular among users. Imagine you do not need to touch your disc and it can dump all the menses throughout your period. Doesn’t it sound great?
• In fact, “auto dumping” is the release of menses due to a displacement of the disc after the relaxation of pelvic floor muscle during excretion, while the disc returns to its original position following the contraction of muscle after excretion.
• However, unless there are enough menses to be dumped, and the disc is able to move alongside with the muscle contractions, “auto dumping” would not happen. Therefore, “auto dumping” is not something guaranteed to be experienced even through training. Even if the disc is able to displace and release menses, it does not mean it could return to the correct position by itself, and if so, leakage would happen. So “auto dumping” should not be seen as a function by design, and users need not feel frustrated without experiencing it. Many brands simply see it as a “bonus” instead.
3. I have difficulty in removal. Are there any tips?
• Try sitting or squatting and slightly pushing your disc out with your vaginal muscles might help you reach the disc rim. Try a disc with a grip if you still struggle.
4. Can I avoid menses spilling out when I pull it out?
• Unlike menstrual cups, the opening of menstrual discs faces your hand during removal, so it is unavoidable to have menses spilled out on your hand or even the floor. You may empty your disc more frequently to avoid it being filled up, choose a disc with a grip to minimize the touch with your disc during removal or pull your disc out gently to reduce menses spill out, but if you find it difficult to handle if menses do spill out when you empty your disc when you are out, you may consider using menstrual cups or tampons.
• However, menses is only one of the various kinds of our body fluids. They are not any dirtier than our tears or blood, and are easy to clean up when spilled on our hands. Despite it being hard to clean instantly when menses spilled on our clothes, we hope that all of us can take handling menses in stride.
5. Can I use a disc overnight?
• Yes, but you are suggested to remove and clean your disc once before you go to bed and after you wake up the next morning. This is to reduce the risk of infection due to a prolonged insertion.
6. Can I use a disc for swimming, diving or hot spring(onsen)?
• Yes. Water would not get into your body easily because of water pressure, but it can still get in after certain movements, so you are reminded to remove your disc and clean it right after you leave water. Also, air pressure drastically changes once you leave water. Leakage might happen easily if your disc is already or almost filled up. Hot water accelerates blood flow and circulation, so menstrual flow would also temporarily increase, making leakage and faint happening easier. You are suggested to avoid activities like going to hot springs if you have anemia or you are having a heavy flow.
7. I am a virgin. Can I use menstrual discs?
• Sure, but you should clarify why you would relate sexual experience to menstrual disc usage. If you are afraid your hymen would hinder the insertion of your disc, that might be the case. Hymen is a thin but elastic tissue at the vagina orifice, and each hymen is in a different shape. As it is close to the entrance, be prepared that it might bring you pain or even break and bleed when objects pass through. You may try inserting your finger to see if your hymen hurts when something passes through, and get used to it. It may help reduce the bodily and psychological resistance when you insert a disc. If you worry how others perceive if they know your hymen is “broken”, that would be another topic, and you may refer to this blog.
8. Can using menstrual discs cause a loose vagina?
• Using tampons and menstrual discs will not cause a loose vagina. Researches also support that penetrative sex has no linkage with vaginal tensions. Vagina is an elastic muscle, and its “tightness” is controlled by the muscles around. Even if one has had vaginal birth, the loosened muscles would gradually recover, sometimes might get back to a similar condition to that before giving birth. Not to say the width and depth of each vagina is different, so comparing the “tightness” of vaginas or adding meanings to it is actually meaningless.
• The core reasons for vaginal laxity is the weakening of pelvic floor and vaginal muscles due to aging, nutrient loss, overstretching during pregnancy and prolonged pressures. Instead of using intrusive menstrual products, doing pelvic floor exercises, avoiding excessive weight loss, taking good rest and being cautious of your diets are the correct ways to prevent vaginal laxity.

Leakage:

1. Why is my disc always leaking?
• If your disc leaks heavily, usually it’s because your disc has not been tucked behind the pubic bone or cannot cover the cervix. Try pushing your disc deeper in and tip the rim up to let it tuck behind your pubic bone. Slightly pushing your disc down against the vaginal wall instead of up could help your disc to go under the cervix and position better.
• Leakage also happens if a disc is too small or too large, but the disc would usually slip out and bring you other discomforts in such cases, especially when you are doing exercises, coughing, sneezing or even laughing.
2. Why is my disc always slipping out?
• Usually it’s because your disc has not been tucked behind the pubic bone or the size does not fit. Try pushing your disc deeper in and tip the rim up to let it tuck behind your pubic bone.
• If it still slips out or leaks after adjustment, especially when you are doing exercises, coughing, sneezing or even laughing, it should be a size problem. If you do not feel much resistance during insertion or even feel that there is room for adjustment, but your disc keeps leaking or slips out after a while, it usually shows that your disc is too small to fill the room and slides inside. If you can hardly push your disc in, or sometimes feel pressure inside, or your disc would even be suddenly pushed out after certain moves, it usually shows your disc is too big to fit in your body. As there is not much room for your disc to expand, it would probably be bent inside your body, so it would easily be pushed out when the muscles around it move.
• However, it is not easy to know whether your disc is too big or small. We suggest you to always keep a record of your using experiences and take reference to the discs available on the market.
• Oval-shaped disc users can try rotating your disc 90 degrees and fold it along the shorter side if it keeps slipping out or makes you feel uncomfortable after adjustment. You may keep using it this way if it helps, but it also indicates that you need a smaller disc. If this doesn’t help, you may consider using another disc.

Discomfort:

1. Why is it so hard to push my disc in?
• If you feel it stuck and cannot push it further but most parts of the disc are still exposed, just take a break and relax. Vagina is surrounded by muscles and they contract when you feel stress. This would make your disc even harder to insert and you may hurt yourself if you forcefully push it in. A different position may also help reduce the tensions.
• If you find it hard to push it further when most parts of the disc are in, and you can feel some dull ache or stabbing pain, your disc might have smashed against your cervix. Remove your disc and insert it again with a different angle. Slightly pushing your disc down against the vaginal wall instead of up could help your disc to go under the cervix and position better.
• Our vagina rejects foreign matters by contracting muscles around. Try putting your finger inside your vagina before inserting a disc if you have never tried putting anything in. It can help your body get used to the insertion and better relax when you put a disc in.
• Hymen is near the vaginal orifice and has different shapes, so it could bring you pain while using insertive products. You may try inserting your finger to see if your hymen hurts when something passes through, and get used to it. It may help reduce the bodily and psychological resistance when you insert a disc. If you worry how others perceive if they know your hymen is “broken”, that would be another topic, and you may refer to this blog.
• You may also have difficulty if you have a low cervix or your vaginal canal is too short for this disc. You can try measuring the height of your cervix to see whether you need a disc with a smaller diameter.
2. Why would my lower abdomen feel sore sooner after I insert my cup?
• When a seal forms after inserting a cup and the air pressure inside the cup is much lower, a more severe suction might create and cause “suction pain”. However, seal doesn’t form while wearing menstrual discs, so there should not be any discomfort created by suction. It is possible to feel sore if your disc smashed against your cervix. Remove it and the pain should subside after a while. Slightly pushing your disc down against the vaginal wall instead of up when you reinsert it.
3. Why would I feel trouble peeing and pooping when I am using a menstrual disc?
• A disc that is too firm or too big could bring pressure to the urethra, bladder or rectum, causing frequent urination, defecation and urine flow interruption, or pressure to the lower abdomen. You may need a softer or smaller disc. However, such an issue is rare compared to menstrual cups as menstrual discs sit farther to the aforementioned organs.
4. Why would I feel trouble peeing and pooping when I am using a menstrual disc?
• A disc that is too firm or too big might bring pressure to the urethra, bladder or rectum, causing frequent urination, defecation and urine flow interruption, or pressure to the lower abdomen. You may consider a smaller or softer disc. However, such a condition is rare on the menstrual disc, compared to menstrual cups, as it sits farther to other organs.
5. Why would my vagina feel itchy after using a menstrual cup?
• Usually it is because your disc has not been cleansed properly. You should remove your disc immediately. Clean it and sanitize it thoroughly before reinserting it. If the condition persists, stop using your disc and seek medical help to avoid further inflammations or infections.

1. What should I use to clean my disc?
• There are specialized cleansers from certain brands, but you may simply rub your disc gently with neutral soap by hand.
2. How should I store my disc?
• Keep it inside a breathable bag and store in a dry and cool place. Avoid storing it in a sealed container.
3. Any other things to pay attention to about cleaning my disc?
• Do not clean with irritants like bleach or alcohol, and never clean with brushed or it will damage your disc.
4. Clean the stem/grip and disc edge regularly.
5. My disc is yellowing. Should I replace it?
• Each disc has its own suggested replacement time and standard. In general yellowing is a normal process and you do not need to replace it just because the colour changes. It does not mean your disc is dirty or its function changes, but there are specialized bleaching detergents for menstrual discs that you may consider using.

When should I replace my disc?

Each brand has its own recommendation on disc replacement time and standard. In general, you are recommended to replace your disc when you experience any of the followings:
Odor, scratches, abrasions, powder residues or flaking on the disc body;
Oily or sticky to touch;
Used irritative detergents like bleach, or oil and fragrance-based cleansers before;
Feeling unwell or getting infected after use;
Other bad conditions.
(*The information above is for general reference only. Please refer to the user manual for more accurate information about your disc.)