Not comfortable using sanitary napkins or tampons during your periods?
Want to switch over to a more environment friendly options?
Here is another alternative apart from menstrual cups- Menstrual Discs.
A menstrual disc is a go-to option for your hassle-free periods.
While the market of a menstrual disc is not as robust as cups and tampons, it is worth knowing about menstrual discs which give you multiple benefits for your stress-free periods.
But, before making a switch, make sure you know everything about the menstrual disc and cup and experiment with what works for you.
Don’t have an idea of what a menstrual disc is and how to use it?
Here is a complete guide about the menstrual disc and how it differs from a menstrual cup that helps you make an informed choice to make your periods stress-free.
What are Menstrual Discs?
Menstrual discs, made of medical-grade silicone, are just like tampons and menstrual cups that collect menstrual blood and are available in both reusable and disposable forms.
But unlike the cup or tampon that rest inside the vaginal canal, discs are inserted past the vaginal canal and sit at the base of the cervix, the area typically known as the vaginal fornix. (The vaginal fornix is the widest part at the end of the vaginal canal, surrounding the cervix.)
How to use a Menstrual Disc?
Cleanliness & Hygiene
Make sure you wash your hands, as you are inserting the disc into the most sensitive and delicate place.
Inserting the menstrual disc
Get comfortable with a position that gives you the best access to your vagina either by sitting over the toilet, with your leg up on the seat or in a full squat.
Squeeze the sides of the rim together or pinch the disc in half with your thumb and forefinger. Push it into the vaginal canal as far as you can until it moves behind your cervix and make sure the rim of the edge that goes in last is pushed behind your pubic bone.
Typically, a menstrual disc offers protection for an average of 12 consecutive hours. But, if you have a heavy menstrual flow, you might have to change the disc more often. It is generally recommended to put a pad or liner in place as a precaution in times of heavy flow.
Removal
Sit over the toilet and relax your muscles. Clean your hands. Use your index finger to hook under the rim of the disc and gently pull it out. Though it could be tricky at first, you would get comfortable over the practice.
Since the disc’s reservoir does not hold its shape during removal, it is normal for menstrual fluid to get on your hands. So, it is generally advised to go through this process in the comfort of your home.
Aftercare
Empty the disc into the toilet and throw away the disc if it is disposable. If it is reusable, place the disc in the boiled water for five minutes. Wipe it with a clean cloth, let it air dry and store the disc in the dedicated pouch and reuse it.
Menstrual Disc – A Game changer for your Periods
They are comfortable
Despite the initial difficulty and messiness of using the discs, in the long run, you will get more comfortable, because once it sits in place, it is undetectable i.e., it cannot be felt at all.
If you live an active lifestyle, it is time for you to consider the menstrual disc as a period care option.
Ideal option for period sex
The menstrual disc collects your blood in a soft and flexible bag and lets you have mess-free period sex.
Because the menstrual disc sits at the base of the cervix and not inside the vaginal canal, there is no risk of injury to your partner, unlike the menstrual cup that may cause pain to your sexual partner.
Can minimize cramps
Though there is not any scientific evidence that discs can reduce menstrual cramps, many users report experiencing less pain with super flexible menstrual discs and are more comfortable than tampons.
How does a menstrual disc differ from a menstrual cup?
While both the disc and cup have been designed to collect the menstrual blood, they differ in terms of shape, size, and placement within the vagina.
Menstrual Disc | Menstrual Cup |
A menstrual disc is a flexible, shallow, and wide bowl that is inserted past your vaginal canal and sits around your cervix in the vaginal fornix and collects menstrual blood before it ever enters the vaginal canal. | A menstrual cup is a flexible, narrow bell-shaped device that sits below your cervix and extends into your vaginal canal. |
While the rim of a disc is rigid, the base of the bowl is made of thin and flexible silicone. | The base and rim of a menstrual cup are rigid and are designed to pop open once inserted into the vaginal canal. |
Removal of a disc is a bit harder than the cup, as it makes things a little messier. As the disc does not have a suction seal, you need to hook your finger under the rim and pull to dislodge it. | Menstrual Cup is easier to remove without any mess. You just need to pinch the base of the cup to release the suction seal before removing the cup out of the vagina. |
As you press the bowl during removal, it can cause some spillage. So, it is advised to remove the disc from the comfort of your home. | The base of the cup makes it easier to hold and remove the cup without any spillage. |
A menstrual disc is the best option for mess-free period sex. | Cups are not recommended for use in times of period sex, for they cause injury to your partner. |
Which one should I choose – Menstrual Disc or Menstrual Cup?
It depends on your body, age, your lifestyle, and level of physical activity, and your comfort level. If you have never used any of these products and want to try them, it could be intimidating for the first few days while inserting and removing the cup or disc, but you will get a hang of it in one or two cycles.
If your comfort level is not up for reaching high into your vagina to insert and remove, a menstrual cup is probably a good product for you to start.
Where can I buy the disc?
There are several brands available in India like Softdisc, Flex menstrual disc, Intimina Ziggy cup, and Nixit menstrual disc with prices ranging from Rs.1000 to Rs.3000. You can buy them online from their website or e-commerce platforms like Pee Safe and Amazon.
Experiment with what works for you. Say goodbye to tampons and sanitary pads and enjoy your mess-free periods.