Explained: Menstrual Disc, An Unpopular Product!

Written By: Sonali

May 19, 2022

Highlights

What is a Menstrual Disc?
How to use it?
How is it different from a menstrual cup?
How long can it be worn?
Risks of using a menstrual disc?
The final verdict!

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Today menstruators are lucky to live in a world with so many options for period products. From menstrual discs to period-proof undies, period products just seem to get better and better.

With the market streaming with counter alternatives for menstrual products, Menstrual Discs are the new player to rock the town. This innovative product come with its own set of superpowers, like mess-free Period Sex.

A menstrual disc is an insertable alternative period product that goes into the vaginal cavity and sits at the base of the cervix. It is made from 100% Medical Grade Silicone and provides up to 12 hours of protection. The best part about this product is that it allows the wearer to have mess-free sex on period because it sits at the base of the cervix and doesn’t take up much space in the vaginal canal. It also helps minimise cramps.

Read more about this unpopular innovative product here!

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What is a Menstrual Disc?

How to use it?

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Menstrual-Disc-6_3.jpg — sour c e

Getting the disc in and out there comfortably might require some practice, but once it’s inside, you won’t feel it at all.

Step on how to insert it:

Wash your hands as it’s going in the most delicate area.
Get into a comfortable position that works for you, be it standing with one leg up or sitting over the toilet or squatting.
Squeeze the disc’s sides together, making it the size of a tampon.
Insert the pinched disc into the vaginal opening, pointing down and back.
Make sure to push the disc past the pubic bone so the rim tucks in just above the bone and covers the cervix.
Bleed on! You have inserted it in.

Steps on how to remove it:

Sit on the toilet as you don’t want it to be anywhere but on the toilet in case the content spills out.
Reach into the vagina with your index finger, hook or pinch the rim and pull it straight out.
If you’re finding it difficult to reach the disc, bear down with your pelvic muscles. This will untuck the rim from behind the pubic bone.
Empty the content into the toilet, wrap it and throw it in the trash.

When we talk about removal, menstrual discs tend to be a bit messier than cups. When pulling it out, you just need to keep it as level as possible so that you don’t spill the contents.

The posture and strain from sitting down to urinating can cause shifting of the disc and emptying its contents into the toilet. You may feel that the disc is leaking, but it’s not. Once you’re done it usually pops back into place or you can push the disc back up with your index finger.

How is it different from a menstrual cup?

Menstrual discs and menstrual cups are very similar as they collect blood by inserting them into the vagina.
Menstrual cups offer easier insertion and removal than discs when you are new to reusable products.
Menstrual cups offer less wear time than discs as they have a higher holding capacity which offers a longer wear time with a heavy period.
The menstrual cup comes with a stem at its bottom for easy insertion and removal but the disc needs to be pushed in using the index finger to insert and pinched by the base to remove.

How long can it be worn?

Menstrual discs can be worn for up to 12 hours, but you might need to change them more often depending on the flow.

Can they handle heavy flow?

Menstrual discs have a higher holding capacity and can handle a heavy flow. You might need to change them more often throughout the day. The amount of blood lost during an entire period cycle is around 4 to 12 teaspoons and they can hold around 5 to 6 teaspoons of content.

Sex while wearing it?

Menstrual discs are an ideal option for period sex because they don’t take up any real estate in your vaginal canal. Just like a diaphragm, they sit at the base of the cervix, so you and your partner won’t feel it as long as it’s inserted properly. It’s said an energetic or deep sex session might cause it to shift. Some people do report having experienced leakage or feeling the disc while having sex. The best way is to take it for a drive to know how it’ll hold up during sex.

Do they reduce cramping?

The menstrual disc seems to reduce some pain related to periods, but not cramps specifically. Plenty of users report experiencing less pain when using menstrual discs.

Are they reusable?

There are both disposable and reusable products available in the market. Companies are on a mission to reduce period waste while empowering menstruators. This means, creating a product that is sustainable and comfortable and will last for a long time.

Risks of using a menstrual disc?

If you’ve never used alternative period products, you might worry about the risk associated with menstrual discs.

Leakage – When your disc is out of position or if you haven’t emptied it when full, leaks can happen.
Pain – Experiencing pain while using a menstrual disc means it’s in the wrong position. Try to reposition it. If you are a beginner, you might also experience painful insertions and removal because you are nervous while contracting your pelvic muscles. Try different positions or use a water-based lubricant with a disc during the first few menstruations. This will help create a more pleasant experience without interfering with the placement or with suction.
Allergies – Most discs use body-safe materials that are free from any plastic, bleach or latex. Always read the manufacturing label to know about the potential allergic reactions to the material used or consult your healthcare provider.
Infections – Always practise good hygiene to prevent infections. Researchers report that discs don’t affect the natural vaginal flora. However, the menstrual disc can also put people at the risk of Urinary Tract infections because they have the same placement as diaphragms.
Toxic Shock Syndrome – A few people have reported TSS with the use of menstrual disc, but there is no direct correlation between the two. The risk is very low when using a disc.

The final verdict!

Today menstruators are lucky to live in a world with so many options for period products. From menstrual discs to period-proof undies, period products just seem to get better and better. In India every year, about 113,00 tonnes or 12.3 billion of used sanitary pads are dumped which adds to already existing plastic pollution in the country. The improper disposal methods pose the risk of infectious diseases among the waste workers.

To overcome this problem, look for something comfortable, athlete-friendly, and sustainable, which allows for penetrative sex and can handle heavy flows. Consider giving a try to menstrual discs. Be brave and smart enough to make a change towards a more cost-effective and eco-friendly period today.

This #MenstrualHygieneDay, #Infano along with #TheLogicalIndian, is addressing nuanced conversations on period centering on the well being of the menstruators as they power through every day. Share your experience with menstrual discs in the comments because your story can trigger an important aspect that we all need to know and talk about! #IPeriodMyWay #MHD2022

The information provided in the article, while collated with utmost care and caution, does not amount to any medical diagnosis. The Logical Indian and Infano team urge people to reach out to their medical practitioner in case of any query that they may have.

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Sonali

A 'non-9-5 desk job' ambivert geek who chooses her own audience, Sonali loves sharing stories and finding the corners where humanity still exists! She believes that every individual's story is unique and special. She loves writing about the untouched and unspoken segments of society. When not writing, you can find her listening to someone's stories or playing with dogs. Sonali values mental health and encourages people to speak their heart out!

Switching to a Menstrual Cup? This Lady Will Tell You How to Ace It!

Written By: Sonali

July 13, 2020 | 11:01 AM |

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I always shuddered at the idea of using a menstrual cup!

For someone like me who has PCOS, super irregular menstrual cycle and unpredictably heavy flow, I bowed at the idea of inserting something as biggun and alien as a menstrual cup.

But little did I think of all the environmental and financial waste I was doing along with the constant need of changing the pads (remember, heavy flow)!!

For me, menstrual cups were scary; I have never even tried tampons. And while I was doing all sorts of research and PhDs on menstrual cups, I realized it’s not only me; several women like me so would have wanted to switch to a menstrual cup but would have been scared af!

So, I called this lady who is an ‘expert’ of the menstrual cups and dug out all the dos and don’ts of using it. Priyanshu, an environment enthusiast and lover of sustainable products, has been using menstrual cups for three years now and has inspired a lot of women (even her mother) to adapt the same. Here’s a quick recap of the conversation we had and the tips she shared.

When did you start using menstrual cups? And why?

I started using menstrual cups in 2018. I was going through a transition where I wanted a more sustainable lifestyle, and menstrual cups were one of the things that I was very keen on using but a little scared as well. But then a friend of mine assured me that it’s completely fine and nothing is going to be wrong while using it. So around July, I bought my first menstrual cup.

It was a little difficult initially, but I got the hold of it within a month — and I’ve been using it ever since. I actually love it! And the reason why I really like it so much is because

It saves me a lot of money, like lots,
It is eco friendly, i just had to throw pads in every few hours,
And it’s very convenient

Convenient? As in, how?

I’ve used both tampons and pads before — you need to change tampons every 4-5 hours, and I’m not a fan of any kind of pads. But with cups, I can roam around freely. It’s easy, comfortable and you won’t feel anything down there. So, except for the enormous pain, I don’t feel like I am on my period.

It’s convenient because I have used both tampons and pads before, I can roam around freely, and I don’t feel anything down there, and it’s so easy and comfortable. So except for the pain part, I don’t feel like I am on periods.

Why not tampons?

It’s not eco friendly. It causes toxic shock syndrome (TSS), which is really dangerous. And then I have heard of instances where people have forgotten their tampons inside, which is highly dangerous. And some of the tampons’ manufactures still use bleach which is not good for the vagina. It’s so delicate and sensitive that you should not be using anything which has even a bit of chemical and pads and tampons are the worst.

Is it safe to insert it? Does it pain? Especially for someone who’d try it for the first time.

Safer than pads and tampons, I swear. Cups are made of medical-grade silicone, and there is no risk of TSS or rashes with it.

No pain at all. Women don’t realize, but the vagina is really spacious and flexible. A baby can literally come out of the vagina! A cup is nothing for it.

For the first-timers, who haven’t used a tampon before or aren’t sexually active, I would suggest them to use a little bit of lubrication while inserting it initially. Eventually, you get a hold of how to use it, and things become easier.

How often do you need to empty it?

Every 10-12 hours. But then, keep a check if you are using it for the first time.

Doesn’t it leak while you are sleeping?

In general, it doesn’t.

But initially, it did leak. There are different ways of how you put it inside, and then you have to check for the suction; you have to pull it a little bit and check if it is properly inserted. You have to furl your finger around it and see if it is not folded.

Is it able to hold heavy flow or sudden surge? And is it hygienic to keep so much blood inside you for such a long time?

Yes, it’s absolutely hygienic and much better than the pads that actually contain carcinogenic products in it. I have asked doctors about it, and they all recommend a cup instead of pads. I remember using pads as a teenager and getting rashes and sometimes infections as well.

And, when it comes to heavy flow — I am somebody who has a really heavy flow, and I can keep a small-sized cup inside for at least 10 hours.

How do you remove it? Does it spill? And what if you are not able to remove it properly?

There are different ways of removing it. It doesn’t usually happen that you fail it. You can actually sit down, squat and push it with your muscles and then pull it out with your fingers. It’s not that difficult.

You can pour it in the pot. However, I try to drain it in the drainage because sometimes the blood really doesn’t flush well. And then some people use it as a fertilizer for their plants. It depends on you.

What about the smell?

No smell. You won’t even feel like you are wearing anything!

How do you decide the size?

Every brand would give you a description of what size of the cup should you use as per your age, body weight, etc. For sexually active women, they can use a small-sized cup and women above the age of 30 or have kids can use a middle-sized cup. For example, my mother uses a medium cup.

How did you convince your mother to use a menstrual cup?

She was a little skeptical about it — about me using the cup — and herself adapting the same. Thus, took a little more time to get used to it and she couldn’t use it well for the first time, and it took her six months to get used to it.

She used to complain about the cup popping out. I guess she wasn’t inserting it properly. But later on, she figured it out herself.

Do you go for workouts, swimming or long walks?

Given the amount of pain I endure, no. But I know people who go for a swim after wearing a cup.

Any tips for women suffering from a vaginal infection or having diabetes?

I would suggest them to consult a doctor first. Because I had a vaginal infection sometimes back and it got a little bad, so my doctor recommended me not to wear it during bad periods. So, yes consult a gynaecologist anyway.

Is it okay for women who are about to reach menopause?

Yes, absolutely.

Is there something that you can’t do while wearing it?

Umm, sex!!

Do you clean your cup every time you use it or at the end of periods? And how do you sterilize it?

I clean it every time I use it. At the end of my period, I put it in hot boiling water for 5-6 minutes and then clean it with mild soap and keep it inside a pouch after that.

I’ve kept a different pan for it, though you can use the same. And I don’t put it on the stove directly. I boil the water, keep it aside and keep the cup in it for 5-6 minutes.

And doesn’t the hot water affect the quality or elasticity?

No. It’s silicon, thus sustains in hot water. And mine is still as new as I bought it.

Any brand that you want to recommend?

Soap: Native Circle Neem Soap
Menstrual cup: Nari Yari

How much does it cost?

It depends on the brand, but somewhere between INR 300 to INR 800.

But menstrual cups are still very cheap. If you see, a woman uses almost 10-15 pads/period, which is like 120-180 pads/year. And if you spend INR 200 on pads per month, you end up spending at least INR 2400 per year which is like a lot. While investing INR 600 to INR 700 on a cup — which is much more hygienic, cheaper and eco friendly — is better!

And what would be a good time to replace the cup?

Ten years!!

How can one dispose of it?

Honestly, I haven’t thought of it. Well, I do have a lot of time. But I’ll certainly trash it in the best possible way. I still have a couple of years in my hand to do that.

You would have met a lot of women asking about the cup. Why do you think they don’t use it?

One of the major reasons which even my mother was concerned about is that what if somebody who is not sexually active uses it and their hymen breaks? They won’t be virgin anymore!

Virgins And Menstrual Cups | MenstrualCupInfo's Blog — Source

This is one such major stigmas that we need to get rid of. It doesn’t work like that. Hymen is not a seal! But this is certainly one of the major reasons why women are not adapting the cup. A lot of younger women, especially!

Secondly, they think it won’t go or fit inside as it is too big; which again is not true. Thirdly, they assume that it might irritate them — you know knowing that something is down there — which is also not true because you won’t feel anything at all.

Lastly, I think the fear of spilling out the blood which certainly happens in the initial phase but then come on, you can just clean it. And it’s one of the most purest forms of the blood. That’s why it’s used as fertilizer.

Ahem, ladies! I think we are all set to switch to menstrual cups now and make the planet a little more greener and plastic-free! Did I miss any question? Drop your additional queries regarding the same, and I’ll get back to you asap.

Share your experience of using a menstrual cup in the comments below or tag us on Facebook!

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