How to use
a menstrual disc
Menstrual discs sit differently to cups — and once you get the hang of the positioning, most people find them more comfortable and worry-free. Here's everything you need to know.
Watch the videoDisc illustration
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Watch & learn
See it in action
Our step-by-step video walks you through insertion, positioning, and removal — so your first time feels confident, not stressful.
At a glance
Insert, wear, remove, repeat.
Squeeze & fold
Pinch the rim into an oval or figure-8 shape
Insert at an angle
Aim towards the lower back, not straight up
Push back & tuck
Push back until the front rim sits behind the pubic bone
Hook & pull to remove
Hook a finger under the rim and pull gently downward
Full guide
Step by step
Wash your hands
Before inserting your disc, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. This is the most important hygiene step.
Tip: If you're new to menstrual discs, try inserting for the first time in the shower — the warm water relaxes muscles and makes everything easier.
Squeeze the disc into a narrow shape
Hold the disc with your dominant hand and squeeze the rim together to form a narrow oval or figure-8 shape. The disc should now be about the same width as a tampon.
Tip: Some people find it easier to fold one side of the rim down into the bowl of the disc to make it even smaller. Try both and see what works for you.
Find a comfortable position
Sit on the toilet, stand with one foot raised on the seat, or squat — whatever feels most relaxed. Relaxed muscles make insertion much smoother.
Insert at an angle towards your lower back
With the disc squeezed, insert it into the vaginal opening and aim it towards your lower back (not straight up). Slide it in as far as it will comfortably go.
Tip: The disc sits horizontally in the vaginal fornix — the space at the top of the vaginal canal, behind the cervix. This is why the direction matters.
Tuck the front rim behind the pubic bone
Once the disc is in, use your index finger to push the front rim up and behind the pubic bone. You should feel it "click" into place — you won't feel it after this.
Tip: If you can still feel the disc after insertion, it may not be tucked far enough. Try pushing the front rim a little further. It should be entirely comfortable when correctly positioned.
Wear for up to 12 hours
Once correctly positioned, you can wear a menstrual disc for up to 12 hours. Many people find they can't feel it at all — and some discs are safe for mess-free period sex.
Remove carefully over the toilet
When removing, sit on the toilet and bear down slightly (like you're having a bowel movement). Hook your index finger under the rim of the disc and pull it out horizontally, keeping it level to avoid spillage.
Tip: The disc will slide out much more easily if you keep it as horizontal as possible while removing. Tilting it upright will cause spillage — this is the most common beginner mistake.
Disc vs menstrual cup
Both are great — but they work differently. Here's a quick comparison to help you choose.
Menstrual Disc
Menstrual Cup
Wears up to 12 hours
Safe during sex
Sits at the cervix
Suction to remove
Learning curve
Reusable option
One size fits most
FAQ
Common questions
No — when correctly positioned, you shouldn't feel the disc at all. Discomfort during insertion usually means it's not angled correctly (aim towards your lower back, not straight up), or it hasn't been tucked behind the pubic bone. Relaxing your muscles and trying different positions helps enormously.
Yes. Unlike menstrual cups which come in different sizes for cervix height, most menstrual discs sit at the vaginal fornix — the space around the cervix — so they work for most cervix heights. If you have a very low cervix, it's worth trying a disposable disc first to check comfort.
When correctly positioned, menstrual discs are very reliable. Most leaks happen when the disc isn't fully tucked behind the pubic bone, or when it shifts during physical activity. Once you've mastered the positioning, leaking becomes very rare.
Yes — this is one of the biggest advantages of a disc over a cup. Because the disc sits at the vaginal fornix (not the vaginal canal), penetrative sex is possible without removing it. It's not a contraceptive, and we always recommend checking with your partner.
Rinse in cold water between insertions during your period. At the end of your cycle, wash with mild soap and water, then sterilise by boiling in water for 5–10 minutes, or using a dedicated sterilising solution. Store dry in a breathable pouch.
Don't panic — the disc can't go anywhere. Squat down and bear down with your pelvic muscles (like you're having a bowel movement) — this brings the disc lower and makes it easier to reach. Take a breath and try again calmly.
Shop discs
Ready to try a menstrual disc?
Periodt discs come in disposable and reusable silicone options. Both hold 3× more than a regular tampon and are safe to wear for up to 12 hours.
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