How Do Menstrual Discs Work? 13 Things to Know Before You Try One

Key Takeaways:

• How it works: A menstrual disc sits in the vaginal fornix, just below your cervix, and collects menstrual fluid instead of absorbing it like a tampon.
• Self-emptying: Your pelvic floor muscles can shift the rim and let a disc partially empty on its own. That’s common and expected.
• Wear time: Remove and empty your disc at least once every 12 hours.
• Leaks: Wondering, “why does my menstrual disc leak?” It usually comes down to position or overfilling.

If you’ve been eyeing that flat, flexible little ring in the menstrual care aisle and wondering how it could possibly handle a heavy period, you’re in good company.

So, how do menstrual discs work? A menstrual disc is inserted horizontally along the vaginal canal, settling into the vaginal fornix (the wider anatomical pocket surrounding the cervix) where its flexible rim anchors securely above the pubic bone to collect fluid without suction.

The higher fit is why many people find discs comfortable enough to forget about, and why they’ve become a go-to among reusable period products.

Below, we get into how a disc stays put, whether you can sleep or have sex with one in, why it might leak, and what to look for before you try a menstrual disc yourself.

1. What is a menstrual disc and how do they work?

A menstrual disc is worn internally like a tampon, but collects rather than absorbs your period flow. Menstrual discs sit in the vaginal fornix and are held in place by their rim, so you can comfortably hike, swim, and even have sex with a disc in. 

Unlike menstrual cups, which usually stay put with a light seal, menstrual discs are designed to rest at the base of your cervix, with the front of the rim tucked up against your pubic bone.

Because nothing is absorbing, a disc can collect menstrual fluid for up to 12 hours at a time, depending on your flow.

2. How to use a menstrual disc: A step-by-step guide

• Step 1 (Sanitization & Position):

Thoroughly wash hands with warm water and mild cleanser. Adopt a comfortable stance (sitting on the toilet, squatting, or standing with one foot elevated).

• Step 2 (The Figure-8 Pinch):

Pinch the center of the flexible silicone rim between thumb and forefinger, collapsing the disc into a narrow figure-8 shape no wider than a standard tampon.

• Step 3 (Insertion Trajectory):

Direct the folded disc into the vaginal canal at a downward angle pointing toward the tailbone (coccyx), rather than upward like a tampon, guiding it past the cervix into the posterior vaginal fornix.

• Step 4 (Pubic Bone Tuck):

Using an index finger, push the front rim upward to securely lodge it behind the pubic bone shelf.

• Step 5 (Controlled Removal):

Relax the pelvic floor muscles. Hook an index finger into the patented Saalt removal notch, ease the disc outward horizontally parallel to the floor to prevent spills, and empty the fluid directly into the toilet.

3. Can a menstrual disc get stuck?

A disc can’t get lost inside you, since your cervix closes off the top of the vagina, but it can sometimes sit high enough to feel tricky to reach.

The Saalt Disc’s custom removal notch is designed to give your finger something to hook onto, which can make removal easier.

If disc removal is ever difficult, the most important thing to remember is to relax! If you have been lying down or have had sex with the disc in, spend 30 minutes upright and walking around before removal to allow gravity to move the disc lower.

4. Can you have mess-free period sex with a menstrual disc? Will your partner feel it?

Because most reusable menstrual discs are made of soft material such as medical-grade silicone, many people have reported not being able to feel them during intercourse. That’s one of the big benefits of menstrual discs.

Since a disc sits higher up than a menstrual cup, tucked up and out of the way, many people find it makes period sex less messy. Some people even use a disc specifically for that reason.

A cup, on the other hand, sits lower and needs to come out first. Comfort varies from person to person, so if anything feels off, it’s totally fine to take your disc out and try again another time.

Learn more about the benefits of period sex.

5. What are the potential downsides of menstrual discs?

The honest answer: discs come with a short learning curve, and they aren’t a perfect fit for every body.

While many people can wear menstrual discs comfortably, they are not one-size-fits-all.

Here are the main drawbacks, plus what tends to help:

• A learning curve: Getting comfortable with insertion and removal can take a few periods. Practicing at home on a lighter day takes the pressure off, and it usually gets easier with regular disc use.
• Messier removal: If the disc tips on the way out, it can spill. Keeping it level while removing the disc, ideally over the toilet, makes a big difference.
• Less sizing flexibility: Many discs come in one size, though Saalt offers two (Regular and Small).

6. Can you sleep with a menstrual disc in?

Yes! Because menstrual discs, like menstrual cups, can be worn for up to 12 hours.

You can wear a disc overnight, as long as you remove and empty it at least once every 12 hours. 

For extra peace of mind at night, consider pairing your disc with leakproof period underwear. 

Tip: Emptying your disc right before bed and first thing in the morning keeps things simple.

7. What is a menstrual disc auto-dumping (self-emptying)?

Self-emptying (also known as “auto-dumping”) occurs when the pelvic floor muscles contract, causing the rim of the disc to momentarily move out of place and spill some of its contents.

The rim will move back to its original position when the pelvic floor muscles relax. This is completely common and isn’t a flaw in the disc. It’s just your body doing its thing. 

Many people enjoy this feature because it allows them to empty their disc without removing it.

Why does a disc empty while urinating?

When you bear down to pee, some of the period blood in your disc may drain into the toilet. How much varies from person to person: some people empty a good amount, others barely any.

Think of it as a nice bonus, not something to count on or a stand-in for removing and emptying your disc.

8. How do I know when my menstrual disc is full?

Remove and empty your disc at least once every 12 hours, no matter how full it feels. Because discs often have a higher capacity than tampons, pads, and even period cups. 

While standard regular tampons absorb approximately 6 to 9 mL of fluid, the Saalt Disc holds 30 mL (Small) to 50 mL (Regular), equivalent to 4 to 6 regular tampons.

Menstruators with typical flows can comfortably achieve the full 12-hour wear limit, while those experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding can manage their heaviest days with significantly fewer bathroom disruptions.

That extra room is what gives many people a longer wear time on lighter days. 

That said, you may need to empty it a little more often than that on your heavier days.

Common signs your period disc is full include spotting on your underwear, a heavier, fuller feeling, or more menstrual disc leaking than usual when you sit, bend, or cough. Wearing a backup liner or period underwear for extra protection as you learn your flow is a great idea.

After a few periods, you’ll have a better understanding of your flow and how often you’ll need to empty your menstrual disc.

9. Why is my menstrual disc leaking?

First, a quick distinction: menstrual disc leaking means blood escaping when you don’t expect it, while self-emptying is a small release that usually happens when you pee or bear down.

Leaking with a reusable menstrual disc is often a sign that it’s not positioned correctly under the cervix, is overfilled, or is self-emptying. 

Here are the usual suspects, plus the fix for each:

• It’s not sitting under your cervix:

If your cervix ends up outside the basin, flow can slip past the rim. Reinserting so the disc sits fully below your cervix usually fixes it. For a refresher on how to insert a menstrual disc, see our step-by-step disc guide.

• The front rim isn’t tucked:

The front of the rim should sit up behind the pubic bone. If it’s resting lower, the disc can tilt and leak, so try gently pushing it up into place.

• It’s too full:

An overfilled disc can spill over. Emptying it more often on heavier days helps, and a disc with a larger capacity may be a better match.

• It’s self-emptying:

Some release when you pee or poop is common. To limit it, prop your feet on a stool so your knees sit above your hips, which relaxes the pelvic muscles so they don’t squeeze the disc.

• It’s the wrong size:

A disc that’s too big can get pushed out of place, while one that’s too small may not stay put. Section 12 covers how to choose.

10. How do I know my menstrual disc is in correctly?

When a menstrual disc is inserted correctly, it should feel comfortable (most people can’t feel it at all), shouldn’t leak, and should stay in place. If your disc causes discomfort, leaks, or slips out of place, it may not be in the correct position.

A disc tends to mold to your shape, so if it feels like the basin isn’t fully opened, that’s usually okay.

As for depth, menstrual discs are inserted in the vaginal canal below the cervix, typically about the length of a finger or less. A disc sits a little higher than a menstrual cup.

11. What's the difference between a menstrual cup and menstrual disc?

The short version: a cup sits lower and stays put with gentle suction, while a disc sits higher and rests on your anatomy.

Here’s how the Saalt Cup and Saalt Disc compare at a glance:

Beyond the basics, a few details help explain how menstrual discs work compared to menstrual cups:

Menstrual cups sit lower in the vaginal canal than a tampon would, whereas menstrual discs are held in place by their rim in the vaginal fornix (aka the wider space around the cervix).

One unique feature about the menstrual disc is that it can be worn during penetrative sex, while reusable menstrual cups must be removed before sex.

The difference shows up at removal, too. With bell-shaped menstrual cups, you pinch the base to break the seal before easing it out, while a disc has no suction to release, so you just hook the rim and pull it out level.

Since cups work by sitting low, the rim of the cup is often easier to reach, which some people find simpler at first. Even a soft, flexible cup relies on that seal, which is why it needs to come out before sex.

Most people can use either a cup or a disc, so it’s ultimately personal preference. You may find that you like switching between a period cup or a disc throughout your period, or you may stick to just one.

Learn: menstrual cup vs. disc

12. How to choose the right menstrual disc for your body

Like any menstrual product, not every disc fits every body, and a little homework up front can save you some trial and error.

Whether it’s your first time using a menstrual disc or you’re switching from a disposable one, here’s what’s worth checking before you pick a period disc:

• The right size:

Cervix height varies from person to person and can shift a bit throughout your menstrual cycle. The Saalt Disc comes in Regular, for a higher cervix, and Small, for a lower cervix, so you can match the disc to your body.

• Capacity for your flow:

If you have a heavier period, more room means fewer trips to empty. Capacity changes how often you empty, not the maximum wear time, which stays the same.

• A comfortable, flexible rim:

The rim does the work of holding the disc in place, so it should be firm enough to stay put but soft enough that you don’t notice it. A flexible rim also tends to make a disc easier to insert and remove.

• Material you can trust:

Medical-grade silicone is soft, flexible, and widely used in reusable menstrual products. Look for clear details on what a disc is made of.

• How long it lasts:

Disposable discs are tossed after each use, while reusable discs can last for years. With proper care, a Saalt Disc can last up to 10 years.

Still not sure whether a disc or cup is the better fit? Plenty of people keep one of each and switch depending on the day.

13. Are menstrual discs safe and recommended by doctors?

There’s no single official stance on menstrual discs, but the research and expert commentary so far are encouraging. A peer-reviewed study published in BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health analyzed 21 period products, including tampons, pads, menstrual cups, and menstrual discs, using expired human red blood cells to evaluate true absorption capacity.

Researchers found that menstrual discs held the most blood, with an average capacity of 61mL.

Key points from the research:

• Menstrual discs outperformed tampons, pads, and cups in terms of capacity.
• The researchers suggested discs may work best for heavy flow and could help clinicians better gauge excessive menstrual blood loss.

Dr. Jessica Shepherd told USA Today in 2021 that discs are “absolutely” a healthy menstrual tool. "Alternatives like cups and discs... are great ways for people to have options that are not necessarily in the pad or tampon range," she says.

If you’re wondering about the use of menstrual cups or discs with IUDs, read what a medical professional has to say in Can You Use a Menstrual Cup or Disc with an IUD? 

Additionally, an infectious disease expert shares some insight on disc safety and the risk of TSS with menstrual cups or discs in TSS: What You Need to Know and How to Prevent It.

If you have questions as to whether or not a menstrual disc would be a good option for you, reach out to your physician.

Finding Your Flow With a Disc

So, how do menstrual discs work? They sit high, collect instead of absorb, and give you hours of period protection before you need to empty. Once you get the hang of it, a disc can feel like one less thing to think about, and a little more control of your period.

If you’re ready to make the switch from pads and tampons, the Saalt Disc is made from soft, medical-grade silicone, comes in two sizes, and can last up to 10 years with proper care.

Check out our Saalt Disc Duo to try both sizes and find the one that fits you best.

FAQs About Menstrual Discs

Do menstrual discs work well with an IUD?

Some people use menstrual discs with an IUD, but research on how discs affect IUD placement is limited. Menstrual discs do not generate negative suction, making them significantly less likely to displace or expel an intrauterine device (IUD) compared to traditional menstrual cups, which require breaking a vacuum seal. However, users should exercise care during removal to ensure fingernails do not catch or pull on IUD strings, and should consult an OB-GYN or healthcare provider before using a menstrual disc.

Can you pee and poop with a menstrual disc in?

Yes. A disc sits up near your cervix, so it doesn’t block anything. Bearing down may cause it to self-empty a little or nudge it lower, so a quick check afterward can help. Learn more about period poop.

Can you swim with a menstrual disc?

Yes. A disc sits internally and collects your flow, so you can swim with one in, just like a tampon or cup. Emptying it before you head out means you’re starting fresh. Get more tips on swimming on your period.

Are menstrual discs reusable?

Some are. Disposable discs are designed to be worn once and tossed, while a reusable disc made of medical-grade silicone can be washed and worn again. With proper care, a Saalt Disc can last up to 10 years.

How do you clean a menstrual disc?

Remove and empty your disc at least once every 12 hours and wash it with Saalt Wash or a gentle, fragrance-free soap. In between periods, sanitize it by boiling it, using the Saalt Steamer or Compact Sanitizer, or wiping it with 70% isopropyl alcohol.

Can a menstrual disc prevent pregnancy?

No. A disc is a period care product, not birth control, and it won’t prevent pregnancy or protect against STIs. If you’re looking for contraception, your healthcare provider can walk you through your options.

Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician, gynecologist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, vaginal health, or the compatibility of reusable menstrual products with your body. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately contact a doctor or call your local emergency services.

Sources:

1. BMJ Group. (2023, July 8) Menstrual discs may be best for heavy monthly blood flow. https://bmjgroup.com/menstrual-discs-may-be-best-for-heavy-monthly-blood-flow/ 
2. USA Today. (2021, August 6) You've heard of a menstrual cup, but what about a menstrual disc? https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2021/08/06/menstrual-discs-what-they-they-different-tampons-cups/5485712001/