Why does my period blood catch under my disc?

Uh-oh, you’ve just removed your menstrual disc and instead of noticing your flow all nicely collected in the basin of your disc, you discover that there’s blood on the outside of your disc instead. Though this may be a bit alarming at first, this usually isn’t anything to worry about (other than the annoying leaks that this may have caused). Rather, it tends to mean that your disc just isn’t in the proper position in relation to your cervix to effectively catch your flow as it exits your cervix. Maybe your disc is bumping up next to your cervix or it's only partially covered, so menstrual blood dribbles down the side of the disc instead of catching it. 

Think about it this way, your disc is like a cup and your cervix is like a faucet, if you turn the faucet on and put the cut next to the faucet or only halfway around the faucet, the water is going to get all over the outside of the cup rather than just inside of it. We think 8th grade science called this surface tension? But, put the cup completely around the faucet spout and viola, no drips or spills! Of course, admittedly, it is a little trickier to do this without the ease of actually being able to see where your cervix really is. However, we have some handy tried-and-true tips that should help you ensure your disc is the right spot. 

1. Locate Your Cervix

Before inserting your disc, it’s beneficial to locate your cervix. Understanding its position can help you know where to place the disc. If you're unsure of your cervix height, no worries - we have a great video to assist you Click here to learn: How to measure your cervix height.  

If it's hard to locate your cervix then that could indicate that you have a very high cervix or a retrograde cervix. If this is the case, then you may find that a menstrual cup might work better with your anatomy. ✨

Learn: How to insert a menstrual cup

2. Insert at the Right Angle

When inserting your reusable menstrual disc, aim for a horizontal angle, directing it toward your tailbone. This aligns with the natural shape of your vaginal canal. As you insert the disc about halfway, angle it slightly downward to help guide it behind your cervix. Visualizing the motion as scooping the disc below and behind your cervix can make the process easier.

Learn: How to insert a menstrual disc

3. Tuck It In

After the disc is inserted, use a finger to push up on the front rim, where the removal notch is located. This helps tuck the disc behind your pubic bone for a secure fit. Many find that using their thumb is particularly effective, as its shorter length and different angle can provide better leverage to secure the rim behind the pubic bone. Also, don’t worry that you may be pushing your disc ‘too high’ when tucking the rim. It can’t go too high at all and pushing it up will ensure that you have a good tuck and position. 

4. Secure the Position

Once your disc is in place, consider doing a couple of squats or Kegel exercises. These movements can help the disc settle into a more secure position, reducing the chance of leakage with wear.

Make the Switch

Proper insertion with menstrual discs is crucial for a leak-free experience, but it can sometimes take some practice to achieve. By better understanding where your cervix is, inserting the disc at the right angle, tucking it in securely, and using some gentle exercises, you can ensure that your disc is in the right place to catch your flow. 

While getting used to positioning your disc in the best spot, we love to recommend pairing your Saalt Disc with our Saalt Wear Period Underwear to catch any leaks that may happen while you are still getting the hang of it. Period pants come in a variety of absorbancies and styles, so you can feel comfortable and confident that you have some back up protection, just in case. 😉 

Learn: What is period underwear?