3 Reasons Menstrual Discs Might Not Work For You

There are three instances where a menstrual disc won't work or will be very difficult to get working without leaks depending on anatomical features some of you may have. Also, my 13 year old assisted with this KZbin thumbnail.
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Skip Ahead with Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:43 Why menstrual discs are "one size fits most" and exceptions
01:15 Menstrual Discs 101 - quick intro
01:55 Backwards facing cervix/retroflexed uterus
02:58 Upside down menstrual disc insertion technique
03:42 Shallow / Not prominent enough pubic bone
05:16 Uterine Prolapse
07:06 That was fast!

[@-PimientaNegra-]

I wish I could see inside. It is tricky to find out cervix height, pubic bone shape and cervix orientation using fingers only. LOL. I'm getting better and my disc worked fine the one period I have tried so far, but still… I wish I could see inside.

[@MzShonuff123]

My gynecologist offers this when she’s doing pelvic exams. Perhaps yours can as well?

[@-PimientaNegra-]

@@MzShonuff123 oh, I don't know. I will ask if I ever go to a private gynecologist. Usually I go only to the health service provided by the state. 😅 I live in Mexico.

[@mybeautifulrescuee]

so i learned the hard way that I have a really high cervix. i used the flex disposable disc for the very first time. 1 emergency room visit, 27 hours, and $300 later, it is finally out 😀

[@eloisebrynlee]

Wow! I also learned that I have a high cervix it seems. Who thought that one needed to take a measuring tape to it! 2024 better late than never lol. Yeah don’t think I’d be game to use one without a string or some kind of pull tab. I had enough trouble getting a cup out. 😢

[@daisiebrown8396]

I have no idea if my cervix is too high, that's why I plan to buy a disc with a ring or string at the end, so it's easier to find in that case.

[@annabeths8572]

Oh....hell no. I'm about to take mine off right nowwŵ😮

[@tsuki3752]

things like this makes me realize that it’s better to buy things intended for high cervix height even if you don’t know. wasting 30-40$ on a disc that doesn’t work on you sounds a lot better than all that 😭

[@kathysharp7551]

I tried 1 disc. It would auto dumping, but it did not go back into place (without manually putting it back up). I got a 2nd disc that was slightly larger and firmer. That second disc is working perfectly.

[@bbjudyfit]

Please share which disc you got.. i had the same problem!

[@Gabria87]

I have a retroflex uterus and nixit disc works brilliantly for me.

[@katelynmoore770]

I used disc before pregnancy and now they don’t work at all. Constantly slipping and wanting to push out. I tried the Saalt and flex and flex was my go to before I got pregnant. I’m going to try a cup and see if it works better.

[@logger1176]

im a dancer and i use a cup. im open to using a disc if i ever need to replace my cup, but i am concerned about it possibly leaking easier because it doesn't have that suction that a cup does.

[@theycallmet9425]

hi there! i know this is a late reply but i’m a dancer as well and i use a disc. of course everyone can have a different experience, but i’ve had no problems using mine while dancing😊

[@tsuki3752]

it shouldn’t leak at all if it’s in correctly. if you have a high cervix it might leak because the disk will get caught in front of the cervix. if it’s still leaking and you don’t have a high cervix, the front might not be pushed high enough. the diva disc (and others) that just came out has a little lip at the front that might be able to help with that.

[@kaiceeholloway8830]

I really needed this video. Been having some issues with discs. On heavy days, I start to leak somewhere between hour 5 and 8. Gonna use this info to figure out what's gonna in down there 👍🏾

[@shainadavidson9247]

That sounds normal to me. On heavy days I have to dump my cup sooner and I’d think it would be the same with a disc.

[@iona5439]

You need to change more often

[@user-rd5jz3le8e]

You just pushed like four fingers in there 😂 My problem with inserting all these cups and discs is exactly this !!! 😣

[@PeriodNirvana]

That model view makes it seem that way, it's only the disc tip and body going inside the vagina while pushing with those fingers. Thosre are outside of it pushing up, then you push the disc the rest of the way with one finger. You might have one finger and a thumb in the opening of the vagina during this process as well just depends on what works for you.

[@chaoticgood8645]

​@@PeriodNirvanaThis is exactly why I love the disc more than the cup! Feels way less involved internally

[@FranzMuse]

I bought a Saalt disc after discovering your channel last year and it's honestly the best thing to ever happen to my period 😂 😊 Being able to work a 10-12 hour shift and actually be comfortable and not wear reusable pads or a cup (which I found to be absolutely evil) is an absolute godsend. Thank you so much for all your videos and info!!!!

[@jasminesanchez4118]

The two cycles where i successfully got my disc into a place where it kept the blood from leaking all day were also the two cycles where i had to spend 15 minutes in the shower trying to squeeze the damn thing out. My finger could not reach it, felt like it was inside a hole inside of my main hole if you know what i mean. It also was so much squeezing to get it out that the blood all kinda poured out and my insides felt a bit raw and i didnt really bleed the rest of my days. It was A BIT traumatic tbh. But as a long distance runner who REALLY doesnt want to deal with tampons or my period pads anymore im really committed to figuring this out. Going to finally order the hello disc and hope that the loops help me with the removal part of this whole thing

[@hannahm.9881]

I have to have tabs on my disc. Love my Hello Disc.

[@gratituderanch9406]

I have a super low cervix. I have success with the femmy cycle low cervix. But it’s a bear to get in. I also bleed UBER heavy. Like super heave in one day- so I’m so grateful for a cup. Cause I could never sleep. I’d bleed up my back. 😭 But I wish I could get a disc to work. They pop out. They’re so much easier to get in. ☹️

[@theycallmet9425]

hi there!! i relate to you because i have a pretty low cervix as well🙃 lucky for me after about a day on my period my cervix moves up higher allowing me to fit a standard size disc up there. on the first day i tend to use a smaller disc and it works like a charm!! i don’t know if you’ve tried it or can but i know it’s helped me😊

[@eloisebrynlee]

Got my first disc, a Lumma and had a few ‘dry runs’ with it so far. Wow so much easier to get in and out and very soft and flexible compared to the cup. I can just feel it and it has the string which might be a problem later on but I prefer to learn with this one. I’ll wait and see how well it collects before purchasing another one but I think I am a disc convert over cups!

[@chaoticgood8645]

I love the Lumma! For the string, ik a lot of people like to trim or cut off the string entirely, but I'd also like to offer the solution that I haven't heard anyone else mention (and that I use every time myself): tuck the string underneath the disc! You can either tuck it inside after the disc is inserted, or (like what I do) tuck the string under the disc and into the folded basin when you fold the disc in half to insert. That way, when you go to take it out, you can loop your finger between the string and the bottom of the disc basin to "untuck" the string, then pull on the string from there. I love that I can keep the ease of the string feature without it getting in the way and bothering me :)

[@eloisebrynlee]

That is such a good idea thank you! I am using the Lumma this week and it’s so comfortable, even though I haven’t compared it to other discs. It is much more comfortable than tampons. I got it in correctly to not leak on the second try which was a hurrah moment. I can feel the string only now but I still want to use a disc with a string. I did notice the bowl doesn’t completely open down but I am checking and changing it every 2-3 hours at the moment mostly for practice. The second time was way less messier than the first.. 🩸 Wearing it on lighter days will be a different experience agin.

[@eloisebrynlee]

It’s easier to urinate with a disc in compared to tampons or a cup in my experience of having now tried all three.

[@Nikopup]

This was super helpful. I always have trouble securing my disc past the pubic bone. It’s like that last mm wants to stick out slightly. So maybe I just need to try a smaller disc or stick with menstrual cups.

[@judith7753]

So interesting! My problem is not one of these 3 options... I will try to find out one day. Cups and Discs won't open completely and then leak. Even after one birth. Let's see how it gets after 2nd baby^^

[@PeriodNirvana]

This is more often a problem with the type of disc - some people need a more structured basket if they've leaked when a disc is "crumpled" and lacks capacity. Discs with a more structured basket would be Saalt Disc, Cora Disc Perfect Fit, and Hello Disc. It's one of those frustrating things and it's kind of about anatomy and also about the product itself.

[@nri363]

I tryed 2 discs in 5 cycles and had constant leaks. My pubic bone feels like a mini bump maybe thats the problem but i also had it often that i could feel my zervix behind the disc and i couls scoop it as much as i wanted and didnt got it behint every time. On my last business trip i had to wait 4 hours before i could use a toilet (the ones in the train were out of order) on my heaviest day of period with a constant leak in the disc. I was just happy that i decided to wear period underwear as backup. Now im back to cups but I would love to have the auto dumping.

[@KatyBeth3]

I tried a diva cup but I cannot pee all the way with it in. I bought a reusable flex disc. This is my second cycle with it, but I leaked quite a bit with it the first and second day. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong.

[@gringa23]

The hello disc is amazing😊

[@ambertornatore6362]

Okay what is the thing that feels like the tip of your nose? Is that what we are tucking on or am I too far in?

[@krystalspolish8131]

Hi what cup would work for tilted cervix, heavy flow, and no previouschild birth

[@loquacious.laconic]

I've got a retroverted uterus, average to low cervix (varies), very heavy flow, no childbirth, and a prominent pubic bone. I use the Hello Disc and it's never leaked even when it's beyond capacity inside my body overnight. It will be a bit messy when you take it out if that happens, but not all over your hand thanks to the tab! I find the scooping insertion method followed by running a finger along the outer edge of the rim with a little nudge at the back end of the rim to make sure the cervix is inside works for me. Hope that is helpful, assuming you are still looking for advice! 🙂

[@melissakey8334]

I’ve tried a saalt and lumma disk. Neither seems to really expand fully when inserted. I’m almost wondering if they are too big, but I have a very high cervix, so I’m not sure if there is a good smaller one for me. I’ve gone back to a menstrual cup for now, but I really hate the feel of the cup!

[@eloisebrynlee]

Agreed! I am hoping if or when I leave it in long enough it will expand and drop when it gets full. I tried to insert it so it would pop open and not stay crunched up but no luck yet. The Lumma disc is perfect for me otherwise.

[@bbrittany38]

Why might it get sucked up and scrunched

[@EllenBurns-oc7im]

I tried a disposable flex disk. All seemed great during the day but I removed it before going to bed. In the middle of the night I woke up and started vomiting and continued vomiting until morning. I had a feeling it was caused by the disk somehow ( and not food poisoning for example) and I haven't tried a disk since.

[@lauravivanco]

Looking at the model, what I'm guessing is that the volume the disc can contain in practice is likely to be a lot less than what it can hold when it's held horizontal outside the vagina. With that level of tilt, possibly it'll leak once that lower portion fills up to its rim. So, people with heavy periods might be disappointed when instead of it holding 50ml or more, it only holds about 10ml in reality. I'm guessing that another factor would be the size and position of the cervix, because if it's low and/or larger than usual, it might fill more of the space behind the disc, leaving less room for blood. Is that a plausible theory about how discs might not work so well for some people?

[@OMGpurple25]

you're 100% right. I've noticed that despite the material being flexible, my disc always scrunches up in there and can only hold a fraction of what it could hold when fully popped out. I don't know why Period Nirvana doesn't agree with this. I literally pull out my disc as carefully as I can, and I can tell that it ain't popped in there lol. everyone's anatomy is different

[@ziggyzaggirl]

I have a medium-low cervix and heavy periods with lots of clots. In my experience, cups always leaked for me. I always had to wear some back up. However with the disc, I've had great success. It won't leak or overflow even the lower portion is full. Since the disc has a round rim, it expands once it's in place and it becomes leak-proof as long as it's tucked behind the pubic bone. In comparison, I had to empty my cup(lunette small) every 2 hours on my heaviest days. Now, I can go with the disc up to 5 hours and even more with auto-dumping.

[@lauravivanco]

@@OMGpurple25 I've definitely found that the basket of the Lumma is basically flat once in use. I don't get that with the other discs I've tried, but the capacity is still nowhere near what I'd been hoping for.

[@lauravivanco]

@@ziggyzaggirl For years I used to get 3 hours from a 30ml cup, until suddenly that started leaking, so I tried out discs. I've tried four different kinds, and one of those was in 2 different sizes. None of them seemed to last for more than an hour or so on a heavy day for me, but it's not because of the three issues described in the video, so I'm trying to think of some other explanation 😥

[@OMGpurple25]

​@@ziggyzaggirl Which disc do you use? I have a medium cervix too.. my lumma medium leaks within hours on my heavy days.

[@Aryat1979]

Great video! TX! I've been having some leakage recently with my Hello disc. When before, when I started using it a few months back, I didn't.Thoughts?

[@don-wb2fl]

I have septate hymen, would a disc or cup be affected by this?

[@PeriodNirvana]

Yes, it's very possible insertion but especially removal could be a challenge. This is also true for tampons. If you are interested in insertable period products I would discuss the options with your care provider because they can take care of that (if you choose) and which will make using all of those options easier for you. It is great that you know your body so well!

[@gozdetufekci9947]

Can you please make review for bodyotics menstrual discs please? I bought the product and it’s my first experience but really worried about the silicone it’s made of 🙏

[@ioncekilledamanwithmyshoe]

I read someone did a test and it had all signs it was make of silicone.

[@dislexas]

I think I may have a super tight vag. Because I feel it stretching at the back when I try to fit the disc there. The disc often springs out of place. When I used cups they sometimes collapsed on me. The stiffer cups are also very uncomfortable as they press my urethra. I'll keep trying to find a smaller disc as I think it's most feasible option

[@HeySolci]

i cannot even get it in :c when I try to get it past the pubic bone, it hurts like a cramping. i don't know if it's pushing my cervix or what. i'm SO frustraed by all this

[@wildmoonchild8210]

Wait… can I lift weights with a disc?

[@theycallmet9425]

hi there! most likely you can! i’ve seen people talk about their cups popping out when they weight lift, but i’ve never heard of anyone having that problem with a disc. i myself am a full time dancer who does all genres of dance and have never had problems. i’m constantly having to engage every muscle in my body, especially my core and i’ve never had any problems…even doing difficult tricks! of course everyone can have a different experience though, so keep that in mind😊

[@WalkingHero]

Very informative.

[@juliewierd]

I started to use soft disc for the first time, it fit perfectly, no leaks all good but I noticed it made my lower back hurt so much! I know it isn't hurting because of my period due to when I took out the disc I felt relieved. Am I inserting it wrong or do I have the wrong size? Thank you!

[@mckaylawallace4547]

are there any resources with people to talk to about using discs because i’m new to it(don’t have facebook) and i’m really trying to figure out if i’m doing everything right but i don’t know anyone personally that has used anything like this

[@chaoticgood8645]

There's also the reddit community on r/menstrualdiscs that can be really helpful. You don't even necessarily need to create an account if you just have questions that you can search for when other people have likely had the same questions already answered on there. I learned a lot that way myself

[@bibink1017]

I have an IUD. Can I still use disc?

[@FairyPrincess281]

Yes disc are better to use than a cup because there is no suction from the disc whereas the cup may pull out your iud due to suction. ❤

[@shainadavidson9247]

Please fill me in because I have NOT been able to make discs work for me.

[@muted5370]

Try using menstrual cup. Just put cup inside, put your finger inside , stretch and let it air out so the cup will open. Make sure it's round.

[@tiff4216]

where did u get your glasses? ❤️❤️❤️

[@amandalim3330]

I've been using a cup for nearly 5 years now, but I recently went back to using pads on the first two days because my period got heavier and I had to keep changing it too often (low cervix + heavy flow). I was thinking of switching to a disc, but I had a few questions. I know that a disc isn't held in place with suction, does this present a problem with swimming or going upside down (think handstands)? From the models that you show, it looks like turning them upside down would just tip out all of the contents of the disc!

[@GeeGTee]

The disc is held in place by the pubic bone so no need for suction. The only time it will leak is if you are heavy and don’t use the bathroom before the disc is full and when you use the bathroom and the disc auto dumps. I started using a cup in 2020 and about 2 years ago, I found out about discs and I made the switch and actually wish I would have known about the discs sooner. Since my flow is heavy, cups would only last a few hours for me and I was only able to use the Venus xl and the Super Jenny but with the disc, I don’t have to worry at all about having to dump the cup contents because it automatically dumps itself when I use the bathroom and I can actually keep it in the 12 hours. I am so happy with my Hello Disc and I will never go back to cups. Check out her disc videos so you can get more info and see if you feel it will be right for you. Good luck!

[@muted5370]

Just put in, put your finger and let it air out so the cup will open. Make sure it's round.

[@muted5370]

Use menstrual cup

[@chaoticgood8645]

To answer your question about upside-down or swimming, I've tested both and can confirm you will not leak with a disc (assuming it already works for you during the day lol). When you think about the anatomy, it actually makes sense that it wouldn't leak because it's placed much higher than a cup, so suction isn't as necessary to keep blood contained. It's placed at the wider portion at the end of a narrow "hallway"(aka vagina), it's resting pretty much around/close under the "spout" of the blood (aka your cervix), AND your vaginal opening isn't even just always "open" like a pipe, there are natural folds and muscles there. For example, we don't feel any lake water go up our vagina whenever we swim or anything... That would be quite a predicament whenever we get out of the water too🤣

[@muted5370]

@@chaoticgood8645 just got to stretch it on the side of the pipe slowly and it'll actually open.

[@juliawiggs746]

I enjoy a disk... but I always leak while sleeping.

[@tayflowers13]

I just started using them and had the same problem while sleeping and going to the bathroom, was wondering if this is normal?

[@notmychelle]

@@tayflowers13it will drain when you use the restroom, this is normal. Should go back into place

[@tayflowers13]

@@notmychelle thank you, I thought for sure I was doing something wrong

[@MZGIN7]

Can you ever loose the disc in there??

[@don-wb2fl]

No there’s nowhere for it to go cause it’s a closed space

[@himakshisingh1645]

Is it safe to use menstrual cup for a 14 years old girl...??

[@PeriodNirvana]

Yes it is, as long as you feel comfortable trying it. Just follow the wear time and cleaning/sanitizing instructions for the cup. A water based lubricant can help with insertion and make it more comfortable as a new user but if you feel pain you should stop and take a break for as long as you need. a few minutes, a few weeks, a few months, or years.

[@muted5370]

Yes. Just put in the cup, put your finger inside, stretch and let it air out so the cup will open. Make sure it's round.

[@MariaBrinks25]

I want to switch to menstrual cups I tried a Honeypot menstrual cup it took a while to put it in but taking it out was really hard it took a while so then I tried a Cora cup and it got stuck deep in there eventually I got it out,, does this mean I have a high cervix? I did the finger thing where I used my finger to find my cervix I didn't really feel anything should I try a longer menstrual cup?

[@muted5370]

Let me give you advice. Just put in, put your finger and let it air out so the cup will open. Make sure it's round.

[@muted5370]

Just gonna stretch your finger inside and the cup will open

[@MariaBrinks25]

@@muted5370 I ended up getting a menstrual cup for long high cervixes A longer cup works so much better The other cops for too Short that's why they kept getting stuck

[@MariaBrinks25]

@@muted5370 I got the juju model 3 this cup has been working well it's easier for me to reach

[@FairyPrincess281]

Yes get a longer cup. You have a high cervix

[@TunedinIndeed]

I almost always leak after the first day, I just wear a pad😅 but I still love it

[@muted5370]

Start using menstrual cup. Just put in, put your finger and let it air out so the cup will open. Make sure it's round.

[@muted5370]

Just use menstrual cups. Just put in, put your finger and let it air out so the cup will open. Make sure it's round.

[@icycici6191]

Discs are great and all... until you find yourself in public having a good laugh with your friends and then suddenly, your white pants aren't so white anymore!! 👀🫤