What is it?

It’s a flexible disk with a thin rounded bottom and low edges, about 6-7 cm in diameter, that’s used for collecting menstrual discharge. Unlike other reusable menstraul products, menstrual disk is compatible with vaginal intercourse during menstruation. 

What is it made of?

Disks are usually made of medical-grade silicone, some of them can also be made of latex. Some manufacturers offer single use menstrual disks which are partly made of biodegradable polymers.

How to use it?

Just like a menstrual cup, a menstrual disk is folded and inserted into the vagina. However it is placed higher than a menstrual cup – under the cervix, in the vaginal fornix behind the pubic bone. You should wash you hands thoroughly before inserting the disk, then pinch it, so it is no bigger than a tampon, and insert as high as you can. It’s best to remove and empty the disk in the shower, as it has low edges and the blood can spill in the process. Wash it with soap before inserting again, and sterilize with boiling water in between the cycles (wrap it in cloth and boil in a pot for several minutes). 

There is also a way to empty the disk without removing it by flexing pelvic floor muscles in a certain way. But mastering this skill takes time. 

How often should you change it?

A disk can be kept inside for up to 12 hours, but it depends on how heavy your flow is and what day of the cycle it is. 

Risk of leakage

When the disk is installed correctly, the leakage risk is minimal. Because it is placed rather high, not everyone can put it it correctly at first try. Give yourself time to adjust. 

How to choose your disk?

When choosing the diameter of the disk, it’s not the pregnancy and birth you should be taking into account, but rather the anatomy of your cervix. Lower cervix means you should choose a disk with smaller diameter.

Some disks have “tails” for easy removal. So if you suspect that it might be too complicated to remove, you might want to choose one lof these. 

Price

Menstrual disks are less common and therefore more expensive than menstrual cups. The cheepest ones cost around 700 UAH. A disk can be used up to 5 years. During this time the cost will pay for itself several times.