Menstrual disc instead of cup: Ever heard of it?

The menstrual disc is an innovative period product that is becoming increasingly popular. Here you can find out what advantages and disadvantages it has compared to other period products.

The menstrual disc (similar to the menstrual cup) is a reusable period product that helps you avoid producing plastic waste during your period. Not only do you protect the environment, you also save money compared to tampons and pads because you don’t have to buy new products every time.

The menstrual disc differs from the cup primarily in its design. It consists of a thin, flexible ring that adapts to the shape of the vagina. It sits a little higher than the menstrual cup and thus has a number of advantages.

Menstrual disc: durability, material and compatibility

The menstrual disc has these advantages over other period products:

• If you take care of and clean it regularly, the menstrual disc will last about five to ten years. During this time, you no longer have to worry about whether you still have enough tampons or pads for the next period.
• Like most menstrual cups, the disc is made of medical grade silicone. This is hypoallergenic and does not affect the vaginal flora.
• According to scientists, disposable products such as tampons, sanitary napkins and panty liners sometimes contain plasticizers. Some of these act as hormonal contaminants that can damage fertility. The pollutants are mainly found in the plastic and in the adhesives of disposable products. The researchers therefore advise using reusable period products (although there are also disposable menstrual discs).
• Another advantage over tampons: you have to change the menstrual disc much less often. Depending on how heavy your period is, you can wear it for up to twelve hours without having to empty it. The disc also has a higher capacity than the menstrual cup. So it holds about 75 milliliters instead of 30 to 50 milliliters. This makes it well suited for people who have heavy bleeding.
• You can empty a menstrual disc without removing it. With a little pressure or using your fingers, you can tilt the disk forward and the blood will run into the toilet without removing it completely from the vagina.

Menstrual disc: advantages of its special shape

Since the menstrual disc is a flexible ring, it can adapt to the specific shape of the vagina. So there are no different sizes for the disc, such as the menstrual cup. The design also has other advantages:

• The menstrual disc is placed close to the cervix and therefore sits slightly higher in the vaginal canal than the menstrual cup. As a result, you may feel them even less and have a higher wearing comfort.
• Due to the higher position, the disc is also particularly suitable for people with pelvic floor weakness.
• The menstrual disc was primarily designed to facilitate penetrative sex during menstruation for menstruating people. Since the disc sits so high up in the vaginal canal and collects the blood directly there, penetration is usually possible without any problems. In addition, no blood comes out. In this function, the disc is similar to the menstrual sponge.

Tips for changing and cleaning

The menstrual disc is still a relatively new product. Nevertheless, you can now buy them in some drugstores and online shops (see recommendations below). Before, during and after use, you should clean the pane regularly to avoid infections and to ensure a long service life:

• Before using the disc for the first time, boil it in boiling water for about 5 to 10 minutes.

• As a general rule, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before inserting or removing the menstrual disc!

• During your period, you can change the disc depending on how heavy your bleeding is. You should definitely take them out after twelve hours at the latest. Then empty them out and wash them out with warm water.
• At the end of your period, you should sterilize the disc (as well as the cup). For this, too, it is sufficient to boil them for about ten minutes. You can also use cleaning products and soaps specially designed for period products. However, this is not absolutely necessary.
• Store the menstrual disc in a cotton bag. This is usually included with the product.

Buy: Intima’s Ziggy Cup 2 is sometimes advertised as a menstrual cup, but it’s actually a flatter disc – available at Avocadostore, Babymarkt or Amazon. Another model is available from Bamboozy – available from Amazon.

Read more on Techzle.com:

• Free Bleeding: How free menstruation works
• Menstrual cramps: These home remedies help
• Soft tampons: these are the pros and cons