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You’ve realized you want an upgrade from tampons and pads.
You want more out of your period days.
Allow us to introduce you to the menstrual disc.
It is a no-brainer alternative for people who are looking for safer and more sustainable period care, from teens to those entering perimenopause.
The benefits are endless: mess-free period sex, comfort, and reusability to name a few. A menstrual disc offers full circle period care for everyone.
New disc users will have to undergo a small learning curve but fret not, that’s why we’re going to cover all you need to know here - and we’re excited for you!
A quick note before we get started: at nixit, we strive to nix stigmas around periods. We’re also fueled by empowering people to make informed decisions about the products they choose to use. Let’s question, discuss, and tear down the taboo. If you are passionate about this too feel free to share and help spread awareness of sustainable menstrual products.
Now, let’s dive right into everything you need to know as a disc beginner.
What Is a Menstrual Disc?
A menstrual disc is an alternative period product to tampons and pads which offers 12 hours of protection. Similar to a menstrual cup, it’s an insertable menstrual product that collects blood, it’s just that it’s disc-shaped, instead of bell-shaped.
Unlike menstrual cups, menstrual discs sit in the vaginal fornix, a recess in your upper vagina and are tucked behind your pubic bone to stay in place.
Unlike tampons, which have been found to contain pesticides, parabens, and phthalates , discs are made from comfortable, body-safe materials, which makes them a better option for those seeking safer alternatives.
Which Is Better—a Menstrual Cup or a Menstrual Disc?
Source: nixit
Both menstrual cups and discs will spare you those extra trips to the loo. Just think of reducing your maintenance visits to as little as twice a day. While cups can be less messy to remove, discs are comfier to wear as there is no suction and less nerve endings in the fornix.
Your safest bet, however, is to do some testing. Experiment with each of them on your heavy and light-flow days to see which one fits your needs best.
While discs may be a less-known, eco-friendly menstrual protection, they share most of the benefits with cups. Below we shed light on just a few of them to help you move past your menstrual cup vs. disc debate.
Menstrual discs don’t require a suction seal, which is an excellent feature for those who wear an IUD.
Discs can hold more menstrual fluid than cups, which means less frequent toilet changes and more time to live your life. While a menstrual cup holds the equivalent of 2 regular tampons, most discs collect the equivalent of 3–5 tampons of period fluid.
Wearing a menstrual disc allows you to have mess-free penetrative sex on your period, whereas a menstrual cup needs to be removed in order to do so.
Featured Resource: Menstrual Disc vs Cup: How to Choose Your Fighter
How to Insert a Menstrual Disc?
To insert a menstrual disc, follow the 4 simple steps below:
Squeeze a menstrual disc in the middle, then insert it into your vagina using one finger while guiding the front rim of the disc towards your cervix (much further than where a tampon sits).
Once covering the entire cervix, tuck the disc behind your pubic bone. To ensure you did this right, push your disc up slightly while inserting. A few kegels can help here!
After the 12-hour mark, it’s time to remove your disc. To do this, untuck it away from your pubic bone. Hook the disc rim with your finger and pull out keeping it level to avoid spillage.
Empty, wash, and re-insert.
It’s stupid-simple once you get the hang of it but bear in mind you won’t immediately become a menstrual disc whizz. You need some experience under your belt first before you level up.
“I'll be honest, my first insertion was an epic fail. I didn't position the rim properly so I woke up with bloodied sheets. After stripping the bed and cleaning myself up, I tried a few more times before finally inserting my cup correctly. It was surprisingly comfortable- so comfortable in fact, that I forgot I was wearing it.
Then came time to empty it. Honestly, this was a little icky (initially). I made the mistake of NOT keeping the cup level when pulling it out so I ended up with more blood than I cared for on my hands. However, I eventually found my rhythm and I mastered the removal.”
Janelle King, MPH, BSN, RN, a registered nurse review
Featured Resource: How to Use a Menstrual Disc: Expectations vs. Reality
Are Menstrual Discs Safe to Use?
Menstrual cups and discs are considered a safer form of period protection. Since they’re made from medical-grade silicone you don’t have to worry the products will affect your natural vaginal flora.
There are some cases of TSS associated with using menstrual cups. According to Healthline, however, toxic shock syndrome is very rare in disc users. This risk is typically associated with using tampons because they absorb, NOT collect blood.
Worries about risks are normal, especially if you’re new to menstrual discs. However, below are some tips to help you dispel any scary what-if scenarios in your head and keep you safe.
Wash your hands well when inserting and removing your disc. Making sure you wash and empty your device at proper times will also reduce the risk of infection.
Why Switch to a Menstrual Disc?
It Gives You A Comfy Period Experience
To find the most comfortable menstrual product for yourself, choose according to the criteria listed below:
Materials used. Absorbent period products like tampons can cause vaginal dryness leaving you to deal with painful product insertion and removal. Menstrual discs cause no such symptoms as they’re made from more comfortable silicone materials.
Position. Menstrual discs are nested in the widest part of the vaginal canal, the so-called vaginal fornix. Once a disc is tucked up securely behind your pubic bone, you shouldn't even be able to feel it.
Sizing. The market is brimming with menstrual cup brands and for his reason, finding the right fit for you can be quite a hassle. Most discs, however, are about a standard size (60 mm – 70 mm in diameter).
Disc firmness. Choose discs that are softer in firmness, if your vagina is narrower or you just want the insertion to be as seamless as possible.
The rim of a softer disc will bend into a more narrow width and cause less friction during insertion and removal. This is why we made sure our nixit cup is soft, flexible, and comfortable to use for most wearers.
Featured Resource: The 4 Best Period Products for Ultimate Comfort and Vaginal Wellness
It Gives You Freedom to Put Yourself Out There
Menstrual discs have been gaining popularity mostly for the unparalleled freedom that comes with using them.
You need to empty your disc at a mere 12-hour interval, which means you can go about your day doing the things you love.
You may need to empty and reinsert your disc more frequently if your flow is at its heaviest, but if you find yourself a higher capacity disc, you don’t even have to do that. Plus, did you know you can self-empty your disc by tilting your hips forward and gently bearing down to empty the contents into the toilet without having to remove it within the 12 hours?
This all translates into a life you’ve been wanting for yourself. How about sneaking out for a swim after work? Practising worry-free yoga, or mess-free sex? How about hustling all day without having your eye on the nearest loo 24-7? If this is you, then a menstrual disc will be life-changing.
It Gives You the Option of Mess-Free Period Sex
If period sex is your thing and you'd like the option of it being mess-free, discs are a great option for you. Discs take the mess out of period sex as your cervix stays covered while your canal remains clear.
You can relax, knowing your menstrual disc won’t leak during intercourse. But you may think to yourself how penetrative period sex is possible with a menstrual disc in?
Thanks to its flat fit and its position higher in the vaginal canal, there’s plenty of real estate for penetration to be possible, solo or partnered! Fun fact: your vaginal canal elongates when aroused!
It Holds 4x the Amount of a Super Tampon
Menstrual discs can hold PLENTY of menstrual fluid—and this is why many people switch to them in the first place.
Are you leaking every 2 to 4 hours even with a super tampon? Are light days as far-fetched for you as living on a remote island with 5 million bucks in your bank account? If yes, menstrual discs can be an answer to your problems.
Discs can hold up to 70 ml of menstrual fluid, beating most menstrual cups in capacity, since they plateau at around 10–38 ml. But we’ll break this down for you so you can get more clarity.
What about menstrual cups? To make this super-simple, imagine the amount of 2 teaspoons to 2 tablespoons of fluid. That’s how much they can hold. It’s double the capacity of a super tampon.
Conversely, menstrual discs can hold about 5 to 6 teaspoons of fluid. In other words, they hold four times the capacity of a super tampon. What a game-changer that is, right?
Featured Resource: How to Find a Good Menstrual Cup for Heavy Flow?
It’s Sustainable
Did you know single-use menstrual products create 200,000 tonnes of waste per year? Worse still, they’re typically not even biodegradable, meaning they take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills.
Reusable menstrual discs can help you break this vicious circle. But aren’t most menstrual discs disposable? Not exactly.
Although there are many disposable discs on the market (typically made from medical-grade polymer), brands like nixit are introducing reusable, eco-friendly options.
Since our launch in 2019, nixit has diverted over 3.5 million pounds of period product waste from going to landfill. And if you make nixit a disc of your choice, you’ll be able to cut down your period waste by 99%.
Featured Resource: 8 Reasons to Switch to a Reusable Menstrual Disc
Troubleshooting Your Menstrual Disc Problems
Why Is My Period Disc Leaking?
Menstrual discs shouldn’t leak if you do the insertion thingy right. And this is exactly why they’re a slightly better option than cups. Namely, most cups come in a set of different sizes, which can be a downside. If a menstrual cup isn’t fitted correctly to you, it will leak.
Menstrual discs, on the flip side, are more flexible and they all come with more or less of a universal size, which makes the hunt for the perfect fit much easier. Once you have a perfect size and once you’ve positioned the device correctly, you should have a leak-free experience.
If you spot leaking in the toilet on your bathroom visits, this is nothing to be worried about. Like we mentioned before, it’s called a self-emptying feature and it works to your best interest.
What actually happens is that a disc can dislodge temporarily when you push your pelvic muscles on the toilet, resulting in releasing some of the menstrual blood down the drain. And yay, that means less manual work for you!
If you want your nixit cup secure down there, you can use your finger to feel the rim and double-check the disc is in place. Also, try different positions, for example, squatting over the toilet while standing on your tippy toes. Or sit on the toilet and spread your legs while tilting your pelvis up. This should help you place the disc correctly.
If you’re noticing leaking randomly throughout the day, send us a message and we’ll help troubleshoot with you to get your disc as secure as possible!
“This product is incredible! It worked from the first time I inserted it when other traditional cups still hadn’t worked leak free after 6+ months of use. Literally no leaks at all and so comfortable. Highly recommend!!”
Grace B., Verified buyer
Featured Resource: 4 Leak-Free Menstrual Cups For Your Long-Term Peace of Mind
Are Menstrual Discs Messy?
So, are discs messy upon removal? We did mention they’re messier than cups.
Menstrual blood can end up on your fingers. This is because a shallow bowl-shaped disc will disfigure slightly while you’re pulling it out through the narrow vaginal canal. But this doesn’t have to be bad.
Once you get the hang of the disc removal technique, things will get less and less messy. But then again, menstrual cups can be messy to remove too and just like with cups, it takes some getting used to.
To minimize the risk of blood spilling over your fingers, keep the disc level as you remove it. Some users prefer removing in the shower too!
The self-emptying feature also comes at your rescue. If you self-empty your disc periodically, it won't be as full when it’s time to remove it. Consequently, you’ll have less blood on your fingers. But remember, menstrual blood isn’t dirty or anything to be ashamed of. Some toilet paper or a rinse in the sink will get it right off.
Can You Use a Menstrual Disc With Low Cervix?
The answer is yes. The way a disc sits in your body (higher up in the vaginal canal) allows you to use a menstrual disc even if you have a low cervix.
Moreover, a menstrual disc can be a good alternative for cup users who have had problems with cups being too long for them. Even cups with the shortest stems on the market might not be a good fit for those having a low or an average low cervix.
With a diameter of 70 mm, nixit can work for menstruators with either low or high cervix.
“The nixit shape works for both low and high cervixes, so with my cervix raising and lowering during my period, I can wear nixit throughout the entire cycle without issue.
Successfully wore it through a week of hiking and active adventures in Costa Rica last month—no leaks! It's on the pricier end for cups, but it's the cup that's been most effective and comfortable for me. If I ever hear this company is closing up shop, I'm stocking up.”
Reddit review
Featured Resource: How to Insert a Menstrual Disc in Under 3 Minutes?
What Makes nixit Stand Out From the Crowd?
nixit is the synonym for quality, sustainability, and comfort in the menstrual product niche. If you’re looking for a device that solves most of your menstrual problems, then nixit is an option worth considering.
It’s a sustainable, mess-free reusable menstrual cup that lasts you up to five years. That’s truly remarkable value for your vag.
The soft, disc-shaped menstrual cup is made of body-safe materials designed to preserve the wellness of your vagina. This high-capacity device is your ticket for a worry-free period. It conforms to your body and leaves no place for leaks. Speak about empowering menstruators!
Want to find out more? Let’s dig deeper into how nixit changes how you do your period.
Period freedom. Act as if not on your period. Always wanted a life free of limitations? nixit will deliver. It offers a 12-hour cycle of period freedom for you, so you can hike, hustle, do yoga and work out on your own terms.
Comfort. Switching to nixit helps you remove the risk of irritation and infection linked to the use of pads and tampons. nixit menstrual disc is made of biologically inert materials that conform to your body– it’s soft, silicone, and suction-free
The disc is super flexible and comfortable to insert and remove, especially for people new to menstrual discs. Many users report they don’t feel nixit when inserted.
Safety. nixit is made from 100% medical-grade BPA-free silicone that’s safe for your body. The soft silicone material resists bacterial growth and safeguards the delicate flora of your vagina.
The money factor. Single-use period products can blow your budget without you even noticing. When you commit to tampons, they can cost you up to hundreds of dollars a year. nixit makes for a reasonable one-time cost and it lasts you up to five years.
Zero leaks. No product has solved your leaking problems so far? nixit can be a game-changer in this department.
With the absorbency equivalent of about four super plus tampons, a larger diameter, and the double rim that secures the disc in place, it’s a leak-proof menstrual product you’ve been looking for.
Mess-free sex is on the table. While cups don’t allow for penetrative sex when inserted, nixit does. The design of the nixit disc features a flatter shape and thus gives you the option for penetrative intercourse on period days if you feel up for it.
FAQs
Can You Use a Menstrual Disc With a Tilted Cervix?
Not every disc is suitable for people with a tilted cervix. If your cervix leans to the back of your vaginal wall this may not leave enough room for the rim, causing issues with the placement.
nixit allows you to become a disc wearer even if you have a tilted cervix . With a soft and supple silicone base, this disc easily conforms to any type of vaginal fornix.
Can You Use nixit With an IUD?
nixit can be worn with an intrauterine device without worrying about it being dislodged. This makes it a great replacement for a reusable menstrual cup, as cups are typically not recommended for IUD users due to suction.
nixit menstrual disc is suction-free and allows for a carefree IUD use. However, always consult a medical professional if you have worries about IUD displacement.
Can You Use a Menstrual Cup or Disc after Pregnancy?
Both discs and cups are an option. However, make sure to consult a gynecologist prior to use. It’s also advisable not to start with internal menstrual products until 6 weeks post-delivery.
Will My Partner Feel a Menstrual Disc?
You can have comfortable sex on your period with a disc in without either of the partners feeling the device. Menstrual discs have a flat circular shape and are positioned at the base of your cervix. Because your vaginal canal elongates when aroused, we recommend waiting a couple hours after sex to remove it.
How to Change a Menstrual Disc in the Public Toilet?
What if it’s time for you to change your disc and you only have access to a public bathroom with shared sinks? That’s where menstrual disc wipes jump in. Introduce them to your disc cleaning routine and feeling awkward about changing your disc will become a thing of the past—pretty much anywhere you find yourself.
Ready to give one of the most popular menstrual discs a try? Head over to our product page to start a new sustainable and mess-free period chapter. No strings attached. Literally.
Making a Case for Menstruation
nixit is dedicated to keeping menstruators in the know and keeping the period conversations open while hoping to send a strong message of sustainability.
For candid conversations about your period, head on over to our Instagram or TikTok to compare notes with other disc users.
And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at hello@nixit.com. Nothing is TMI.
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