Do Period Discs Hurt?

If you are curious about period discs, you might be asking the number one question most people have before trying them: Do period discs hurt? The short answer is no, they should not hurt when used correctly. But like any new period product, there can be a learning curve. Let’s break down what to expect, why some people feel discomfort at first, and how to make your experience as comfortable as possible.

What Is a Period Disc?

A period disc is a reusable or disposable device made of soft, flexible medical grade materials. It sits at the base of your cervix and collects menstrual blood rather than absorbing it. Unlike tampons, discs do not cause dryness. Unlike cups, they are designed to sit higher up in the vaginal fornix rather than in the vaginal canal. This placement makes them a unique option that many find liberating once they get the hang of it.

Popular brands like Saalt, Cora, Flex, Diva, AllMatters, and June have helped make discs more mainstream. Many people choose them because they offer up to twelve hours of wear, can hold more fluid than tampons or pads, and can even be worn during sex.

Should Period Discs Hurt?

The simple answer is no. A period disc should feel comfortable and you should not notice it when it is placed correctly. If you feel pain or ongoing discomfort, something is likely off in terms of fit, size, or placement.

It helps to think of a disc the way you might think of a contact lens. Just as you are not supposed to feel your lens on your eye, you are not supposed to feel a disc in your body.

Why Some People Experience Discomfort Using Menstrual Discs

Discomfort does not mean discs are not for you. More often than not, it means there is an adjustment period. Here are the most common reasons people might feel pain or pressure when trying a disc:

1. Incorrect placement: A disc needs to sit high under the cervix with the front rim tucked behind the pubic bone. If it is sitting lower in the vaginal canal, you might feel pressure or rubbing.
2. Size mismatch: Some discs come in different sizes. A disc that is too large can feel uncomfortable, while one that is too small may not stay in place and can cause leaks.
3. Learning curve with insertion: Folding or guiding a disc can feel awkward at first. For people with shorter fingers or long nails, reaching high enough can be tricky.
4. Pelvic floor tension: If your pelvic muscles are tight, insertion can feel more difficult and less comfortable. Relaxing the muscles is key.
5. Existing conditions: If you have conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, or pelvic organ prolapse, you may notice more sensitivity when using internal products.

How to Make Period Discs More Comfortable

The good news is that with a few adjustments most people find discs not only painless but easier than other period products. Here are tips that can make all the difference.

1. Use an Applicator if Needed

One of the most common barriers to comfort is simply getting the disc into place. If you have shorter fingers or long nails, or if you just do not enjoy reaching high into the vaginal canal, an applicator can help. The NEYA period disc applicator, for example, was designed to make insertion simple. It works with most popular discs, has a soft silicone tip, and allows you to position the disc directly under your cervix without the struggle. This can take away the trial and error that sometimes leads to discomfort.

2. Find Your Best Position

You do not need to insert a disc only while sitting on the toilet. Some find it easier to squat, stand with one leg raised, or even insert while lying back. Experiment until you find the angle that makes insertion smooth and pressure free.

3. Relax Your Muscles

Tensing your pelvic floor can make insertion uncomfortable. Take a breath and let your body relax. Many people find insertion much easier when they bear down slightly as if they are having a bowel movement, which also helps with proper placement.

4. Try Lubrication

A water based lubricant can reduce friction during insertion. This can be especially helpful if you are new to discs or if you experience vaginal dryness.

5. Give Yourself Time

The first or second attempt may not feel perfect. That does not mean discs are not right for you. Most users report that by their third cycle they have mastered the technique and barely notice the disc is there.

Real Experiences from Menstrual Disc Users

One of the most reassuring things about trying a new period product is hearing from others. Many people who switched to discs admit they were nervous at first but quickly learned how comfortable and liberating they can be.

Some common feedback includes:

• “I forgot I even had it in and went about my day with zero leaks.”
• “Insertion was weird at first but once I figured out the angle it became second nature.”
• “I love that I can wear it during intimacy without feeling anything.”

These experiences highlight the fact that initial discomfort often disappears once placement becomes familiar.

Comparing Period Discs to Other Products

If you are used to pads or tampons, it is natural to worry that something internal might hurt. But compared to tampons, discs are often more comfortable because they do not absorb natural moisture. Compared to cups, many people find discs easier to use since they do not rely on suction.

Here is a quick comparison:

• Pads: No internal use, but can feel bulky and may cause chafing.
• Tampons: Familiar to many, but may cause dryness or discomfort.
• Cups: Reusable and eco friendly, but some people struggle with suction release.
• Discs: High capacity, discreet, comfortable when placed correctly, and can be worn during intimacy.

This does not mean discs are the only option, but they offer unique advantages once you learn how to use them comfortably.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If you experience sharp pain, ongoing cramping, or unusual discomfort every time you use a disc, it is a good idea to talk with a healthcare provider. While mild pressure from incorrect placement is common, actual pain should not be ignored. Sometimes underlying conditions like fibroids or a tilted uterus can change how internal products fit.

A provider can check to see if there is a medical reason for your discomfort and help you decide if discs are right for you.

Why Period Discs Are Worth Trying

Once you get over the learning curve, period discs can change the way you feel about your period. Many users love the longer wear time, the leak protection, and the fact that they can go about their day without worrying about frequent changes.

For those concerned about comfort, using an applicator like NEYA, experimenting with positions, and allowing yourself time to adjust can make all the difference.

Final Thoughts

So, do period discs hurt? They should not. Like any period product, there can be a short adjustment phase, but once you learn proper placement, a disc should feel completely natural. If you are looking for an option that gives you freedom, high capacity, and the ability to even forget you are on your period, a disc is worth considering.

Your comfort matters. Listen to your body, make use of available resources like applicators, and give yourself permission to practice. With the right approach, a period disc can feel like the easiest and most comfortable option you have ever tried.