How to Insert a Menstrual Disc Applicator [A Step-by-Step Guide]
If you've ever tried using a menstrual disc and found yourself wondering, “How does this even go in?”, you're not alone. While menstrual discs offer leak protection, freedom of movement, and even mess-free period sex, their biggest hurdle is often the insertion process. That’s exactly why we created NEYA, a reusable menstrual disc applicator designed to make insertion easier, smoother, and more consistent for every cycle.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to use a menstrual disc applicator from start to finish, whether you’re brand new to discs or have tried them before and struggled with the fit.
📊 In fact, a 2020 survey published in the Journal of Women’s Health found that over 60% of first-time disc users had trouble getting the insertion angle right, with many abandoning the method before even completing a cycle.
Let’s break it down—simply, safely, and with expert-backed support.
What is a menstrual disc applicator?
Unlike menstrual cups, which sit lower in the vaginal canal and use suction, menstrual discs rest in the vaginal fornix and rely on proper positioning behind the pubic bone. The challenge is getting it there with the right angle and comfort level. That’s where applicators come in.
A menstrual disc applicator helps guide the disc into place by providing better control over the angle and insertion depth. It can be especially helpful for people with a tilted uterus, those who have limited flexibility or dexterity, or anyone who has found disc insertion frustrating or uncomfortable in the past.
NEYA was created for all of the above. It is made from medical-grade, body-safe silicone, is fully reusable, and doesn’t require lubricant. It is also compatible with most flexible reusable discs on the market.
Preparing for insertion
Proper prep can make a big difference in how smoothly insertion goes. Follow these simple steps before you even touch your applicator:
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water
Rinse the NEYA applicator with warm water (optional: a mild, fragrance-free cleanser)
Select your disc, ideally a soft, flexible one that works well with your anatomy
Find your position:
Sitting on the toilet
Standing with one leg up on the bathtub
Squatting (many users find this gives the best angle)
Step 1: Load the disc into the NEYA applicator
Hold the NEYA applicator with the opening facing you. Gently place the rim of your menstrual disc into the front cavity, pushing it in until it is securely nested inside. Check out the visual below:
Tips for an easier period disc insertion experience
Using a menstrual disc applicator is not something you need to master overnight. Like any new period product, it might take a few tries to get it right. Here are some ways to make the learning curve smoother:
Practice outside of your cycle when there’s no time pressure
Use a mirror at first to understand angles and depth
Take deep breaths and relax your pelvic muscles, since tension can make insertion harder
Do not push too far, the fornix is not very deep
Try different body positions until you find what’s comfortable
Cleaning and caring for your NEYA applicator
Reusable products only work when they’re clean and well-maintained. Here’s how to care for your NEYA applicator:
After each use
Rinse thoroughly with warm water
Use mild, unscented soap
Air dry completely before storing in your travel case
Why NEYA works better for most disc users
As a women’s health nurse practitioner, I’ve worked with countless patients who were curious about menstrual discs but ultimately gave up, not because the concept didn’t appeal to them, but because the experience of inserting and positioning the disc felt overwhelming.
Most of the existing applicators on the market felt too bulky, lacked anatomical precision, or were incompatible with the most widely used flexible discs. In some cases, they even introduced more complications, requiring awkward folding techniques or additional accessories like lubricant. After hearing the same concerns from my patients, and experiencing those issues myself ... I designed NEYA with intention.
The NEYA period disc applicator is made from medical-grade, body-safe silicone, and it is completely reusable, supporting a more sustainable period care routine. It is compatible with most soft, flexible reusable discs on the market and was thoughtfully engineered to complement natural anatomy. Unlike one-size-fits-all devices, NEYA supports a variety of pelvic shapes and angles, making it easier for more people to insert a disc without discomfort.
Whether you're exploring period discs for the first time or you’ve tried and struggled with insertion in the past, NEYA is designed to give you more control, more comfort, and more confidence with every cycle.