Menstrual Disc Myths Debunked

If you’ve ever scrolled through a wellness forum or chatted with friends about sustainable period care, chances are someone’s mentioned the menstrual disc with an intrigued but skeptical tone. They’re often met with a mix of fascination and hesitation—something between “That sounds amazing” and “Wait, how does that even work?” It’s understandable. For decades, pads and tampons were the only widely accepted options, and anything different feels… experimental. But the truth is, menstrual discs have been around longer than most people think, and they’re backed by both science and experience. Let’s untangle the myths that keep many from trying this surprisingly life-changing product.

Menstrual Discs Are Just Another Version of the Cup

At first glance, it’s easy to assume a menstrual disc is just a menstrual cup with a different name. They’re both reusable, eco-conscious, and internal—so what’s the real difference? Quite a bit, actually.

A menstrual cup sits in the vaginal canal, sealed below the cervix. A menstrual disc, on the other hand, tucks neatly into the vaginal fornix (the space just behind the pubic bone). This difference changes everything—how it feels, how it’s inserted, and even how you can move your body. In my practice, I’ve noticed that people who experience discomfort with cups often find discs almost unnoticeable once they’re in place.

A quick comparison helps highlight the distinction:

• Capacity: Discs generally hold more (up to 75 mL for some brands).
• Removal: Discs can self-empty during urination for some users, reducing bathroom hassle.
• Comfort: Because they sit differently, many find discs more flexible and less pressure-inducing.

This subtle shift in placement also means you can have mess-free sex with a menstrual disc in, something cups can’t claim. It’s not just another version—it’s a design rethink.

Menstrual Discs Are Messy or Hard to Clean

The most common hesitation I hear sounds something like, “I’d love to try it, but I’m scared it’ll be a mess.” Totally fair. The first few uses do take a little patience, but messy? Not necessarily.

Menstrual discs are designed for minimal fuss once you learn the technique. The key is understanding why they work. The disc’s flexible rim creates a gentle seal that prevents leaks, and because it rests higher up, it catches flow naturally without suction. For reusable discs, cleaning is simple—rinse with warm water and mild soap. That’s it.

If you’re new to internal period products, here’s a simple three-step approach to build confidence:

• Fold for placement: Pinch the rim into a figure-eight shape for smoother insertion.
• Remove in the shower: The first few times, do it there—it eases the pressure of “what if I spill?”

Most people notice that by the third cycle, the process becomes as automatic as changing a pad. The learning curve is real, but it’s short-lived. And once you get past that, the payoff—comfort, savings, and environmental peace of mind—is enormous.

You Can Feel It All Day

One of the strangest myths is that a menstrual disc feels bulky or constantly “there.” In reality, most users forget it’s even in. Because it sits in a different part of the body, you don’t get that same internal pressure that cups sometimes cause. The sensation—if any—is more like wearing nothing at all.

A study published in the Journal of Women’s Health found that many participants reported significantly higher comfort scores when using discs compared to traditional tampons. And comfort is the point. Whether you’re working out, sleeping, or traveling, a properly placed menstrual disc shouldn’t cause discomfort or awareness.

I often tell my clients: trust your body to adapt. The first few hours might feel new, but after that, it’s almost eerie how forgettable it becomes. You can go up to twelve hours without changing it—through long flights, long meetings, even long naps. And that’s something busy lives appreciate.

Menstrual Discs Aren’t as Eco-Friendly as They Claim

Let’s talk sustainability. One of the biggest draws to reusable menstrual products is cutting down on waste. A single person using disposable pads or tampons generates roughly 250 to 300 pounds of period waste in their lifetime, according to environmental data shared by the Women’s Environmental Network. That’s a staggering figure when you think of the billions of menstruators worldwide.

Reusable menstrual discs can last several years with proper care. Even disposable discs, while not zero-waste, still produce less packaging and landfill mass than traditional products because of their higher capacity and longer wear time. When you zoom out, the environmental case is clear: fewer disposables mean fewer resources used, less plastic, and smaller carbon footprints.

Plus, when you factor in cost savings over time—no more emergency tampon runs or endless pad purchases—the eco-benefit becomes personal. You’re saving money and reducing waste without sacrificing comfort.

They’re Difficult to Insert or Only for Experts

This myth lingers mostly because people assume something that sits “higher up” must be tricky. But anatomy is forgiving, and the body naturally guides the disc into place. It’s more about learning a rhythm than mastering a technique.

Imagine it like learning to trust a new routine you start slow, find what works, and before long, it’s second nature. Here’s what helps most beginners:

• Relaxation matters: Pelvic muscles tighten with stress. A deep breath makes insertion easier.
• Angle toward your tailbone: Not up back. That’s the key.
• Use a bit of water-based lubricant: If dryness is an issue.

Many newcomers benefit from gentle tools that make insertion smoother. The NEYA menstrual disc applicator, for example, helps guide placement effortlessly. It’s particularly handy if you’re trying a disc for the first time and want that extra sense of control. Think of it as training wheels for period comfort—once you get the feel, you won’t need it, but it can make those first tries much easier.

And just to clear the air: menstrual discs are safe. Gynecologists often suggest them as a healthy alternative to tampons, especially for those sensitive to synthetic fibers or concerned about dryness.

They’re Only for Certain Body Types or Flow Levels

This one’s a subtle myth, but it stops a lot of people from trying. The idea that menstrual discs only work for people with “light” flows or certain anatomies is false. Most discs hold significantly more than tampons or cups some up to five times as much. That means fewer bathroom trips and less worry about leaks.

What’s more, menstrual discs flex and mold to the body’s natural shape. Whether you’ve given birth, have a tilted uterus, or simply prefer freedom of movement, the disc adapts. It’s a design built for inclusivity, not limitation.

I’ve had clients who thought they’d never find a product that fit comfortably, only to realize a disc solved years of frustration. The adaptability of this small, flexible product often surprises people most.

The Bigger Picture: Empowerment Through Choice

When we talk about menstrual products, we’re not just talking about hygiene—we’re talking about autonomy. The ability to choose what feels right for your body is deeply empowering. And when misinformation clouds that choice, it limits access to comfort and confidence.

Menstrual discs aren’t a perfect solution for everyone, but they’re a powerful option. For many, they mean uninterrupted workdays, less anxiety about leaks, and a smaller environmental impact. For others, they’re simply a chance to reconnect with their body’s natural rhythm in a way that feels liberating instead of inconvenient.

Conclusion

Switching to a menstrual disc can feel intimidating at first, but so does any new experience that promises freedom. Once you understand how it works—and unlearn the myths it’s a shift that feels almost too good to keep quiet about. The comfort, sustainability, and practicality speak for themselves.

If you’re curious but unsure, start small. A reusable disc paired with a NEYA menstrual disc applicator can make those first attempts smoother and more confident. Before long, you’ll likely find yourself among the many who forget they’re even wearing one. And that’s the beauty of it peace of mind during your period, not a list of worries to manage.

Menstrual health deserves curiosity, not fear. The more we talk openly, the more empowered every person becomes to find what truly works for them and to feel good doing it.