The Low-Cervix Struggle: Finding a Menstrual Disc That Actually Fits Your Anatomy

You’ve researched, compared brands, maybe even watched a dozen “how to insert” videos, and yet—something still feels off. Your menstrual disc just doesn’t seem to sit right. It leaks. It presses. Or you can feel it no matter how carefully you position it. If this sounds familiar, there’s a good chance you have a low cervix. And while that’s perfectly normal, it can make finding a menstrual disc that truly fits a bit of a quest. The good news? Once you understand your anatomy and how discs work with it, comfort becomes entirely achievable.

Understanding the Low Cervix: Why Position Matters

A low cervix simply means your cervix sits closer to the vaginal opening, especially during your period when it naturally lowers. For some people, it’s only a little lower—others can feel it just an inch or two in. Gynecologists often note that this variation is completely normal and doesn’t affect reproductive health in any way. But it does change how certain period products fit.

Here’s the catch: most menstrual discs are designed for average or high cervixes. Their wider diameter and firmer rims are made to sit high in the vaginal fornix, just beneath the cervix. When your cervix is lower, that space can feel crowded. The disc ends up pressing against tissue or dislodging because there’s simply not enough vertical room.

In my experience as a menstrual health educator, I’ve seen that low-cervix users often blame themselves for “doing it wrong.” But it’s not a user error—it’s a design mismatch. Once you learn what your body needs, everything about the experience shifts.

How to Tell if You Have a Low Cervix

The easiest way to find out is to check your cervix height during your period, when it’s at its lowest. Wash your hands and gently insert a finger into your vaginal canal until you feel a soft, round surface with a slight dimple—that’s your cervix.

• If you feel it just past your first knuckle, you likely have a low cervix.
• If you reach your second knuckle, it’s medium height.
• If you can barely touch it, you probably have a high cervix.

For those with a low cervix, the vaginal canal is shorter, meaning a standard-sized disc can press uncomfortably against the vaginal wall or even peek out slightly. It’s a bit like trying to fit a tall tumbler under a short shelf—it’ll only go so far before hitting resistance.

Knowing your cervix height is the first step toward choosing a disc that fits comfortably and securely.

Why Standard Discs Don’t Always Work for Low Cervix Users

Most menstrual discs have a diameter between 65 and 70 millimeters. They’re designed to rest high under the cervix, creating a wide, shallow bowl for blood to collect. But if your cervix sits lower, the rim may not have room to fully tuck behind the pubic bone without pressing uncomfortably against tissue.

A few telltale signs your disc is too large for your anatomy:

• You can feel the rim or edge when sitting or walking.
• It pops out of place or slides down during the day.
• It feels “crowded” or puts pressure on the vaginal wall.
• Insertion feels difficult, even after multiple tries.

Smaller or more flexible discs tend to solve these issues. A low-profile design with a softer rim allows the disc to mold to your anatomy rather than fight against it. Some brands now offer “mini” or “low cervix” versions—these often have shallower basins and slightly smaller diameters (around 55–60 mm). That small difference in size can completely change how comfortable and stable a disc feels.

Menstrual Cups vs. Discs: Which Works Better for Low Cervix Users?

If you’ve tried a menstrual cup before and struggled with discomfort or constant awareness, you’re not alone. Cups rely on suction and sit lower in the vaginal canal, which can make them feel more intrusive for those with a low cervix. Menstrual discs, by contrast, don’t create suction—they simply rest behind the pubic bone. That means less pressure and more flexibility in fit.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Menstrual Cups:

• Create a gentle suction seal for leak protection.
• Sit lower in the vaginal canal.
• Can feel cramped with a low cervix.

Menstrual Discs:

• Rely on placement, not suction.
• Sit higher and adapt to anatomy.
• Offer more comfort and flexibility for many low-cervix users.

That said, not every disc works for everyone. Some people with extremely low cervixes find that soft, compact cups (or even reusable pads) still feel better. It’s less about product type and more about alignment with your anatomy. The right fit feels like nothing at all.

The Comfort Factor: How the Right Disc Changes Everything

When a menstrual disc fits your body correctly, you shouldn’t feel it—at all. The rim tucks neatly behind your pubic bone, the basin collects flow efficiently, and everything stays put whether you’re sitting, sleeping, or running errands. But when the fit is wrong, your body lets you know fast.

The sensation can range from mild pressure to a poking feeling, sometimes even cramping. This happens because the rim is pressing against sensitive vaginal tissue or resting too close to the cervix. Choosing a smaller, softer disc often eliminates that awareness entirely.

If you’re new to discs, it helps to insert while relaxed—try in the shower or bath. Fold the disc into a narrow “figure-eight” shape, slide it in at a backward angle (toward your tailbone), and make sure the rim tucks securely behind your pubic bone. You can gently press the front of the rim upward to check that it’s anchored. Once in place, you should be able to move freely without feeling a thing.

A softer disc can also make a huge difference. Firmer silicone rims pop open easily but can feel more rigid in smaller vaginal canals. Softer silicone molds to your body with less pressure, making it ideal for lower cervix positions.

The Environmental Advantage: Less Waste, More Ease

Beyond comfort, low-cervix-friendly menstrual discs bring another major win—they’re reusable. The average person goes through thousands of disposable pads and tampons in their lifetime, most of which end up in landfills or waterways. Data from recent environmental studies confirms that switching to reusable menstrual products can reduce waste by over 90%.

Because discs are designed to last for years, they offer both environmental and economic relief. You’ll save money, reduce waste, and simplify your monthly routine. And unlike tampons, discs don’t cause dryness or irritation since they don’t absorb fluid—they simply collect it.

That kind of sustainable comfort feels good in more ways than one.

The Learning Curve: It’s Easier Than You Think

For many low-cervix users, the hardest part of switching to a menstrual disc isn’t the fit—it’s the learning curve. Getting the angle and placement right takes a few tries. But once you understand your body’s layout, it becomes second nature.

Some quick tips to shorten that adjustment period:

• Practice insertion before your period when you’re more relaxed.
• Squat or lift one leg on the toilet—it shortens the vaginal canal.
• Use a bit of water-based lubricant to make insertion smoother.
• If you feel pressure, try a shallower tuck or a smaller disc.
• Remove in the shower at first—it makes cleanup and confidence easier.

You might be surprised how quickly your body adapts. By the second or third cycle, most people describe using a disc as “effortless.”

The Myth of the “Perfect Product”

It’s easy to get caught up in reviews and recommendations, but there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to menstrual care. A disc that works beautifully for one person may not suit another. Your anatomy, flow, and cervix height all shape what comfort looks like for you.

The key is curiosity, not perfection. Experiment with materials, sizes, and firmness levels. Notice how your body feels. Comfort isn’t a luxury—it’s a sign that your product fits your anatomy the way it should.

For those who feel overwhelmed by insertion, the NEYA menstrual disc applicator can help ease the process. It guides placement more intuitively, especially for beginners who are still learning the right angle or depth. Think of it as training wheels for your menstrual disc journey—once you’ve got the rhythm, you may not even need it anymore.

Why Body Awareness Is the Real Game-Changer

Learning about your cervix height, pelvic floor tone, and flow patterns can change how you experience every period. Once you understand the nuances of your body, choosing a product stops feeling like guesswork. You begin to trust the process, and that trust builds confidence.

It’s a bit like finding the perfect pair of jeans—you stop thinking about them once they fit just right. The same goes for menstrual discs. When your disc matches your anatomy, your period becomes one less thing to think about.

Final Thoughts

The low-cervix struggle is real, but it doesn’t have to mean discomfort or endless trial and error. With the right menstrual disc—one that’s smaller, softer, and designed to sit comfortably in your anatomy—you can experience the freedom everyone talks about.

If you’re new to reusable products, start slow, stay patient, and remember that your body knows what feels right. Tools like the NEYA menstrual disc applicator can make those first few tries smoother, helping you master the technique with less stress.