Why Can I Still Feel My Disc? Troubleshooting Size, Firmness, and Improper Tuck

You’ve finally decided to try a menstrual disc. You’ve read the how-tos, folded it just right, and placed it carefully. But something feels off—you can still feel it. Maybe there’s pressure, a poking edge, or just that annoying awareness that something’s inside. You expected “barely noticeable,” not “mildly distracting.” The good news? That sensation is fixable. When a menstrual disc feels uncomfortable, it’s usually your body’s way of saying something about fit, firmness, or position. Once you decode the message, comfort follows naturally.

Getting to Know How a Menstrual Disc Sits

A menstrual disc rests higher than a menstrual cup, tucked into the vaginal fornix just beneath the cervix. The rim sits behind the pubic bone, while the center collects flow in a flexible reservoir. When placed correctly, it should sit flush and adapt to your natural shape—so seamlessly you forget it’s even there.

If you can still feel your disc, something about that gentle balance is off. It might be the size, the firmness of the rim, or how it’s tucked. And because every anatomy is unique, what feels “perfect” for one person can feel awkward for another. Gynecologists often emphasize that comfort depends less on brand and more on fit and placement. A disc that’s too large or too rigid may press against the vaginal wall or pelvic floor, while one that’s too small may shift out of place and cause awareness.

In my work as a menstrual health educator, I’ve seen hundreds of people troubleshoot this exact issue. Once they make a small adjustment—sometimes as simple as changing the angle or folding method—the difference is instant.

When Size Makes All the Difference

Sizing is the most common reason people feel their menstrual disc. Discs generally come in two size categories: standard and small. The right one depends not only on your flow but also on your anatomy—particularly the height of your cervix.

If your cervix sits lower, a larger or wider disc can crowd the space and press against tissue. You might feel a constant fullness or pressure that makes it hard to “forget it’s there.” On the other hand, if your cervix is high, a smaller disc might not stay securely tucked, leading to slippage and discomfort.

Here’s how to narrow it down:

• Low cervix: Try a smaller, softer disc. It’ll seat more comfortably without pressing upward.
• High cervix: A larger disc or firmer rim may help it stay put.
• Average height: You can likely use most standard discs comfortably once you’ve mastered the tuck.

If you’re unsure of your cervix height, checking it during your period (when it’s naturally lower) can help. Gently insert a finger and note how far in you can reach before touching the cervix—it feels like the tip of your nose. The more familiar you are with that measurement, the easier it becomes to choose the right disc size.

Firmness and Flexibility: Why Material Matters

A disc’s firmness affects not just comfort but also ease of insertion and removal. Softer silicone feels gentler against the body but may take a few extra seconds to open or settle into place. Firmer discs pop open easily but can feel noticeable, especially for those with sensitive vaginal walls or tight pelvic muscles.

If your disc feels “sharp” or creates pressure, it may simply be too firm for your anatomy. You’ll likely notice this during movement—like sitting, squatting, or bending forward. A softer disc, by contrast, molds with you. Some users describe it as the difference between wearing stiff denim and soft cotton—it’s still functional, but the texture changes the experience.

Manufacturers use different silicone blends, and even small variations in flexibility can change how a disc feels inside your body. It’s worth experimenting with another brand or firmness level if you consistently feel your current one, even when placement seems right.

The Art of the Tuck: Getting Placement Right

Most comfort issues trace back to one thing—improper tuck. The way a menstrual disc nestles behind your pubic bone determines everything from comfort to leak protection. If the rim isn’t fully anchored, it can slip slightly or press against sensitive tissue.

To check if you’ve tucked it correctly, try this:

1. Angle back, not up. Insert the disc toward your tailbone, not straight up like a tampon.
2. Tuck the front rim. Once it’s fully in, use a finger to push the front edge behind your pubic bone until it clicks or feels secure.
3. Give a gentle bearing-down motion. This helps it settle naturally into place.

You shouldn’t feel the rim at all once it’s properly tucked. If you can still feel an edge or fullness, it’s likely not high enough or slightly folded on one side. A few small adjustments can make all the difference.

Some people find it easier to insert in the shower or with one leg raised. A bit of water-based lubricant can also help the disc glide smoothly into position without friction.

Menstrual Disc vs. Cup: The Comfort Equation

Many users switch to menstrual discs expecting instant comfort because they sit differently from menstrual cups—and for good reason. Cups rely on suction to stay in place, which can sometimes create pressure or a pulling sensation. Discs, by contrast, simply rest in the fornix. No suction, no seal.

That said, discs are less intuitive at first. A cup often “pops open” when placed correctly, while a disc may require subtle adjustments. It’s not unusual to feel your disc during the first cycle or two while your body adjusts to the new shape and placement. Once it becomes familiar, that awareness fades completely.

For those struggling with consistent discomfort, switching between products temporarily can also offer clues. If a cup feels fine but a disc doesn’t, the issue may be fit or flexibility. If both feel off, pelvic floor tightness or sensitivity could be contributing—something a pelvic health therapist can easily assess.

Comfort and Convenience: Why You Shouldn’t Feel Your Disc

The best menstrual discs disappear. You can run, sleep, and even have mess-free period sex without feeling a thing. That’s the promise of this design—freedom from awareness. So if you’re feeling your disc, it’s a sign something’s slightly off.

Comfort depends on three main factors:

• Proper seal and position – fully tucked, no rim poking.
• Right size and firmness – matched to your anatomy.
• Pelvic floor relaxation – tension can make you hyperaware of internal products.

Most people find that once they relax and trust the placement, the sensation fades. It’s a bit like learning to wear contact lenses—you feel them at first, then forget they exist.

The Environmental Bonus: Less Waste, More Awareness

Reusable menstrual discs don’t just enhance comfort—they drastically reduce waste. A single disc can replace hundreds of tampons or pads, lasting up to a decade with proper care. Data from environmental studies shows that reusable menstrual products can cut menstrual waste by up to 90%, making them one of the simplest sustainability swaps you can make.

But there’s another kind of awareness that comes with reusables: body literacy. Getting to know your cervix height, pelvic shape, and cycle patterns deepens your connection to your own anatomy. Once you understand how your disc sits, you begin to move from “Am I doing this right?” to “I know exactly how this works for me.”

That’s not just empowering—it’s a quiet form of self-care.

The Learning Curve: From Frustration to Familiarity

If you’re still troubleshooting after several tries, don’t be discouraged. The learning curve is real but temporary. It’s normal to take two or three cycles to get fully comfortable. During that time, small adjustments make the biggest difference:

• Try inserting while squatting—it naturally shortens the vaginal canal.
• Rotate the disc slightly once it’s in; this helps it settle into place.
• Experiment with timing—some find insertion easier mid-cycle when the cervix sits higher.
• If you feel pressure during removal, bear down gently to release the disc naturally.

The first few attempts can feel awkward, but by the third cycle, most users report full comfort and confidence. It’s a process of trust and practice—your body will guide you.

When to Reassess or Seek Help

Persistent discomfort isn’t something you have to push through. If your disc always feels noticeable despite adjustments, a few factors may need checking:

• Cervix position changes: Your cervix height can shift throughout your cycle.
• Pelvic floor tension: Common after childbirth or stress, it can make any internal product feel “too big.”
• Fit mismatch: You may simply need a softer or smaller disc.

If you’ve tried all the tweaks and still feel pressure or pain, it’s worth chatting with your gynecologist or a pelvic floor specialist. They can identify subtle issues like muscle tension or anatomical variations that influence comfort.

Final Thoughts

If you can still feel your menstrual disc, you’re not alone—and it doesn’t mean discs aren’t for you. It just means the fit, firmness, or tuck needs a little refining. Once those details click, a disc becomes one of the most comfortable, low-maintenance, and sustainable options available.

For beginners, tools like the NEYA menstrual disc applicator can simplify insertion and help you find the right angle without frustration. A few practice sessions and a touch of patience often transform the experience from “I can feel it” to “I forgot it was even there.”

Because when your disc fits right, it shouldn’t remind you of its presence—it should quietly do its job while you go live your life.