Can You Have Sex On Your Period With a Menstrual Disc?
Yes, mess-free period sex is possible with a menstrual disc. Having sex on your period is completely safe and natural and laying a towel down is perfectly fine. If you’d rather explore a way that requires less set up and laundry using a menstrual disc allows for this. A menstrual disc will collect your period blood and because it’s a flat fit and sits higher in the vaginal canal, it can be worn during penetrative intercourse, digital play, or with toys.
Why Use A Menstrual Disc During Sex?
Not everyone is comfortable having sex on their period for a number of reasons.
- Additional laundry (towels or bedding)
- Self-Conscious (being in your head about the mess takes away from the experience)
- Just don’t want to see or deal with blood (either partner or both)
Is it Comfortable?
I can say from personal experience trying every available reusable disc on the market that intercourse is comfortable while wearing them; my husband says the same. This makes sense, because the menstrual disc is modeled after a birth control method – the diaphragm – that’s worn as a barrier with spermicide. The catch portion of most menstrual discs will be deeper than the diaphram but because it’s made from soft and malleable silicone it will be comfortable for the partner. One possible exception to this is the Lumma Disc with the removal string attached. Because the removal stem hangs in the vagina it may get in the way – try tucking it inside the disc when inserting if you know you’ll be using during intercourse.
Menstrual discs are comfortable during sex because they sit higher in the vaginal canal than a menstrual cup. Discs settle into a larger space below the cervix called the “vaginal fornix.” That is why they look larger than menstrual cups, which seal inside of the vaginal canal.
Related Resource: Inside Your Body | How Menstrual Cups Work
You may find certain positions work better for you or your partner. Always express that openly if there is any discomfort and try another position, depth, or speed. Try the OhNut for depth control if you find intercourse uncomfortable with or without a disc inside.
Does it work “mess-free?”
Yes, your disc should hold back your period blood during intercourse. There is always a small risk it will become dislodged and leak so if you want to be extra safe you can remove and dump the disc, then replace it, beforehand. You can always lay a dark towel down as an added layer of security. After you feel comfortable using the disc on your period a few times without incident skip the towel and go straight to it.
Can I Wear a Menstrual Cup During Sex?
No. Menstrual cups are worn lower in the vaginal canal and will take up most, or all, of the vagina. Their long tapered shape, often with a stem at the base, is not going to be compatible for intercourse. There has been an attempt to design a cup that works during sex, the Beppy Cup, but it has restrictions on use and can’t be worn during heavy flow days or it will spill over.
A few people with the right combination of cervix height and partner have done so but it’s not recommended. If anything, you may be able to “just the tip” with a cup in but if you’re interested in sex on your period with a product that still catches your period blood a menstrual disc is a better option.
Many sex workers use a product called a “soft tampon” however these are hard to find in the US. DO NOT use substitute items such as beauty blenders or sponges since these aren’t designed for periods and are also going to be hard to reach and remove.
Best Practices for Sex With A Menstrual Disc
The vaginal canal lengthens during arousal. It’s best to wait 2 hours or longer until after intercouse to remove your menstrual disc. If you attempt to remove it earlier it may be higher than normal and harder to reach. This fact is helpful because it can be quite terrifying to reach for an item than you know is in your body but seems to be missing! If it’s been over 2 hours and you’re still unable to retrieve your disc try squatting low to reach.
Please note that even though menstrual discs are modeled after diaphragms they’re not substitutes for barrier method birth control. If you are using condoms are your only method of birth control you may want to skip using the disc during intercourse. As of now there is no data on if the use of a menstrual disc during sex with a condom contributes to possible tearing due to friction.
Have fun. Stay Sexy. Be Safe.
Hey how are you? I just wanted to ask you how to sterilize the menstrual disc for the first time. I’m about to buy one and I tried a menstrual cup before and was hell but I don’t remember how to sterilize the thing, can you explain me how to safety do it? I don’t want to burn the disc or put a thing in me that it’s not correctly sterilized.
Thanks in advance! And thank you for all your menstrual education. This is heaven. If I only could talk openly about this when I was 14 and having my menarchy. Damn society (and I’m not from US where sex ed is even worse, I’m from Uruguay, Southamerica). Hopefully this generations will change the world for the best and they will be horrified about wars and people dying, not people talking about blood and their menstrual periods!
Sorry the rambling but talking about menstruation, pregnancy, sex ed, every obgyn and midwife things related it was always my passion and I never got embarassed when talking with other people. It was like “hey, do you have a pad” and the mortified faces as if I asked for a GUN! damn! I was able to talk freely with my male best friend more than with female friends! Incredible. But advances were made and we’re heading destigmatization of all kinds of topics. Yey!
Take care and sorry my long long message lol
My preference is to put the product inside a whisk, and then insert it into boiling water. You can check out my article on that topic for a visual, HERE. Loved to hear your story of de-stigmatizing period talk and education — exactly why I do this education! Thanks.
Hey just wanted to give you a quick heads up and let you know a few
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Thanks for letting me know. It seems OK now!
Thanks for a great article! I’m curious about something though. I currently use a menstrual cup for my period, and a diaphragm (with spermicide) for birth control – not at the same time! I see in this article, as well as other sources I’ve looked at, that a menstrual disc should not be used for birth control in place of a diaphragm. Could you explain why? The only explanation I’ve seen so far is that diaphragms are used with spermicide, which is what makes them effective. But if a menstrual disc was used with spermicide and operated in exactly the same was as a diaphragm…wouldn’t they work the same? Very interested because diaphragms are expensive and hard to get a hold of in the US, whereas menstrual discs are much easier. Thanks!!
I’m curious about this too!
I just started my disc journey. I have continuous abnormal bleeding. I’m seeking a disc for “period” sex that won’t hurt my partner. I’ve tried Ziggy small and I swear I can’t push it past my muscles. It won’t push back or unfold. I have a high cervix, no kids and barely any use in that area for a long time . I’ve tried salt small and while that’s sort of fine (still won’t fully unfold) the notch is a problem for my partner. Any advice?