Inserting a menstrual disc can be simple, but these relatively new period products look pretty intimidating. Their deceptively large size makes it easy to understand why you may be searching for a “how to insert a menstrual disc” tutorial.
In this guide, you’ll find out how easy it can be to fold and insert menstrual discs. I’ll even give you tips for every scenario you might face as a new user!
How to Fold a Menstrual Disc to Insert
Every menstrual disc folds the same basic way. Squeeze the disc in half lengthwise to create a “figure 8” shape.
But, depending on the brand you use, you may need to think about where the removal tab or notch is when you fold and insert your menstrual disc. Consult your brand’s instruction manual for guidance.
Any menstrual disc with a removal tab, notch, string, or loop should fold with the removal aid side at the bottom. Insert these discs with the removal aid entering your body last. This way, you can easily reach it when it’s time to remove the disc.
Menstrual discs with a removal notch like Cora Disc and Saalt Disc can sometimes rotate in your body while you’re wearing them, which makes removal a bit more challenging. Even if you perfectly center the notch when inserting, rotation can still occur.
Inserting a Menstrual Disc With One Hand vs. Two Hands
Your menstrual disc may unfold as you try to insert it, depending on the product’s firmness, size, and rim shape, as well as your own hand strength/dexterity.
Related Resource: Menstrual Disc Firmness
You can try these two methods to see which works best to help keep the menstrual disc folded during insertion:
To insert with one hand, fold the disc at the front rim, then use your fingers to walk the disc into your body while keeping it folded.
To insert with two hands, fold the disc at the front rim, and use your other hand to squeeze the rest of the disc’s rim together (making it long and thin.) Your first hand will continue to pinch the disc together, while your second hand holds and pushes the disc into your body.
There are no applicators to help insert a menstrual disc, but I do have a theory that the menstrual cup applicator from Sunny Cup (not yet commercially available) might work with menstrual discs to help keep it folded during insertion. I will update this post if it does work once I have a product to test.
If Inserting Your Menstrual Disc is Difficult, Try Lubricant
Try using a cup-safe lubricant (water-based) if inserting your menstrual disc is difficult or painful. Add a drop to the front rim that will be inserted first into the vagina. Lubricant can make the insertion process easier and more comfortable.
If you’re trying your new menstrual disc before your period and embarking on a “dry run,” using lubricant is also a good idea. Many users report that lubricant also helps their disc easily slide into place.
Positions and Angle for Menstrual Disc Insertion
Your vaginal canal is not a 90-degree angle. When inserting your menstrual disc, angle the front rim toward your tailbone instead of directly up. The disc will naturally want to insert at the correct angle, but if you force it straight in, it may cause the disc to sit in front of your cervix instead of going below in the proper place.
If reach and access are an issue when inserting your menstrual disc (due to your body size or arm length, or both) try different positions, like squatting, sitting, or putting one leg up on the tub or toilet.
In cases where the cervix is angled toward the back vaginal wall, using a menstrual disc might be difficult or even anatomically impossible. The disc must be able to get below the cervix and tuck behind it. Try “scooping” your disc by angling it more downward while inserting as a way to overcome this issue. It won’t be possible in all cases.
Tucking Your Menstrual Disc Rim
The number one mistake I see new disc users make is failing to tuck the front rim high enough after insertion. Be sure to tuck the rim as high as you can for the most secure fit.
Some disc users like “the thumb trick,” using their thumb to tuck their disc into place.
Find the Right Menstrual Disc
Finding the right menstrual disc for you can be pretty easy. The more you know about your body, the better your odds of finding immediate period nirvana.
Discs are “one size fits most,” but having a low cervix could mean a smaller diameter disc fits best. If your cervix is super high, you’ll want a disc that is easy to reach, like Hello Disc. Take our menstrual disc quiz (you can find a cup with this quiz as well) or visit Period.Shop to browse the best menstrual disc brands.
Hi Kim, in the same vein as the possibility of the sunny cup applicator working for disc insertion, do you think the dame reusable applicator would work for cup insertion?
I tried it with a disc, not sure a cup can squeeze into the dame. See my YT short HERE.