Tips for Using a Menstrual Disc With Long Nails

If you keep long natural or acrylic nails, this resource for tips on using a menstrual disc is for you. Discs have advantages over cups when it comes to how they’re inserted and removed, which makes them easy to use with long nails.

With practice, using a menstrual disc with long nails is manageable. The extremely long nail gang will likely have to sit this one out, however. This post covers tips for using a menstrual disc with long nails, and our video guide will also walk you through every step of the process.

What Is a Menstrual Disc?

A menstrual disc is a circular or oval-shaped period product that gives you an alternative to tampons. Menstrual discs can be disposable and made of plastic, but you can find many designs and sizes of reusable silicone. Menstrual discs don’t create a suction like menstrual cups, making them easier to remove.

Potential Risks of Using a Menstrual Disc With Long Nails

Scratching, stabbing, or pinching vaginal tissue are all top of mind when considering if you should use a menstrual disc with long nails. Careful technique as well as good hygiene are important. If you scratch the vaginal tissue with your fingernail, it’s a place where bacteria can be introduced and grow, potentially leading to an infection.

When Menstrual Discs + Long Nails Won’t Work

You can insert and remove a menstrual disc with long nails as long as they’re not extremely sharp, extra-long (cervix stabby = ouchy), or covered in intricate embellishments that may scratch or come off.

You can opt for disposable gloves in certain scenarios, however, there are limitations that will make it impossible to insert a disc without potential discomfort or injury.

Freshly filed nails can have a sharper edge, so try to avoid filing right before or during your period. If you do file, be extra careful to avoid scratching your vaginal tissue.

Softer, rounded nail shapes such as almond, oval, or squoval are best for use with menstrual discs. Sharp-edged square nails, coffin nails, or stiletto nails are more likely to scratch. If you love your disc more than your nails, keep these shapes in mind at the nail salon.

Inserting a Menstrual Disc When You Have Long Nails

It’s easy to insert a menstrual disc with long nails. Fold the disc in half lengthwise as usual. Angle your nails toward the disc and keep them that way while you push the disc inside.

Once your disc is fully inside, it’s time to tuck it behind the pubic bone.

Place your finger or thumb behind the rim of the disc to tuck it into place.

By following these steps, your nails will not scratch or poke your sensitive tissue.

Removing a Menstrual Disc When You Have Long Nails

Menstrual discs don’t create a vacuum “suction,” which makes them easier to remove, especially with longer nails.

Using one finger, reach inside and locate the front rim of your disc.

Hook the rim from behind and drag the disc down and out of the body.

You should introduce your thumb into the equation once the disc is near the vaginal opening, and pinch the rim between the first finger and thumb for more control to reduce mess.

Easy-to-Remove Menstrual Discs for Long Nails

There are easy-to-remove reusable menstrual discs with loops, pull tabs, or strings that can make your experience even easier if you have long nails.

String-style discs like Lumma or loop-style brands like Hello Disc, Diva Disc, or Hey Zomi are easy to find and remove when you have long nails.

All of these offer something to grab onto. This helps you avoid pinching the disc’s rim when it’s behind the pubic bone, a move that could scratch or poke the top wall of the vagina.

Emergency Advice for Sudden Long Nail Gang Members

It’s worth noting that people with nail extensions or press-ons who are accustomed to short nails might struggle. I certainly found it harder to use cups or discs with false nails. Only after wearing long nails for a while did I get accustomed to my “new life” where having nails felt natural.

@periodnirvana #onthisday or look up the Hello Disc with the easy removal loops if you love nails – discs are also suction free. #menstrualcup #menstrualdisc #periodtok ♬ original sound – Period Nirvana

If you’re here after a panicked Google search because you went and got long nails when you already had a disc inside, don’t panic. You would be surprised how many times this happens. I have even done this myself! Here’s what to do:

1. Move the disc or cup lower by bearing down (pushing gently like having a bowel movement) on the toilet. The lower you can get it, the easier it is to reach.
2. If needed, throw on a pair of latex gloves. Locate the cup or disc with the pads of your fingers. It’s even better if part of it is now outside the vulva.
3. Pinch to break the seal of the cup if needed, or just grab the disc and remove it.

You Can Have It All (ALMOST)

So there you have it. Long nails are compatible with menstrual discs. As long as you keep them managably long and skip the stiletto mani, you should be fine. Look like a baddie and be a baddie wearing a menstrual disc.