Hey Zomi Co-Founder Mika Koelma shares what you need to know about menstrual discs.
You’ve probably heard a bit of buzz about menstrual discs, but if you’re not quite sure how they measure up to period cups (or what a menstrual disc even is), you’re not alone. It can be a little confusing, but I’m here to break it down for you. So, let’s dive in and talk about five key things you should know about menstrual discs - and how they’re different from other period products.
So, here’s the first thing: Menstrual discs sit a little differently to period cups. While a cup sits in your vaginal canal, a disc sits a little higher up in the vaginal fornix - the widest part of your vagina, underneath your cervix. This means that when it’s in correctly, you won’t feel it at all. Yep, not a thing! It’s like it’s totally disappeared.
Period cups rely on suction to stay in place, which can sometimes feel... intense, or even uncomfortable when inserting or removing. A menstrual disc, on the other hand, doesn’t use suction to stay in place, tucking up behind the pubic bone. This is great if you have an IUD, as a menstrual disc won’t dislodge it from your cervix. The disc stays in place thanks to your pelvic floor and internal anatomy. No, this does not mean it will fall out of you - you can run, lift weights, go surfing, scuba diving, even ride a horse if you want to and it stays there doing its thing, leak free! I love how Hey Zomi uses an anatomical model to show you how a period cup and menstrual disc sit differently internally.
See it here
Menstrual discs currently hold the most fluid of any reusable period product out there. This means a disc can cover you all day and support you for longer if you have a heavy flow. So, if you’re someone who tends to worry about leaks or having to run to the bathroom every few hours, the higher capacity might make a big difference.
Did you know, you can empty a menstrual disc without fully removing it!
You can’t do that with a period cup. The amount of times I hear people say they got stuck in a public bathroom because they removed the cup and couldn’t get to the sink, well not anymore. With a menstrual disc, you can sit on the toilet, untuck the disc slightly without fully removing it and it semi empties. You just tuck it back up into place, wipe well and you’re all good to go! Find out more here
Menstrual discs can be worn during penetrative sex, making the entire experience mess free! This is because of their ‘up and out of the way’ position in the vagina (imagine it’s hanging out on the roof of your vag), leaving plenty of space for action to happen beneath it. Did you know, your vagina doubles in size and elongates when you are aroused? This is one reason why getting aroused when using a menstrual disc is a key part of the game. Neither you or your partner can feel the disc during sex, which is pretty mind blowing! I also recommend using a water based lube to help everything glide and be comfortable for all involved. And yes, using a disc for mess free masturbation - for the win!
Period cups? Not so much. They just aren’t designed for this, and block the vaginal canal like a plug. Find out more here
There are a few discs out there now, some are bigger or smaller, firmer or softer, some have helpful loops or handles to make removal easy. I’m a big believer in body literacy, inclusivity, and knowing your options. And that’s why I tried out Australia’s Hey Zomi menstrual disc and loved it. I highly recommend giving a menstrual disc a try.
At the end of the day, it’s all about finding what works best for YOU. Whether that’s a period cup, a menstrual disc, or another period product entirely. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident in your choice. If you’re still not sure, don’t stress. We’re all on our own journey to figure out what feels right, and I’m here for all of it.
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