Periods are an integral part of a woman’s reproductive system. Regular menstruation cycles and timely periods are important for overall health and well being. When we talk about periods, one topic that doesn’t get enough of our attention but is very important is menstrual hygiene. Menstrual hygiene is an essential aspect of hygiene amongst the girls and women between menarche and menopause. A proper hygiene practice while menstruating helps to prevent the growth of any kind of infection in the urinary tract. Ranging from pads and tampons to menstrual cups, there are several menstrual hygiene products that are available in the market and we all are aware of. Apart from these commonly used products, menstrual discs are something that are very new for some people.
Menstrual discs are a reusable period hygiene product that are made in the shape of a disc or bow and are used to collect period blood. It sits inside your vagina just below the cervix and collects period blood without creating any suction. Let us learn more about these menstrual discs, how they are used, their benefits and are they a feasible option for period sex from Dr. Aditi Tandon, Obstetrician Gynecologist, Fertility Specialist and Gynaec Laparoscopic Surgeon.
What is a Menstrual Disc?
Also Read: When Not To Use Menstrual Cups, Expert Explains
Menstrual disc is a period hygiene product that looks like a disc or bow in shape. It sits inside your vagina at a point where the cervix meets the vaginal canal. Placed behind the pelvic bone, a menstrual disc is held by gravity. Initially where disposable discs were the only option, various brands are now coming up with reusable menstrual discs that are sustainable and good for the environment. These discs are worn internally and are to be emptied out once in every 12 hours. Made up with medical grade silicone these discs are safe to be used but should be avoided by people with silicone allergies. These discs can be easily worn by anyone irrespective of the size of their vaginal canal as these discs are supposed to be folded before insertion. Moreover these discs also allow you to perform all kinds of water sports starting right off from swimming to surfing and scuba- diving as well. This is because the thick silicone ring hugs the body from inside and creates a seal that prevents the blood from leaking.
Top Stories
-1751527287915.png)
-1751352905978.jpg)
Benefits of Menstrual disc
As by now we have learnt what a menstrual disc is, let us take a quick look at some of the benefits of switching to a menstrual disc and how it is better than other traditional period products such as pads and tampons.
- Are reusable
- Pocket-friendly
- Environment friendly
- Work longer and can be worn upto 12 hours
- Reduces the risk of bacterial infections
- Reduces the risk of UTIs
- Stays inside the vaginal canal and hene is useful for period sex
- Helps to minimize period cramps
- Is less messy than menstrual cups
- Allows you to perform adventure and water sports
- Does not gives out period odour
How to Use a Menstrual Disc?
If you are tempted to give menstrual discs a shot after reading about the benefits of this period hygiene product then before investing in it you must know how it is used. Here are some simple steps that you can follow to wear, remove and clean a menstrual disc-
Wearing a disc
- Wash your hands well and take out your menstrual disk.
- Get into a squat position or sit on the toilet seat.
- Squeeze the sides of the disc with your index finger and thumb so that it resembles the size of a tampon.
- Insert this pinch disc into your vaginal canal in such a way that the disc is pointing down and back to your vagina.
- Push it back and make sure that it goes past the pelvic bone so that the rim tucks in above the bone.
Removing a disc
- Before removing the disc wash your hands properly and get into a squat position.
- With the help of your index finger reach into your vagina and hook it under the rim and pull it out.
- Empty out the disc into the pot and wash it..
Menstrual Disc and Period Sex
View this post on Instagram
Where period sex is known to be one of the best ways to ease the pain caused due to period craps, many women generally use to shy away from it. Where period sex can be a messy afair, one must know that it is totally possible when you are wearing a menstrual disc. As the menstrual disc sits inside the vaginal canal, it can not be felt by your partner and makes the inteercourse easier. The menstrual disc dots onto your pelvic bone and hence there is no chances of leakage and it allows you to have a mess free period sex. One thing that you need to know is that wearing this would not protect you from unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections and diseases hence one must use protection at all times.
(This article is based upon a post by Dr. Aditi Tandon. Obstetrician Gynecologist, Fertility Specialist and Gynaec Laparoscopic Surgeon on her instagram handle)