What is a menstrual disc? The full guide

If you’re new to reusable period care, you might have heard about period cups, but not menstrual discs. Although menstrual discs are less well-known, they’re gaining popularity for good reason. This guide will give you a clear overview of what menstrual discs are, how they work, and what to consider when choosing one.

A menstrual disc is a soft, flexible, ‘disc shaped’ device made from medical-grade silicone. It sits in the vaginal fornix (the ‘end’ and widest part of your vagina), just below the cervix - and is held in place by the body’s anatomy and muscular strength. Your pelvic floor muscles and pelvic structure work together here, as the disc tucks up behind your pelvic bone. Instead of absorbing menstrual fluid like pads or tampons, a disc collects your period blood. Think of it like a little drawer - you insert it, it collects the blood and then you pull it out using the little handle (within easy reach) over the toilet or in the shower to empty it. You then rinse it and repeat the process everyday and night of your period.

Many people find discs comfortable to wear - once inserted correctly, they are undetectable and can be a great option for heavier flows because of their higher capacity.

Why do some people prefer menstrual discs as their period care product?

• Undetectable comfort: Many find menstrual discs so comfortable they can’t feel them once inserted properly.
• 12 hour protection: You can wear a menstrual disc for up to 12 hours, and for a lot of people, this means they don’t think about their period all day or all night.
• Highest capacity: Menstrual discs have the highest capacity of all period products on the market, which means longer wear time - great if you have a heavier flow.
• No suction, less pressure: Because menstrual discs don’t rely on suction, they can be easier to insert and remove without pressure or irritation.
• Suitable for period pleasure: Unlike period cups, menstrual discs sit in the ‘roof’ of the vagina and can be worn during penetrative sex. See our video here explaining this.
• Semi-emptying feature: Menstrual discs can be semi-emptied without full removal, assisting with heavy flow management.
• Safe with IUDs: Since there’s no suction, menstrual discs won’t dislodge IUDs, unlike some period cups.
  
  

Menstrual disc vs period cup: a quick summary

Menstrual discs and cups are both internal, reusable period products, but they differ in shape, position in the body and how they stay in place. They also have a different capacity (menstrual discs hold more fluid than period cups) and there are indeed other perks involved when it comes to using a disc.

Here’s a comparison to get you started:

For a full deep dive on menstrual cups vs discs, including pros and cons and a detailed video tutorial, check out our menstrual cups or discs: which one is right for you? blog post. Or our video comparison on disc vs cup.

Comparison of popular menstrual discs

While menstrual discs generally function the same way, differences in design, size, firmness, and removal aids can affect your experience. Here’s a quick look at some popular options:

Trying different menstrual discs (or reading detailed reviews like from Period Nirvana) can help you find what fits your anatomy and lifestyle best.

Do I need a smaller disc?

Most menstrual discs are marketed as “one size fits most” because the vaginal fornix - the space where the disc sits internally - is generally wider and less variable than the vaginal canal where period cups sit.

That said, individual anatomy varies. Factors like pelvic size and shape, or even the general height of your cervix can influence comfort and fit.

While MRI studies report average vaginal canal widths of around 32.5 mm near the top of the vagina, this doesn’t reflect the flexible and spacious nature of the vaginal fornix, where menstrual discs sit. The fornix is vault-like and can stretch comfortably to accommodate discs sized 65–70 mm - comparable to contraceptive diaphragms. That’s why “one-size” discs still fit most people, though options with slightly smaller diameters (around 60–65 mm) may be better for those with a low cervix or who experienced slipping or discomfort with standard sizes Period Nirvana.

If you have a lower cervix or a smaller frame, a disc with a smaller diameter or softer rim may be more comfortable. The Hey Zomi disc is a medium sized disc and we designed it with this in mind, that just a slightly smaller size, yet not too small, will even fit teens!

Some brands offer discs with softer silicone or different rim designs to accommodate these differences, but true “small” discs are less common.
DYI - a very small menstrual disc can also be called a ‘cervical cap’- as it is just bigger enough to fully cup the cervix.

Something to keep in mind with smaller menstrual discs. If a disc is small, it can be challenging to make sure the disc fully encircles the cervix, because there is less space for the cervix to fit within it. If your menstrual disc is not fully encircling the cervix, then you are going to leak, which is not ideal. So a smaller size might not actually be the best option when you are looking for your first menstrual disc to try.

If you’re still not sure which menstrual disc is the right one for you, reach out to us in our chat or via email. We are always happy to answer questions and give you the honest information you need to make this decision.

What are menstrual discs made from?

High quality menstrual discs are made from medical-grade silicone, a material widely used in medical devices and known for being safe, flexible, and durable.

Medical grade silicone is non-porous (resists bacteria), biocompatible (won’t irritate your body), and can be sterilised easily.

In Australia, reputable brands ensure their products meet Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) standards for safety and quality.

When shopping, it’s a good idea to check that your menstrual disc is certified medical-grade silicone, and that the manufacturer follows recognised testing protocols (ISO, FDA, TGA).

Avoid cheaper menstrual discs that don’t disclose this information, as these may use lower quality materials that can affect safety and durability.

Are coloured menstrual discs safe?

Many menstrual discs come in fun colours or shades like black or white, which raises questions about the safety of the pigments used.

The colouring comes from silicone-safe pigments, specially formulated and tested to bond with medical grade silicone without leaching or degrading.

Manufacturers of reputable discs ensure these pigments meet international standards, including ISO, FDA, and TGA approvals.

These pigments are stable even under body temperature and during boiling sterilisation.

Some generic or low quality menstrual discs may use food grade pigments or untested dyes, which have not been tested for internal use.

If pigment safety is a concern for you, ask the brand directly about the type of pigments they use and their certifications.

At Hey Zomi, we use only certified medical grade pigments for our menstrual discs, meaning there is no compromise on safety or quality. This commitment means you can feel confident that no harmful substances will be absorbed by your body from the colouring.

 

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Learn more and get support

• Watch our detailed cup vs disc video to understand which might suit you better.
• Check out our how to find your cervix guide to help with insertion and correct placement.
• Explore our FAQs for troubleshooting and care tips.
• Ready to try? See the Hey Zomi menstrual disc.