Tired of the same old period products? Maybe you’ve heard whispers about menstrual discs, those little cups that catch your flow differently. It sounds interesting, but when you start looking, the choices can feel overwhelming. Which size is right? What’s the difference between brands? It’s easy to feel lost when you’re just starting out with this new option.
Navigating the world of menstrual discs for the first time can feel like learning a secret language. You want to try something new and potentially more comfortable, but the fear of leaks or difficulty inserting it stops many people before they even begin. Don’t worry; you are not alone in feeling confused!
This guide is here to cut through the noise. We will break down everything a beginner needs to know about choosing the perfect menstrual disc. By the end of this post, you will feel confident about what features matter most for your body and lifestyle. Ready to explore a game-changing period solution? Let’s dive into finding your first perfect disc!
Top Menstrual Disc For Beginners Recommendations
- ALL INCLUSIVE. Kit contains our Medium Pixie Disc, Large Pixie Disc, Pixie Disc Applicator, Pixie Lube, Pixie Wash, Pixie Sterilizing Carry Cup, and Pixie Wipes in a bag. The perfect gift for any woman in your life!
- MADE WITH CARE. Pixie Discs are made of medical-grade silicone, hypoallergenic and are free of BPA, latex and dioxins. Discs hold fluid, but do not absorb like a tampon, reducing the risk of TSS.
- THERE FOR YOU. Pixie Discs hold 5-7 tampons worth of fluid and can be safely worn for up to 12 hours. If taken care of properly, a Pixie Disc will last up to 10 years.
- FSA & HSA ELIGIBLE. Pixie Discs can be purchased with pre-tax funds from your flexible spending or health savings accounts.
- WORLD’S BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE. We back all of our products with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. If a product doesn’t work, email or text us! We will send you a new product or issue you a refund.
- ALL-DAY CONFIDENCE: Designed for worry-free wear from morning to night, our reusable period disc offers reliable protection for up to 12 hours. 76% of women said they'll never go back to using only tampons or disposable pads after switching to Saalt.
- 12-HOUR PROTECTION: Enjoy up to 12 hours of continuous leak protection that moves with you through every activity. Work, travel, sleep, or exercise with confidence and comfort, and no need for backup products, making your period feel easier to manage.
- SOFT & SENSITIVE FRIENDLY: To insert, this reusable period disc folds in half into a figure eight shape with an insertion point as small as a tampon. Users were 6 times more likely to report no cramping at all during cup or disc use vs tampons (24% vs. 4%).*
- SAFE & REUSABLE: Made in the USA from 100% medical-grade silicone that is BPA-free, latex-free, cruelty-free, and hypoallergenic. Reusable design helps cut down on single-use period products and supports more sustainable choices.
- REUSE FOR UP TO 10 YEARS: This sustainable menstrual disc lasts up to 10 years with proper care. Sanitize quickly by boiling or wiping with 70% isopropyl alcohol. 78% reported better periods*, like less cramping, fatigue, bloating, and headaches after switching to Saalt.
- HAVE THE MOST COMFORTABLE PERIOD OF YOUR LIFE. Over 64% of surveyed users reported fewer period cramps when using Flex Disc compared to their previous product; 80% reported less dryness and irritation. When inserted correctly, you can’t even feel it.
- ENJOY UP TO 12 HOURS OF LEAK PROTECTION. Unlike tampons, Flex Discs provide all-day wear and have not been linked with TSS. Forget running to the bathroom every few hours to change your tampon or pad. Flex Disc holds as much as 5+ super tampons.
- BODY-SAFE. Flex Disc is made in Canada with 100% medical-grade polymers that won’t disrupt your vaginal flora. All Flex products are FDA registered, hypoallergenic, and not made with BPA, phthalates, or natural rubber latex.
- EASY TO USE. Flex Disc is beginner-friendly and designed to make insertion, placement, and removal a breeze. The firm rim pinches in half to about the same size as a tampon. To insert, just angle the pinched disc down and back as far as it will go, then tuck the front rim up behind your pubic bone.
- DESIGNED FOR AN ACTIVE LIFESTYLE. Experience period freedom. Flex Disc fits into your active lifestyle so you can swim, sleep, squat, summit, and do everything you love to do when you’re not on your period. The disc is great for all flows and designed to fit most bodies.
- SAFE FOR YOUR BODY. Flex Reusable Disc is made with medical-grade silicone that won’t disrupt your natural vaginal pH. Flex feminine hygiene products are made without BPA, phthalates, or natural rubber latex.
- EASY TO USE. Designed for beginners, the patented notch on the disc’s rim creates a narrow point for perfect placement during insertion, while the non-slip rim makes removing this period disc a breeze.
- 12-HOUR PROTECTION. You’ll love the ultra-soft silicone catch, which holds up to 6 super tampons-worth of fluid (70 mL). Flex Reusable Disc also features a firm rim that prevents leaks and seals in odors. Swim, sleep, squat, summit, and do everything you love to do when you’re not on your period.
- UNREAL COMFORT. You might even forget you’re on your period. Flex Reusable Disc sits further back in the vagina, in a place called the vaginal fornix (just beneath the cervix). Once it’s in, you can’t feel it. Upgrade your feminine care!
- SUSTAINABLE & PLANET-FRIENDLY. Our newest period disc is 100% reusable: Just wash it with a mild soap or cleanser in between wears and store it in its carrying pouch once your period is over. With proper care, Flex Reusable Disc will last for years.
- DESIGNED FOR YOUR BODY: Softdisc is the result of 10 years of Research and Development by scientists. It is hypoallergenic, made without BPA, phthalates, or latex. It is also the only internally-worn product that is not linked to TSS.
- FOR HEAVY OR LIGHT PERIODS: Use menstrual soft rings instead of tampons, pads, and menstrual cups. Unlike other products, one size fits women of all ages and sizes. Softdisc holds 5 tampons worth of fluid and is the preferred choice for heavy or light periods.
- COMFORTABLE: Softdisc is the most comfortable period product on the market. It prevents menstrual odor, irritation, and dryness. Most women cannot feel Softdisc at all once inserted. Softdisc is easy to change, remove and dispose of on the go.
- LEAK PREVENTION: Softdisc prevents leaks overnight, during exercise, while swimming, and even during sex during menstruation. Softdisc creates a comfortable seal at the base of the cervix which leaves you worry-free during all of life's activities.
- BETTER FOR YOU & THE PLANET. Live worry-free on your period using an earth-friendly menstrual disc made with 100% body-safe materials. Flex Plant+ Disc is hypoallergenic and is not made with BPA, phthalates, or natural rubber latex.
- PLANT-BASED PERIOD FREEDOM. Our disposable Plant+ Disc is made with 40% plant-based polymers that capture C02 from the atmosphere during production, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 2.10 KG (compared to a non-plant-based polymer).
- ENJOY UP TO 12 HOURS OF LEAK PROTECTION. Unlike tampons, Flex Plant+ Disc provides all-day wear and has not been linked with TSS. The disc holds as much as 5+ super tampons (60 mL) and forms to your body during wear, sealing in leaks and odors.
- SO COMFORTABLE, YOU CAN’T EVEN FEEL IT. Since Flex Plant+ Disc sits in the fornix, where there are fewer nerve endings, you can’t feel it during wear. The disc leaves the vaginal canal unobstructed, which may also reduce cramps.
- EASY TO USE. Flex Plant+ Disc is beginner-friendly and designed to make insertion, placement, and removal a breeze. Enjoy the flexibility of the EasyFold rim, which allows the disc to be pinched effortlessly before insertion.
- No Sizing Guesswork. Take the guesswork out of picking the right size menstrual disc with our Disc Combo pack. Comes with a Large and a Medium for all kinds of flows.
- 100% Medical-Grade Silicone. Free from metals, BPA, PFAS, latex, phthalates, and toxins, Pixie Disc is the only disc on the market designed with a unique shape that perfectly fits your anatomy and rests securely on your pubic bone, preventing leaks.
- Removes Like a Tampon. Pixie Disc’s firm rim pops open and stays in place so you can easily insert. The optional pull string ensures mess- and hassle-free removal. The medium & large disc hold 5 & 7 tampons worth of fluid and can be worn for 12 hours.
- No Mess Period Sex. Pixie Disc’s design doesn’t block your vaginal canal, allowing you to maintain intimacy on your period without the mess.
- WORLD’S BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE. We back all of our products with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. If a product isn’t working out, email or text us! We will send you a new product or issue you a refund.
- Easy to Use & Insert: Our menstrual disc with stem is scientifically designed for comfortable insertion and effortless removal. The added stem offers extra control, making it easier to position and take out. One size fits most bodies comfortably without the hassle of size guesswork.
- Wear Up To 12 Hours: It collects blood rather than absorb it, which prevents dryness and irritation. A fully saturated super tampon may hold up to 12ml of fluid - our disc has a capacity of 45ml!
- Better For You & The Planet: An eco-friendly alternative to pads, disposable period cups and tampons. Washable and reusable, our disc is made with ultra-soft medical grade silicone.
- Comfy Fit: Creates a natural seal at the base of your cervix for a comfy fit. It is super-soft & flexible - it adapts easily to your shape allowing you to hike, swim, run or just relax.
- Naturally Safe: Our disc is naturally non-toxic & odor free. It is free of BPA, Latex & Phthalate. It maintains the natural pH balance - reducing dryness and cramps.
Your First Period Disc: A Simple Buying Guide
So, you’re thinking about trying a menstrual disc! That’s great. Menstrual discs are a fantastic, less common option for managing your period. They sit higher up, near your cervix, and can sometimes hold more than a cup. This guide will help you pick the right one for your first time.
What to Look For: Key Features of a Good Beginner Disc
When you first shop, focus on these important things:
- Flexibility (Softness): Beginners need discs that are softer. Stiffer discs are harder to fold and insert correctly. A soft disc will mold better to your body.
- Rim Thickness: Look for discs with a thinner rim. A thin rim slides in easily. Thick rims can feel bulky or make insertion tricky.
- Capacity: Higher capacity is usually good! Discs hold a lot, meaning you change them less often. Check how many milliliters (mL) it holds.
- Removal Mechanism: How do you get it out? Some discs have a little tab or loop. Others rely on breaking the seal by pressing the side. For beginners, a small, easy-to-grip removal tab is very helpful.
Important Materials: What Discs Are Made Of
Almost all high-quality menstrual discs use medical-grade silicone. This is the best material because:
- It is very soft and flexible.
- It lasts a long time (many years).
- It is easy to clean and does not hold smells or stains.
Never use discs made from cheap, non-medical plastics. Stick to silicone for safety and comfort.
Quality Matters: Factors That Help or Hurt Your Experience
The quality of the disc greatly affects how easy it is to use.
Factors That Improve Quality (Good Signs):
- Smooth Edges: The edges must feel totally smooth. Rough edges can cause irritation.
- Consistent Shape: A well-made disc keeps its round shape even when you hold it. This helps it pop into place correctly.
- Good Reviews: Products with many positive reviews usually mean the company made a reliable product.
Factors That Reduce Quality (Red Flags):
- Strong Chemical Smell: If a new disc smells strongly of chemicals, it might not be pure medical silicone.
- Tears or Thin Spots: Check the disc carefully before the first use. Any visible damage means you should not use it.
User Experience and When to Use Your Disc
Discs offer a unique experience compared to tampons or cups. Because they sit higher, many people find they cannot feel the disc at all once it is in place. This is a big plus!
Use Cases for Beginners:
- Longer Wear Times: You can often wear a disc for up to 12 hours. This is perfect for long workdays or sleeping through the night.
- Heavier Flows: Discs usually hold more fluid than cups. If you have a heavy flow, a disc can offer great security.
- Sex During Your Period: When inserted correctly, the disc sits behind the pubic bone, meaning it should not interfere with sex. (Always check with your partner if you are comfortable with this!)
Tip for First Use: Practice inserting and removing the disc at home when you are not on your period. This lowers the stress when you actually need to use it.
Menstrual Disc Buying Guide FAQs for Beginners
Q: How do I know if I inserted the disc correctly?
A: You know it is in place when the front rim tucks up behind your pubic bone. You should not feel it when you walk or sit. If you feel pressure, try gently pushing the back edge up a little more.
Q: Do I have to clean the disc every time I pee?
A: No. You only need to empty the disc when it is full or every 12 hours. You can carefully empty some fluid out when you use the toilet, but you do not need to remove and wash it unless you are changing it for the day.
Q: Can a disc leak more than a cup?
A: Sometimes, yes, if it is not seated right. Leaks usually happen during the first few uses because getting the angle perfect takes practice. A soft, flexible disc helps reduce leaks once you master the insertion.
Q: How do I remove the disc without making a huge mess?
A: This is the tricky part! Slowly reach up and hook your finger onto the removal tab or the edge. Gently pull the edge down toward you. This breaks the suction seal. Once the seal breaks, slowly pull it out while keeping it level so the fluid stays inside.
Q: Are menstrual discs safe for young teens?
A: Yes, many brands are safe for teens, but the size might be an issue. Teens often do best with smaller or “slim” diameter discs designed for lower cervix heights.
Q: How often should I boil my disc?
A: You should sanitize (boil) your disc once at the beginning of every cycle and once at the end. Boiling for 5-10 minutes in clean water kills any lingering bacteria.
Q: My disc feels like it is too big. What should I do?
A: Discs come in different sizes (often “regular” and “small”). If it feels too large, try a smaller size next time. Do not try to force a large disc; comfort is key.
Q: Can I use a disc if I have an IUD?
A: You must talk to your gynecologist first. Because the disc sits very close to the cervix, there is a small risk of accidentally pulling on the IUD strings when removing the disc.
Q: What if I can’t reach the removal tab?
A: If you can’t reach the tab, just relax your pelvic muscles. Bear down gently, as if you are having a bowel movement. This pushes the disc lower, making the tab easier to grab.
Q: How long should I try using a disc before giving up?
A: Give yourself at least three full cycles to learn. Discs have a learning curve that is different from tampons or cups. Stick with it for a few months to see if it works best for your body.