Menstrual discs are a comfortable, reusable, and sustainable device designed for managing your period. Another major bonus? You can totally have mess-free period sex while using a menstrual disc. With a disc, it will be ready to get it on when you are!
Why Menstrual Discs Make Are Great For Period Sex
Ready to get your freak on without getting messy? Here are a few reasons to consider a menstrual disc for sex on your period.
Menstrual Discs Leave Room For Lovin’
Menstrual discs have a fairly flexible design and sit between the back part of the vaginal fornix (behind the cervix) and the pubic bone. Due to their design and flat fit, they don’t take up as much space in the vaginal canal as something like a menstrual cup. During penetrative sex, your partner’s penis, your or their fingers, or a toy of your choice can still be used safely for insertion. With a menstrual disc, you can feel free to get steamy since it leaves your vagina with plenty of room to play.
Menstrual Discs Are Comfortable For Both Partners During Sex
Most menstrual disc wearers say they can’t even feel it once it’s in properly, and their partners have reported the same after having sex with them using a menstrual disc.
Since it’s similar in shape to the birth control method of a diaphragm (which creates a barrier to keep sperm out — more on this below), the disc is flexible and comfortable for both partners while keeping menstrual blood in.
Menstrual Discs Are Good For Those With A Heavy Flow
Menstrual discs sit flatter and higher in the vagina, collecting menstrual blood, similarly to menstrual cups. They also tend to hold as much capacity as high capacity menstrual cups — up to 50 ml of blood! Very few menstrual disc users who consider themselves to have a heavy flow report leakage during sex with a menstrual disc, but we would suggest emptying before, for good measure.
There’s a small chance your menstrual disc can become dislodged and leak a little bit during sex, especially if you’re engaging in vigorous “activity.” Laying a towel down is a good way to prevent accidental leakage or blood stains. If you find that your disc doesn’t want to stay in place, it could be due to size. Definitely check our quiz or chart to see what might be a better fit.
Menstrual Discs Provide Up To 12 Hours Of Protection
Since menstrual discs collect period blood instead of absorbing it like pads or tampons, there’s less documented risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) from harboring bacteria, too. You typically won’t even have to empty your disc every time you use the bathroom, which means you can easily get through date night and any intimate activities you may encounter.
Why Some People Get More Horny During Their Period
Research has shown that most menstruating people experience a drop in hormone levels like estrogen and progesterone when their period begins. On day three or four of menstruation, hormone levels start to spike again, which can cause an increase in libido.
Sex During Your Period Can Actually Be Good For You!
While not everyone has the urge to fool around during their period, when arousal comes around, there’s no reason not to enjoy yourself — whether alone or with a partner.
Don’t deprive yourself of orgasms during your period week or any other time during your menstrual cycle. Believe it or not, there are actually some serious benefits to period sex.
Why Period Sex Is Actually Good For Your Health
- Sex releases endorphins which naturally boost your mood and increase energy
- Orgasms can help relieve menstrual cramps when vaginal muscles contract and the levels of dopamine in your brain increase
- The physical activity of sex helps increase circulation, which can also make your period shorter by increasing blood flow from the uterus
Is A Menstrual Disc Or Menstrual Cup Better for Sex?
The major difference between menstrual discs and menstrual cups is how they stay in place, and this is a big part of why one is better for penetrative sex. Cups are held in place, below the cervix, by the vaginal walls. The rim of the cup presses against the vaginal walls to create a leak-free seal. Between this and the shape of the cup, it doesn’t leave much room for penetration but is definitely an option to avoid the mess of menstrual fluids if you’re looking to be stimulated externally.
As we mentioned, menstrual discs sit a bit flatter in your vagina. They are placed with the rim tucked behind the cervix (in the posterior fornix) and the front of the rim (closest to the vaginal opening) tucked up behind the pubic bone. The disc’s placement, shape, and flexibility leaves your vagina open for other kinds of fun and recommended for penetrative sexual activities.
Okay, but can you have sex with a menstrual cup? While it’s not impossible (people talk — we hear you), the best answer really is no — stick with a disc if you’re looking for period protection while having sex that involves vaginal penetration.
Does A Menstrual Disc Work As Birth Control?
No. No. And, also, no. Though you can have mess free period sex while using a menstrual disc, and they are similar in shape to a diaphragm (and even a little bit like a cervical cap), a menstrual disc is not effective as a contraceptive, has not been tested for it, and should never be used as such.
- Menstrual discs are not a form of birth control! Though discs resemble diaphragms, they aren’t tested or approved for preventing pregnancy & should never be used as such. Discs range in size from 53mm to 80mm in diameter.
- Diaphragms are a form of birth control! Diaphragms are worn internally & creates a barrier to your cervix to prevent pregnancy. They must be used with a
- spermicide gel or cream. Diaphragms range in size from 60mm to 90mm in diameter.
- Cervical caps are a form of birth control! Cervical caps are worn internally & placed over the cervix to prevent pregnancy. They must be used with a spermicide gel or cream. Cervical caps range in size from 22mm to 30mm in diameter.
Please also note that using a condom for intercourse where sperm may be a factor is the best way to protect yourself and your partners against pregnancy, HIV, and other STIs. Also, note that using a condom while wearing a disc may have risks. According to Flex (a popular brand of discs), “there’s always a small risk the condom may not function as intended due to friction.”
Overall Benefits Of Menstrual Discs
Menstrual discs are leak-proof, sleep-proof, and waste-free. They can collect the equivalent of five super tampons worth of blood.
Reusable period products, like discs, also save you a ton of money over disposables. Depending on your chosen brand, some menstrual discs can last five years or more!
Most menstrual discs are made of BPA-free, hypoallergenic, medical-grade silicone (sadly, we’re not currently aware of any reusable options made from TPE or natural latex rubber, but we will update if this changes.) Being made from medical-grade silicone means they’re totally safe for almost all users.
Menstrual discs are also a good option for those who use an IUD as birth control. While cups are safe to use, discs don’t create suction when removed in the same way that menstrual cups can when not removed properly. The flexible material (again, usually FDA-approved silicone) moves with your body and can handle being “poked” a bit during sex.
