Reusable Menstrual Disc: A Zero Waste Alternative 

Kitchen and toilet waste are some of the materials that are clogging your sewage system. Yes! you heard right, your sanitary pads and face wipes are examples of some of the materials we are referring to.

If you are looking for a way to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, you can switch from using menstrual pads and adopt other environmentally friendly options such as reusable menstrual disc for your monthly menstrual flow.

Still wondering if a reusable menstrual disc is a safe option, we have put together this detailed guide to enlighten you more about the benefits of this zero waste alternative.

What is Reusable Menstrual Disc?

A reusable menstrual disc is designed for use as a comfortable and eco-friendly alternative for your monthly menstrual flow. Compared to tampons, these discs can reach up to the fornix when inserted in the vagina. The discs are mostly designed to be able to hold a high amount of flow. This makes it possible for you to go a long time before emptying the disc.

The ability of these discs to be inserted high inside the vagina doesn’t make it difficult to use. You can comfortably exercise and move around with the disc inserted. You also don’t have to worry about the disc giving way and staining yourself.

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Most menstrual discs are made from medically crafted silicone which prevents the growth of bacteria. They are also easy to use and require minimum maintenance. All that’s required is to disinfect it in the boiling water and the disc is ready to be reinserted for your next cycle.

How It Works?

A reusable menstrual disc is designed to collect your flow, unlike tampons that absorbs them. These cups are to be placed before your period begins. You can easily do this by inserting the disc into the walls on your vagina.

If done correctly, you shouldn’t notice any leak once your flow begins. You also won’t feel it inside of you. The reusable disc can easily be removed by simply pulling out the disc and emptying it.

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Benefits of Reusable Menstrual Disc

  • Eco-Friendly

A reusable menstrual disc can be used for years without disposing of them. This means that they won’t be pilling up as waste that ends up in the landfills like in the case of tampons and sanitary pads. Since the introduction of menstrual cups and discs, there has been a reduced accumulation of environmental waste.

When shopping for a menstrual disc, we recommend you opt for a reusable one. If for no reason, for the fact that you will be doing the environment a whole lot of good.

  • Easy to Use

There is no secret guide to using a menstrual disc, they can be easily inserted just like diaphragm and birth control rings. We recommend that you follow the how-to-use manual that comes with your product. You can save yourself from all the difficulties associated with using tampons and other flow collectors.

  • Stays Longer

Menstrual discs require less frequent changes unlike tampons and sanitary pads. Tampons will need to be changed every 5 hours and quicker on days when your flow is heavy. But with s disc, you can wait for up to 8 hours before emptying it. This makes a menstrual disc a better and safe option to use when going to bed.

Once you are able to insert it properly, you don’t need to wear additional protection such as liners or pad to catch leakages.

  • Holds More Flow

Compared to tampons, menstrual discs are able to hold more flow. They can hold twice the amount that a tampon can absorb. If you find a tampon to be less absorbent, then you might have to consider switching to a reusable disc or cup. As they hold more flow compared to tampons.

  • A Neater Option

Using a tampon is associated with a lot of mess. And let’s not forget that when exposed to air, menstrual blood easily gives off a foul smell. When you use a menstrual disc, it forms an airtight seal along the walls of your vagina. If properly inserted, a vagina disc won’t leak so you don’t have to worry about any stains or odor.

Reusable Menstrual Disc A Zero Waste Alternative

  • Cheap Alternative

A good reusable menstrual disc doesn’t cost much, it can also last for more than 5 years if maintained properly. This saves you the additional cost of purchasing a product every other month. You get to save a lot of future expenses by buying just a single disc to use whenever it is time for your monthly flow.

Let’s not forget, it can be worn during sex!

Common Issues with Using Menstrual Disc

Some people often encounter some form of difficulty when it comes to using a menstrual disc. Some of the common problems you will encounter when using a menstrual disc are:

  • Finding the Perfect Fit

It can be quite challenging to find the best disc that fits properly. The discs are available in different sizes depending on your flow, age, and if you’ve had a child or not. So you want to take all this factor into consideration when shopping for one.

Reusable Menstrual Disc A Zero Waste Alternative

Also, it can be difficult to find a good fitting disc if your cervix is low or uterus is tilted. This means that you will have to try out a few products to find the right fit. You might also need to speak with a gynecologist to see if they can recommend any product to you.

  • Inserting and Removing the Disc

This is one phase you will have to pass through once you make the switch to a menstrual disc. They do not follow the same principle such as tampons and pads. They will need to be inserted deep into the vagina wall and you also need to be able to pull out the disc to empty it.

With frequent use, you shouldn’t have much of a problem inserting and removing the disc. As I said, you will have to pass through the learning phase.

Final Notes

There is a rising increase for us to adopt more environmentally friendly practices. Tampons and pads end up in landfills and in most cases take a long time to decompose. With a menstrual disc, you can save yourself a lot of money and also reduce the amount of waste that ends up in the dumpsites yearly.

Have you tried using a reusable menstrual disc before? Which products do you recommend? We will like to hear from you in the comment section.