The Period Product You Didn’t Know You Needed
Why I’m ditching tampons for something way better
Hey Friend!! Welcome back to the Big Adventure Club. I hope the sun is shining wherever you are! ☀️
This week, we’re diving into a topic that felt especially relevant during my longest marathon training run yet — a 22-miler that just so happened to fall on the heaviest day of my period. Without this game-changing product (more on that below), I would have been stopping mid-run to deal with leaks and tampon changes. Instead, I ran uninterrupted.
On another note, happy Mother’s Day to all the women who celebrate. And if days like Mother’s Day are complicated or tough for you too, know you’re not alone. 💙
Now, let’s get into it…
Equip Your Adventure
I Tried a Menstrual Disc — Should You?
Are you tired of:
Having to buy a new pack of tampons every month?
Changing your tampon every hour on heavy days?
Nighttime leaks and daytime anxiety?
The sheer amount of waste tampons create?
Spending so much money on period products over the years?
If any of that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. That’s exactly why I decided to try a menstrual disc.
You’ve probably heard of reusable menstrual cups, and maybe you’ve even tried one. I did too, and to be honest, it didn’t work for me. I couldn’t even get it in.
That’s when I started hearing about menstrual discs. Unlike cups, they’re smaller, don’t rely on suction, and instead rest against your pelvic bone. (Check out the diagram below for a visual.)
But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous to try it. My hands were literally shaking. If the thought of inserting something foreign into your body makes you anxious, you’re not alone. Here’s how I got through it, and why I think it’s worth the try.
How to Insert a Menstrual Disc
Before You Start:
Boil your disc to sanitize it. This should be done before the first use and before each new cycle.
Putting It In:
Wash your hands.
Get into a comfortable position: one foot on the toilet seat or tub ledge works well.
Wet the disc slightly (or use a bit of lube) to help it glide in more easily.
Fold the disc in half and insert it, aiming toward your tailbone.
Let it rest flat against your pelvic bone. If it’s in the right spot, you shouldn’t feel it.
Squat to make sure there’s no discomfort or pain.
When to Empty It
I empty mine twice a day:
Once in the morning after a full night’s rest.
Once in the evening after a full day.
The disc I use is designed to “self-empty” when you use the bathroom. Sounds wild, right? But it works. I never had leakage issues during workouts, hikes, or even while sleeping.
Removing the Disc
This part was the most intimidating for me. The first time, I couldn’t get a grip, and I started to panic a bit.
Here’s what I learned:
Sit on the toilet.
Relax and keep doing kegels to push it down.
Reach in and find the lip. It should be near your vaginal entrace, easier to grip and remove.
Why I’m Sold on Menstrual Discs
After a few days of use, I felt like a pro. I could finally run, hike, do yoga, and sleep through the night without leaking or worrying. The disc stayed in place, felt comfortable, and gave me the freedom to forget I was even on my period (minus the usual PMS discomforts…)
If you’re considering making the switch, here are some benefits to keep in mind:
You can wear it up to 12 hours.
You can workout, hike, run, and even have sex with it in.
It’s reusable, reducing waste and saving money.
It’s portable and discreet.
I personally use the blue Saalt disc, but I also found another brand with a helpful “string” for easier removal, which could be great for beginners.
When I shared my experience on Instagram stories, I was surprised by how many messages poured in from women who were curious, ready to try it, or who had already made the switch and were loving it.
So, what about you? Have you tried a menstrual disc? Or are you curious but hesitant? Let’s chat in the comments or DMs.
Leaving Notes
Thanks for hanging out with me this week! If you’re loving these honest, real-talk conversations, consider sharing this post with a friend or two.
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Take care, and I’ll see you in the next adventure!
Happiest Outside,
Lauren 💙