FAQ Menstrual Discs
What is made of a menstrual disc?
Femieko menstrual disc is made out of 100% medical silicone, designed by Wacker Labs Germany, under the brand of Elastosil. It is used in medical purpose and is 100% biocompatible silicone rubber, which will not develop any bacterial growth and it is safe for the body, in and out.
Can I use the Femieko menstrual disc if I am allergic to silicone?
The Femieko menstrual disc is made of 100% medical grade silicone developed by Wacker Labs Germany under the Elastosil brand. It is used for medical purposes and is a 100% biocompatible silicone rubber that does not develop bacterial growth and is safe for the body, both inside and out.
FACTS We have many customers who are allergic to silicone, and yet FemiEko menstrual disk performs without any problems. Try it and see for yourself.
Why should you use a menstrual disc?
The menstrual disc is not just comfortable, but also it is safe for health and more convenient for your monthly care. It helps you save money and live a more stress-free life. It eliminates the constant shame and discomfort women usually feel monthly when using unreliable menstrual products.
The menstrual disc brings with it the freedom to swim, cycle and even sleep at night without worrying about dirty sheets or leaks.
Plus, it can be used for up to 5 years and worn safely for up to 12 hours without the risk of bacteria or odor.
You can use a menstrual disc for mess-free sex and is a safe alternative if you have an IUD/spiral.
Is a menstrual disc protecting 100% from leakage?
A menstrual disc is the safest way to protect against leakage when inserted properly.
To prevent leakage, you need to make sure the disc is fixed behind your pubic bone and is inserted high and deep enough to reach your cervix.
You will need to empty the disc at least every 10 to 12 hours, depending on your flow, to prevent leakage.
Although the Femieko menstrual disc is made of hard silicone to prevent self-emptying, with a little practice and strong vaginal muscles you can self-dump the content when you sit on the toilet, but read the QA regarding this method of emptying.
How do I know when the disc is full?
In the beginning, we recommend you take it out after 5 hours to see how much blood accumulates, and with time you will know exactly when to change it. It all depends on your body or the days of your period 😊.
What is self dumping?
When you are on the toilet, you may lose blood. This is because you tense the pelvic floor muscles and the disc changes its position so that it empties itself. This is a property characteristic of the discs, that makes it easier for you to keep the disk inside without having to stress if it reaches its maximum capacity (remember, you should not keep it inside for more than 12 hours without washing it).
Although the Femieko menstrual disc is made of hard silicone to prevent self-emptying, with a little practice and strong vaginal muscles, you can empty the contents yourself while sitting on the toilet. Do not worry about spotting when you wear a disc on the regular basis. It does not empty itself by surprise, but needs some movements and pushes before it empties itself.
You should always wash your hands, because you may want to introduce your finger to push it behind the pubic bone. In many cases it just takes its position, but you should check it again for the best protection.
Can I use the menstrual disc if I have a small vaginal canal?
Yes, you can. The menstrual disc is designed to fold in half when inserted and is about the size of a regular tampon. When you insert it, it opens little by little, and that should not bother you. Use a lubricant if you like, or try the Femieko cup and disc applicator.
Can I cut the removal ring?
The removal ring is specially designed to not create pressure, and it is also very convenient when you want to grab and remove the period disc. So if you want to cut it off, think twice.
If you feel that it is interfering with your insertion (but make sure that you have inserted it very deeply since you have tried it for at least 3 periods), then you should cut the removal ring. Be sure to cut it smoothly so that it does not interfere and cause internal damage.
How do I choose a menstrual disc?
The Femi.Eko® disk comes in a single size, anatomically designed to fit most uterine cervix, regardless of age or births, just like a menstrual cup.
The Femieko menstrual disc is specially designed to be easy to remove thanks to its special ring. We developed it this way because we believe that gripping a disk is the biggest challenge for women when choosing this type of product. So problem solved with Femieko menstrual disc.
What is the difference between menstrual disc and menstrual cup?
The menstrual disc has a single size and you should not consider the position of the cervix, age or birth.
The menstrual disc is suitable for any menstrual flow, the menstrual cup holds different amounts of blood.
Femieko menstrual disc can be used by anyone very easily because it does not create a vacuum in your body, unlike the menstrual cup which works only because of the vacuum. The vacuum could cause problems when you take out the cup, especially if you have a IUD. Discs are easy to use because you simply insert as deep as possible under the fornix and then push it up to fix it on pubic bone. To remove, just grab the ring to pull it out.
A very special benefit of the disc it’s that you can have sex with it, but you should know that it is not a contraceptive method.
How to start using a menstrual disc?
First of all, congratulations for thinking of this :). We know it takes a leap of faith to change old habits, but it’s the best decision for a more sustainable period.
Do not be discouraged by what you may have heard before. Getting started might be easier than you expect and even easier than using a menstrual cup.
The best place to start is by reading our manual (included in your product packaging). Give the menstrualdisc at least 3 months to try it out and have the perfect experience. And yes, we said PERFECT, because you’ll be surprised how much you have struggled in your life until you find this stress-free way to manage your period.
If you are still having trouble finding the right size for you, or if you want to find out if the disc is the right product for you, just take our compatibility test and see for yourself.
If you have problems such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), anatomical features such as a retrograde uterus or postpartum scars, we recommend you talk to your doctor first.
How do I insert a menstrual disc?
Hygiene is important when it comes to your genital area and more!
So wash your hands thoroughly before using the disc.
Fold the menstrual disc in half.
If this is your first time using a disc, it may help you take a breath and realize that it’s normal to give your body time to get used to a new product.
Hold the disc firmly between your thumb and forefinger. Once you have passed the vaginal entrance, push the disc further ( continue to hold it firmly) and tilt it toward the coccyx.
The disc will be lodged behind the pubic bone and cover the cervix. Push it as deep as it gets.
To remove the disc, it is necessary to be relaxed. Insert your finger into your vagina and grasp the ring. Grasp the ring and pull out the disc. Since the discs are positioned differently, you can pull gently without fear of that cup vacuum. If you can not reach the disc, use your muscles to push it out. Just as you would when having a bowel movement.
Empty the disc (we recommend doing this immediately after removing it into the toilet by simply grasping the ring without risk of flushing it down the toilet). You may experience blood spreading, so stay over the toilet.Â
Rinse it thoroughly and wash it with warm water. Then you can use it again.
When the cycle is finished, wash the disc, sterilize it and store it in the bag.
PS- Before use, the menstrual disc must be sterilized 😊Read the QA about sterilization.
How do I take a menstrual disc out?
All you need to do is push the disc out with the muscles of your pelvic floor. Insert a finger (remember to wash your hands!) and then grasp the extraction ring. Take it out of the ring and empty it. It’s that easy😊
Wash it and reuse it for up to 5 years.
It’s removing the disc painful?
It should not be painful to take it out because you are only pulling on the ring of the disc which makes the experience less aggressive. However, if you feel uncomfortable, you should check to see if the measure is too large for you.
What if I don’t find my disc inside?
Removing the disc can be quite simple, but that comes with the experience of a few periods. Take your time and do not stress.
If you can not find the menstrual disc, stand, tense your pelvic muscles (as you would poop) and try again to reach it with your fingers.
Do not worry, the period disc has nowhere to go, it’s still in there and it will come out! Relax, take a deep breath and try again.
Be patient and do not be brutal. Do not insert any harmful objects inside.
Try to clamp the removal ring, because it is specially designed to help in such cases.
How long can I wear a menstrual disc?
You can wear your disc for up to 12 hours, and it is recommended to empty it twice a day or every 10 to 12 hours. If you have heavy menstruation flow, you should empty the period disk more frequently, as this will help you avoid leakage.
How to clean and sterilise the menstrual disc?
Before using the disk for the first time or between periods, sterilize it. Bring water to a boil and place the Femi.Eko® menstrual disk in the bubbling water for up to 10 minutes for the first sterilization, then only for 5 minutes. If you have a sterilizer available, use it. But make sure that the water you use is not too calcareous, otherwise lime deposits may occur. Also, make sure that the water is boiling and the menstrual disc is not touching the bottom of the pot.
You should always clean the Femi.Eko® menstrual disc after each emptying. You can simply clean a menstrual disc with warm water and rinse it thoroughly.
If you want to use a soap to wash the disk, you should not use regular soap, shower gel or intimate soap. You can use a specially formulated soap for period disks and cups, or you can use cleansers approved for sex toys.
Do not use harmful chemicals such as tea tree oil, castor oil, antibacterial soap, commercial hand sanitizers, hydrogen peroxide, and other home remedies to clean the disk, and do not put it in the dishwasher as this can damage the silicone and cause infections.
However, we recommend washing the menstrual disc from time to time with a little vinegar diluted in water.
In the meantime, store the disk in the cotton bag that you received in the package.
How to clean a menstrual disc in a public restroom?
You may need to empty your menstrual fluid in a public restroom. Do not worry about it! Just follow this routine: wash your hands thoroughly, remove the disc, spill the blood in the public restroom, rinse it off with water (you can take a bottle with you to the restroom), replace the menstrual disc, and then wash your hands.
We know that many restrooms do not have a faucet near the toilet, so the bottle of water you take with you can solve this problem.
If you are already a pro at using the disc, you can simply self-dump it 🙂
Is it normal for a menstrual disc to leak?
The Femi.Eko® menstrual disc is anatomically designed not to leak when properly inserted and used. However, there may be some exceptions, such as:
- when the disc is small
- if a menstrual disc is not inserted properly behind the pubic bone
- if it is not emptied as often as necessary
- if you have self-dumped it yourself.
You should be aware that sometimes the disc can shift due to bowel or, resulting in leakage.
Can you use a menstrual disc together with an IUD?
Menstrual disc is the one that is recommended if you have a IUD/spiral.
There is no possibility of the cord of the IUD moving when you insert or remove the disk, because it does not act like a cup by suction.
Is it normal to experience pain while using a menstrual disc?
The Femi.Eko® menstrual disc is specially designed to be comfortable. It is made of very soft medical silicone and has an anatomical shape. You should not feel any pain when using a menstrual disk. The only time you might feel a slight discomfort is when you first insert the menstrual disc.
Although the period disc may seem intimidating at first, remember that when folded, it is no larger than a tampon.
Can menstrual discs cause infections?
Like any other period product, if not used properly, they can become a problem.
However, keep in mind that menstrual disks are a safer way to get through the days of your period than tampons or pads, as they keep out air and thus the buildup of bacteria.
Always wash your hands with soap or use a sanitizer before and after inserting and removing the menstrual disk.
Empty the disk at least every 10 to 12 hours to minimize the risk of infection.
You do not need to lubricate the disc to insert it, but if you do, be sure to use a safe lubricant.
Do not use harmful chemicals such as tea tree oil, castor oil, antibacterial soap, commercial hand sanitizers, hydrogen peroxide and other home remedies to clean the disk, and do not put it in the dishwasher, as this can damage the silicone and cause infections.
Wash the menstrual disc with plain water or boil it for 5-10 minutes when your period is over and wash it again before using and sterilizing it again.
Store the disk in the cotton bag you received in the package.
Can I make sex with the disc inside?
YES. Uncomplicated sex is one of its advantages, although it can be difficult to recapture it after sex because its position shifts and it is pushed up more than normal. Read our QA about how to find your menstrual disc inside 😊
Disclaimer! Be aware that a menstrual disc does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases and is not a contraceptive method.
When should I change my disc?
We recommend that you change your Femi.Eko® menstrual disk at least every 2 years, even though you may use it for up to 5 years.
We also recommend that you replace your Femi.Eko® menstrual disc if:
- you have had a yeast or bacterial infection and have used it during that time
- if you dropped it in the toilet
- if you notice a sticky or powdery film on the top of the disk.
When replacing your period disc with a new Femi.Eko® menstrual disc, remember to disinfect the disk and then recycle it. Be responsible and do not just throw it away. Contact us and we will do it for you.
When should I get advice from my doctor regarding menstrual discs?
You should discuss the use of Disc for Period with your doctor if:
- you have had TSS
- you have recently had gynecological surgery, given birth, or had a miscarriage
- you have a vaginal infection
- you have never had sexual intercourse and are concerned about maintaining your hymen
- if you have increased cramping, blood between periods, or any type of pain.
When to STOP using a menstrual disc?
Do not use a menstrual disc if you experience fever or nausea associated with its use. Remove it immediately if you suspect it may cause any reaction.
Can I use a menstrual disc while swimming?
YEESSSS. The menstrual disc and cups are the best ways to swim, run, and enjoy life to the fullest without ever feeling like you have the period. Period.