Would a menstrual disc be better for me ?
Hi,
I have been using a Lunette size 1 cup for almost a year now (I am 17 by the way, don’t know if age is important) and I really wanted it to work.But it doesn’t work that well.
My period last to 5-6 days, and the first 3 days is heavy, and the cup start leaking after 6-7 hours but when I get it out it’s not totally full, and when my period is really heavy it’s only last 4 hours and again it’s not completely full but start leaking, which is not convenient in school.
I think my cervix is high/avarge, and I also thought that maybe I still just haven’t mastered using the cup or I need a bigger one, but on my last period I had a really bad experience, I had to change it every 4 hours, it leaked while sleeping when usually it doesn’t leak at night. I don’t know if it’s connection with that, that in May I had my period twice, then in June I didn’t had it at all, and in July it was late.
So I have been thinking about maybe a disc with bigger capacity and with that automata dump thing could worth a try, but I don’t know. Also, I was thinking about getting a Lumma disc, but there is not much review about them, so if you know any information about the brand I would be gratful if you shared it.
Thank you very much for reading this
Hi There!
First I want to say, that I’m proud of you for using a menstrual cup at your age. It’s still not a very common product, especially for teens. <3
Anyhow, if you have a medium/high cervix, you might benefit from using a longer cup or a larger size for the added capacity and length. Although most companies suggest a smaller size for younger users, it's not a hard rule. You want something that works with your body and flow and some times that goes against the "rules".
A longer cup not only gives you more capacity but will make it easier to reach when you need to remove it. You didn't mention any issues reaching the cup, but if it's moving upwards closer or higher around your cervix, it could be the reason that you're leaking when the cup is not full. If it moves higher, your cervix can be sitting inside of the cup and taking up the already low capacity. A longer or larger cup should be able to accommodate your cervix without compromising all of the capacity.
If you're comfortable using the shorter small Lunette (25 ml to the rim), don't have any issues with reaching it, and rather stay with something more similar to size, you can check out some higher capacity small cups such as the small Super Jennie (32 ml to the rim) or the small Venus Cup (29 ml to the rim). Both of the small cups are the same body length but the Venus Cup is longer if measuring total length (with stems) and narrower.
You can also try the large Venus Cup which holds 47 ml to the rim. It’s one of the highest capacity cups on the market. They offer a starter kit that includes both sizes for a low price.
If you’re worried about the rounder shape of the large Venus Cup and would prefer something more narrow, check out the Casco Cup small (30 ml to the rim) or large (40 ml to the rim).
As for menstrual discs, although companies state that they hold a huge capacity, most people don’t feel that the numbers are accurate. Since the collection reservoir is thin and very flimsy, it doesn’t expand like a menstrual cup. Many users feel that because of this, it doesn’t actually collect as much. BUT, they can still be a good option.
While I like and use the Unique Disc (Lumma Disc), but I feel that the quality has been lacking. People have reported that their cups have hard cuts, rough edges, extra silicone, broken stems, and have become sticky to the touch after minimal use and washing. Washing any silicone cup with certain soaps can cause it to become sticky so that may be user error. However, the manufacturing complaints are valid concerns that I feel I should share.
As for the “automatic dumping”, some users find this a benefit and others have stopped using a disc because of it. Here’s why…
A disc is positioned behind the cervix in the vaginal fornix and then tucked above the pubic bone.
To have the disc “automatically” empty, you bear down (push down) with your muscles to untuck it from the pubic bone. The contents empty into the toilet and then you do a Kegal (squeeze your muscles like you’re holding back from urinating) to get the disc to tuck back above the pubic bone. If this doesn’t work, you’ll need to insert a finger to reposition it.
It’s great that you don’t have to remove the entire disc to empty it. However, this method can be a little messier as the contents spill out. There will likely be blood on your body that will need some cleanup.
Some users have had their discs slide out and into the toilet. Which wouldn’t be convenient if you don’t have access to a private sink to wash it off. While learning this technique myself, I kept a hand near just in case.
The other reason some users stopped using a disc is that the same bearing down happens often throughout the day. We automatically push the pelvic floor muscle down when we laugh, cough, sneeze, lift or carry heavy items, or even while standing up from a sitting position. Many users have experienced an unexpected GUSH followed by a warm sensation. For this reason, I don’t like to suggest a disc for everyday use for anyone with an extremely heavy period unless they’re willing to empty it frequently. The choice is still yours.
Here are a couple of videos about menstrual discs:
Menstrual Cup vs. Menstrual Discs
5 Menstrual Discs on the Market
I hope that I answered you to the fullest. If I missed anything or you had additional questions, feel free to reply.
Good Luck! <3
Red Herring
@redherringtv
RedHerringTV on YouTube
