A menstrual disc is a flexible, ring-shaped device with a collection basin that is placed internally to manage menstrual flow. Unlike traditional absorption-based products like tampons, the disc collects fluid, offering a wear time of up to 12 hours. Many users considering a switch to internal collection methods worry about a potential increase in period pain. This concern is often fueled by experiences with other products, leading to the central question of whether menstrual discs can cause or, conversely, alleviate the common discomfort of menstrual cramping.
Understanding How Menstrual Discs Sit Internally
The way a menstrual disc is positioned inside the body is fundamentally different from a menstrual cup or a tampon. A disc is designed to sit high up in the vaginal fornix, the widest part of the vaginal canal, located at the base of the cervix. It is held in place by its rim tucking securely behind the pubic bone, not by suction or the grip of the vaginal muscles.
This placement means the disc rests in an area with fewer nerve endings, which often results in the user feeling virtually nothing once correctly inserted. By contrast, a menstrual cup sits lower in the vaginal canal, held in place by creating a gentle seal or vacuum. The disc’s design avoids reliance on this seal, which is a factor in how it interacts with the surrounding internal musculature.
The disc acts like a shallow, flexible reservoir placed beneath the cervix to catch the flow. Because it is supported by the rigid structure of the pubic bone, it does not press against the soft vaginal walls or the lower pelvic muscles. This anatomical distinction explains why the disc experience often differs significantly from that of a menstrual cup, which may exert pressure on the cervix if improperly placed.
The Direct Answer: Discs and Uterine Pressure
The primary cause of menstrual cramps, known as dysmenorrhea, is the contraction of the uterine muscles. These contractions are triggered by the release of prostaglandins, which help the uterus shed its lining. Since cramps originate in the uterus, a collection device in the vagina should not directly interfere with or worsen these contractions.
Internal products can indirectly exacerbate discomfort if they press on sensitive areas. Menstrual cups, relying on a vacuum seal and sitting lower in the canal, can sometimes create “cup cramps” due to pressure on the cervix or vaginal walls. Menstrual discs bypass this issue entirely because they do not use suction to stay in place.
The disc’s soft, high placement, secured against the pubic bone, ensures it does not apply significant pressure to the lower vaginal muscles or the cervix. For many who experience discomfort with suction-based products, switching to a disc can alleviate the feeling of intensified cramping. The physiological reason is that the disc’s mechanical hold is less likely to irritate the internal tissues than the seal of a cup.
Why Cramping Might Still Occur
While the disc’s design is unlikely to be the direct cause of true uterine cramping, users may still experience pain or discomfort that feels like a cramp due to fit or placement issues. Using a disc that is the wrong size for one’s anatomy is a common issue. A disc that is too large may be forced into place, causing the rim to exert excessive tension or pressure on the vaginal walls, which can result in discomfort or bladder pressure.
Conversely, a disc that is too small might not tuck securely behind the pubic bone, causing it to slip down the vaginal canal. When a disc is positioned too low or bumps against the cervix, it creates a noticeable pressure that mimics the sensation of cramping. This type of discomfort usually signals that the disc needs to be adjusted or that a different size is necessary.
Improper insertion is another factor; if the rear rim is not tucked completely behind the cervix, the device can sit incorrectly and cause pressure. If pain is severe, progressively worsening, or felt even when the disc is removed, the source is likely an underlying condition. Conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or adenomyosis cause painful periods that no menstrual product can eliminate, and severe pain warrants consultation with a healthcare provider.