femdisc menstrual disc without tab

Hands-free emptying—also known as “self-emptying” or “auto-dumping”—happens when your pelvic floor muscles contract and the disc briefly shifts, allowing excess blood to flow into the toilet.

How does hands-free emptying work?

For some people, self-emptying happens every time they use the toilet. For others, it may only occur on heavy flow days—or not at all.

For those who experience it, it can be a major benefit that is unique to menstrual discs.

Self-emptying occurs when you bear down with your pelvic floor muscles, causing the rim of the disc to temporarily shift and release excess fluid into the toilet.

When inserted correctly, the disc sits in the vaginal fornix and stays in place by hooking behind the pubic bone. Since every body is different, experiences with self-emptying may vary. But if it works for you, it’s an added bonus of using a disc!

Self-emptying essentially happens when the disc slightly disengages from the pubic bone. You can trigger it by bearing down while sitting on the toilet.

What does “bearing down” mean?

It’s basically the same muscle movement you use when you’re trying to have a bowel movement.

This action gently pushes the disc downward so it unhooks slightly from the pubic bone. Due to the angle, this allows fluid to flow into the toilet.

How do I prevent self-emptying during exercise, sneezing, or laughing?

Great question! When the Femdisc is properly inserted and hooked behind the pubic bone, it will not leak.

The movement that causes the disc to shift is linked to the muscles used when emptying your bladder. These muscles are isolated and only activated during bathroom use.

They are not engaged during activities like squats, exercise, coughing, or laughing—so your Femdisc stays securely in place.

If you have a heavier flow day or feel unsure, we recommend emptying the disc before working out. For extra protection, you can also wear period underwear or a panty liner as backup.

How do I reposition the disc after self-emptying?

After emptying, some users find that the disc naturally moves back into place when they stand up, or by doing 1–2 Kegel exercises. These contractions help guide the disc back into position.

If you’re new to self-emptying or want extra reassurance, you can also use a clean finger to check that the disc is properly repositioned.

When you pinch the disc in the middle for insertion, it is about the same width as a tampon.

It sits comfortably in the vaginal fornix at the end of the vaginal canal, just below the cervix, where it collects menstrual fluid.

The best way to determine your size is based on the height of your cervix.

• If you have a low cervix, we recommend Femdisc Small.
  
• If your cervix is average to high, Femdisc Regular will likely be a better fit.
  

You can try to feel your cervix by inserting a clean finger into your vaginal opening. The cervix sits at the end of the vagina and can be felt with your finger. If your cervix is higher, squatting can make it easier to reach.

When you reach the end of the vaginal canal, you should feel a small, smooth, round shape—it may feel a bit like pursed lips.

You most likely have a “high cervix” if it is more than 5.5 cm deep, or if you cannot reach it or have difficulty reaching it.

Keep in mind: during your period, the cervix sits lower and moves higher again during your fertile days.

If you’re still unsure, you can try both sizes to find your perfect fit—especially since your cervix height may change throughout your cycle.

Proper care of your Femdisc extends its lifespan and keeps it clean and fresh for years. Here’s our recommendation:

During your period:

You should remove, empty, and clean your reusable disc at least once every 12 hours. First, wash your hands, then use a mild soap or gentle cleanser.

Rinse your disc with cold water first—this helps prevent odors and discoloration of the medical-grade silicone. Then switch to warm water and add a few pumps of cleanser. Gently massage the entire surface of the disc, including both sides of the rim, using your fingers, then rinse thoroughly.

Shake off excess water or let the disc air dry before reinserting it. If you are storing your disc until your next period, make sure it is completely dry beforehand. Store the Femdisc in a cool, dry place in its provided pouch. Never store your disc in an airtight container.

Once a month:

It’s a good idea to disinfect your reusable disc by boiling it. Bring a pot of water to a boil, place the disc in the water, and boil it for 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t come into contact with the sides or bottom of the pot (as this could damage or melt the silicone).

Remove the disc and allow it to cool completely and dry before storing.

Important:

Never use Femdisc if you have a yeast infection or any other vaginal or bacterial infection. Only resume use after full recovery.

If the Femdisc was used during a yeast or bacterial infection, remove it immediately and dispose of it. Do not attempt to clean and reuse the disc after it has been worn during an infection.

Femdisc is made from high-quality medical-grade silicone. All our products are FDA-compliant, hypoallergenic, vegan, and free from BPA, phthalates, and natural rubber latex.

It provides up to 12 hours of leak-proof protection and holds up to 50 ml—the equivalent of about 4 tampons.

Femdisc Regular

• Capacity: 50 ml
  
• Diameter: 70 mm
  

Femdisc Mini

• Capacity: 40 ml
  
• Diameter: 65 mm