Can a Menstrual Disc Get Stuck? What to Do If You Can’t Remove It

A menstrual disc can sometimes feel stuck, especially when you are new to using one. However, it cannot become lost inside your body or travel into your uterus.

Menstrual discs sit inside the vaginal canal, beneath the cervix, with the front rim tucked behind the pubic bone. The cervix separates the vagina from the uterus, so the disc has nowhere else to go.

Most difficult removals can be solved by relaxing, changing position and gently bearing down. Here is what to do if your menstrual disc is proving difficult to reach.

Why does my menstrual disc feel stuck?

A menstrual disc may feel stuck because:

• The front rim is securely tucked behind your pubic bone.
• Your cervix is sitting higher than usual.
• Your pelvic floor muscles have tightened because you are nervous.
• The disc has rotated slightly.
• Menstrual fluid has made the rim slippery.
• You are trying to remove it at an awkward angle.

Unlike a menstrual cup, a disc does not normally rely on suction to remain in place. It is held in position by your vaginal anatomy, particularly the pubic bone. This means you generally do not need to “break the seal” as you would with a menstrual cup.

How to remove a menstrual disc that feels stuck

1. Stop and relax

Tensing your pelvic floor can make the vaginal canal feel tighter and may move the disc farther out of reach.

Take several slow breaths and consciously relax your stomach, thighs and pelvic floor. If you have already made several attempts, take a short break before trying again.

A warm shower may help you relax and gives you somewhere convenient to remove the disc if the process becomes messy.

2. Wash your hands

Always wash your hands thoroughly before inserting your fingers into your vagina. Keep your fingernails smooth to reduce the chance of scratching delicate vaginal tissue.

3. Try a different position

Changing position can shorten the vaginal canal and make the disc easier to reach. Try:

• Sitting on the toilet with your knees apart.
• Squatting low.
• Standing with one foot raised on the side of the bath or toilet.
• Removing the disc while in the shower.

There is no single correct removal position. Use whichever position allows you to relax and comfortably reach the disc.

4. Gently bear down

Bear down gently as though you are having a bowel movement. This uses your pelvic muscles to move the disc closer to the vaginal opening.

Do not strain forcefully. A slow, controlled push is usually more effective than repeatedly trying to grab the disc while your muscles are tense.

5. Find the front rim

Insert a clean finger and feel along the front wall of your vagina until you locate the disc’s rim behind your pubic bone.

Hook your finger underneath the front rim. If your disc has a removal notch, loop or tab, use it according to the product instructions.

6. Untuck and remove it slowly

Gently pull the rim down and away from your pubic bone. Once it has become untucked, guide the disc toward the vaginal opening.

Try to keep the disc reasonably level as you remove it to reduce spilling. However, a little mess during removal is completely normal, particularly while you are learning.

What should I avoid doing?

If your menstrual disc is difficult to remove:

• Do not use tweezers, scissors or any other tools.
• Do not repeatedly scratch or pinch the vaginal tissue.
• Do not pull forcefully if you are experiencing sharp pain.
• Do not panic and continue making increasingly forceful attempts.

Using tools could damage the disc or injure the vaginal walls. If the area becomes sore or swollen, stop and allow your muscles and tissue to settle before trying again.

Can a menstrual disc move behind the cervix?

No. A disc sits around the cervix within the vaginal fornix, but it cannot travel through the cervix and become lost inside the uterus.

It may move slightly higher or rotate, making the front rim harder to locate, but it remains inside the vaginal canal.

Can a menstrual disc create suction?

Menstrual discs generally stay in place by resting beneath the cervix and tucking behind the pubic bone rather than forming the type of suction seal associated with menstrual cups.

Occasionally, the disc may still feel very secure because of its position or the pressure around the rim. Bearing down while gently untucking the front edge should help release it.

How long can a menstrual disc stay in?

Many menstrual discs can be worn for up to 12 hours, although you may need to empty yours sooner depending on your flow. Always follow the instructions supplied with your particular disc.

Do not deliberately leave a disc in longer because it is difficult to remove. If you cannot remove it after calm, gentle attempts, contact a healthcare professional.

When should I get medical help?

Contact a doctor, sexual health clinic, urgent-care clinic or other qualified healthcare provider if:

• You cannot remove the disc.
• Removal causes significant or worsening pain.
• You experience unusual bleeding.
• You notice foul-smelling discharge.
• You think the disc may have been retained longer than recommended.
• The vaginal area becomes swollen, injured or extremely tender.

A healthcare professional can remove a retained menstrual product safely. There is no need to feel embarrassed - this is something healthcare providers are trained to manage.

Seek urgent medical attention if you develop symptoms such as sudden fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, fainting, confusion, muscle aches or a widespread rash. These can be symptoms of toxic shock syndrome, which is rare but requires immediate treatment.

How can I make removal easier next time?

Removal usually becomes easier with practice. Before your next period:

• Practise locating your pubic bone with clean hands.
• Try removing the disc before it becomes completely full.
• Experiment with different body positions.
• Keep your pelvic floor relaxed.
• Check that the disc size and firmness suit your anatomy.
• Read the removal instructions for your particular disc design.

If you regularly struggle to reach your disc, a design with a removal notch, tab or loop may be easier to use. A different disc diameter or firmness could also make a difference.

The bottom line

A menstrual disc can occasionally be difficult to reach, but it cannot become permanently lost inside your body.

Stay calm, wash your hands, change position, bear down gently and hook a finger beneath the front rim. Avoid using tools or force. If you still cannot remove the disc—or you experience pain or signs of illness - contact a healthcare professional.

Once you understand where the disc sits and how to untuck it from behind the pubic bone, removal usually becomes much quicker and easier.

Ready to try a reusable menstrual disc? Explore bohokiwi menstrual discs and find the size that works best for your body and flow.

This article provides general educational information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice.