You're standing at the edge of the pool. You’ve got that nagging worry. Is the string showing? Is my tampon reaching its "limit" after only twenty minutes in the water? Honestly, it’s a vibe killer. For decades, we’ve been told tampons are the gold standard for swimmers, but if you've ever dealt with that heavy, water-logged feeling post-lap, you know they aren't perfect. Enter the menstrual disc for swimming. It sounds intimidating if you’ve only ever used disposables, but it’s basically a cheat code for anyone who wants to spend four hours in the ocean without thinking about their period once.
Discs are different. They don't sit in the vaginal canal like a plug. Instead, they tuck up behind your pubic bone, right under the cervix, in a space called the vaginal fornix. Because of where they sit, they don't soak up pool water or lake water. They just stay put.
How the Menstrual Disc for Swimming Actually Handles the Water
The biggest problem with tampons in a pool is physics. Cotton is absorbent. It doesn't know the difference between menstrual blood and chlorinated water. So, the second you jump in, that tampon starts acting like a sponge for the pool. This isn't just uncomfortable; it can actually introduce bacteria or chemicals into your body. A menstrual disc for swimming is made of medical-grade silicone or polymer. It’s non-absorbent. It creates a physical barrier rather than a suction-based one (like a cup).
When you use a disc, you're bypassing the "wet string" dilemma entirely. There is no string. Nothing hangs out. You could wear the tiniest bikini bottom on earth and nobody would have a clue you’re on day two of your cycle.
It’s worth mentioning the anatomy here because people get confused. The vaginal fornix is the widest part of the canal. When the disc is tucked behind the pubic bone, it’s held in place by the natural tension of your internal walls. Unlike a menstrual cup, which relies on a vacuum seal to stay in place, the disc just... sits there. This means if you dive, flip-turn, or do a chaotic cannonball, the disc isn't going to "lose its seal" because there wasn't a suction seal to begin with. It’s held by the bone.
The Messy Truth About "Auto-Dumping"
If you’ve researched discs, you’ve probably heard of auto-dumping. This is when the disc slightly unhooks when you use the bathroom, letting some fluid out without you having to take the whole thing out. It’s a feature, not a bug. But does it happen while swimming?
Short answer: No.
Long answer: Only if the disc doesn't fit you right.
When you’re swimming, your pelvic floor muscles are engaged differently than when you’re sitting on a toilet. Unless you are performing an Olympic-level squat mid-stroke, that disc isn't moving. If you find yours is leaking during a swim, it’s likely too big or too small for your specific anatomy. Brands like Hello Disc or Diva Disc have loops or pulls to help with removal, which can be great, but the fit is what matters for the "swim-proof" factor.
Why Pros Are Swapping Cups for Discs
I’ve talked to surfers and competitive swimmers who switched from cups to discs for one specific reason: pressure. Menstrual cups can sometimes create a sensation of bladder pressure or "heaviness" because they sit lower in the vaginal canal. When you're active, that can feel distracting. The disc is higher up. Most users report they literally cannot feel it once it’s tucked.
Also, capacity. A heavy flow day can ruin a beach trip. Most tampons hold about 5ml to 10ml. A high-capacity disc like the Flex Disc or Saalt Disc can hold up to 30ml or 50ml. That is a massive difference. You can legitimately stay in the water all day without needing to find a questionable public restroom to change things out.
Dealing with the "Suction" Myth
A lot of people worry that the pressure of the water will affect the disc. It won't. Water pressure at the depths of a swimming pool or even a few meters down while snorkeling is negligible compared to the internal mechanics of your body. Because the disc doesn't use suction, you don't have to worry about the "painful removal" that sometimes happens with cups if the vacuum isn't broken correctly. You just hook it and pull.
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Real Talk on Hygiene and Safety
Let's be real: public pools are gross. Chlorine helps, but you still don't want that water inside you more than necessary. Because a menstrual disc for swimming doesn't absorb external water, it actually keeps your internal flora more "protected" than a tampon would.
Dr. Jennifer Lincoln, a board-certified OB-GYN and author of Let’s Talk About Down There, has frequently pointed out that tampons can cause micro-tears if they are removed when they're too dry. If a tampon is half-full of pool water and half-full of blood, the fibers can get scratchy. Silicone discs don't have that issue. They are smooth. They don't mess with your natural pH balances or dry out your vaginal walls.
- Materials: Look for 100% medical-grade silicone.
- Disposable vs. Reusable: Flex makes disposables that are great for vacations where you don't want to wash a cup in a hotel sink.
- Boiling: Always boil your reusable disc between cycles. Not just a rinse. Boil it.
The Learning Curve Is Real
Don't make your first time using a disc the morning of a pool party. That’s a recipe for a panic attack in a bathroom stall.
Practice in the shower. You need to get comfortable reaching high enough to tuck the rim behind the pubic bone. If you don't tuck it far enough, it will slide down, and yes, it will leak when you swim. You’ll know it’s right when you can’t feel it when you sit down or move your legs.
If you have an IUD, discs are generally considered safer than cups because they don't use suction, which theoretically reduces the risk of dislodging the IUD strings. However, always check with your doctor. Some people have very low cervices, and a disc might not be the right fit for them. It’s all about your specific "internal landscape."
How to Choose Your First Disc
If you're buying a menstrual disc for swimming, consider the "firmness" of the rim.
- Firm Rims: (Like the original Flex) are easier to insert because they don't flopping around, but they might be felt more by people with sensitive bladders.
- Soft Rims: (Like the Cora or Saalt Soft) are more comfortable but can be a bit of a struggle to get tucked into place properly the first few times.
Most people find a medium-firm disc is the "Goldilocks" zone for athletics and swimming.
Practical Steps for Your Next Swim
If you're ready to make the jump, here is how you actually handle a day at the beach or pool with a disc.
First, insert the disc before you leave the house. Wash your hands thoroughly—sand and silicone do not mix. If you are going to be out for more than 12 hours (the limit for most discs), bring a backup or a small bottle of water to rinse it if you're in a stall.
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Second, do a "test" squat. If you feel the disc moving, it's not tucked high enough. Use your finger to push the front rim up as far as it will go. You should feel it "hook" onto the bone.
Third, forget about it. Seriously. The biggest hurdle is the mental one. Once it's in, it's not going anywhere. You can swim laps, play beach volleyball, or lounge on a floatie without the "is my string showing" anxiety.
When you get home, remove it slowly. Because discs don't have suction, they can sometimes "splash" if you pull too fast. Pro tip: remove it in the shower after your swim. It’s easier, cleaner, and you’re already rinsing off the salt or chlorine anyway.
Switching to a disc might feel like a big leap, but for anyone who spends their summer in the water, the freedom from the "tampon water-log" is worth the ten minutes of awkwardness learning to tuck it in. It's a game-changer for cycle-related sports performance, and honestly, it just makes summer a lot more fun.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Measure your cervix height during your period to see if you need a "short" or "regular" sized disc.
- Buy a disposable pack first (like Flex Discs) to test the fit and feel before investing $30-$40 in a reusable silicone version.
- Practice insertion at least two days before your planned swim to ensure you’ve mastered the "pubic bone tuck."
- Keep a small carry-pouch with fragrance-free wipes in your swim bag for easy cleanup if you need to empty the disc in a public changing room.