DR. JANE ANSWERS: "How Safe Are Menstrual Discs"
Written by Dr. Jane Van Dis
I’m Dr. Jane van Dis, a board certified OB/GYN with 13 years of experience working in women’s health. I love caring for women and empowering them to learn more about their reproductive system, their anatomy and their menstrual cycle.
I joined The Flex Company because not all feminine products fit all women’s bodies or lifestyles.
Women deserve a choice when it comes to their monthly cycle, and FLEX offers women more flexibility when it comes to being on their period and exercising, traveling, or having sex with their partner.
What’s wrong with tampons or pads?
Many women experience discomfort during their periods, and I believe that menstrual products are partially to blame. When we wear a tampon or pad, we’re constantly reminded that we’re undergoing a really uncomfortable experience.
Tampons (including organic tampons) can be very irritating, causing vaginal inflammation or an imbalance in your pH, which can lead to frequent yeast or bacterial infections. Tampons can also worsen cramps for many women because they don’t allow air to escape the body during menstruation, leading to bloating. In addition, tampons leak and require changing 4-5 times per day, and pads can carry an unpleasant odor.
What are the benefits of a FLEX menstrual disc?
FLEX is an innovative product called a menstrual disc. It was designed to solve many of the problems caused by traditional menstrual products such as tampons and pads.
FLEX was designed by women and works by collecting (rather than absorbing) menstrual fluid.
It’s disposable and worn for up to 12 hours of leak-free period protection. It can also be worn during intercourse for mess-free period sex (but FLEX is not a contraceptive and will not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases).
What does usingFLEX menstrual disc feel like?
Many women find that it’s soft, flexible design helps prevent period cramps that are caused by tampons. FLEX Disc holds about 4 tampons worth of fluid and should not leak if inserted properly. It is designed to fit anyone with a periodand can be worn during all of your normal activities, such as swimming or exercise.
Is FLEX approved?
FLEX is FDA registered, hypoallergenic, and made without silicone or natural rubber latex.