Did I put this in right? Is it going to leak? What if it gets stuck? What if it gets lost? How will I get this thing out? What if I get blood everywhere?

You probably asked yourself at least one of these when learning how to use a tampon and most of us didn’t nail it the first time we used one. Or the first several tries. Honestly, some of us still haven’t quite figured out how to make them work perfectly and we are full-grown adults. Either way, before it became a part of life’s routine, you probably had plenty of questions. In the same way, learning how to use FLEX Disc requires a leap of faith, and some practice.

New Menstrual Product, Who This?

Menstrual discs have actually been around since the 1990’s, but many people have still never heard of them, let alone tried one. Change and newness can be scary, especially when it involves putting something new in your vagina. But if the outcome of trying FLEX Disc is having the most comfortable period of your life, we believe you’ll find the learning curve is beyond worth it.

If you're nervous about trying a FLEX Disc, consider this comment we hear all the time:

This may sound familiar if you’ve ever ditched pads to start using tampons.

The Heavy Flow Of Tampon Woes

Except maybe you still don’t love tampons, which is why you’re researching tampon alternatives now. More people are becoming aware that tampons can disrupt vaginal pH, cause infections and irritation, or just feel uncomfortable, like: when you try to remove a tampon when your period decides it’s taking a break in the middle of your flow, and it feels like you’re pulling a stick of sandpaper out of your vagina.

FLEX’s menstrual discs won’t feel like you’re tearing out the delicate insides of your vaginal canal when you remove it. They glide out, even on your lightest days.

Pro Tip: You can practice inserting and removing the disc at any time of the month to reach FLEXpert status by the time your period starts. Start here to learn the ins and outs of using FLEX menstrual discs.

Switching to discs doesn’t just benefit you- it’s better for the environment, too. FLEX Discs create 60% less waste than tampons. Designed to be worn for up to 12 hours, each disc holds the same amount as three regular tampons. FLEX Discs have also never been linked to TSS, which is definitely still a thing if you’re using tampons.

How Will I Fit This Inside Me?

Let’s be honest, a menstrual disc looks huge. How in the world is that supposed to fit inside your tiny vagina?

Luckily, the disc is very flexible and was designed to be pinched in half for insertion. When pinched, the disc is only about 70mm wide, very similar in width to an average sized tampon. Vaginas are very elastic, and the shape of a FLEX Disc was planned specifically to fit comfortably inside the vaginal fornix (the highest part of the vagina). So, even though a FLEX menstrual disc looks big, it was designed to fit over 90% of people who get a period. Watch our guide on how to insert the disc here:

Since your vagina is not a black hole, there’s no need to worry about a disc getting lost inside of you, either. Your vagina is more like a cul-de-sac, which means that a disc cannot get lost inside of you. Removal is within a finger’s reach, and if you’re ever having trouble getting your disc out, we have lots of tips available for you here.

Feel No Evil

Because the disc sits high up in the vaginal fornix, when inserted properly, you shouldn't be able to feel it at all. If there is anything uncomfortable happening with the menstrual disc inserted, it is likely caused by the disc not being positioned correctly within your own anatomy. Try reading this troubleshooting guide if your disc feels like anything other than nothing inside of you.

The Most Comfortable Period Of Your Life

Still on the fence? What if we told you that FLEX Disc can help significantly decrease cramps?

For many, the biggest reason to try FLEX Disc is because many of our users experience a dramatic increase in comfort during their period after switching.

We surveyed over 400 individuals who use FLEX Disc about how they experience their period. Before using FLEX Menstrual Discs, only 16% said their period week was “just like any other week,” whereas 76% said their week was uncomfortable in some way.

After switching to FLEX, 68% said that their period week felt like every other week. (!!!) That means that 52% of women saw a significant improvement in comfort during their period by switching to FLEX.

Disc Leakage And Blood Angst

Maybe you’re ready to try FLEX Discs, but you’re scared about leakage and blood. Many times when there is leakage, it’s because the disc was not fully tucked behind the pubic bone. It’s possible you will need to learn where your pubic bone is located. Some menstruators are lucky enough to get the hang of using our menstrual disc right away, others need time to learn their own anatomy and figure out a way to insert & place in a way that works best for their body.

And that blood in the toilet when you go to the bathroom? It’s perfectly normal. That’s your disc emptying with the help of your pelvic floor muscles. Woohoo! Pro Tip: Do a few kegels or use a finger to push the disc back up after your disc empties.

If you end up running into leakage issues, you can read all about how to fix them here.

Practice makes perfect

Most users tell us it takes about a full cycle (8-12 count of FLEX Disc) before they feel really confident using FLEX Disc as a tampon replacement, but if you are still having trouble using our disc, you can check out FLEX ED: 10 Helpful Tips For Using FLEX, or you can contact one of our real human FLEXperts at hello@flexfits.com or (800) 931-0882. who are available to walk you through the process. Similar to when you first learned to use a tampon, we think of ourselves as your BFF on the other side of the bathroom door.

Most importantly, don’t feel bad if it doesn't work for you. Just like pads, tampons, cups, and period underwear, some products just work better for some people. It’s all about what makes you feel the most comfortable and helps you love your body the most.