Is The Flex Disc A Viable Alternative To Tampons & Pads

The flex disc is an alternative to pads and tampons and this is a review of the flex menstrual cup from my perspective after testing it out.  If you are not comfortable talking about periods, your nether regions or any of that, now would be a good time to exit.

The links in this post may be affiliate links.  That means that if you click them and make a purchase, this site makes a commission.  It will have no impact on the price you pay or the experience of your purchase.

But if you are curious and have thought about using the Flex discs or have been looking for an alternative to tampons and pads, read on friend, read on.

I recently had my IUD removed after I don't know how many years of being on it.  All the hype in the media about people losing limbs and bad stuff happening with IUDs just made me feel uneasy.  It also kept playing in the back of my mind that I had to be put under to have the last one taken out.  

I still think that was unnecessary and wish I had gone to another doctor before going through that, but you live and you learn.

But one of the amazing benefits of the IUD was that I didn't have to deal with, think about, or buy supplies for a monthly period.  Yes, and yes please.

I have heard women talk about different resources out there like cups and period panties and all the things.  But none of that was on my radar.

Sadly, the monthly uninvited, but expected visitor is back and I am exploring my options.

Now working out more and going to the gym and whatnot, I didn’t want to have to worry about all the things that women worry about when it’s that time of the month.

And I ain’t gone lie, I hated not being able to get busy when I wanna.  Which, was a major benefit of the IUD.  I mean we grown right?

So for all of these reasons, I was intrigued by the Flex Menstrual Disk.

What Is The Flex Disc?

The Flex disc is a disposable round, flexible ring with a catch that sits at the base of the cervix.

How Does the Flex Menstrual Disc Work?

The Flex Disc collects menstrual fluid without sitting in the vaginal canal like with a tampon or cup.  But also not allowing menstrual flow to leave your body until you take it out, unlike with a pad.

It is designed to stay in place for up to 12 hours.  Allowing you to go all day and all night without worrying about your unwanted visitor.

How Do You Insert The Flex Disc?

The disc is inserted by pinching the center of the disc and with clean hands pushing it in until it rests just below the pubic bone.

Start by washing your hands. It is a good practice to wash your hands before and after you insert and remove your Flex disc.

Find the position that works best for you. You can sit over the toilet, stand with a leg elevated, or position yourself into a full squat. It may take some time to find the position that works best for you.  Or depending on where you are, the position may change.

Pinch the disc in the center, so that it is half of its regular size, and insert it into the vaginal canal, making sure you are pushing the edge that goes in first down toward the floor so that it sits at an angle and fully covers the cervix.

Make sure it's pushed past the pubic bone as far as it can go.  You can adjust it by doing a kegel to make sure that it is in place.

You should not be able to feel it once it is in place.  It may take a few tries to get it, especially if you are not used to using this kind of device.

I recommend trying it out before your cycle actually starts to get the hang of it without the pressure.

How Do You Remove The Flex Disc?

When you are ready to remove the flex disc, you use your finger and grab the ring of the disc and pull it out. Then you can empty into the toilet before disposing of the disc.

The biggest thing to keep in mind for removal is to relax. If your muscles are tense it can make removing the Flex Disc a little more complicated.  

Standing in the shower or sitting over the toilet you want to bear down. Similar to the way you do when you poop or if you have had children when you push.   It will help you remove the disc from behind the pubic bone and make it easier to reach.

Using a clean finger, grab hold of the disc from under the black rim and pull.  Try to keep FLEX parallel to the floor to prevent it from spilling.

You can empty it into the toilet and place the used disc in a wrapper and dispose of it.

It’s not hard at all and once you get the hang of it, it’s even easier.

What Are The Pros And Cons Of The Flex Disc?

Pros

Set it and forget it.  Once it is in and in place you literally don’t have to think about or worry about it.  If it is inserted properly it will not leak.

Comfort.  The flex is more comfortable than a tampon or pad.  Once it is in place you do not feel it.

Leakproof.  When inserted properly you have nothing to worry about.

No interruptions to your sex life.  With the Flex can have worry-free, mess-free sex if you feel up to it.

Hypoallergenic.  Made from hypoallergenic materials.

Cons

Learning curve.  There is a slight learning curve to getting comfortable with it.  I accidentally did not put it all the way in one time and did have some leaking.  Because I was new to it, I had on a liner, but it was annoying nonetheless.

Removal in public.  Removing the disc in a public bathroom is not ideal.  I found that I preferred to be in a public bathroom and could handle it less stressful that way.

No string.  It takes some getting used to that there is no string.  So you have to get comfortable with using your finger to remove it.

Messy.  If you have a heavier flow, it can be a bit messy removing it.  But I found that doing it in the shower made it easier.

How Do I Get Flex Discs?

You can subscribe to get a bi-monthly delivery via Flex directly.  Flex discs can now also be found in local Target stores and online.  While not all stores have them, I was able to see that a few in my area do. 

And as with everything, you can also get Flex Discs from Amazon as well.

Using this referral link right here, you can get $5 off your first order by ordering them directly through the Flexfits website.

How Does The Flex Disc Subscription Work?

You start by picking which level you need based on your flow.

You are charged the price for the level selected and shipping is free.  From there you are sent refills every two months.

It helps make your period one less thing to think about.  Cause really, who wants to think about it.

I just finished my first month using the Flex Menstrual Disc.  I started with a starter/sample pack and I just went back and started my subscription.  It’s nice to have options, and this is one I can live with.