Can I use a menstrual disc if I have vaginismus?

Alternative and reusable menstrual hygiene products, such as menstrual cups and menstrual discs, have revolutionised the lives of many women, facilitating their independence and reshaping their lifestyle habits. Thanks to menstrual discs, cups and even menstrual panties, women have become more confident, more independent and healthier.
Did you know that our menstrual pads are compatible with vaginismus? Here we give you more details.

What is vaginismus?

Vaginismus is a sexual problem or sexual dysfunction that many women suffer from in silence. It is the involuntary contraction of the perivaginal muscles, i.e. those located in the lower third of the vagina.

According to the Spanish Society of General Medicine, 12% of women in Spain suffer from vaginismus. Although, as we have said, as it is a disease that is largely silenced due to modesty, fear or shame, gynaecology specialists suspect that the number of women who suffer from it may be higher.

As a result of this contraction, the vagina narrows, preventing any penetration. This, in turn, makes sexual intercourse painful and very difficult. But vaginismus does not only affect the sexual level. As you may have deduced, women with vaginismus also suffer limitations in terms of intimate hygiene when they are on their period. It is very difficult for them to use tampons, for example. 

Luckily, there are menstrual products that are compatible with this condition.

Are menstrual discs and vaginismus compatible?

The answer is yes. The menstrual disc is a product that, according to the experience of our customers, is perfectly safe and comfortable for women who suffer from vaginismus. However, if you have any doubts and you are not sure whether you can use it in your case, the best thing to do is to consult your doctor and follow his or her recommendations. There is no one better than your health professional to know what is best for you.

Although there are many proposals on the market for the use of menstrual cups for vaginismus, our recommendation, always based on the real experience of women in this same situation, is the use of the menstrual disc. Since its method of insertion and size are more compatible and comfortable when you have vaginismus.

In the case of MissVerde, we have two types of menstrual discs in different sizes, the normal menstrual disc and the premium menstrual disc. The main difference between them is that, although both have a ring around them for easy removal, the premium menstrual disc has an extra layer designed to prevent leakage at the time of removal.

Once inserted, the menstrual disc sits comfortably at the base of the cervix, without causing vaginal dryness and respecting the vaginal flora at all times. It is precisely during insertion that women with vaginismus are most concerned about, as this is when what can be called ‘disc penetration’ occurs. However, the vaginal discs are completely friendly in this situation, since once folded between the index finger and thumb, its thickness will be about one centimetre. In addition, in the case of the premium menstrual disc, it is softer to the touch around the edges, so it will be easier to keep folded during insertion into the vaginal canal to place it at the base of the cervix.

Can I use the menstrual disc with a dilator?

Vaginal dilators, as the name suggests, are a therapeutic tool for various disorders of the vagina or pelvic floor. There are 5 levels or thicknesses, allowing a gradual training of the area. The use of each of the thicknesses should always be indicated by a gynaecological professional and should never be used on one's own.
Because the dilator is placed in the vagina and the menstrual disc is inserted until it is located in the cervix area, both are completely compatible for use at the same time. In fact, depending on the thickness of the dilator you are using, even the menstrual disc will be thinner. However, if you need to, there are special applicators for inserting the menstrual discs.

It is important that, in the case of both the dilators and the menstrual disc, you maintain proper hygiene and disinfection at all times to avoid vaginal infections. Make sure your hands are clean when inserting or removing them.

Benefits of the menstrual disc

According to gynaecological recommendations, the menstrual disc is a great ally for women who suffer from uterine prolapse or weakened pelvic floor, precisely because of its placement and the place where it is placed.
For those who don't know, uterine prolapse occurs when the muscles and ligaments of the pelvic floor are stretched and weakened to the point that they no longer provide sufficient support for the uterus. As a result, the uterus moves into the vagina.

Another gynaecological advantage of the menstrual disc is that it can be used after childbirth, as it is placed in the cervix and not in the vaginal canal, which after childbirth is usually looser and the walls of the vagina weaker. In fact, some of our users have told us that they prefer the menstrual disc because of its size and placement, as after pregnancy and childbirth they cannot insert the cup because their pelvic muscles are weakened.

In addition, there are many women who often experience pain after childbirth when using the menstrual cup, especially if they have suffered an episiotomy or perineal tear. These situations result in painful scarring for a period of time and inserting or wearing the cup can cause discomfort.


Fortunately, having vaginismus or other gynaecological conditions and being able to enjoy the benefits of alternative menstrual products is no longer incompatible.