Why is Flex menstrual Disc leaking when you use the bathroom

Why is there blood in the toilet when I pee while wearing Flex Disc?

Does that mean it’s in wrong? Did I push it back far enough? It hasn’t leaked at all until now… what’s going on?!

These are all questions we get pretty often—so if you’re wondering the same thing, have no fear! Seeing blood in the toilet when you’re using Flex Disc is 100% normal (and even a nice benefit of menstrual discs, we might add). 

Here’s what’s going on when you use the bathroom while wearing reusable or disposable menstrual discs. Spoiler alert: It doesn’t mean your disc is actually leaking. 

Why is my Flex Disc leaking when I pee… What’s going on?

First off, don’t stress. Seeing a little blood in the toilet or on your TP when wearing a menstrual disc is a-okay. What’s happening is that your disc is sliding down a little bit in your vaginal canal when you bear down to pee or poop. The disc’s front edge may have made its way just beyond your pubic bone—and this lets a little fluid out. 

Sooo, why exactly does this happen? We gotchu. Let’s first revisit that set of muscles known as your pelvic floor. As explained in another recent Fornix blog post, “you can thank your pelvic floor for everything from bathroom breaks to sexual pleasure, childbirth, and your ability to stay upright when walking around.”

The pelvic floor sits at the base of your pelvis—a literal floor—and is generally bowl-shaped, supporting your bladder, bowel, and uterus. These muscles play a key role in continence, a.k.a. your ability to “hold it” (and thank goodness for that). They also have a certain amount of influence over the vagina, especially in terms of its length and tightness: One 2008 study found that the voluntary pelvic floor muscles “impose significant closure forces” along the vaginal canal.¹

Translation? When you squeeze up with your pelvic floor, as you would when doing a kegel, your vagina narrows and “tightens” and your pelvic floor moves upwards and inwards. When you bear down on your pelvic floor, as you would when trying to poop, your cervix lowers, shortening your vaginal canal, and your pelvic floor muscles contract, moving downwards and outwards. 

And with the right circumstances at play—i.e. how heavy your flow is that day, how long you’ve been wearing your disc, the height of your cervix, and how hard you were bearing down—your Flex Disc might just shift a little past your pubic bone (which typically holds it up and securely in place) and let out a little menstrual blood. 

Believe it or not, this is actually a feature we really love about using menstrual discs! (More on that in a moment.) 

To get your disc back into place after you’re done on the toilet, just use a clean finger (middle or index finger work best) and push it all the way back into the vaginal fornix, tucking the front of the disc’s rim up behind your pubic bone. Alternatively, pull your disc back into place by doing a kegel (#handsfree). 

How to hack your heavy flow days with Flex Disc: Mid-wear emptying

Did you know that there’s a trick to be able to wear your Flex Disc for the full 12-hour recommended wear, even on your heaviest flow days? It’s all about mastering the disc’s mid-wear emptying feature, which only requires a little familiarity with your pelvic floor.

Here’s how to do it: 

Imagine you’re a few hours into wearing your disc. It’s a heavy flow day, but you’re busy at work and you’d rather not fully change your period product in the bathroom you share with your coworkers. 

So, you go to the bathroom as usual, but when you’re done, you give those pelvic floor muscles a little extra downward push (while still sitting on the toilet). Imagine you’re trying to “give birth” to your disc. You should see or feel a little blood dump out into the toilet. 

Voila! You did it. Your disc is now significantly less full. Now, all you need to do is either A. perform a quick kegel or B. use a clean finger to push your disc back into its original position, with the front rim tucked up in a secure position behind your pubic bone. Use a Flex Wipe to freshen up, wash your hands, and get back to your day without a single worry about potential leakage (hello, peace of mind!). 

If you use this tactic every time you go to the bathroom while wearing Flex Disc, you’ll probably notice that you can go through the entire day without removing or changing your disc—the full recommended 12-hour wear. This means less time feeling bothered by being on your period and more time doing, ya know, stuff you actually enjoy!

Keep in mind that, on lighter days, you might not be able to push out any blood using this tactic. It works best on the first few days of your period, when your flow tends to be at its heaviest. It’s also worth noting that mid-wear dumping is only possible with menstrual discs, and will not work with a menstrual cup (which is held in place via suction and is worn lower down in the vaginal canal).

Wait! Flex Disc is leaking at other times during wear

Unless you’re actively using your pelvic floor muscles to push, there’s no reason to worry about toilet spillage translating into actual leakage while you’re going about your day.  

However, if you are experiencing leaks at other times with a menstrual disc, it’s usually due to one of the following issues:

• Your disc isn’t tucked far enough back into the vaginal fornix, or is positioned incorrectly. When inserting a menstrual disc, think down and back towards your tailbone—don’t angle it upwards like a tampon. Once your disc is all the way back in your vaginal canal, tuck the front rim of the disc up behind your pubic bone. This is what holds the disc in place! When Flex Disc is inserted correctly and in the proper position, you shouldn’t be able to feel it at all. 

• Your flow has surpassed your disc’s maximum capacity. Most disc users are able to use their Flex Disc during a 12-hour time frame of recommended wear, but if you have an especially heavy flow (a.k.a. menorrhagia), you might need to empty your reusable menstrual disc or change your disposable one sooner (or take advantage of the mid-wear emptying feature explained above). For reference, Flex Disc’s high capacity can hold up to six teaspoons of menstrual fluid—the equivalent of three super tampons. Flex Reusable Disc has an even higher capacity of 6+ super tampons. The average menstruating human bleeds about three teaspoons in 24 hours.

What do menstrual discs do?

Menstrual discs are flexible, cup-like devices designed to collect menstrual fluid during your period. Unlike traditional pads or tampons, they sit high in the vaginal canal, creating a seal that helps prevent leaks. Their unique design allows for comfortable wear and can be used during intercourse, offering added convenience.

CHAT WITH A FLEXPERT: 

Some brands of menstrual discs may be more prone to leaking than others due to differences in design, flexibility, and materials. However, Flex Disc is designed to create a secure seal when properly inserted, which helps prevent leaks. If you’re experiencing leakage, it may be related to placement rather than the brand itself.

Whether you prefer Flex Plant+ Disc, the reusable, or a disposable one, it all comes down to personal preference. Keep in mind that finding the best period product for your body can take some experimentation, and for first time users, there is a bit of a learning curve for disc removal and insertion. Your body’s anatomy, such as the position of your cervix: whether you have a high cervix, low cervix or a tilted cervix, and individual comfort levels play significant roles in this process. Flex discs come in one size only, there is no way you picked the wrong size. If you’re struggling with your menstrual disc leaking, consider the following our top tips to refine your technique on your next period:

1. Check Your Position: Just like inserting period cups, ensure that your body is relaxed during insertion. Standing, squatting, or sitting on the toilet can help you find a comfortable angle that allows for better placement and a secure fit. Experimenting with different positions can make all the difference in successfully inserting your disc without leaks.
2. Mind Your Flow: Pay attention to your flow intensity throughout the day. On heavier days, consider dumping mid-wear more frequently or using a backup method such as period underwear or panty liners for added protection.

Some other key benefits of using menstrual discs include better menstrual health management and increased comfort during wear. Unlike traditional pads and tampons, menstrual discs sit higher in the vaginal canal, allowing for more freedom of movement without the sensation of bulkiness. Moreover, it allows for period sex. Since they sit up in the fornix, penetrative sex during your period is definitely a possibility, if you feel like it.

Another significant advantage is their capacity; menstrual discs can hold more fluid than many other period products, making them ideal for those with heavier flows. This means fewer changes throughout the day and less concern about leaks when you’re on the go.

Additionally, using menstrual discs can lead to a more eco-friendly lifestyle.

Pay attention to how each disc feels during wear, as comfort and security are key indicators of proper fit.

What other options are out there?

Discs are not for you? Try the Flex cup. Our reusable menstrual cup offers an alternative that may suit your needs better. With a natural shape and a silicone design, the Flex Cup is crafted to create a suction seal against the vaginal walls to prevent leaks. Just like discs, it requires some practice for optimal placement and removal.

If you’re experiencing persistent leaking with period discs, remember that it’s perfectly okay to explore other options. The Flex Cup comes in different sizes tailored to various anatomies and flow types, allowing for a more customized experience, and with its patented pull tab for easy removal, it can be a good option for beginners and people with disabilities.

If you’re still encountering issues with leaks despite following proper insertion techniques and understanding your flow, no worries—our resident Flexperts are here to help anytime you need it. Here’s how to reach us: email us at help@flexfits.com

Love Flex Disc? Have feedback? We want to hear it! Slide into our DMs on Instagram @flex or send us a message on Facebook to tell us what you think. You can also sign-up for our newsletter to learn more about our products and receive special offers!

This article is informational only and is not offered as medical advice, nor does it substitute for a consultation with your physician. If you have any gynecological/medical concerns or conditions, please consult your physician. 

© 2025 The Flex Company. All Rights Reserved.