Using your disc
Learn how to use your Gaia Menstrual Disc, get to know its parts, and understand how it works, everything you need for a comfortable, confident flow.
How does the disc work?
The Gaia Menstrual Disc is a flexible, reusable disc made from medical-grade silicone that sits at the base of your cervix in the vaginal fornix, tucked in behind the pubic bone, collecting menstrual fluid. It forms a secure seal around the cervix, preventing leaks and offering comfortable protection for up to 12 hours.
The disc does not sit in the vaginal canal unlike tampons or menstrual cups so it’s highly unlikely to cause pain. With proper care, the disc can be reused for 5-10 years, making it an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to traditional products.
Get to know your disc
Know Your Disc Before Following the Instructions
The front of the disc is marked with the small Jars of Love logo—this side should always enter the vagina first. When inserting, make sure the rim faces up and the bowl faces down (towards the floor) to collect your flow. The extraction lever (the round ring) should always point away from your body, making removal easier when it’s time.
Inserting the disc
1. Wash your hands & sterilise your disc
Wash your hands
Begin by washing your hands thoroughly and drying afterwards.
Sterilise the disc
Before each cycle, sterilise your Gaia Disc using the Jars of Love sterilising jar (see full instructions below:
- Place disc in the Jars of Love sterilising jar, rim up and tilted sideways.
- Fill with boiling water until fully covered.
- Microwave uncovered for 3 minutes only. (Do not put the lid of the jar in the microwave)
- Let cool completely before touching.
- Store dry, in your cotton bag and jar, between cycles.
Do not use scented soaps or harsh chemicals.
2. Get into position & prepare for insertion
Get Into Position
Get into a position that feels comfortable, either sitting on the toilet or standing with one leg raised (like the Captain Morgan pose).
Relax and breathe, take it easy and be gentle.
Prepare the Disc for Insertion
- Hold the disc with the extraction lever pointing away from you and the Jars of Love logo facing you.
- The rim faces up, and the bowl faces down (towards the floor).
- Gently pinch the rim to create a narrow oval shape.
3. Insert & tuck
- Gently insert the pinched disc, angled down and back toward your tailbone. Water-based lube can help if it’s dry.
- Push until the disc sits just past your pubic bone.
- Then tuck the front rim behind your pubic bone.
- It should feel secure and comfy—if not, adjust gently.
You shouldn’t feel the disc at all when it’s in the right spot.
4. You're all set!
Congratulations! Once your disc is securely in place, it will stay put and catch your menstrual flow. You can leave it in for 8 to 12 hours, depending on your flow.
If you can feel the disc, slightly adjust it to find your perfect “sweet spot.” Make sure it’s tucked behind your pubic bone in an upright position, covering your cervix.
Experiencing leaks? This usually means your disc isn’t in the right position or it’s full. Try adjusting it or emptying it.
Pro tip: Want to release your flow without removing the disc? If it’s full, you can “auto-dump” by gently bearing down with your pelvic muscles (like going for a number two). This can release the disc’s contents automatically, no hands needed!
Removing the disc
1. Wash Your Hands & Get into Position
Always wash and dry your hands before handling your disc.
To remove it, get into a position that feels comfortable, either sitting on the toilet or standing with one leg raised (like the Captain Morgan pose).
Breathe deeply and stay relaxed. Tensing your muscles may make removal stressful, so just relax and be gentle.
2. Reach down & find the extraction lever
Insert a clean finger and hook it under the extraction ring. Water-based lube can help if it’s dry.
If you’re struggling to reach it, gently bear down like you’re having a bowel movement to bring it lower.
3. Gently pull & empty your disc
Remove the disc slowly keeping the bowl facing upwards to avoid spills.
The slower you move the better, take your time.
Empty the contents into the toilet and wash your disc with cold water if you are reinserting it.
4. Sterilise & store your disc
If you’re finished with your cycle, sterilise your disc (see instructions below) and allow it to dry completely.
Store it in your cotton pouch and place it back in the jar until your next cycle. Always make sure both the disc and the jar are fully dry before storing.
Always sterilise your Gaia Disc before your first use, at the start and end of each cycle, before & after any long-term storage. Here's how:
- Place disc in the Jars of Love sterilising jar, rim up and tilted sideways.
- Fill with boiling water until fully covered.
- Microwave uncovered for 3 minutes only. (Do not put the lid of the jar in the microwave)
- Let cool completely before touching.
- Store dry, in your cotton bag and jar, between cycles.
Do not use scented soaps or harsh chemicals.