Auto-dumping is a unique feature of menstrual discs. It lets you empty your disc without removing it.
Here’s how to do it:
- Sit down on the toilet.
- Contract your pelvic floor muscles (like when you’re trying to pee).
- Blood should start to flow. Once it stops, relax your muscles.
What Is Auto-Dumping with a Menstrual Disc?
Auto-dumping is when your menstrual disc empties itself without needing to be removed. Among all the period products out there, the menstrual disc is the only one designed to auto-dump.
During auto-dumping, the disc slightly shifts and tilts, allowing the blood to naturally flow out of your body.
It might sound a little strange at first, but you’ll understand it better in the next section.
How Does Auto-Dumping Work with a Menstrual Disc?
Most of the time, your disc empties itself when you’re on the toilet, and that’s no accident. It’s easier for your menstrual disc to auto-dump when you're sitting with your legs slightly elevated.
Plus, when you pee or have a bowel movement, you naturally contract your pelvic floor muscles.
This contraction loosens the disc from behind your pubic bone and tilts it slightly into your vaginal canal. Thanks to this tilt, the collected blood flows out of your body and into the toilet.
Usually, once the blood has fully drained, you can simply relax your muscles, and your disc should pop back into place automatically. If it doesn’t, you can easily reposition it with your finger behind your pubic bone.
Once emptied, you can keep wearing your menstrual disc as usual.
Here’s a recap of the steps:
- Sit on the toilet (legs slightly elevated if needed).
- Contract your pelvic floor muscles (like you’re trying to push out pee).
- Your menstrual disc should start to empty on its own.
- Relax your muscles to let the disc move back into place.
The Pros and Cons of Menstrual Disc Auto-Dumping
Pros of Menstrual Disc Auto-Dumping
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Less mess during removal: You can empty your menstrual disc before taking it out, which helps avoid getting blood on your fingers. This is especially appreciated by those with a heavier flow.
- Super handy on the go: Whether you’re traveling, at work, or just out and about, you can empty your disc in the public bathroom without getting your hands dirty and pop it right back into place. It’s a game-changer when you don’t have easy access to water.
Cons of Menstrual Disc Auto-Dumping
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Less control over your flow: You can’t always control when your disc empties itself. Some users experience unexpected leaks when squatting, coughing, or lifting, but as you’ll see in the next section, this usually comes down to a sizing issue.
- Harder to track your flow: Since the disc empties on its own, it can be tricky to measure exactly how much blood you’ve lost during your period.
Is your menstrual disc emptying without removing it too easily ? How to stop ?
Auto-dumping should mainly happen when you’re using the bathroom. If it happens at other times, it might actually be a sign of leaking.
To better understand and manage this issue, check out our full article on menstrual disc leaks.👈
But here’s the short version: if your menstrual disc keeps slipping and leaking every time you cough, sneeze, or even just sit down, chances are it’s not the right size for you.
In that case, you may need to size up or down.
If you purchased your menstrual disc from Cup&Co, feel free to reach out to our customer support, we offer a free size exchange.
For those who haven’t tried the Cup&Co Disc yet, order now and get a second menstrual disc for free 🎁
Do all menstrual discs auto-dump?
In theory, yes. All menstrual discs should auto-dump.
However, if the disc fits very snugly in your body and is a bit too firm, it can make auto-dumping more difficult. Softer discs tend to auto-dump more easily.
Some models, like the Diva Disc, are designed with an anti-leak system, which makes auto-dumping much harder.
👉 Discover the best menstrual disc brands for auto-dumping.
Can I wear my disc for more than 12 hours if I auto-dump it?
Auto-dumping does not extend the recommended wear time. Even if you auto-dump, keeping the disc in longer increases the risk of bacterial growth, which can lead to Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).
However, if you usually need to change your disc every 4 to 6 hours due to a heavy flow, auto-dumping can help you stretch it to the full 8–12 hour limit.
Still, never wear your menstrual disc for more than 12 hours.
