Do you have a tilted uterus and wonder if you can use a menstrual disc during your period?
We conducted research and consulted healthcare professionals, including gynecologists and midwives, to give you the most accurate answers possible.
In short: yes, you can absolutely use a menstrual disc if you have a retroverted uterus.
Here’s everything you need to know, explained in just 3 minutes.
You can also order your menstrual disc now and get one free 🎁
What Is a Retroverted Uterus?
Most women have an anteverted uterus, which means it tilts forward toward the bladder.
However, for about 25% of women, the uterus tilts backward toward the rectum.
Of course, this diagram shows two typical uterine positions, but in reality, every uterus is slightly different. Yours may not look exactly like the examples shown.
How Can You Tell if You Have a Retroverted or Anteverted Uterus?
You can’t determine it by yourself, as there are no hereditary traits or obvious symptoms that reveal the position of your uterus. The only way to know for sure is to visit a healthcare professional. Your gynecologist, midwife, or nurse can tell you during a physical exam, or you can get an ultrasound for a more precise diagnosis.
Are There Any Risks or Symptoms Associated with a Retroverted Uterus?
No, don’t worry, having a retroverted uterus is completely normal!
A retroverted uterus is simply a natural anatomical variation, not a medical problem.
In most cases, it has no impact on your health, fertility, or ability to have a healthy pregnancy.
However, some women with a retroverted uterus might experience:
- More intense menstrual cramps
- Discomfort during intercourse
- A slightly higher risk of urinary infections or mild incontinence
Can You Use a Menstrual Disc With a Retroverted Uterus?
Yes, you can use a menstrual disc even if you have a retroverted uterus.
This has been confirmed by healthcare professionals in our menstrual disc study, and many customers with a retroverted uterus are already using reusable menstrual discs without any issues.
However, it’s not just the tilt of your uterus that matters, it’s the orientation of your cervix and its position relative to your vaginal wall that will determine how well a menstrual disc works for you.
We’ll explain in more detail how to check if your anatomy is suitable for a menstrual disc in the next section.
How to Check Your Cervix Orientation and Position for Menstrual Disc Use
To do this, follow these steps:
- Insert a clean finger into your vagina until you reach your cervix, which feels round and has a small dimple or opening in the center.
- Once you find your cervix, check its tilt: ➔ Is it tilted backward or forward?
- Check its position: ➔ Is it pressed against your vaginal wall, or is there some space around it?
👉 If your cervix is tilted backward and pressed tightly against your vaginal wall, using a menstrual disc may be more difficult.
This is one of the situations where a disc might not work well for you.
You may not have enough space to properly position the disc behind your cervix, meaning it won’t collect your flow correctly and you could experience frequent leaks.
👉 However, if your cervix is tilted forward or there is some space between your cervix and your vaginal wall, then a menstrual disc should work perfectly with your anatomy.
The menstrual disc is compatible with a retroverted cervix, as long as there’s enough space behind your cervix to properly position the disc.
For those who have struggled with menstrual cups or tampons, a menstrual disc could be an excellent alternative to try.
How to Use a Menstrual Disc With a Tilted Cervix
Using a menstrual disc is exactly the same whether you have a retroverted or anteverted cervix:
- Pinch the disc: Start by pinching the disc so it becomes as thin as a tampon, making insertion easier.
- Tilt the disc downward: When inserting, angle the disc slightly downward to help position it correctly.
- Position the disc: Push the back rim of the disc behind your cervix and tuck the front rim behind your pubic bone. Make sure the reusable menstrual disc is properly in place so it doesn’t move and can collect your flow effectively.
By following these steps, you should be able to use a menstrual disc successfully, even with a retroverted cervix.
Check out our video guide on how to insert a menstrual disc
Tips and Precautions
Before using a menstrual disc, we recommend checking the orientation and position of your cervix inside your vagina to determine if your anatomy is a good fit for this type of period protection.
If you’re unsure, choose a menstrual disc that offers a money-back guarantee, like the ones we offer at Cup&Co.
That way, if the reusable disc doesn’t work for you after a few tries, you can exchange it for a different size (if you order S+S or M+M pack) or request a refund (only for S+M pack). Or you can also try our disposable menstrual discs to get a first feel for the protection.
Our team is also here to support you through your first cycles and answer any questions you may have.
We also suggest wearing backup protection, like a menstrual pad or period underwear, especially during your first few uses.
Positioning can be tricky at first, and this extra layer will help you avoid any leaks while you’re getting used to your disc.
