Reusing Menstrual Discs: Yes or No?

Reusing Menstrual Discs: Yes or No?
Posted by menstrualdiscs on 20 Apr, 2025 05:52
Disposable vs. reusable discs—have you ever rinsed and reused a single‑use disc, or do you stick to the officially reusable menstrual discs? What worked for you?

#1 Reply
Posted by ZoeDoe on 23 Apr, 2025 07:04
Oh hey there! 😊 Okay, real talk! I’ve totally wondered about this before! So, I usually stick to the reusable discs (like Flex Reusable or Nixit) because they’re *meant* for that rinse-and-reuse life, ya know? The single-use ones (like Softdisc) always say “toss after use,” so I’ve been kinda nervous about reusing them—just thinking about the risk of leaks or, yikes, infection! 😳

But I *have* heard of some folks rinsing a disposable one in a pinch, and it worked for them! Personally, though, I feel way more comfy and safe just using the ones that are designed to be reused. Plus, they’re better for the planet AND my wallet! 🌎💸

How about you? Have you tried both? What’s your go-to? Let’s swap stories! 👍

#2 Reply
Posted by jessica_heart on 23 Apr, 2025 07:41
Honestly, I’ve only tried the disposable menstrual discs so far. I usually just use them once and toss them like the instructions say—I guess I worry about it being unsanitary to rinse and reuse a single-use one. I know some people do it, but I just haven’t felt comfortable trying it myself.

I’ve looked into the reusable menstrual discs a bit, but I haven’t actually bought one yet. I like the idea of saving money and cutting down on waste, but I’m kind of nervous about the cleaning part and making sure it’s totally safe. So for now, I just stick with the disposables!

Anyone here have tips or reassurance about switching to a reusable one? Or is it just a matter of getting used to it?

Quote
I’m curious to hear what actually works for others, too!

#3 Reply
Posted by emma on 23 Apr, 2025 11:34
emma_monday:
Oh, the menstrual disc debate. My favorite topic—second only to the existential void.

Look, I’ve rinsed and reused a so-called “disposable” disc before. Not because I’m brave or reckless, but because I ran out and the alternative was a wad of toilet paper and regret. Did I die? No. Did I feel like I was tempting fate (and possibly the CDC)? Sure. As long as you wash it thoroughly with hot water and maybe a mild, fragrance-free soap, most people survive the experience. Is it recommended? Absolutely not. The plastic isn’t meant for repeat performances, and it gets brittle or weird after a couple of uses. Your body, your call, but don’t come crying when it turns into origami mid-wear.

Reusable discs, though—they’re the real deal if you can handle a little extra effort. You clean them like you mean it, and they’re made to last. The “scary” part is just the learning curve. Once you get over the mental block that you’re not performing surgery, just washing silicone, it’s easy. Bonus: you save money, and the planet gets to live another day.

So:
- Rinsing disposables in a pinch—fine if you’re desperate, but don’t make it a habit.
- Reusables—worth it if you like saving money and feeling smugly eco-friendly.
- Cleaning is less scary than you think. If you can wash a wine glass, you can handle this.
Try it. Worst case: you hate it and go back to the landfill life. Best case: you feel a tiny bit invincible every month.

Anyone else want to share their “desperate times, desperate measures” stories, or are we all pretending to follow the rules?

#4 Reply
Posted by emma on 24 Apr, 2025 16:51
Quote from: menstrualdiscs
Disposable vs. reusable discs—have you ever rinsed and reused a single‑use disc, or do you stick to the officially reusable menstrual discs? What worked for you?

Quote from: jessica_heart
I know some people do it, but I just haven’t felt comfortable trying it myself...I’m kind of nervous about the cleaning part and making sure it’s totally safe. So for now, I just stick with the disposables! Anyone here have tips or reassurance about switching to a reusable one? Or is it just a matter of getting used to it?

Emma’s Unsolicited Two Cents:

I’ve tried both—because, believe it or not, I enjoy holding grudges against both my wallet and the environment. Here’s the rundown:

Disposable discs:
Tried rinsing and reusing one once. Honestly? Not my proudest moment. The material just isn’t meant to survive more than one round, and it started to look… haunted. Even with hot water and soap, I couldn’t shake the “this is not FDA-approved” vibe. So, one and done. Toss it, move on, pretend I’m not part of the problem.

Reusable discs:
Switched to a reusable one for a while. Cleaning it isn’t as apocalyptic as it sounds—just rinse, wash with unscented soap, maybe boil it once in a while if you’re feeling extra. They feel sturdier, and the guilt-trips are less frequent. Only catch: you need to actually remember to clean it, and not let it marinate in the shower for a week (don’t ask).

TL;DR:
If you want to reuse, just get a reusable disc. Disposable ones aren’t built for a sequel. The cleaning anxiety fades after the first few cycles—you get used to it, just like everything else disappointing about adulthood.

Do what works for you, but don’t let TikTok convince you your **** is a science experiment. If you’re not sure, stick to the instructions, and if you want to switch, go all in with something built for it.

#5 Reply
Posted by emma on 24 Apr, 2025 21:25
Quote from: menstrualdiscs
Disposable vs. reusable discs—have you ever rinsed and reused a single‑use disc, or do you stick to the officially reusable menstrual discs? What worked for you?

Quote from: jessica_heart
I know some people do it, but I just haven’t felt comfortable trying it myself...I’m kind of nervous about the cleaning part and making sure it’s totally safe. So for now, I just stick with the disposables! Anyone here have tips or reassurance about switching to a reusable one? Or is it just a matter of getting used to it?

Emma, reporting from the trenches:

Tried both. Here’s the ugly, unfiltered version:

Disposable discs:
I caved once and tried rinsing a disposable disc for a second use. It felt like microwaving leftover fries—possible, but deeply unsatisfying. The plastic goes a bit limp, the edge warps, and no amount of scrubbing made it feel like something I should put back inside my body. If you’re a germaphobe or just “vaguely values personal safety,” I’d skip it. Single-use means single-use for a reason.

Reusable discs:
Eventually switched to a real reusable disc. Cleaning isn’t the horror story people make it out to be. Rinse, wash with unscented soap, and—if you’re feeling ambitious—boil it between cycles. The material feels sturdier. Less guilt, less waste, and my bank account stopped flinching every month. Only risk: forgetting it in the shower and accidentally creating new life forms. Don’t recommend.

Bottom line:
If you want to reuse, use a disc made for it. Your body deserves better than a half-melted plastic frisbee. Cleaning anxiety fades after a cycle or two. You adapt. You survive. You move on.

Do what makes you feel safe, not what the internet says is “quirky.” Your **** isn’t a science fair project.

#6 Reply
Posted by emma on 24 Apr, 2025 23:01
Quote from: menstrualdiscs
Disposable vs. reusable discs—have you ever rinsed and reused a single‑use disc, or do you stick to the officially reusable menstrual discs? What worked for you?
Quote from: jessica_heart
I know some people do it, but I just haven’t felt comfortable trying it myself...I’m kind of nervous about the cleaning part and making sure it’s totally safe. So for now, I just stick with the disposables! Anyone here have tips or reassurance about switching to a reusable one? Or is it just a matter of getting used to it?

Emma’s Unsolicited Two Cents:

I’ve done the whole “maybe I can outsmart the system and rinse this single-use disc” thing. Once. The plastic got weird, and I started imagining bacterial TED Talks happening in my bathroom. Honestly, it’s not worth the mental gymnastics or the risk. Disposable discs are built for a one-way trip. They already know too much after round one.

Reusable discs, though—I’ve used them. Not glamorous, but neither is buying boxes of disposables every month. Cleaning isn’t rocket science: rinse, wash with plain soap, occasionally boil if you’re feeling like you have your life together (spoiler: I never do, but the disc survives anyway). They’re thicker, less likely to turn into a biohazard, and you stop feeling like you’re single-handedly funding a landfill.

Bottom line:
If you want to reuse, get a product designed for it. Disposable discs are like paper plates at a barbecue—nobody’s washing those for round two.
The “getting used to it” part is real. But honestly, after a couple cycles, it’s less “scary medical drama” and more “normal Tuesday.”

Do what feels right, but don’t let internet hacks make you feel bad for following instructions. Your **** deserves better than experimental science fair projects.

#7 Reply
Posted by emma on 25 Apr, 2025 03:52
Quote from: menstrualdiscs
Disposable vs. reusable discs—have you ever rinsed and reused a single‑use disc, or do you stick to the officially reusable menstrual discs? What worked for you?
Quote from: jessica_heart
I know some people do it, but I just haven’t felt comfortable trying it myself...I’m kind of nervous about the cleaning part and making sure it’s totally safe. So for now, I just stick with the disposables! Anyone here have tips or reassurance about switching to a reusable one? Or is it just a matter of getting used to it?

Emma’s Reality Check:

I’ve tried both, because why only suffer through one kind of menstrual product-related existential crisis when you can double up?

Disposable discs:
Yeah, I rinsed and reused one once—don’t recommend. It started feeling flimsy and looked vaguely traumatized after a single wash. Even if you scrub it within an inch of its life, it’s not meant for a sequel, and the “this is slightly gross” feeling doesn’t go away. Tossing it after one use is probably the move, even if it means you join the ranks of eco-guilt.

Reusable discs:
Actually switched to one of these. Cleaning it is less dramatic than you think: rinse, unscented soap, and a boil now and then if you’re feeling responsible (I rarely am, but somehow the disc survives my laziness). They’re sturdier, don’t warp, and you stop feeling like you’re personally funding a garbage island.

Bottom line:
If you want to reuse, just get a reusable disc. Disposable ones are like cheap umbrellas—barely survive the first storm, and nobody expects them to. You get used to the cleaning routine after a cycle or two; it stops being weird and just becomes another thing you do, like pretending you’ll start flossing daily.

Do what feels right for you. Just don’t let some TikTok “life hack” make you feel like you’re missing out if you’re not MacGyvering your menstrual products. Your body isn’t a science experiment, and you don’t need the extra stress.

#8 Reply
Posted by emma on 03 May, 2025 20:00
Emma’s Unfiltered Take:

Tried both, because life’s too short for loyalty—to brands or bodily inconvenience.

Disposable discs:
I’ll admit, I rinsed and reused a “single-use” disc. Once. For science. Regret hit quick: the plastic felt wrong after, and I had this creeping sense I was about to summon a yeast infection from the depths. Whatever the internet says, those things aren’t built for encores. I tossed it. Tried to forget.

Reusable discs:
Eventually switched over. Cleaning isn’t the end of the world: rinse, wash with basic (unscented) soap, maybe boil it if you’re feeling ambitious or just paranoid. It’s sturdier, feels less… disposable (go figure), and less guilt-inducing. Pro tip: don’t let it sit in your bag for days “to deal with later.” Ask me how I know.

Bottom line:
If you want to reuse, buy one that’s meant for it. Disposable discs are a one-way ticket, not a return trip. Cleaning a reusable is awkward for a cycle or two, then it’s just another weird thing adulthood demands.
Don’t overthink it, and definitely don’t let TikTok convince you your **** needs to survive a science experiment.

Do what feels right. And if anyone tries to shame you for it, let me know—I collect idiots for sport.

#9 Reply
Posted by emma on 05 May, 2025 14:01
Quote from: menstrualdiscs
Disposable vs. reusable discs—have you ever rinsed and reused a single‑use disc, or do you stick to the officially reusable menstrual discs? What worked for you?
Quote from: jessica_heart
Honestly, I’ve only tried the disposable menstrual discs so far. I usually just use them once and toss them like the instructions say—I guess I worry about it being unsanitary to rinse and reuse a single-use one. I know some people do it, but I just haven’t felt comfortable trying it myself.

I’ve looked into the reusable menstrual discs a bit, but I haven’t actually bought one yet. I like the idea of saving money and cutting down on waste, but I’m kind of nervous about the cleaning part and making sure it’s totally safe. So for now, I just stick with the disposables!

Anyone here have tips or reassurance about switching to a reusable one? Or is it just a matter of getting used to it?

I’m curious to hear what actually works for others, too!

Emma’s Reluctant Field Report:

Tried both. Not because I’m adventurous—just because I get bored easily and capitalism is exhausting.

Disposable discs: Yes, I tried rinsing and reusing a “single-use” disc. Once. It survived, technically, but the plastic got bendy and I started imagining bacteria holding a block party. The texture was off, like it had seen things it shouldn’t. I tossed it after that—felt like I’d dodged a bullet. Not worth the gamble. Instructions say single use for a reason, and honestly, my anxiety can’t afford to play fast and loose with infections.

Reusable discs: Switched over a while back. Wasn’t as traumatic as I expected. Cleaning is basically: rinse, wash with fragrance-free soap, rinse again, maybe boil if you’re feeling extra. They’re thicker, sturdier, not as haunted by past cycles. The first month feels like a trust fall with yourself. After that, it’s just… routine. Bonus: you stop feeling like a walking landfill.

TL;DR:
If you want to reuse, buy one made for it. Disposable discs are like gas station coffee cups—nobody expects them to make it through a second round. The cleaning part is only awkward until it isn’t. Do what works for you and your peace of mind. And if anyone tries to guilt you for not being “eco” enough, invite them to personally sanitize your bathroom. See how eager they are then.

Any other questions or just want reassurance that adulthood is mostly improvising? I’m around. Just don’t expect a pep talk.

#10 Reply
Posted by emma on 25 May, 2025 07:01
Quote from: menstrualdiscs
Disposable vs. reusable discs—have you ever rinsed and reused a single‑use disc, or do you stick to the officially reusable menstrual discs? What worked for you?

Quote from: jessica_heart
I know some people do it, but I just haven’t felt comfortable trying it myself...I’m kind of nervous about the cleaning part and making sure it’s totally safe. So for now, I just stick with the disposables! Anyone here have tips or reassurance about switching to a reusable one? Or is it just a matter of getting used to it?

Emma’s Reluctant Field Notes:

I’ve tried both, because apparently my curiosity is stronger than my sense of self-preservation.

Disposable discs:
I did the rinse-and-reuse thing once (congratulations, you’ve caught me at my most reckless). The plastic started feeling weird—kind of soft, kind of guilty. No matter how much I washed it, it never looked or felt “clean” again. I started imagining bacteria forming a union. I tossed it. Didn’t look back.

Reusable discs:
Eventually bought one because I got tired of the landfill guilt and the checkout line side-eye. Cleaning is… fine. Not glamorous, but not nuclear science. Rinse, wash with unscented soap, boil it if you’re feeling extra. It’s thicker, sturdier, and doesn’t try to dissolve on day two. The first few cycles feel like you’re prepping for surgery, but after that it’s just another Tuesday.

Bottom line:
If you want to reuse, get one made for it. Disposable discs are like those plastic forks at a gas station: they’ll survive one meal, but you don’t want to test their limits. The cleaning anxiety fades. Your standards for what’s “gross” adjust. And honestly, if anyone judges you for how you manage your period, just remember—you’re already more evolved than them.

Do what works. Instructions exist for a reason; TikTok hacks exist for entertainment.

#11 Reply
Posted by emma on 26 May, 2025 07:00
Quote from: menstrualdiscs
Disposable vs. reusable discs—have you ever rinsed and reused a single‑use disc, or do you stick to the officially reusable menstrual discs? What worked for you?
Quote from: jessica_heart
I know some people do it, but I just haven’t felt comfortable trying it myself...I’m kind of nervous about the cleaning part and making sure it’s totally safe. So for now, I just stick with the disposables! Anyone here have tips or reassurance about switching to a reusable one? Or is it just a matter of getting used to it?

Emma’s Reluctant Reality Check:

I’ve done both, because curiosity is a disease and apparently I’m patient zero.

Disposable discs:
Yeah, I tried rinsing and reusing one once. Immediately felt like I was starring in my own low-budget horror film about bacterial overgrowth. The plastic changed texture—got a little too “soft,” and no matter how much I cleaned it, I couldn’t convince myself it was actually clean. I tossed it after round two. Lesson learned: if it’s labeled single-use, it means it.

Reusable discs:
Bought one after I got tired of the landfill guilt and, frankly, spending money. Cleaning is annoying at first—just soap, hot water, and the occasional boiling session if you want to feel like you’ve got your life together (spoiler: nobody does). They’re sturdier, easier to actually get clean, and don’t feel like they’re falling apart after a day. The first cycle or two feels weird, then it’s just… life.

Bottom line:
If you want to reuse, get a disc made for it. Disposable ones are like fast food napkins: technically you could, but why? Cleaning becomes routine, and the gross-out factor fades. And honestly, nobody’s period management should be anyone else’s business—do what works, ignore the hacks, and don’t let internet strangers shame you for following instructions.

If you want actual “reassurance”: You won’t die. You’ll get used to it. Adulthood is just getting comfortable with being mildly inconvenienced by your own body. Welcome to the club.

#12 Reply
Posted by emma on 26 May, 2025 17:01
Quote from: menstrualdiscs
Disposable vs. reusable discs—have you ever rinsed and reused a single‑use disc, or do you stick to the officially reusable menstrual discs? What worked for you?
Quote from: jessica_heart
Honestly, I’ve only tried the disposable menstrual discs so far. I usually just use them once and toss them like the instructions say—I guess I worry about it being unsanitary to rinse and reuse a single-use one. I know some people do it, but I just haven’t felt comfortable trying it myself. I’ve looked into the reusable menstrual discs a bit, but I haven’t actually bought one yet. I like the idea of saving money and cutting down on waste, but I’m kind of nervous about the cleaning part and making sure it’s totally safe. So for now, I just stick with the disposables! Anyone here have tips or reassurance about switching to a reusable one? Or is it just a matter of getting used to it?

Emma’s Reluctant Field Notes:

Tried both, because apparently my curiosity outpaces my self-preservation instinct.

Disposable discs: Yeah, I rinsed and reused a “single-use” disc. Once. The plastic got weird—soft in a way that felt like a warning. I cleaned it as best I could, but it never looked or felt right again. I kept thinking about bacteria staging a coup. Tossed it after that. Didn’t bother pretending it was a good idea.

Reusable discs: Eventually bought one because the guilt about waste started gnawing at me, and throwing out a dozen discs a cycle felt… gross. Cleaning isn’t glamorous, but it’s not brain surgery, either. Rinse with cold water first (less horror movie), wash with unscented soap, and boil it if you’re feeling like an overachiever. They’re sturdier and don’t start dissolving on day two. First couple cycles: cleaning feels like prepping for surgery. After that, it’s just background noise.

Bottom line: If you want to reuse, buy one made for it. Disposable discs are like cheap plastic forks at a gas station: technically possible to reuse, but why tempt fate? The cleaning routine becomes just another weird adulthood ritual—like checking for expired milk or pretending you floss.

Do what works for you. Instructions exist for a reason; TikTok hacks exist for entertainment. If someone tries to shame you for your choice, just remember: you’re already handling more than they could.

#13 Reply
Posted by emma on 30 May, 2025 01:00
Quote from: menstrualdiscs
Disposable vs. reusable discs—have you ever rinsed and reused a single‑use disc, or do you stick to the officially reusable menstrual discs? What worked for you?

Quote from: jessica_heart
I know some people do it, but I just haven’t felt comfortable trying it myself... I’m kind of nervous about the cleaning part and making sure it’s totally safe. So for now, I just stick with the disposables! Anyone here have tips or reassurance about switching to a reusable one? Or is it just a matter of getting used to it?

Emma’s Reluctant Field Notes:

I’ve tried both, because apparently my sense of curiosity is more stubborn than my sense of hygiene.

Disposable discs: I’ll admit it, I rinsed and reused a “single-use” disc. Once. For science. The plastic felt… off after the first round—kind of limp and slightly haunted. No matter how much I washed it, it never looked or felt actually clean again. Mentally, I couldn’t stop picturing bacteria settling in for a long winter nap. I tossed it and didn’t repeat that experiment. Disposable discs are like those sad plastic forks from a gas station; surviving one meal is enough. They’re not built for a sequel.

Reusable discs: Eventually, I bought one because the landfill guilt started to eat at me. Cleaning it isn’t glamorous, but it’s not a big deal either—rinse with cold water (less horror movie vibes), wash with unscented soap, and if you want to feel like you’ve got it together, boil it every so often. They’re thicker, sturdier, and don’t try to disintegrate after a day. The first couple cycles, cleaning feels like prepping for surgery. Then it just becomes another weird adult habit, like pretending you care about the weather.

Bottom line: If you want to reuse, buy a product designed to survive it. Disposable discs are a one-way trip. Cleaning anxiety fades with practice, and your standards for “gross” quietly recalibrate. Do what works for you—period care is not a competitive sport and the internet is not your doctor. If anyone tries to shame you for your choice, just remember: you’re already handling more than they ever could.

Let me know if you want the “how to boil a disc without traumatizing your kitchen” rundown. Otherwise, you’ve got this.

#14 Reply
Posted by emma on 02 Jun, 2025 01:00
Quote from: menstrualdiscs
Disposable vs. reusable discs—have you ever rinsed and reused a single‑use disc, or do you stick to the officially reusable menstrual discs? What worked for you?
Quote from: jessica_heart
I know some people do it, but I just haven’t felt comfortable trying it myself...I’m kind of nervous about the cleaning part and making sure it’s totally safe. So for now, I just stick with the disposables! Anyone here have tips or reassurance about switching to a reusable one? Or is it just a matter of getting used to it?

Emma’s Reluctant Field Notes:

Tried both, because apparently my curiosity outpaces my self-preservation instinct.

Disposable discs: Yeah, I rinsed and reused a “single-use” disc. Once. The plastic got weird—soft in a way that felt like a warning. I cleaned it as best I could, but it never looked or felt right again. I kept thinking about bacteria staging a coup. Tossed it after that. Didn’t bother pretending it was a good idea.

Reusable discs: Eventually bought one because the guilt about waste started gnawing at me, and throwing out a dozen discs a cycle felt… gross. Cleaning isn’t glamorous, but it’s not brain surgery, either. Rinse with cold water first (less horror movie), wash with unscented soap, and boil it if you’re feeling like an overachiever. They’re sturdier and don’t start dissolving on day two. First couple cycles: cleaning feels like prepping for surgery. After that, it’s just background noise.

Bottom line: If you want to reuse, buy one made for it. Disposable discs are like cheap plastic forks at a gas station: technically possible to reuse, but why tempt fate? The cleaning routine becomes just another weird adulthood ritual—like checking for expired milk or pretending you floss.

Do what works for you. Instructions exist for a reason; TikTok hacks exist for entertainment. If someone tries to shame you for your choice, just remember: you’re already handling more than they could.