I spent over a decade loyally using tampons. They were my first period product at 15 and I never thought to question them. But after 10 years, something changed. I started noticing the little annoyances more: the occasional leaks, the dryness, the constant restocking. One day, after an unfortunate leak-through during a work meeting (yes, that nightmare), I decided enough was enough. I ditched tampons for good – and what happened next truly surprised me.
Why I Finally Broke Up with Tampons
Tampons and I had a long history, but it wasn’t always rosy. Over the years, I’d dealt with all the classic tampon struggles:
- Uncomfortable Dryness: Removing a tampon on a light day felt like sandpaper – ouch
- Annoying Cramps: I often wondered if tampons made my cramps worse by creating pressure.
- Leaks and Surprises: Despite using the “right” absorbency, I still had random leaks ruin my favorite underwear.
- Constant Bathroom Trips: Changing a tampon every 4-6 hours (or more on heavy days) was a pain, especially on busy days or nights out.
I realized I had accepted these inconveniences as “normal.” But why? Why should my period be so disruptive? I had heard whispers about menstrual cups and discs – the so-called tampon alternatives – but I’d always been too nervous to try. After that mortifying leak, though, my loyalty to tampons wavered. I found myself googling things like “better period products” and “how to make periods easier.” I was ready to try something — anything — that could make my period less of an ordeal.
Discovering a New Tampon Alternative
In my quest for alternatives, I stumbled upon the Period. Disc by TryPeriod.com. At first, I was skeptical. A menstrual disc? I’d heard of menstrual cups, but discs were new territory for me. The promises sounded almost too good: wear it for up to 12 hours, no leaks, even mess-free period sex (wait, what?!). It claimed to be hypoallergenic and designed to reduce cramps – basically the opposite of my tampon experience. This was more than just another menstrual disc review online; it felt like a call to action. I was done settling for discomfort. So, I took the plunge and ordered a Period. Disc.
From the moment it arrived, I knew this was different. The disc was a soft, flexible ring with a thin film – nothing like the rigid tampons I was used to. Inserting it the first time took a bit of patience (and deep breathing), but the instructions were clear: pinch it into an “8” shape, slide it in, and tuck it behind the pubic bone. I followed the steps and, after a couple of tries, it was in place. I stood up, walked around… I couldn’t even feel it! No poking, no pressure, no “where is it sitting?” paranoia. Immediately, I noticed one huge difference: I didn’t have that constant sensation I sometimes got with tampons. It was so comfortable I almost forgot it was there.
The Period. Disc can hold up to 6 times more fluid than a regular tampon, which meant no more hourly bathroom runs on heavy days. After years of using tampons, I was used to planning my life around my flow. With the disc, I found myself going 8… 10… 12 hours without needing a change. On day 2 of my cycle (my heaviest day), I typically would soak a super tampon every 3-4 hours. With the Period. Disc, I went through my entire workday without a single bathroom emergency. When I removed it that evening (over 10 hours later out of sheer curiosity), it was only about half full. I was shocked. It holds far more than a tampon and somehow still didn’t leak. For the first time since puberty, I slept through the night on my heaviest flow without waking up to a stain on the sheets. That felt nothing short of miraculous.
And about those cramps I always dreaded: by my second cycle using the disc, I noticed my cramps were significantly milder. I wasn’t sure if it was a coincidence, but there is science behind it – unlike tampons, the disc just collects flow rather than expanding inside you, and it sits in a spot that doesn’t press on the cervix. No more dry cotton pressing where it shouldn’t. The result for me? Less pain. In fact, one morning I almost forgot I was on my period until I went to the bathroom – who am I?!
What Happened Next: My Life After Tampons
Switching to the Period. Disc turned out to be a period game-changer. All those inconveniences I had with tampons started disappearing:
- No More Leaks: Once I got the hang of positioning the disc correctly, I had zero leaks. I could wear my cute undies without fear. Workout leggings on my period? Yes, I dared – and no surprise stains!
- All-Day Freedom: The 12-hour protection meant I could put it in before work and not give my period a second thought until evening. I even forgot I was on my period during a busy day – something I never imagined possible
- Better Comfort: Remember how tampons would make me uncomfortably dry? The disc doesn’t do that at all. It doesn’t absorb moisture; it simply collects menstrual fluid. That means my natural balance stays intact – no more desert-dry feeling or painful removal. Plus, the medical-grade silicone material is so gentle and hypoallergenic that I experienced zero irritation (even my usual end-of-period itchiness was gone).
- Fewer Cramps & Mood Swings: I found myself popping way fewer ibuprofens. My cramps were noticeably less intense, and without the constant physical reminders of a tampon, my mood improved too. It’s amazing how much happier I felt not being perpetually aware of my period.
- New Possibilities: And let’s talk about the previously unthinkable: period sex. I was curious (and so was my partner), so we gave it a try. With the disc in, there was no mess at all – and he couldn’t even tell it was there. I honestly felt like I’d discovered a secret superpower. The Period. Disc stayed put, and we were able to be intimate without the usual worry or towels on the bed. Mind blown.
Honestly, after experiencing a couple of cycles with the Period. Disc, I couldn’t imagine going back to tampons. It felt liberating to ditch that constant fear of bleed-through and the annoyance of carrying spares everywhere. My purse got lighter (no more emergency stash of 5 tampons “just in case”), and my trash can was a lot emptier too. I realized I was also creating far less waste – one disc that lasts years versus dozens of tampons and wrappers each month. Why didn’t I do this sooner?
The Bottom Line: A Better Period, Period.
Making the switch from tampons to the Period. Disc was the best decision I’ve made for my body in years. What started as a personal experiment turned into my new normal: periods that don’t suck quite so much. I share my story because I wish someone had told me earlier that there’s a better way to bleed. If you’ve been curious about ditching tampons or frustrated with your current routine, consider this my personal menstrual disc review: I’m never going back. Period.
Ready to liberate your period too? Do your body a favor and give the Period. Disc a try. Visit TryPeriod.com to learn more and snag your own disc. Take it from me: you might just wonder why you didn’t switch sooner. Embrace the change and experience a period that fits your life – not the other way around. Go ahead, you’ve got nothing to lose (except maybe those “emergency” period panties in the back of your drawer). Ditch the tampons and join the disc revolution – your period will thank you!
