Melbourne, May 2025 – For decades, staying active while menstruating meant navigating leaks, discomfort, and the limitations of traditional products like pads and tampons.
But as conversations around reusable period care grow louder, menstrual discs are gaining traction – especially among people with active lifestyles. At the centre of this shift is my mimi, the Australian brand recently awarded Best Sustainable Period Care Solution in Australia 2025.
Exercise and menstruation: still a taboo?
Despite increasing awareness around menstrual health, many people still feel unsure about how to manage exercise during their period. From bloating and cramps to energy fluctuations and the fear of leaks, it’s common for workouts to be skipped or scaled back during certain times of the cycle.
For athletes and everyday gym-goers alike, the search for a reliable, comfortable and discreet period care option has fuelled demand for alternatives – and menstrual discs are fast becoming the go-to solution.
What is a menstrual disc – and why is it different?
Unlike menstrual cups which sit vertically in the vaginal canal, a menstrual disc sits higher, tucked in the vaginal fornix just below the cervix. This horizontal position makes it less noticeable during movement and allows for greater capacity – often holding up to five times more fluid than a tampon.
The my mimi disc, made from medical-grade silicone, comes in two sizes and includes a loop-tab for easier removal. It’s flexible enough for everyday use, yet secure enough for long workouts, swimming, yoga and even high-impact sport.
Perhaps one of its most surprising features is that it can be worn during penetrative sex – a benefit that’s earned it a loyal following well beyond the gym.
Designed for real life
Kate Newbury, founder of my mimi, says the menstrual disc was designed with movement in mind.
“We heard from so many people who were using pads or tampons and still feeling held back during exercise,” she says. “They’d change products multiple times a day or avoid working out altogether. We knew there had to be a better way.”
Since its launch, my mimi has become known for offering high-capacity, reusable period care that actually fits into users’ lives – not the other way around. The brand has also been praised for its inclusive marketing and plain-language product guides.
Lived experience: from the gym to the trails
Australian runners, gym-goers, and yoga instructors have begun sharing their own experiences with menstrual discs – many saying they’ve made their period “barely noticeable” during workouts.
Emma, a pilates instructor from Geelong, started using my mimi earlier this year.
“I’m constantly on my feet, and I don’t have time to stress about leaks,” she says. “Once it’s in, I forget about it. No discomfort, no worries about sneaking to the bathroom.”
Others note that switching to a disc has allowed them to train consistently throughout their cycle, instead of skipping days due to discomfort or unpredictability.
Period care for a new generation
Reusable products are especially popular with Gen Z users, who expect brands to meet higher standards around sustainability, transparency and comfort. For this group, period care isn’t just about functionality – it’s about values and lifestyle.
With disposable pads and tampons generating tonnes of landfill waste each year, reusable options are gaining popularity across all age groups. The my mimi disc can last up to five years with proper care, replacing hundreds of single-use products and dramatically reducing waste.
Affordability also plays a role. At just 83 cents per month over its lifetime, the disc offers a low-cost, high-comfort solution – with fast shipping available to Australia-wide, New Zealand and around the world.
Supporting better education around movement and menstrual health
Experts in menstrual health and sport agree that the conversation around periods and exercise is overdue.
A Melbourne-based physiotherapist, says many of her clients don’t realise they can adapt their movement based on cycle phases.
“It’s not about avoiding activity,” she says. “It’s about understanding your body. Having reliable period care that supports that process – like a menstrual disc – makes it so much easier to stay consistent with movement.”
my mimi is also developing resources to help users better understand how to sync exercise with their cycle. The brand’s blog now includes articles on nutrition, hormonal phases, and movement tips across the month.
The shift toward better options
Periods shouldn’t be a reason to miss out on sport, movement or simply feeling like yourself. With more Australians now trying reusable options like menstrual discs, the future of period care is looking more active, and more inclusive than ever.
