Menstrual Cups Vs Discs: 7 Handy Tips to Find Your Best Fit

Tired of leaks, discomfort, or messy tampon changes during your period? Menstrual cups and discs offer eco-friendly and comfortable options for collecting menstrual fluid. This guide on menstrual cups vs discs will share 7 easy tips to help you choose the best fit based on your lifestyle, comfort level, and anatomy.

Read on to finally find period relief that works!

Overview of Menstrual Cups and Discs

Menstrual cups and discs can be great, eco-friendly choices for handling periods, and they often last several years. Both products collect period blood instead of absorbing it, but they function differently once inserted. Cups sit lower in your vagina, creating a gentle suction seal against vaginal walls. Discs rest higher up, tucked just behind the pubic bone without suction—meaning you might find them comfortable for activities like sex. Period cups typically hold around 1 ounce of fluid, while discs often have a slightly larger capacity, making them ideal for heavy-flow days. Both options are washable, reusable, and easy on your budget, offering lasting convenience and comfort.

What is a menstrual cup?

A menstrual cup is a small, flexible cup made from medical-grade silicone or latex rubber. It fits comfortably inside your vagina to collect period blood.

Unlike tampons, which soak up flow, these soft cups simply catch and store it until you empty them. You can leave a cup inserted for up to 12 hours at a time—the ideal option for busy days or overnight use.

Most menstrual cups are available in two convenient sizes: smaller cups suit younger people and those with lighter flows, while larger cups work well for heavier periods or people over thirty.

The first time I tried a cup, I couldn’t believe how comfortable it was. I showed my daughter how to use menstrual cups from Rael when she started her period.

An eco-friendly menstrual cup can last as long as ten years if cared for correctly. That means big savings and less waste going into landfills. The cup gently seals against the vaginal walls, helping avoid leaks throughout the day.

Many users appreciate that these cups use safe, irritation-free materials, unlike disposable period products that can contain harsh chemicals. Popular brands like Diva Cup provide safe, reliable choices suitable for various cervix positions and flow amounts.

What is a menstrual disc?

Menstrual discs are soft, round period products that rest comfortably behind your pubic bone, inside the vaginal canal. Unlike menstrual cups, which rely on suction, discs gently slide into place without causing pressure—making them easy to use.

These flat-shaped devices can hold fluid safely for up to 12 hours, ideal for busy schedules or restful sleep. Trusted brands like SOFTDISC and FLEX Disc offer FDA-approved products, made with hypoallergenic materials that comfortably fit your body’s natural shape.

Because discs typically hold more fluid than menstrual cups, they’re especially helpful on heavy-flow days to reduce worries about leaks. One unique advantage of discs is wearing them comfortably during penetrative sex, without disruption or awkwardness.

The disc sits deeper within the vaginal canal compared to a cup, keeping the lower area completely clear. Its position allows intimate activity without noticeable discomfort, effectively collecting your flow at the same time.

Key Differences Between Menstrual Cups and Discs

Menstrual cups and discs have key design and use differences that affect your comfort and experience. These differences range from how they sit in your body to how you put them in and take them out, making your choice personal based on your body and needs.

How do shape and placement differ?

Cups and discs have entirely different shapes, influencing how they fit inside your body. A menstrual cup looks similar to a tiny bell or funnel, resting lower inside the vagina, just beneath your cervix.

It forms a gentle seal with your vaginal walls—using suction—to hold it in place and catch menstrual fluid. Discs are flatter, shallower devices, almost like small plates with flexible edges.

They sit further back, tucked securely behind your pubic bone, resting comfortably in a space called the vaginal fornix.

The biggest difference between cups and discs isn’t just their shape, but where they live in your body. Cups hug your vaginal walls while discs nestle into a natural pocket near your cervix.

How to insert and remove each type?

Getting comfortable with inserting and removing menstrual cups and discs can take a little practice—but a few handy tips make things easier, cleaner, and stress-free:

• To insert your menstrual cup, fold it first, using the shallow punch-down method—this creates a narrow end that’s easier to slide inside.
• Aim the folded cup toward your tailbone as you place it into your vagina; avoid going straight upward.
• Check to see if the cup fully popped open by sliding a finger around its base; it should feel round without dents.
• For removal, relax and gently pinch the cup’s base with clean fingers to break any suction, then slowly pull it out.
• For menstrual discs, fold lengthwise—like shaping it into a hotdog bun—for a slimmer, comfy fit.
• Slide the disc carefully into your vagina, downward and back toward your tailbone, until it slips in place behind your pubic bone.
• Feel to make sure the disc’s rim settled snugly behind the pubic bone, fully covering your cervix.
• To remove, insert a finger, hook it gently under the disc’s rim—use a double-loop tab if your disc includes one—and pull it out carefully, keeping it level to avoid messy spills.
• Water-based lubricants can help ease insertion discomfort for both cups and discs.
• Give yourself several cycles to practice and get comfy using your cup or disc; it’ll become second nature before you know it.

What are the suction and support differences?

Menstrual cups form a firm, secure seal against your vaginal walls. The airtight suction holds the cup in place, preventing leaks. Its flexible rim gently grips the vaginal muscles, providing a reliable fit that helps stop odors and avoids dryness.

To remove the cup, you’ll first need to pinch its base—this breaks the seal.

Menstrual discs, on the other hand, work in a completely different way. Instead of suction, discs rest directly beneath your cervix, tucked securely behind the pubic bone. Since there’s no seal involved, removing discs is usually much simpler.

Just reach in, hook a finger around the rim, and slide it right out—no pinching or seal-breaking needed. The disc’s suction-free design also makes it safer for IUD users, since it avoids any accidental tugging on the device’s strings.

Comfort during exercise or other activities often depends on personal preference, so it’s best to choose the type that fits your body and lifestyle comfortably.

Now, let’s check out how well each option fits and feels, so you can decide what’s best for you.

What is the capacity for menstrual flow?

Period discs can hold an impressive amount—up to 50ml of blood—which is great if your flow runs heavy. Period cups usually hold less, ranging from about 17 to 29.5ml, but still better than an average tampon.

Either product can comfortably stay in place from 10 to 12 hours, giving you plenty of freedom during the day or overnight.

Finding the right capacity means less worry and more living your life.

Discs also offer a handy feature called “auto-dumping”. Basically, each time you use the bathroom, the disc gently tilts, naturally emptying part of the collected blood into the toilet.

Lots of people with a heavier flow find this automatic emptying helpful and convenient. The position of your cervix during your cycle might influence whether a cup or disc feels better for you.

How do comfort and fit compare?

Comfort matters just as much as capacity for your period product choices. Menstrual cups sit lower inside the vaginal canal, forming a snug suction seal. For many people, this placement feels comfortable—but, for those with a low cervix, the cup might feel a bit noticeable.

On heavy flow days, I’ve felt my cup press lightly against my bladder, causing mild discomfort. Menstrual discs sit differently; they tuck neatly behind the pubic bone, in a wider space called the vaginal fornix.

Users often say discs feel invisible once they’re in the right spot. And without suction, discs place less pressure on vaginal walls.

Your unique anatomy greatly affects comfort and fit. Cervical height significantly influences which option feels best for your body. If your cervix is higher, opting for a longer cup helps avoid feeling like it could disappear up there.

If your cervix sits lower, a disc might feel better since it rests in a roomier area. For new cup users, the punch-down fold method makes insertion simpler. On your heaviest days, some women combine their cup or disc with period underwear for added confidence.

This combination prevents leaks without the bulky feel of pads.

Which is less messy during removal?

Ease is key—but let’s talk cleanup. Menstrual cups win this round, hands down. Cups create a suction seal, holding fluid securely until you’re ready to empty them. This gentle suction helps stop spills as you remove the cup.

Even first-time users usually find cups cleaner and simpler to manage.

Discs, on the other hand, can get messier. They don’t form the same firm seal as cups, so fluid sometimes leaks out during removal. Some disc users remove theirs in the shower to reduce any hassle from drips.

The Hello Disc has a cleaner design than other disc brands, making removal easier—but cups such as DivaCup and MoonCup still offer the tidiest experience. If the idea of menstrual fluid spilling onto your hands or labia bothers you, a cup might be your best bet.

Factors to Consider When Choosing

Finding the right period product depends on your body and daily needs. Your cervix height, IUD status, and flow amount all play key roles in which option feels best for you.

How do lifestyle and activities affect choice?

Your daily lifestyle makes a difference in choosing between menstrual discs and cups. People who lead active lives often prefer discs, since they fit lower in the vaginal canal and lay flatter inside the body.

Both cups and discs are comfortable for activities like sleeping, swimming, or gymnastics—they can safely stay in place for up to 12 hours. If vaginal sex during your period matters to you, menstrual discs usually make more sense.

They sit just behind your pubic bone, leaving the vaginal canal free and open, convenient for penetrative sex.

Bathroom access, and availability of clean water, also impact your choice. Menstrual cups require a rinse after removal, which can be tricky in areas with limited facilities—like camping in the woods, or traveling on the road.

Discs tend to be a little messier to take out, but you don’t have to wash them right away. If you’re new to menstrual products, cups often feel easier to handle because of their shape: tapered with a clear removal stem.

Another factor is your cervical fluid or vaginal discharge during your period. Your unique flow and comfort will help you decide which option works best with your body.

Why does cervical height and anatomy matter?

Cervical height matters a lot for choosing the perfect menstrual product. Each cervix can sit differently: low (44 mm or under from the vaginal opening), average (45-55 mm), or high (greater than 55 mm).

This distance is key—using a cup or disc that’s too long on a low cervix can feel uncomfortable and stick out. A high cervix typically requires a longer cup with a stem, making removal easier, or perhaps a disc that sits differently in the vagina.

The ideal moment to measure cervical height is actually during the period itself, since the cervix is easiest to reach then.

Understanding your body isn’t just helpful, it’s essential for comfort during your period.

Everyone’s anatomy differs, making proper fit essential for menstrual products. The whole menstrual cup—including its stem—should rest comfortably within the vagina without poking or causing pressure.

Those with tilted cervixes often prefer discs; they rest tucked into the vaginal fornix rather than beneath the cervix itself. Plenty of folks have shared that measuring their cervix first helped them avoid spending money on products unsuited for their anatomy.

Can you use menstrual cups or discs with an IUD?

Using menstrual cups or discs with an IUD requires some careful planning. Studies indicate that those who use menstrual cups face a higher chance of their IUD slipping out—14% lose their device within the first year alone, compared with only 5% for people who don’t use cups.

By the second year, the expulsion rate for cup users climbs to around 23%. Typically, women with copper IUDs have a first-year expulsion rate of around 3% to 10%. Those with hormonal IUDs experience slightly lower rates—around 3% to 6% in that same period.

After I got my IUD, I experimented a bit with cups and discs myself. Discs seemed to exert less suction inside than the cups did, which personally made me feel more comfortable about my IUD remaining in place.

The Saalt Disc, for instance, advertises itself as holding steady, better than most cups out there—but staying cautious is still essential. Before mixing an IUD with these menstrual products, always chat with your doctor to figure out the safest way to proceed.

How does menstrual flow heaviness influence selection?

Your menstrual flow volume matters a lot in choosing the best period product for you. Menstrual discs hold more fluid than cups, with capacities around 50ml, capturing both period blood and vaginal fluid.

Cups usually hold less—about 17-29.5ml—but still beat tampons in total capacity. For those with heavier periods, discs might be the better choice, since they can even “auto-dump” extra fluid during bathroom visits—no removal needed.

Period product size also depends on the heaviness of your flow. Larger cups suit heavier flows, reducing how often you need to empty them. Smaller cups often work better for people who shed less lining and cervical mucus, as these are simpler to insert and remove.

Your body’s natural flow matters, so choose something that works easily with your period instead of making things harder.

Pros and Cons of Menstrual Cups

Menstrual cups offer both clear perks and real drawbacks that matter to users. Let’s check out what makes cups shine and where they might fall short for your monthly needs.

What are the pros of menstrual cups?

Periods don’t have to create so much waste—menstrual cups can help cut down significantly. One cup can last you around ten years—imagine all the money you’ll save by skipping disposable products each month.

Most cups come from medical-grade silicone, hypoallergenic and perfectly safe during your period. Users often notice less odor because the blood stays sealed away until you empty the cup.

And unlike tampons, cups can hold more fluid, letting you go about your day longer without extra trips to the restroom. That’s especially handy for busy schedules or overnight use.

If you enjoy working out or staying active, cups protect you from leaks during exercise. A properly inserted cup fits securely, helping to avoid embarrassing leaks while running, yoga, or whatever your favorite activity might be.

Cups also collect menstrual fluid rather than absorbing it, so your vulva stays naturally moist and healthy. Some women even report fewer menstrual cramps after making the switch. On top of all that, you can often buy menstrual cups using your flexible spending account—giving you one more reason to try them out.

What are the cons of menstrual cups?

Menstrual cups can feel a bit tricky at first. Choosing the right size often takes some trial and error. If inserted incorrectly, the cup can cause discomfort or leaking. Many beginners find removal difficult too—cups may tip and spill, leading to messy situations.

Public restroom changes can also become awkward, as you’ll likely need clean water to rinse your cup properly.

Certain cups may also push against your IUD strings, risking movement or displacement of your birth control device. It’s always safest to speak with your doctor first if you’re planning to use a menstrual cup along with an IUD.

At the start, using menstrual cups means dealing with a learning curve—but with practice, most women grow comfortable using moon cups or other popular brands.

Pros and Cons of Menstrual Discs

Menstrual discs offer a mix of benefits and drawbacks that might sway your choice. Let’s break down what makes discs shine and where they fall short for your period needs.

What are the pros of menstrual discs?

Period discs deliver several advantages that have boosted their popularity. They hold up to 50ml of fluid, ideal for those heavier days without constant changes. Unlike menstrual cups, discs don’t rely on suction, making them easier—and safer—for users with IUDs to remove.

You can wear one disc comfortably for 8-12 hours, letting you go about your day—or night—without constantly running to the restroom.

One highly praised benefit is that discs allow mess-free penetrative sex during your period—offering convenience and flexibility for intimate moments. Plus, many options feature an easy-to-grasp loop tab, making removal simpler for those with different physical abilities.

Discs typically come in medical-grade silicone and can last up to five years. That means you’ll spend less money, create less waste, and skip the hassle of regularly buying disposable menstrual products.

What are the cons of menstrual discs?

Menstrual discs have many advantages—but they also have some downsides you should know about. Removing these discs can get messy, much messier than using a cup, due to possible spillage of menstrual fluid and vaginal discharge.

Many users struggle at first to insert the disc correctly, and it often takes a few tries to get comfortable with the method.

Also, most menstrual discs are made for single-use rather than reuse, which makes them less environmentally friendly compared to reusable choices like the MeLuna cup. During workouts or sexual activities, discs sometimes move out of place and leak at really inconvenient moments.

And, since there’s no easy-to-grip tab or string attached, you must carefully hook your finger beneath the disc rim to pull it out smoothly—this can be awkward for beginners.

Contrary to popular opinion, menstrual discs don’t lessen menstrual cramps. Some users even say the disc feels uncomfortable because it presses against their endometrium, leading to more irritation rather than relief.

How Will Menstrual Cups and Discs Evolve in 2025?

The future of period products in 2025 looks brighter than ever. Companies are developing cups and discs, built with smart sensors, that track menstrual flow and send alerts directly to your phone—letting you know exactly when to change.

These innovative devices could be a huge relief for those experiencing heavy periods and worrying about leaks. Some brands are even experimenting with color-changing materials; these can reveal signs of potential infections or pH imbalances, offering an easy way to monitor personal health.

Upcoming products will also put more attention on easier insertion and removal—issues many users struggle with regularly. Expect wider size ranges to fit different cervical positions comfortably, along with improved shapes designed to stop leaks during intense workouts or daily movement.

Eco-friendly material will quickly become the norm, as more women try to cut down waste caused by disposable menstrual products. Safety will also improve—lowering the already small risk of toxic shock syndrome.

One particularly exciting update involves menstrual discs, which may soon have better designs for remaining secure during intercourse. This advancement could bring extra comfort and freedom to users during their periods.

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