Menstrual Disc vs. Cup: The Pros and Cons for Each

Need help choosing between a menstrual cup or a menstrual disc? Let us help you decide!

The are huge differences between menstrual cups and menstrual discs (made famous by Instead/Softcup and now Flex.) Often people assume discs are the same as cups but they're vastly different in how they're inserted, worn, and removed. The only real similarity between them is that they're worn internally and collect menstrual fluid. They're more like cousins than siblings.

 
Disc

Cups

Higher capacity than tampons?
Yes
Yes
Wear time 10-12 hours
Yes
Yes
Comfortable
Yes
Yes
Good for exercise
Yes
Yes
Suction Free
Yes 
No
Mess Free Removal
No
Yes
Sex During Wear
Yes
No
Can Auto-Dump
Yes 
No
Works for Nights
Yes
Yes
Works for Teens
Yes
Yes
Learning Curve
Yes 
Yes

Where Menstrual Cups Win

Cups are great for anyone transitioning from pads or tampons or as a first time product. Inserting and removing a cup is usually an easier process when you're new to reusable products. Folding menstrual cups can be very easy,  we suggest the "punch down fold" when you're brand new to using menstrual cups. There are a huge variety of menstrual cups to suit every person's needs, from high cervix to low cervix, for people who do high impact exercises and for people who do none.

Possible drawbacks: The variety of sizes and styles can also mean it's harder to find the perfect cup, small changes to a cup's shape, firmness, and size can mean the difference between a comfortable fit and not. We arrange our products by various attributes to make finding the right cup easier. There is a learning curve and it can take 1-3 cycles to get the hang of your cup.

 

Where Menstrual Discs Win

Discs can be used at any time but many find they try a reusable disc after first using and becoming comfortable with menstrual cups. They are as comfortable as cups when worn and have the advantage of being less finicky due to where they're worn in the vagina. Most people fit the same size disc, but there are smaller options if needed. Discs don't seal and suction so removal can be easier, especially for those who have reaching and grip issues. Discs can be worn during penetrative intercourse because they don't take up the real estate that a cup does. A perk many users find with discs is that they empty their contents during bathroom visits; this isn't the case for everyone but for those with a heavy period it might be a deciding factor. 

Possible drawbacks: Discs require most of your finger(s) to reaching inside fairly high into the vaginal canal to insert and remove. Discs can also be messier to remove and many will get blood on their fingers, unlike with cups. There is a learning curve to discs and it can take 1-3 cycles to get the hang of your disc. 

 

Still need guidance? You can take the Period Nirvana Menstrual Cup + Disc Quiz which offers menstrual cup or menstrual disc suggestions that will work best for your needs. You can also reach out directly for help by contacting us: orders @ period.shop.

Want to Learn More? Our educational site periodnirvana.com has more content on the blog post Menstrual Cup vs. Disc: Which to Choose?

Prefer a Video? Period Nirvana has a great overview of cups vs. discs on our YouTube channel.