Menstrual Cup and Disc Comparison

1. Similarities
2. Key Differences
3. Making the Choice: Which Is Right for You?
4. When to Choose a Menstrual Cup
5. When to Choose a Menstrual Disc

When choosing sustainable menstrual products, many people consider menstrual cups and menstrual discs. We look at the differences and similarities between the two devices so you can make an informed choice.

Similarities

Environmental benefit: As reusable products, cups and discs are both an eco-friendly option that offers environmental benefits by significantly reducing waste compared to disposable pads and tampons.

Economic benefit: Cups and discs have a higher upfront cost compared to disposables but they last several years, making them an economical choice in the long run.

Function: Both cups and discs are inserted into the vagina and collect, rather than absorb, menstrual flow. They are both emptied, washed and reinserted.

Wear Time: Cups and discs can be worn for up to 8 hours and overnight. If you have a heavier flow, they may need to be emptied more frequently.

Cleaning & Care: Both cups and discs are washed each time the product is emptied using a mild, fragrance-free soap, or a specially designed menstrual cup wash. At the end of each cycle, menstrual cups and discs are sterilised by boiling them or using a menstrual cup steriliser.

Key Differences

While both menstrual cups and discs serve the same fundamental purpose, some of the following distinctions may influence your choice:

	Menstrual Cups	Menstrual Discs
Product Design	Flexible, bell-shaped devices - may vary in shape from cone to more rounded bulbous shapes.Generally have a stem which could be a tab or ring design or have no stem if designed for a low cervix.Rim may have punched holes to assist with creating a seal.	Bowl or disc-shaped device with a firm rim and thin body."Flat-fit" design that covers a wider area.May have a removal aids like a tail, loop or finger hook.
Made Of	Typically medical-grade silicone. Some are TPE or latex.	Typically made from medical-grade silicone or TPE.
Placement	Sits in the vaginal canal. May sit high or low depending on the vaginal canal lenght/cervical postion.	Sits high in the vaginal canal, just below cervix and tucks behind pubic bone at the front.
Usage	Folded and inserted into the vaginal canal. Creates a suction seal with vaginal walls.Removed by pinching the base to release the seal.	Inserted by pinching sides to create a narrow shape.Tucks up above the pubic bone (no suction seal).Removed by pinching the side to create a narrow shape.
Comfort	Comfortable for most users however may sit low and cause discomfort for people with a low cervix, short vaginal canal, tilted uterus, or poor pelvic floor tone.	May feel more natural for low cervix or weak pelvic floor.
Leak Protection	Strong leak protection due to suction seal created with the vaginal walls.	Broad coverage usually offers effective leak protection however may leak if it doesn’t hook well over pubic bone.
Ease of Use	Requires some practice to insert and remove. Different folding techniques may be required.	Simple insertion by pinching sides together. Often easier for beginners.
Sexual Activity	Must be removed before sexual activity.	Can generally be worn during penetrative sex*.
Lifespan	Typically lasts longer due to thicker material.	May have a shorter lifespan because of thinner body material.

* Check product guidelines and consult healthcare provider if unsure.

Product Design

The major difference between menstrual cups and discs is in their design and placement in the vaginal. Let’s explore the ins and outs of each so you can make an informed decision about which may best suit your needs and anatomy.

Menstrual Cups: Menstrual cups are flexible, bell-shaped devices most commonly made from medical-grade silicone but they can also be made from other materials such as TPE. Menstrual cups can have different shapes ranging from cone-shaped to a more rounded bulbous shape. They can also have different design features like thicker or thinner rims which may have punch holes to assist with creating a seal. Cups can also have different stem types such as tabs (which may or may not be designed to be trimmable) or have a ring pull design. Some cups, specifically designed for people with a low cervix may not have a stem at all.

Menstrual Discs: Menstrual discs are bowl or disc-shaped devices that are also typically made of medical-grade silicone. They are generally a round or oval shape with a firm or stiff rim and a thin layer of silicone making up the body or bowl of the disc which may be smooth or have an embossed pattern. Some discs also have different removal aids on the rim such as a ‘tail’ or a finger tab loop or hole.

Placement & Usage

Menstrual Cups: Menstrual cups are folded and inserted into the vagina. They sit below the cervix and when they unfold, they create a suction seal with the vaginal walls that prevents menstrual leaks. Removal involves gently pinching the base to break the seal and carefully pulling it out.

Menstrual Discs: Like cups, discs are also inserted into the vagina. Insertion can be a bit less complicated when compared to cups as the sides of the disc are simply pinched together to create a longer shape. Once inserted, the disc then sits below the cervix but covers a wider area than cups. Discs are said to have a ‘flat-fit’ design. Unlike cups, discs do not create a suction seal. Instead, the rim of the disc rests on the vaginal canal walls and the front of the disc tucks up above the pubic bone at the front. Some users report that the disc’s shape feels more natural and less intrusive, particularly for those with a cervix positioned lower.

Fit & Comfort

Menstrual Cups: May sit low in the vaginal canal and cause discomfort for people with a low cervix, short vaginal canal, tilted/retroverted uterus or pelvic organ prolapse. Poor pelvic floor tone may also cause a cup to slip low or protrude from the vaginal canal.

Menstrual Discs: Offer a different placement that might feel more natural for some users, particularly those who have experienced discomfort with cups due to having a low cervix or poor pelvic floor tone. Conversely, some people may find menstrual discs don’t work well with their anatomy and the disc doesn't hook over the pubic bone.

Leak Protection

Both products provide leak protection when correctly inserted. However, the menstrual cup’s seal might offer more reassurance for some, while others prefer the disc’s broad coverage.

Ease of Use

Menstrual Cups: Cups require a bit of practice to insert and remove, especially for first-time users. There are several menstrual cup fold techniques you can try to assist with insertion but again, this may take a bit of time to find one that works for you.

Menstrual Discs: May be easier to position for those who struggle with the traditional cup insertion technique.

Sexual Activity

Menstrual Cups: Must be removed and cannot be worn during sexual activity

Menstrual Discs: Their flat-fit design generally means they can be worn during sexual intercourse. Consult the product guidelines and your healthcare provider if you are unsure.

Lifespan

Menstrual Cups will typically last a little longer than discs as menstrual discs have a thinner body.

Making the Choice: Which Is Right for You?

Choosing between a menstrual cup and a menstrual disc ultimately comes down to personal preference, comfort, and lifestyle needs. Consider the following when making your decision:

Anatomical Fit: Every person’s body is different. If you’ve found that menstrual cups feel intrusive or challenging to use, a disc might provide a better fit.
Activity Level: For those who are particularly active, the design differences could be significant. It may be worthwhile trying both options (if possible) to see which aligns best with your routine.
Sexual Activity: Most menstrual discs are suitable for people engaging in sexual activity during their period.
Environmental Impact and Cost: Both products are excellent choices for reducing waste and long-term expenditure on menstrual products. Research the lifespan and care instructions of the specific brands you’re considering.
Trial and Error: Often, the best way to decide is to try one - and if it doesn’t work, experiment with the other. Whilst this may be costly, many users report one particular brand or size of cup or disc works better for their anatomy than another whilst others find almost any product works for them. Bear in mind there is an initial learning curve with all new products so you may need to give it a few cycles.

When to Choose a Menstrual Cup

It may be worth considering a menstrual cup if you:

Have a Strong Flow or Heavy Periods: If you have a heavy flow, menstrual cups are often a better choice due to their larger capacity.
Prefer a Secure Fit: Cups form a seal inside the vagina, which helps prevent leaks. If you want extra reassurance that there will be no leakage, especially while sleeping or during physical activities like swimming or hiking, the seal offered by a menstrual cup may feel more secure than the disc.
Have a High Cervix: If your cervix is positioned high in your vaginal canal, a menstrual cup might work better because it will be easier to reach to remove than a menstrual disc.
Are Concerned About Environmental Impact: Menstrual cups are made to last several years with proper care, making them a highly sustainable option. If you’re looking for a long-term, environmentally friendly period product, a menstrual cup could be the better choice due to its durability.

ALLMATTERS Organi Menstrual Cup - Mini

$ 39.95

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