What are Menstrual Cups?
Menstrual cups are flexible cup-shaped devices made of medical grade silicone or rubber that are inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual fluid. Rather than absorbing it, cups catch and contain the blood. This reduces the need to change them as often as tampons or pads.
Benefits of menstrual cups include:
- Can be worn for up to 12 hours before emptying
- Reusable for up to 10 years
- More eco-friendly and cost effective than disposables
- Less risk of leaks and stains
- Comfortable to wear once inserted correctly
Popular menstrual cup brands are DivaCup, Saalt, Luna, Lena and Tampax Cup.
What are Menstrual Discs?
Menstrual discs, also called discs or cups, are shallow, flexible discs made of medical grade polymers that collect flow. They conform to the shape of the vaginal walls rather than popping open like cups. The disc sits near the cervix to capture blood before it exits the body.
Advantages of discs include:
- Can be worn for up to 12 hours
- One size fits most women
- Easy to insert and remove
- Can be worn during sex
- Disposable or reusable options available
Popular brands are Softcup, Flex, Lumma Unique, Intimina Ziggy Cup and Cora Disc.
Key Differences
Shape and Size
Menstrual cups are bell-shaped devices that pop open to form a rounded dome inside the vaginal canal. They range from 1.5-2 inches wide. Discs are a shallow bowl shape with a firmer rim and thin, flexible center. Discs are around 2.5-3 inches wide.
Placement
Cups sit lower inside the vagina, below the cervix. Their tapered shape and suction help prevent leaks. Discs sit right under the cervix, using the pubic bone as support. Their shallow, conforming design captures blood flow at the cervical opening.
Removal Process
Cups require breaking the seal and squeezing the base to remove gently. Discs have a loop tab and can simply be hooked with a finger to pull down and out. The disc rim stays partially outside the body for easier access.
Intercourse
Cups must be removed before penetration. Discs can stay inserted during sex. The thin center flexes up to make room while the rim remains in place trapping flow. Some women don't notice it, while others find it uncomfortable.
Mess-Free Intercourse
Used properly, both can allow mess-free period sex. Discs provide direct cervical coverage for cleaner sex. Cups require emptying beforehand and excellent insertion technique to prevent leaks.
Reusability
Cups are reusable for years. Discs come in both disposable and reusable options. Disposable discs offer convenience but less value for money. Reusable discs can be used for 1-2 years.
Learning Curve
Cups have a steeper learning curve and can take several cycles to master inserting and removing properly. Discs are fairly simple to use right away for most women.
Suction
When opened, cups create light suction to stay in place and prevent leaks. Discs conform to vaginal walls without active suction. For some this reduces pressure and bladder sensitivity issues.
Capacity
Cups hold around 1-2 ounces of fluid. Disks hold about 1.5-2 times more than cups. For very heavy flow, discs may offer longer wear between emptying.
Cramps
Some women experience more cramping with cups, potentially from suction or pressure on vaginal walls. Discs cause less cramping discomfort for many users.
Who Might Prefer Cups?
- Active women and athletes - great for sports
- Teens and virgins - smaller size works well
- Those new to discs - simpler learning curve
- Eco-conscious users - reusable for years
- Light to moderate flow - don't need extra capacity
- Sensitive bladder - less pressure on urethra
Who Might Prefer Discs?
- Those having intercourse on their period
- Women with IUDs - can keep strings clear of disc
- Very heavy periods - higher capacity
- People who've tried cups without success
- Trouble removing cups - discs have tab
- Experience pain or cramping with cups
Key Points for Deciding Between Cup and Disc
- Consider flow - discs hold more fluid
- Discuss period sex needs - discs allow mess-free intercourse
- Evaluate vaginal comfort - discs may cause less cramping
- Assess bladder sensitivity - discs have less urethral pressure
- Think about learning curves - cups can take practice
- Factor in eco-impact - cups are reusable for years
- Think about access - discs may be easier to remove
Ultimately, personal preference will determine whether a menstrual cup or disc is right for your needs. Try out both to see what works best for your body. With some experience, you can discover the optimal period product to keep you comfortable, protected and worry-free all cycle long.
FAQs
Can you use a menstrual cup and disc together?
No, you should only use one menstrual product at a time. Using a cup and disc together would not provide any additional benefits and could potentially cause discomfort or difficulties removing.
Which is better for a heavy flow - cup or disc?
Discs generally have higher capacity and can hold more fluid than cups. For very heavy periods, a disc may be able to be worn longer between emptying than a cup.
Do menstrual discs leak more than cups?
When used correctly, both discs and cups provide reliable protection against leaks. Discs conform directly under the cervix to trap flow, while cups use suction. Leaks are mainly due to improper fit, insertion, or overflow.
Can I use a disc with an IUD?
Yes, menstrual discs are safe to use with IUDs. The disc sits near the cervix so the IUD strings hang into the disc reservoir away from the vaginal walls.
Which is best for a beginner - cup or disc?
Menstrual discs tend to have a shorter learning curve for beginners. Cups can take several cycles to master inserting and removing properly. Discs may be easier to use right away for most women.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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