When it comes to sustainable period care, two reusable products dominate the conversation: the menstrual cup and the menstrual disc. Both are eco-friendly alternatives to pads and tampons, reducing waste and saving money in the long run. But while they may seem similar, the experience of using a menstruation discversus a cup is surprisingly different.
More and more people are making the switch to discs because they offer unique benefits that cups can’t match. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the menstrual disc vs. menstrual cup debate, explain the key differences, and show why the reusable menstrual disc might just be the best period product you’ve never tried.
What Is a Menstrual Cup?
The menstrual cup has been around for decades and is often the first reusable product people hear about when moving away from disposables. It’s a bell-shaped cup made of medical-grade silicone that sits in the vaginal canal and collects menstrual fluid.
Cups are reusable for years, hold more blood than a tampon, and are better for the environment. They’re loved by many who find them comfortable once they learn the insertion technique. However, cups aren’t perfect. Some users experience leaks, discomfort from suction, and difficulty removing them, especially in public restrooms.
What Is a Menstrual Disc?
The menstrual disc, on the other hand, is a flatter, more flexible product shaped like a disc with a soft rim. Instead of sitting in the vaginal canal like a cup, it rests higher up in the vaginal fornix—right below the cervix. This difference in placement changes everything.
Like cups, discs are made from medical-grade silicone and are designed to be reusable. But because of their unique design and position in the body, period discs can provide benefits that cups cannot.
Menstrual Disc vs. Cup: The Key Differences
1. Placement
- Cup: Sits low in the vaginal canal, sealed with suction.
- Disc: Rests higher, tucked behind the pubic bone, with no suction required.
This anatomical difference often makes the disc more comfortable, especially for those with sensitive vaginal walls or who experience discomfort with suction.
2. Comfort and Freedom
Because the disc sits higher and conforms to your body, many users report they forget it’s even there. You can exercise, sleep, and even have mess-free period sex while wearing a disc—something a cup doesn’t allow. For people who prioritize intimacy and freedom, the disc is a clear winner.
3. Capacity
Menstrual discs typically hold more fluid than cups, making them ideal for those with a heavy flow. Some reusable discs can hold up to 6–8 tampons’ worth of blood, which means fewer changes throughout the day and less stress during long work shifts, travel, or overnight use.
4. Learning Curve
Both cups and discs require practice, but discs are often easier to insert and remove once you learn the “tuck and pinch” method. With no suction to break, removal is usually gentler. Some users also appreciate that discs self-empty slightly when you use the toilet, which can extend wear time.
5. Mess-Free Period Sex
This is perhaps the most unique advantage of the menstruation disc. Because it sits higher up and doesn’t block the vaginal canal, discs allow for penetrative sex without mess. This is a game-changer for people who want intimacy without interruption during their period.
6. Suitability for Different Body Types
Some people find cups uncomfortable because of their vaginal shape, tilted cervix, or pelvic floor issues. Discs, with their flatter and more flexible design, tend to adapt better to different anatomies, making them more inclusive for a wider range of users.
Why More People Are Switching to Menstrual Discs
The menstrual cup was revolutionary when it first became popular, but discs are the natural evolution of reusable period care. Today’s generation wants not just sustainability but also convenience, comfort, and flexibility.
Here’s why more people are choosing discs:
- Better comfort for daily life and sports
- Higher capacity for heavy flows
- Freedom to enjoy intimacy
- Less risk of suction-related discomfort
- Environmentally friendly and long-lasting
For those who tried cups and gave up, the disc offers a second chance to embrace reusables without the drawbacks.
The Environmental Impact of Reusable Menstrual Discs
Disposable pads and tampons generate thousands of pounds of waste over a lifetime. By choosing a reusable menstrual disc, you’re making a choice that benefits both your body and the planet. A single disc can last several years with proper care, replacing hundreds of disposable products.
That means less waste in landfills, fewer resources used in manufacturing, and a smaller carbon footprint—all while saving you money.
Tips for First-Time Disc Users
If you’re curious about switching to a disc, here are a few tips:
- Give yourself time. It may take a few cycles to get the hang of insertion and removal.
- Relax your muscles. Inserting and tucking the disc is much easier when your pelvic floor is relaxed.
- Use water or a water-based lubricant. This makes insertion smoother.
- Practice at home first. Get comfortable before trying it at work or during travel.
- Follow cleaning instructions. Most reusable discs just need warm water and mild soap between uses.
The Bottom Line: Disc vs. Cup
Both menstrual cups and discs are sustainable, reusable alternatives that can transform your period experience. But when it comes to comfort, capacity, and freedom, the disc comes out ahead.
If you’ve struggled with cups in the past, or if you simply want more flexibility—whether that’s fewer changes, less discomfort, or the option for intimacy during your cycle—the period disc is worth trying.
At Lumma, we believe periods should never hold you back. Our reusable menstrual discs are designed with your lifestyle in mind—combining sustainability, comfort, and freedom in one simple product. Once you experience the difference, you might never go back to cups again.
Ready to upgrade your period care?
👉 Explore Lumma’s Reusable Menstrual Disc Collection today and discover why thousands are making the switch.