It’s the hottest topic in Period Town currently: menstrual discs vs. menstrual cups. With so many options available, it can be tough to choose the right product for you so let's explore the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision.
Menstrual Cups
First up, we have menstrual cups – the OG cool kids on the sustainable period care block. These babies are usually made from either medical-grade TPE or silicone. To use one you simply fold it and pop it into your vag where it will catch your flow.
Here are a few reasons period cups have so many fans:
- Eco-Friendly Vibes: Menstrual cups are reusable, so you can ditch the disposable stuff and give Mother Earth a hand.
- Longer Protection: These bad boys can stay in place for up to 12 hours, giving you the freedom to conquer the day without worrying about leaks.
- Wallet-Friendly: They might cost a bit more upfront, but in the long run, they'll save you moolah since they last for years.
Menstrual cups tend to come in a variety of sizes and some companies like Hello Period have speciality cups to cater to different cervix heights. They rely on suction to stay in place and one of the key things to remember is to ensure you break the suction seal before you remove it. To do this you simply squeeze the base and slowly pull it down.
Menstrual Discs
Now, let's talk about the menstrual discs, the newer to the scene but definitely turning heads. Like cups, they’re also folded before you insert them; however, discs sit higher than cups - hanging out just below the cervix to collect your flow.
Here's are some of the reasons menstrual discs are gaining such a big fan base:
- Comfort & convenience: Discs are all about comfort and they tend to hold even more than menstrual cups. Like menstrual cups, they’re also super eco friendly & are reusable for years.
- IUD Friendly: If you have an IUD, menstrual discs are a good option as they don’t rely on suction to stay in place.
- Low Cervix Compatibility: If you have a low cervix, discs can be your new BFF. They sit higher in the vaginal canal.
- Fun time friendly: You can leave your disc in during s*x or play and enjoy the good times without the messy sheets.
Menstrual discs tend to come in one-size-fits-most because they sit higher so size is less important. They stay in place by tucking behind your pubic bone so if you have an IUD, a menstrual disc is a good choice. To remove your disc, you hook your finger under the rim of the disc and slide it out. Some women find it helpful to bear down with their pelvic muscles during removal to push the disc lower and make it easier to reach. The Hello Disc is the first menstrual disc in the world to have a double looped removal tab which makes removing the disc even easier - especially for people who have a high cervix.
At the end of the day, choosing between a menstrual disc and a menstrual cup comes down to personal preference, your body's unique quirks, and your lifestyle.
Take your time, do your research, and consider what matters most to you – whether it's comfort, convenience, or sustainability. Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all solution, so trust your instincts and listen to your body.
As you navigate the learning curve, don't fret if it takes a few cycles to get the hang of it. Practice makes perfect, and soon you'll be a pro at managing your flow.
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