Menstrual Disc VS Cup: The Battle of Internal Protection!

Periods are natural, but choosing THE perfect protection can be a real headache! Between period panties, menstrual cups, and menstrual discs, these eco-friendly and economical alternatives have revolutionized our cycles. But which one should you choose? Put down your (sanitary) towels and get out the popcorn, We untangle the truth from the lies, with an ultra-detailed comparative match! And as a bonus, a summary table to know everything at a glance.

SUMMARY TABLE: Cup VS Disc VS Others

Position, duration, gender, price… Who is a hit, who is a success, who is a surprise?

1. ANATOMY & FUNCTION: The Tech of the Female Body

The cup, a high-tech suction cup bell, VS the disc, a discreet ninja nestled behind the pubis. Who dominates the female anatomy?

The Menstrual Cup

Imagine a soft medical silicone bell placed in the vagina to collect the flow. His secret ? A waterproof suction cup which prevents leaks. It is available in tailles (S, M, L) and shapes (with or without stem).

The Menstrual Disc

More discreet, this flat disc is installed behind the pubis, at the bottom of the vagina, and conforms to the shape of the cervix. No suction Here: it is held in place by a flexible structure. Some models (like Ziggy or Lumma) are reusable, others are disposable (Flex).

VS Tampons/Pads

• Tampons absorbent, dry out and can cause TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome).
• Napkins, often made of plastic, irritate and generate waste.

2. COMFORT & SENSATIONS: The “Forget I’m There” Test

The cup, queen of sport but sometimes capricious VS the disc, chameleon which disappears even under the sheets. Who deserves the medal of oblivion?

The Cup

• With the good taille : zero pressure on the bladder, total freedom for sports (including swimming 🏊♀️).
• Disadvantage : Some feel the stem or have to cut it.

The Disc

• No feeling presence, even while making love! Yes, some (disposable) discs are compatible with reports !
• Attention : Improper positioning can cause leaks.

VS Period Panties : Thicker, ideal for sleeping or as a backup, but less discreet under leggings.

3. CAPACITY & DURATION: The Endurance Race

The cup, marathon woman of flow VS the disc, champion of prolonged discretion. Who frees you the longest?

The Cup

Imagine a buffer multiplied by four ! Perfect for heavy flows and days when you have one meeting after another without a bathroom break.

The Disc

Le strategic disk placement near the pass has a secret superpower, he can partially empty yourself when you go to the toilet (thanks to muscle contraction), which further extends its autonomy.

VS Period Swimwear : Practical for the pool, but have a plan B for long swims. Its autonomy is limited and depends on your flow.

4. USE: The Challenge of Insertion

The Cup

• C/U fold then insertion into the vagina. A little technical at first, but you get used to it!
• Withdrawal: Pinch the base to break the suction cup.

The Disc

• Taco Fold or horizontal insertion. More intuitive for some, but removal can be… challenging (finger hook required).

VS Tampon : Faster to insert, but risk of TSS and vaginal dryness.

5. MAINTENANCE & ECOLOGY: The Zero Waste Match

Cut and disc, these anti-pollution superheroes. Which one turns your period into an eco-friendly gesture without constraints?

Les Deux : Reusable (except disposable discs), washable with water and mild soap. Sterilization in boiling water between cycles.

REAL Impact : A woman generates on average 150kg of menstrual waste in a lifetime... that you can transform into a few grams of recyclable medical silicone! It's like comparing a mountain to a rock..

Maintenance tips :

• Travelling : A bottle of water and pH neutral soap are enough for cleaning on the go.
• Stubborn stains : Diluted hydrogen peroxide (oxygenated water) removes discolorations, even after several cycles.
• Between two cycles : Store your protection in a breathable cotton bag, never in plastic (hello bacteria!).

6. PRICE: The Life-Changing Investment

The cup and the disc declare war on waste! Who saves you a fortune in 10 years?

• What you REALLY save Imagine a weekend in Rome every year. Or that luxury bag you've been dreaming of. Or an extra month of savings per year. This is what the transition to reusable offers you !
• The "oops" factor : No more rushing to your pajamas at 23 p.m. because you forgot to buy tampons. Your cup or disc is always there, always ready !
• Paid for in the blink of an eye : After 3-6 months, your protection has already paid off its initial cost. The next 9+ years? A pure bonus for your wallet !

7. SEX & INTERCOURSE: The Discreet Disc Revolution!

You dream of spontaneity even during your period ? The menstrual disc is THE only internal protection compatible with sexual intercourse (vaginal penetration)! A monumental difference against other protections.

• The Cup : Impossible, it blocks the entrance to the vagina and the suction cup can cause discomfort.
• Buffer : Increased risk of TSS, obvious discomfort... and her cord isn't very glamorous 😅.
• Menstrual Towel/Panties : Too bulky, and the feeling of humidity can spoil the moment.

WHY DOES IT WORK?

The disc nestles behind the pubis, away from the penetration zone. Result:

• No discomfort for you or your partner.
• Zero visible blood (the disk holds the flow).
• Sensations preserved thanks to its anatomical position.

ATTENTION, READ THE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY! ⚠️

• Disposable discs (Such as Flex) are often designed for this.
• Reusable discs : Check the mention “ sexually compatible »
• Opt for a water-based lubricant to make things easier, and check that the disc is positioned correctly before action!

VS ALL OTHER PROTECTIONS

8. SPECIAL CASES: Solutions Adapted to Your Body

Every body is unique, and some conditions require a personalized approach. Here are some specific recommendations based on the latest research:

With an IUD (coil)

• La cup creates a suction that could theoretically displace an IUD (low but documented risk, according to a study published in The Lancet)
• Le disk is generally more compatible with IUDs because it does not create suction
• Tip: Wait 2-3 cycles after inserting an IUD before using internal protection.

Endometriosis

• Le disk generally exercises less pressure on sensitive tissues
• The period panties remain the most comfortable option for days of intense pain
• Some users report that the internal protections reduce cramps by collecting blood rather than absorbing it (as this recent comparative study suggests)

Vaginismus or pain on insertion

• Start with small cups taille specific to begin with
• Use a water-based lubricant to facilitate insertion
• Le disk may be easier to insert as it naturally follows the shape of the vagina

Postpartum

• Wait at least 6 weeks after childbirth before using internal protection, in accordance with official recommendations from gynecologists
• Start with a taille bigger than before pregnancy
• The period panties are ideal during this transition period

And the winner is…

Cup or disc? Anatomy, flow, sex life, the answer is… drum roll... YOU !

CHOOSE THE CUP IF :

• You have a heavy flow.
• You like the security of the suction cup.
• You prefer proven protection.

CHOOSE DISC IF :

• You want invisible, intercourse-compatible protection.
• You have a high cervix.

The Best Choice of Period Protection for YOUR Body

The cup or the disc? No fight has an absolute winner… because YOU are the expert on your cycle ! Whether you prioritize XXL comfort, passionate nights or radical ecology, these two protections redefine the art of living your period without compromise.

The real triumph? Say goodbye to disposable products, save hundreds of euros, and stay free as a bird