Menstrual cup or disc? If you're undecided between these two reusable internal protections, you're not alone. The main difference: the cup works by suction and is placed in the vagina, while the disc is located behind the pubic bone without creating an air vacuum. This nuance changes everything in terms of comfort, capacity and even compatibility with sexual intercourse.
Both collect menstrual flow instead of absorbing it, last for years, and save you a fortune. But each has its own personality. The cup is the safe bet, tested since the 1930s and adopted by millions of users. The disc, more recent and lesser-known, surprises with its XXL capacity and absolute discretion. Neither is objectively better; it all depends on your anatomy, your flow, and your priorities.
⚡ What you need to remember from the start
Suction Cup VS Wedging: Two Strategies, Same Mission
Before comparing performance, you need to understand where and how these two protectors fit within your body. The difference isn't just cosmetic; it determines everything else.
The Menstrual Cup
Imagine a small bell made of soft medical silicone. It unfolds in the vaginal canal, a few centimeters from the entrance. Once opened, its edges create a slight suction effect against the vaginal walls. This air vacuum prevents leaks and keeps the cup in place.
- Exact position: Between 3 and 7 cm from the entrance of the vagina, below the cervix which plunges into it. The cervix pours blood directly into the cup.
- Holding system: Gentle suction + vaginal walls. If you pull the rod without breaking the suction cup, you will feel resistance.
The Menstrual Disc
A flat, flexible disc that sits deep inside the vagina, in a small anatomical cavity called the posterior vaginal fornix. This is the space that is behind the pubic bone and below the cervix.
- Exact position: The front edge of the disc rests behind the pubic bone (you can feel it with your finger if you go up towards the top of the vagina), the back edge rests in the vaginal cul-de-sac, under the cervix.
- Holding system: Anatomical pressure. The disc is wedged between two bony structures, without any suction. It's like a plate wedged in a cupboard between two shelves.
💡 The simple analogy : The cup works like a suction cup on a window. The disc works like a saucer that you would wedge between your chin and your neck. One sucks, the other wedges.
Complete Comparison Table
To see clearly at a glance, the match criterion by criterion with all the details that really matter.
Cup: The Sure Value That Has Proven Itself
The cup is the best-known and most widely used reusable protection. Millions of users worldwide, dozens of brands, and decades of experience. But beyond its commercial success, what makes it so popular and what are its real limitations?
How It Really Works
The cup folds for insertion (C-fold, U-fold, punchdown, etc.), then once inside the vagina, it unfolds and returns to its bell shape. The flexible edges conform to the vaginal walls and create a slight suction effect that holds it in place. Blood flows from the cervix directly into the cup until it is full.
The Advantages of the Cup
Solid capacity for a compact item
Depending on the models and tailles, a cup contains between 20ml (small taille) and 40ml (large taille). For reference, an average menstrual flow over the entire cycle is 30-50ml in total. In other words, even on days of heavy flow, a cup easily lasts 8 to 12 hours.
Proven leak-proof reliability
The suction cup effect is formidable. When the cup is well positioned and of the right size, taille, leaks are almost non-existent. You can run, swim, do inverted yoga, sleep in any position without anxiety.
Exceptional longevity
A medical-grade silicone cup lasts 5 to 10 years if you care for it properly. It's one of the best protections in terms of durability. Some users keep the same cup for more than 15 years.
Huge selection of models
Dozens of brands (MeLuna, Organicup, Saalt, Lunette, Merula, etc.), several tailles, different levels of firmness, with or without stem, colored or transparent. You will definitely find a cup adapted to your anatomy.
Huge community and resources
Millions of users worldwide share their experiences on forums, Facebook groups, and Reddit. You'll easily find help, advice, and detailed comparisons for every problem you encounter.
Limits to Know
The learning curve can be steep
Finding the right fold, successfully inserting the cup, deploying it correctly, checking that it's fully open, removing it without getting it everywhere... The first few cycles can be daunting. Many people give up before mastering the technique.
The puzzle of the taille and firmness
Too big: discomfort, pressure on the bladder, difficulty urinating. Too small: leaks. Too firm: cramps, sometimes migraines. Too soft: doesn't expand. Finding THE perfect cup is often a real struggle, with several failed purchases.
The suction effect can be problematic
Some women experience uncomfortable pressure or cramping from suction. If you have an IUD (coil), suction could theoretically dislodge it, although the risk remains low according to recent studies.
Incompatible with sexual intercourse
The cup occupies the vaginal canal. Penetration is impossible without first removing the cup. For some couples, this is a major obstacle.
Removal can be messy
Even with care, it's common to spill a little blood when removing the cup, especially when it's full. Not ideal in public restrooms without a sink nearby.
Disc: The Invisible Ninja with XXL Capacity
The menstrual disc has been around since the 1960s but was long kept secret. In recent years, it's seen a resurgence in interest thanks to brands like Nixit, Ziggy, Lumma, and Flex, which have modernized the concept and promoted it widely. Its unique anatomical positioning is a game-changer for many users.
How It Works in Detail
The disc is a large, flat circle made of silicone or medical-grade polymer. It is folded into an 8-fold shape, slid deep into the vagina, pushing it down and back (not up like a cup), and then tucked the front edge behind the pubic bone. It unfolds to form a large saucer that collects the flow. The cervix rests inside the disc.
The Highlights of the Disc
Unmatched XXL capacity
Some discs can hold up to 60-70ml of blood, twice the size of a large cup. For heavy bleeding, this is the most self-contained protection available. Even on the heaviest days, you can go 12 hours without emptying.
Complete invisibility once in place
Because the disc sits all the way back, most users don't feel it at all. There's no protruding stem, no pressure on the bladder, no foreign body sensation. It's as if it doesn't exist.
Compatible with sexual intercourse
This is THE disc's main feature. Positioned behind the pubis, it completely frees the vaginal canal. Penetrative sex is possible without removing the disc, without discomfort or leakage. Disposable brands like Flex advertise this advantage extensively.
Partial self-emptying in the toilet
Surprise: When you go to the bathroom, your pelvic muscles relax and the front edge of the disc may shift slightly, allowing some blood to flow out. Then, when you get up, the disc pops back into place. Some users hardly ever need to remove their disc during the day.
No suction, less risk
The disc creates no air vacuum. Safer for women with IUDs, less pressure on organs, no cramps related to the suction cup. Some women who cannot tolerate the cup feel perfectly comfortable with the disc.
Insertion sometimes simpler
No need to check that the disc has deployed properly, no rotations required. You push it all the way in and wedge the front edge. Some women master the disc in their first cycle even though they've struggled with the cup for months.
What Can Get Stuck
A delicate positioning at the beginning
The disc must be wedged in exactly the right place, behind the pubic bone. If the front edge isn't firmly seated, the disc can shift and leak. Some women find this placement intuitive; others take several cycles to master.
Withdrawal can be acrobatic
To remove a disc, you have to hook the edge with your finger, pull it gently at an angle to empty the blood into the bowl, then extract it completely. The first few times, it's daunting. The disc is large, slippery, and full of blood. Many users find removal messier than with a cup.
Taille unique = not for all
Most discs only come in one taille (some brands like Lumma offer 2-3 tailles). If your anatomy does not match this taille standard, the disc may be uncomfortable or leak. Less adjustment possibilities than with cups.
Shorter lifespan (reusable)
Reusable silicone discs are often thinner and softer than cups. They typically last 1 to 2 years instead of 5 to 10 years. In the long run, the investment is therefore higher.
Less feedback
Since the disc is less common than the cup, there are fewer forums, fewer comparisons, and less online advice. You'll be left to your own devices to solve any potential problems.
The trap of disposable discs
Many people discover discs through disposable versions (Flex, Softdisc). These models are practical for testing, but at €10-15 for a box of 12, they become expensive in the long run and generate waste. Switching to reusable discs requires a new learning curve because the material and flexibility change.
Everyday Comfort: The “Forget I’m There” Test
Beyond the technical specifications, what really matters is how you feel about your protection every day. During your workdays, your nights, your workouts, your intimate moments.
Sensation of Presence
🔔 CUP
When it is well chosen (taille and firmness), you don't feel it at all. The problem is that finding the perfect cup can take several tries. A cup that's too big or too firm can put pressure on the bladder. A stem that's too long can scratch the vaginal opening. About 20-30% of users report having to change models at least once.
⭕ DISC
When properly positioned, the disc is virtually invisible. Located deep inside, it exerts no pressure on the bladder or vaginal opening. Many users literally forget they're menstruating. The catch: If the disc slips or isn't properly positioned, you can feel it slide down, which is very uncomfortable. This problem especially occurs during training or during intense exercise.
Sports and Physical Activities
🔔 CUP
Excellent for almost any activity. Running, weight training, cycling, hiking, yoga, dancing... The suction cup guarantees a perfect fit. Swimming and water sports: perfect, no water absorption like with a tampon. The only reported limitation: in synchronized swimming or during certain very prolonged inverted yoga poses, intra-abdominal pressure can sometimes dislodge the cup.
⭕ DISC
Just as effective as the cup, or even better for some. The lack of suction eliminates any feeling of pressure during exercise. Some elite athletes prefer the disc because it leaves the pelvic muscles completely free. A point of attention: positioning is more critical. If you are doing intense exercise (jumping, sprinting, heavy weight training) and the disc is not perfectly positioned, it can shift.
Sleep and Long Nights
🔔 CUP
Perfect for sleeping in any position (stomach, back, fetal position). No risk of leakage if properly positioned. You can sleep 8-12 hours without waking up to change your protection, even on nights with a heavy flow.
⭕ DISC
Just as effective as the cup for full nights. Note: Some users report that the disc can shift slightly during the night (frequent changes in position), especially if it is full. A minority prefer the cup at night for this reason.
Public Restrooms and Travel
🔔 CUP
With 8-12 hours of battery life, you'll avoid having to empty it outside of your home most of the time. If necessary, you can empty it in the toilet, wipe it with toilet paper, and put it back. Rinse with water when you get home. No need for a sink in the cabin.
⭕ DISC
Partial self-emptying is a big advantage here. On the toilet, you relax, the disc lets some of the blood flow out, you wipe, and you're good to go. Often, you don't need to completely remove the disc all day. If you do have to remove it, however, it's more complicated than a cup (more delicate handling, more risk of overflow).
The 2-Minute Insertion Challenge
Handling can be scary at first, but with a little practice, it becomes second nature. The key thing to remember.
Menstrual Cup
- Insertion : C or U-shaped fold → insert backwards (not upwards) → check that the cup has opened properly (360° rotation) → pull lightly on the stem to feel the resistance of the suction cup.
- Withdrawal: Break the suction cup (insert a finger to let air in) → pinch the base → gently pull while tilting over the bowl → rinse with cold water then mild soap.
Menstrual Disc
- Insertion : Figure 8 fold → insert downwards and backwards (coccyx direction) → push the front edge behind the pubic bone with your finger (critical step) → check that it is properly wedged.
- Withdrawal: Hook the front edge with your finger → pull to shift from behind the pubis → tilt to empty some of the blood into the bowl → complete extraction while keeping horizontal → cleaning identical to the cup.
💡 The thing that changes everything : Practice in the shower the first few times. Don't worry if you get it everywhere; the water cleans immediately. Allow 2-3 cycles to master the techniques.
Hassle-Free Maintenance (And Real Longevity)
These protections are reusable, but they still need to be maintained properly so that they last for years without health risks or premature deterioration.
During the Cycle
- At each emptying : Rinse with cold water to remove most of the blood (warm water coagulates proteins and sets stains). Then wash with a mild, pH-neutral, fragrance-free soap. Avoid antibacterial soaps, perfumed products, or regular shower gels, which can irritate the vaginal flora.
- No accessible sink : Simply wipe with clean toilet paper and replace. Thorough cleaning as soon as possible.
- Cleaning the air vents (cup) : The small holes under the rim of the cup can become clogged with blood residue. Fill the cup with water, place your palm on it, and squeeze: the water will spurt out of the holes and clean them.
Between Two Cycles
- Mandatory sterilization : At the end of your period, sterilize your cup or disc by boiling it for 5-10 minutes in a pan of water. Be careful not to let it touch the bottom of the pan (use a whisk to keep it suspended).
- Microwave alternative : Some brands offer special containers for microwave sterilization. Practical when traveling or if you don't have a dedicated pan.
- Complete drying : Let it air dry. Never store a wet cup/disc, as this encourages mold growth.
- Storage : Store in a breathable fabric bag (often provided with purchase). Never in an airtight plastic container.
Remove Stains and Odors
- Stubborn stains : Rub with baking soda or soak for a few hours in diluted hydrogen peroxide (1 part hydrogen peroxide to 2 parts water). Rinse thoroughly. You can also expose to the sun: UV rays naturally fade stains.
- odors : If your cup/disc smells bad despite washing, it may be related to the porous material that has absorbed bacteria. Try soaking it in diluted white vinegar (50/50) for 30 minutes, then sterilizing. If the odor persists, it's time to replace it.
Actual Lifespan
Signs that it needs replacing : Silicone that becomes sticky or tears, persistent odors that cannot be eliminated, pronounced color change, loss of elasticity, unexplained leaks even though the placement is correct.
What You Really Save (Spoiler: A Trip to Asia)
The economic argument is often put forward to promote reusable protection. But how much are we really saving? Let's take a look at some realistic figures.
Calculation Hypotheses
- Periods for 40 years (average ages 12 to 52)
- 13 cycles per year (average duration)
- 5 days of period per cycle
- Average flow requiring 4-5 tampons/pads per day
💡 What it really represents With a cup, you save around €950 over 10 years compared to disposables. That's the equivalent of a weekend in a European capital, a new smartphone, or a 3-year Netflix subscription. And over 40 years of periods, that's €3850 in savings. Enough to treat yourself to a dream trip to Asia or finance a project that really matters to you.
Period Sex: The Discus Knockout Victory
This is THE difference that can make all the difference for some couples. The menstrual disc is the only internal protection that allows for penetrative sex during menstruation, without removing the protection and without contact with blood.
Why the Disc Allows It
The disc is located behind the pubic bone, in the vaginal fornix. This position completely frees the vaginal canal. During penetration, the penis does not touch the disc. The disc continues to collect menstrual flow without interfering with sexual intercourse. Zero contact with blood, zero sensation of presence for both partners (ideally).
What works well
- For about 70-80% of users : No discomfort, neither for them nor for their partner. The sensations are identical to sex without periods.
- Disposable discs (Flex, Softdisc) are explicitly designed for this use. They are ultra-thin and flexible.
- Stances : All positions work in theory. Some women report that positions where they are on top limit the risk of disc displacement.
- Recommended lubricant : Water-based only (silicone may degrade the disc).
What can get stuck
- Moving the disc : About 20-30% of women report that the disc shifts during intercourse, causing leaks. This is especially the case with reusable discs, which are more rigid than disposable ones.
- The partner can feel it : Some men report feeling something deep inside, especially if the disc isn't perfectly positioned or if penetration is deep. This is usually not painful, just unusual.
- Possible overflow : If the disc is already full before intercourse, penetration can cause the blood to overflow. It is better to empty the disc just before.
- Not all reusable discs are suitable : Check that the manufacturer explicitly states that the model is compatible with the gears. Some hard drives are not.
And what about the Cup?
Impossible. The cup occupies the vaginal canal and blocks any penetration. You must remove it before sexual intercourse. Some women place a towel on the bed and accept contact with blood, others prefer to wait until their period is over or use other forms of sexuality (caresses, oral sex, etc.).
IUD, Endometriosis, Hemorrhagic Flow: Adapt Your Choice
Certain medical conditions or anatomical characteristics influence the choice between a cup and a disc. Here are recommendations based on available studies and feedback.
With an IUD (Coil)
The theoretical risk : The cup creates a suction effect. In theory, if you remove the cup without properly breaking the suction, you could pull on the cervix and dislodge the IUD. A study published in The Lancet in 2019 analyzed this risk and concluded that it exists, but that it remains low if the cup is used correctly.
Recommendations :
- Wait 2-3 cycles after IUD insertion before using internal protection (time for the IUD to stabilize)
- Prefer a disc to a cup (no suction so almost no risk)
- If using a cup, ALWAYS break the suction cup before pumping. Pinch the base firmly to let air in.
- Have your IUD position checked regularly by your gynecologist
- If you feel the IUD strings longer than usual, seek medical help immediately.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis can make periods particularly painful. The choice of protection can affect your comfort during this time.
- The disc generally exerts less pressure on sensitive tissues due to its higher positioning
- The cup may create an uncomfortable feeling of pressure for some, especially if it is too firm
- Period Panties remain the most comfortable option for days of intense pain
- Some users report that internal protection reduces cramping by collecting blood rather than absorbing it (the tampon dries out and can irritate)
High or low cervix
The position of your collar strongly influences the comfort and effectiveness of each protection.
- Low collar (less than 5cm from the vaginal entrance): Short cup required, with cut stem. The disc can be uncomfortable because it takes up a lot of space. Be careful of leaks with the disc if the cervix presses on it
- High collar (over 7cm): The disc is ideal, you have all the space you need. Long cup or classic cup, both work. Avoid cups that are too short, which would be difficult to reach.
- How to measure : Insert a clean finger into your vagina during your period. If you touch the cervix (a small, rounded bump) before your finger is fully inserted, your cervix is low. If you have to go all the way in, it is high.
Hemorrhagic Flow
If you lose more than 80ml of blood per cycle (an indication of menorrhagia), capacity becomes a determining factor.
- The disc wins hands down : With a capacity of 60-70ml, it is the most self-contained protection. Some women last 12 hours even on days of heavy flow.
- Large cup taille : 30-40ml is good but not enough for some flows. You will need to empty every 4-6 hours.
- Emergency solution : Combine with Period Panties to double the protection on critical days
Postpartum
After giving birth, your body has changed and so have your needs.
- Wait at least 6 weeks after giving birth before using internal protection (in accordance with official recommendations)
- Your vagina and cervix have been stretched: take a taille above what you were using before pregnancy
- Period Panties are ideal during this transition period (postpartum lochia then return of menstruation)
- Some women find their taille pre-pregnancy after a few months, others keep a taille definitely superior
Vaginismus or Increased Sensitivity
If insertion is painful or impossible due to involuntary contraction of the pelvic muscles.
- Start with very soft, small cups. taille (taille teen or small extra-soft)
- Use a water-based lubricant to facilitate insertion
- The disc may be easier to insert because it naturally follows the shape of the vagina (backward, not upward)
- Practice outside the rules, when you are relaxed, to get used to the gesture.
- If the pain persists, consult a healthcare professional. Internal protection is not mandatory; Period Panties are an equally valid alternative.
Cup or Disc? Both, My Captain!
After this comprehensive overview, you might be waiting for me to tell you which is THE best protection. But the real answer is that there isn't one. The cup and the disc are two different approaches to the same goal: collecting your period waste-free, chemical-free, and budget-friendly.
Choose the cup if...
- You want the most proven protection with the maximum feedback
- You like having the choice between dozens of models, tailles and firmness levels
- You are looking for the best lifespan (5-10 years or more)
- You want reliable protection for sports with suction cup support
- You have a low cervix and need compact protection
- Period sex is not a priority for you
Choose the disc if...
- You have a hemorrhagic flow and are looking for the maximum capacity (60-70ml)
- You want to be able to have sex during your period
- You have a high collar and all the space you need
- Total invisibility is your priority (no pressure, zero sensation)
- You have an IUD and want to avoid any risks associated with the suction effect
- Self-emptying toilets appeal to you to limit handling
- You are willing to accept a shorter lifespan (1-2 years for reusables)
Or both, depending on the day?
Many users alternate. A cup for light/medium flow days and nights, and a disc for heavy flow days or days when they plan to have sex. You don't have to choose a side. Test, experiment, and find what works for YOU.
There's No Wrong Choice (Just The One That Fits You)
The cup works by suctioning the vaginal canal, the disc fits behind the pubis without suction. This difference in positioning changes everything: capacity, sensation, compatibility with sexual intercourse, learning curve. The cup is a sure bet with millions of users and an exceptional lifespan. The disc offers absolute discretion, XXL capacity, and the only protection allowing intercourse during menstruation.
Both save you hundreds of dollars, eliminate waste, and respect your vaginal flora. Neither is objectively superior. The best choice is the one that suits your anatomy, your flow, and your priorities. Test it out, give yourself time to master the technique, and stop feeling guilty if the first attempt is a failure.
Sources & Scientific References
This article is based on recent scientific studies and validated medical recommendations.
- van Eijk AM, Zulaika G, Lenchner M, et al. (2019). Menstrual cup use, leakage, acceptability, safety, and availability: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Public Health. DOI: 10.1016/S2468-2667(19)30111-2
- Howard C, Rose CL, Trouton K, et al. (2011). FLOW (finding lasting options for women): multicenter randomized controlled trial comparing tampons with menstrual cups. Canadian Family Physician. PMID: 21753098
- Juma J, Nyothach E, Laserson KF, et al. (2017). Examining the safety of menstrual cups among rural primary school girls in western Kenya: observational studies nested in a randomized controlled feasibility study. BMJ Open. DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-015429
- Mitchell MA, Bisch S, Arntfield S, Hosseini-Moghaddam SM. (2015). A confirmed case of toxic shock syndrome associated with the use of a menstrual cup. Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology. DOI: 10.1155/2015/560959
- North BB, Oldham MJ. (2011). Preclinical, clinical, and over-the-counter postmarketing experience with a new vaginal cup: menstrual collection. Journal of Women's Health. DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2009.1929
- Beksinska M, Smit J, Greener R, et al. (2015). Acceptability and performance of the menstrual cup in South Africa: a randomized crossover trial comparing the menstrual cup to tampons or sanitary pads. Journal of Women's Health. DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2014.5021
Note: DOI links provide direct access to the original scientific publications. This article was written in accordance with current medical knowledge and will be updated regularly.
Medical Warning: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have questions about your cycle, flow, or unusual symptoms, consult a gynecologist, midwife, or doctor.
