Comparison: menstrual disc or menstrual cup?
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Time to read 10 min
Are you a fan of internal period protection? Or maybe you’re a total beginner? Want more info and tips before buying a menstrual disc or cup? You’re in the right place!
Reusable internal period products have major advantages! They’re very economical, practical, and eco-friendly. Plus, they’re great for heavy or very heavy flows. But how do you choose the right one? What’s the exact difference between a menstrual cup and a disc? What about the suction effect, risk of toxic shock, or compatibility with an IUD?
In this article, you’ll get a clear overview of how to use a menstrual disc and cup, with some very important information before you get started. We’ll also give you tips for the best menstrual routine, including safe and reliable period underwear—especially for stain-free, leak-free nights.
In this article, you’ll find:
The rise of sustainable alternatives to traditional period products Our Loulou menstrual cups 🩷 😍 Cup and disc: overview and how they work The menstrual disc: a discreet innovation The menstrual cup: the reusable standard Menstrual panties for peaceful nights 😴 Insertion and removal: all our tips for proper use of the disk and cup Proper handling of the menstrual disc Mastering menstrual disc insertion Removing the disc: anticipate self-emptying Proper handling of the menstrual cup Inserting and positioning the menstrual cup Removing the cup: break the suction seal In-depth comparison: pros and cons of the disc and the cup Pros and cons of the menstrual disc The 4 clear advantages of menstrual discs Key things to consider with the menstrual disc Pros and cons of the menstrual cup The benefits of the menstrual cup The drawbacks of the menstrual cup Choosing a disc or a cup? The key criteria The IUD Heavy flows Comfort and daily activities The ecological and economic benefits To complete your set, our suggestions: Menstrual Disc and Menstrual Cup FAQ To learn more... Looking for an ultra-soft, patented, medical-grade silicone cup made in France that’s easy to use?
The rise of sustainable alternatives to traditional period products
With the controversy over the ingredients in tampons and pads, healthier and safer period products have emerged in recent years!
We’re thrilled you now have more options to manage and experience your period with greater peace of mind. You’re freer to use and wear different products, switch them up, and choose according to your preferences, activities, or needs.
With tampons dominating the market, there are now comfortable, long-lasting, and affordable alternatives that are becoming more and more accessible. If you prefer internal protection (worn inside the vagina), you can try a menstrual disc, a menstrual sponge, or a menstrual cup to avoid tampons and all their drawbacks.
Did you know? In France, billions of disposable period products (pads and tampons) pollute the environment every year, taking centuries to break down. And yes, these types of hygiene products are not recyclable. In light of this, menstrual discs and cups offer users a very real eco-friendly alternative. With washable internal protection, no more waste!
Our Loulou menstrual cups 🩷 😍
Cup and disc: overview and how they work
The menstrual disc: a discreet innovation
The menstrual disc, a little less common than the cup so far, but really worth discovering! It's made from medical-grade silicone. This internal hygiene product is placed in the vaginal fornix, just below the pubic bone.
Unlike the cup, it leaves the vaginal canal free. That means you can have sex during your period. Its capacity varies greatly depending on the model, from 35 ml to 80 ml. The disc can be a great option for heavy, intense, or very abundant periods.
Reusable and long-lasting (5 to 10 years), one disc replaces 3,000 tampons and pads! There’s also a disposable version of the menstrual disc, which is less eco-friendly but just as comfortable.
The menstrual cup: the reusable standard
The menstrual cup, made of medical-grade silicone, is inserted into the vaginal canal and stays in place thanks to the pelvic muscles. With its large capacity, the cup is suitable for both light and heavy flows.
If cared for properly, a cup can be used for 5 to 10 years with no problem. You can wear the cup for 6 hours straight, empty it, and put it back in. You can also wear it at the pool or while working out. However, we don’t recommend wearing it overnight. For that, there’s nothing better than heavy flow period panties made of organic cotton. Check out Louloucup’s wide selection of washable period underwear for every flow and style so you can enjoy worry-free, stain-free nights 🙃
Menstrual panties for peaceful nights 😴
Insertion and removal: all our tips for proper use of the disk and cup
Proper handling of the menstrual disc
Mastering menstrual disc insertion
Essential steps for inserting a menstrual disc for the first time:
Wash your hands thoroughly and make sure the disc is clean and sterilized.
Fold the menstrual disc so it forms a figure 8.
Take the same position you would for inserting a cup: squat down or put one foot on the toilet seat. Breathe and relax.
Insert the folded disc gently at a downward angle (toward the tailbone), then push it to the back of the vagina with a finger.
To check if the disc is correctly positioned, you should be able to feel the bottom of the disc. If you can, it means it’s sitting under the cervix and the pubic bone.
The final sign that your disc is in the right place: you shouldn’t feel it anymore. If that’s the case, you’re good for 6 to 8 hours! The disc collects your menstrual flow for you!
Did you know? If using the disc isn’t really your thing, you can try inserting it with an applicator. This type of applicator is super handy.
Removing the disc: anticipate self-emptying
Removing the disc may involve auto-dumping: by contracting your pelvic muscles (e.g., while urinating), the blood flows out naturally. This mechanism reduces leaks. To remove your period disc, here are the main steps:
Wash your hands thoroughly. Good hygiene is essential because you’ll be touching intimate areas. Make sure to wash well with soap, rinse, and dry your fingers and hands with a clean towel.
Breathe and relax. You need to be at ease so removal isn’t difficult.
With your fingertips, grab the edge of the disc and pull it downward.
Remove it while keeping it horizontal and try to tilt it as you take it out (we recommend self-emptying before removal).
Proper handling of the menstrual cup
Inserting and positioning the menstrual cup
We’ve covered this before, but using a cup is very similar to inserting a disc: wash your hands, relax, find a comfortable position, fold your cup in a C, 7, or tulip shape, then insert it slowly and let it open up inside your vagina so it can seal against the walls.
Once in place, the cup unfolds and creates a leak-proof reservoir.
Removing the cup: break the suction seal
To remove the menstrual cup:
Wash your hands,
breathe and get into a comfortable position,
find the stem of your cup,
Insert a finger to reach the base,
Pinch its base to break the seal,
Slowly pull while maintaining the pinch,
The stem helps guide removal, but don’t pull on it alone. Unlike the disc, the cup needs to be emptied manually.
In-depth comparison: pros and cons of the disc and the cup
Pros and cons of the menstrual disc
The 4 clear advantages of menstrual discs
The menstrual disc is popular for its capacity (up to 80 ml), making it ideal for heavy and very heavy flows. You can wear it all day without worry (6 to 8 hours maximum).
The menstrual disc is compatible with IUDs because it doesn’t create suction, reducing the risk of displacement.
The menstrual disc is very comfortable: its high position and lack of pressure on the vaginal walls create a feeling of lightness.
Finally, menstrual discs allow for penetrative sex—an exclusive advantage compared to the cup.
Key things to consider with the menstrual disc
Learning how to remove it can be tricky at first, especially without a tab. The risk of mess is higher compared to the cup.
Unintentional self-emptying is a practical advantage, but requires some getting used to.
Finally, finding the right size may take a few tries to get the perfect fit behind the pubic bone. Some brands even offer packs with two different sizes.
Pros and cons of the menstrual cup
The benefits of the menstrual cup
The menstrual cup comes in a wide range of models to fit every body type, with standardized sizes. At Louloucup, we offer two models (firm and flexible) and two sizes (small and medium).
Once you master the technique, removal is clean—just break the suction seal.
Finally, its proven longevity (5 to 10 years of use) makes it a cost-effective long-term solution (just like period discs).
The drawbacks of the menstrual cup
The suction effect can cause issues for IUD users, with a theoretical (and rare) risk of dislodging the device.
Some models are less comfortable if the stem is too long or the material too stiff.
Also, the cup must be removed before sex, unlike the disc.
Finally, for heavy flow, it needs to be emptied more often (20 to 50 ml).
Menstrual Disc |
Menstrual Cup |
|
| Positioning |
Vaginal fornix (behind the pubic bone) |
From XS to 2XLVaginal canal (lower) |
| Suction effect |
No |
Yes |
| IUD compatibility |
Very good (no suction effect) |
Can be an issue for some |
|
Capacity |
Very high (up to 80 ml) |
High (about 25–50 ml) |
| Sexual intercourse |
Yes (penetrative) |
no |
| Comfort |
Often odorless, feels like "nothing" |
May feel the stem or pressure |
| Auto-dumping |
Possible (during bathroom use) |
No |
| Learning removal |
May be trickier/messier at first |
Usually gets easier after a few tries |
| Material |
Medical-grade silicone |
Medical-grade silicone |
Choosing a disc or a cup? The key criteria
Torn between these two amazing washable, reusable, and durable period products? Here are a few extra criteria to help you decide.
The IUD
If you use an IUD, the menstrual disc is a better option because it doesn’t create suction. Unlike the cup, it won’t risk dislodging your IUD during removal. Just a reminder: with proper cup technique, you’re safe (pinch and keep the cup pinched while removing).
Heavy flows
For heavy flows (50 to 80 ml per cycle), the menstrual disc offers greater capacity, holding up to 80 ml compared to 20 to 50 ml for cups. This means fewer changes and less risk of leaks. That said, this point is somewhat nuanced. Many women with heavy flows are very happy using a cup.
Comfort and daily activities
The menstrual disc, positioned in the vaginal fornix, is often unnoticeable and can be worn during sex. The cup is a bit more noticeable, though it’s still comfortable and very soft.
The ecological and economic benefits
Both menstrual products reduce waste and save money in the long run. It’s a small investment that quickly pays for itself!
Making an informed choice: towards freer and more eco-friendly periods
⬛ The menstrual disc offers ultimate comfort, holds up to 80 ml, doesn’t create suction, and can be worn during sex. It’s ideal for heavy flows and for IUD users.
⬛ The cup is budget-friendly, holds up to 40 ml, and is suitable for medium to heavy flows, athletes, and swimmers. The cup remains a favorite for its ease of use and proven longevity.
⬛ The choice depends on your flow, body type, and needs. Discs work for heavy flows, cups are great for beginners but also for moms with a weaker pelvic floor.
⬛ Disk and cup reduce waste. Approved by ANSES, they are safe.
To complete your set, our suggestions:
Menstrual Disc and Menstrual Cup FAQ
What’s the difference between a menstrual cup and a menstrual disc?
Menstrual cups and menstrual discs are both reusable internal protection options, but they work differently. The cup, shaped like an upside-down bell, sits in the vaginal canal and creates a suction seal to stay in place, holding an average of 25 to 50 ml. The disc sits higher, in the vaginal fornix just below the cervix. Without suction, it can hold up to 80 ml of fluid, making it ideal for heavy flow. The disc also allows for penetrative sex, unlike the cup, which must be removed.
Is it possible to have sex while wearing a menstrual disc?
Yes, one of the benefits of the menstrual disc is its compatibility with penetrative sex. Thanks to its high placement in the vagina (behind the pubic bone), it doesn’t get in the way during intercourse. It’s designed to stay put without creating pressure, giving you total freedom.
Why am I experiencing leaks with my menstrual disc?
Leaks can happen if the disc isn’t positioned correctly (not high enough or off-center), if the size doesn’t fit your body, or if your flow exceeds its capacity (up to 80 ml). Make sure the rim is tucked under your pubic bone. Some users also notice “auto-emptying” when urinating or having a bowel movement, which is normal. If leaks persist, try a different size or empty it more often.
How do you remove a menstrual disc without making a mess?
For a clean removal, squat down to make access easier. Insert a finger to hook the edge of the disc, pinch it to dislodge it from the pubic bone, then slowly remove it horizontally. If things get messy at first, try doing it in the shower or after peeing (self-emptying reduces the amount of blood). With practice, the process gets smoother.
