Comparison: menstrual disc or menstrual cup?
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Time to read 10 min
Already a fan of internal menstrual products? Or on the contrary, a complete beginner? You’d like more information and advice before buying a menstrual disc or a menstrual cup? You’re in the right place!
Washable internal period protection has major advantages! It’s very economical, very practical and very eco-friendly. Plus, it’s really suitable for heavy or very heavy flows. But how do you choose the right model? What exactly is the difference between a menstrual cup and a menstrual disc? What about the famous suction effect, the risk of toxic shock, or using them alongside an IUD?
In this article, we give you a clear overview of how to use a menstrual disc and a cup, with key information you need before you start. We also share tips for a good menstrual routine, including high-quality, safe and reliable period panties, especially for stain- and 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 reference Period panties for peaceful nights 😴 Insertion and removal: all our tips for using discs and cups correctly Correct handling of the menstrual disc Mastering menstrual disc insertion Removing the disc: anticipating self-emptying Proper handling of the menstrual cup Inserting and positioning the menstrual cup Removing the cup: breaking 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 Things to consider with a menstrual disc Pros and cons of the menstrual cup The benefits of the menstrual cup The downsides of the menstrual cup Choosing between a disc and a cup: key criteria The IUD Heavy flows Comfort and everyday activities The ecological and economic aspect To complete your set, our suggestions: Menstrual disc and menstrual cup FAQ To learn more... Looking for an ultra-soft, patented, medical-grade silicone menstrual cup made in France that’s easy to use?
The rise of sustainable alternatives to traditional period products
With the scandal over tampon and pad ingredients, new, healthier menstrual products that are better for your health have emerged in recent years!
Happily, you now have far more options to manage and live your period more peacefully. You’re freer to use and wear different products, to alternate them, and to choose them according to your preferences, your activities or your profile.
In the face of tampon dominance, there are comfortable, long-lasting and budget-friendly alternatives that are becoming more and more accessible and mainstream. If you particularly like internal protection, meaning products that sit inside the vagina, you can switch to a menstrual disc, a sea 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 and take centuries to break down. And yes, these types of sanitary products are not recyclable. Faced with this issue, menstrual discs and menstrual cups offer users a very concrete eco-friendly alternative. With washable internal protection, there’s no more waste!
Our Loulou menstrual cups 🩷 😍
Cup and disc: overview and how they work
The menstrual disc: a discreet innovation
The menstrual disc, still a bit less common than the cup for now, really deserves more attention! It’s made from medical‑grade silicone. This internal hygiene product sits in the **vaginal fornix**, just behind the pubic bone.
Unlike the cup, it leaves the vaginal canal free. You can therefore have sexual intercourse during your period. Its capacity varies greatly depending on the model, from 35 ml to 80 ml. A disc can therefore be ideal in the case of heavy, intense or very heavy periods.
Reusable and long‑lasting (5 to 10 years), one disc replaces up to 3,000 tampons and pads! Less eco‑friendly but just as comfortable, there is also a disposable version of the menstrual disc.
The menstrual cup: the reusable reference
The menstrual cup, made from medical‑grade silicone, is inserted into the vaginal canal and stays in place thanks to the pelvic muscles. With its high capacity, the cup is suitable for both light and heavy flows.
If you look after it properly, a cup can be used for 5 to 10 years without any problem. You can wear your cup for 6 hours straight, empty it, then put it back in. You can also wear it at the pool or for sports. However, we don’t recommend wearing it at night. For that, nothing beats heavy-flow menstrual panties in organic cotton. On Louloucup you’ll find a wide range of washable period panties for every flow and every style, so you can enjoy peaceful, stain-free nights 🙃
Period panties for peaceful nights 😴
Insertion and removal: all our tips for using discs and cups correctly
Correct handling of the menstrual disc
Mastering menstrual disc insertion
The essential steps for inserting a menstrual disc for the first time:
Wash your hands properly and ensure the disc is clean and sterilized.
Fold the menstrual disc so it forms a figure 8.
Take the same position as for inserting the cup: squatting or with one foot on the toilet seat. Breathe and relax.
Gently insert the folded disc tilted downward (toward the coccyx) and then push it with a finger to the back of the vagina.
To check that the disc is correctly positioned, you should be able to feel the underside of the disc. If you can, it means it’s sitting just below the cervix and behind the pubic bone.
When we talk about the vulva, we mean the external intimate area, everything that’s visible, not the vagina (which is not visible). Washing your vulva, or vulva cleansing, therefore means cleaning the labia and the pubic area in particular.
Did you know? If handling 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: anticipating self-emptying
Removing the disc can involve self-emptying: by contracting the pelvic muscles (e.g. while urinating), the blood flows out naturally. This mechanism reduces leaks. To remove your menstrual disc, here are the main steps:
Wash your hands properly. Good hygiene is essential. This is important because you’ll be touching your intimate area. So wash thoroughly with soap, rinse well and dry your fingers and hands with a clean towel.
Breathe and relax. It’s important that you’re relaxed so removal doesn’t become difficult.
With your fingertips, grab the rim of the disc and pull it down.
Remove it while keeping it horizontal and try to tip 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 already mentioned it several times here: using a cup is very similar to inserting a disc: wash your hands, breathe, find a position that works for you, fold your cup in a C, 7 or tulip shape, then insert it slowly and release it in your vagina so it can open up and sit against the walls.
Once in place, the cup opens up and creates a leakproof reservoir.
Removing the cup: breaking the suction seal
wash your hands,
breathe and get into a comfortable position,
locate the stem of your cup,
insert a finger to reach the base,
pinch the base to break the seal,
pull slowly while maintaining the pinch,
the stem helps guide removal, but avoid pulling 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), ideal for heavy and very heavy flows. You can safely keep it in all day (up to 6–8 hours maximum).
The menstrual disc is compatible with an IUD because it doesn’t create suction, which limits the risk of displacement.
The menstrual disc is very comfortable: its high position and the absence of pressure on the vaginal walls create a feeling of lightness.
Finally, menstrual discs allow for penetrative sex, a unique advantage compared with the cup.
Things to consider with a menstrual disc
Learning how to remove it can be tricky at first, especially without a stem. The risk of getting blood on your hands is higher than with a cup.
Unintentional self-emptying is a practical advantage, but it does require 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
Menstrual cups come in a wide range of models to suit every body type, with standardized sizes. At Louloucup, we offer two models (firm and soft) and two sizes (small and medium).
Removal is clean once you’ve mastered the technique: you just need to break the suction seal.
Finally, its proven lifespan (5 to 10 years of use) makes it a cost-effective long-term solution (just like menstrual discs).
The downsides of the menstrual cup
The suction effect can be problematic for people with an IUD, with a (rare but theoretical) risk of dislodging the device.
Some models are less comfortable if the stem is too long or the material too rigid.
In addition, the cup must be removed before penetrative sex, unlike the disc.
Finally, for heavy flows, it needs to be emptied more frequently (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) |
May be an issue for some people |
|
Capacity |
Very heavy (up to 80 ml) |
High (approx. 25–50 ml) |
| Sexual intercourse |
Yes (penetrative) |
no |
| Comfort |
Often odourless, feels like “nothing” |
May feel the stem or pressure |
| Self-emptying |
Possible (during washing) |
No |
| Learning how to remove it |
May be a bit trickier/messier at first |
Generally easier after a few tries |
| Material |
Medical-grade silicone |
Medical-grade silicone |
Choosing between a disc and a cup: key criteria
You’re hesitating between these two great washable, reusable and long-lasting menstrual products. Here are a few extra criteria to help you decide.
The IUD
If you wear an IUD, a menstrual disc is more suitable because it doesn’t create suction. Unlike a cup, it won’t risk dislodging the IUD when you remove it. Just a reminder: if you handle your cup properly, there’s no risk (pinch the cup and keep it pinched the whole time you remove it).
Heavy flows
For heavy flows (50 to 80 ml per cycle), a menstrual disc offers a higher capacity, up to 80 ml, compared with 20 to 50 ml for cups. This reduces frequent changes and the risk of leaks. That said, this point should be slightly qualified: many women with heavy flow are very happy using a cup.
Comfort and everyday activities
The menstrual disc, positioned in the vaginal fornix, is often imperceptible and compatible with sexual intercourse. The cup is a bit more noticeable, even though it’s comfortable and very soft.
The ecological and economic aspect
Both menstrual products reduce waste and long-term costs. It’s a small investment that pays for itself very quickly!
Making an informed choice: towards freer, more eco-friendly periods
⬛ The menstrual disc offers ultimate comfort, a capacity of up to 80 ml, no suction effect, and can be worn during sex. It’s ideal for heavy flows and for people with an IUD.
⬛ The cup is economical, holds up to 40 ml and is suitable for medium to heavy flows, for athletes and swimmers. The cup remains a favorite thanks to its ease of use and proven wear time.
⬛ The choice depends on your flow, your body shape and your expectations. The disc is suitable for heavy flows, the cup for beginners but also for moms with a weakened pelvic floor.
⬛ Discs and cups 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?
The menstrual cup and menstrual disc are both reusable internal protections, but they work differently. The cup, shaped like an inverted bell, sits in the vaginal canal and creates a suction seal to stay in place, with an average capacity of 25 to 50 ml. The disc, on the other hand, is positioned higher up, in the vaginal fornix, just under the cervix. Without a suction effect, it can hold up to 80 ml of fluid, making it ideal for heavy flows. 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 advantages of the menstrual disc is that it’s compatible with penetrative sex. Thanks to its high position in the vagina (behind the pubic bone), it doesn’t get in the way during intercourse. It’s designed to stay in place without creating pressure, giving you complete freedom.
Why am I getting leaks with my menstrual disc?
Leaks can occur if the disc is poorly positioned (not high enough or off-center), if the size doesn’t match your anatomy, or if your flow exceeds its capacity (up to 80 ml). Check that the rim is properly tucked behind the pubic bone. Some users also notice “self-emptying” when urinating or having a bowel movement, which is normal. If leaks persist, consider a different size or more frequent emptying.
How do you remove a menstrual disc without getting it everywhere?
For a clean removal, squat down to make access easier. Insert a finger to catch the edge of the disc, pinch it to release it from behind the pubic bone, then slowly remove it horizontally. If things are a bit messy at first, practise in the shower or after you’ve peed (self-emptying reduces the amount of blood). With experience, the movement becomes much smoother.
