Menstrual Disc vs. Cup: Which Is Better for Your Body and Lifestyle?

There’s a quiet shift happening in period care. More people are stepping away from disposable pads and tampons and turning toward reusable options that feel better for both body and planet. Still, when faced with the choice between a menstrual disc and a menstrual cup, the question inevitably arises: which is better? The answer isn’t as simple as one being “superior.” It depends on your anatomy, your comfort level, and what feels right during your cycle. Let’s walk through what really separates the two and how you can confidently choose the right fit for your body.

Understanding How a Menstrual Disc and Cup Work

Most people assume a disc and a cup function the same way. They don’t. A menstrual cup sits in the vaginal canal, sealed below the cervix, collecting blood like a small silicone container. A menstrual disc, on the other hand, rests higher—just beneath the cervix, tucked into the vaginal fornix behind the pubic bone. That small difference in position changes the experience completely.

Cups rely on suction to stay in place. They form a gentle seal against the vaginal walls and need to be broken manually during removal. Discs, meanwhile, use anatomical support rather than suction. The rim slides behind the pubic bone, holding the disc in a natural pocket. Because there’s no suction, many users find discs more comfortable for longer wear and easier to remove once they get the hang of the motion.

Most reusable discs, like the NEYA menstrual disc, are made from medical-grade silicone. So are most menstrual cups. But the shape and the way they interact with the body make a big difference in daily use. You might notice one feels “present” while the other practically disappears. That’s the first clue to which will fit best into your routine.

Comfort and Cervix Height: Why Placement Matters

One of the biggest deciding factors between a menstrual disc and cup is your cervix height. It’s something many people don’t think about until they try a reusable product and realize it matters more than expected. If your cervix is high, you might find that a menstrual cup migrates upward and becomes harder to reach. In that case, a disc can be a better match because it’s designed to sit higher naturally.

For a low cervix, a smaller menstrual cup or flexible disc tends to feel more comfortable. The NEYA small menstrual disc, for example, works well for those with a low cervix or lighter flow, while the large version provides extra capacity for a higher cervix or heavier days. Some people switch between sizes depending on the time of the month.

You can check your cervix height by gently feeling for it during your period. If you can easily reach it with your finger, it’s considered low. If it’s higher up and takes some effort to find, that’s a high cervix. Once you know this, it becomes much easier to understand why one product might feel better than another.

Comfort is also about movement. Since discs conform to the body and don’t rely on suction, they tend to flex naturally during workouts or sleep. That’s one reason people who’ve experienced discomfort or pressure with cups sometimes prefer discs. You might forget it’s even there—and that’s kind of the point.

Ease of Insertion and Removal: Which Is Simpler to Use?

Insertion is where most beginners hesitate. Both products require a bit of practice, but the learning curve is often shorter for discs once you learn the technique. A menstrual cup needs to be folded tightly, inserted, then rotated or adjusted to ensure a full seal. It can take trial and error to get right, especially for those new to reusable period care.

A menstrual disc, by contrast, is pinched in the center to create a figure-eight shape before being inserted. You guide it back toward the tailbone, then tuck the front rim behind the pubic bone. When using a reusable applicator like the NEYA menstrual disc applicator, insertion becomes even easier. The applicator helps place the disc smoothly and hygienically, particularly for those who prefer minimal hand contact.

Removing a cup usually involves breaking the suction first, which can feel tricky if it’s positioned high. A disc simply slides out with a controlled pinch at the rim. Since it doesn’t use suction, there’s no “pop” feeling. Some people even appreciate that a disc can self-empty slightly during bathroom use, offering extended wear without full removal.

If you’re a beginner, the right technique can make or break the experience. These simple reminders help:

• Take your time and relax your muscles before inserting.
• Try inserting in the shower at first—it’s less stressful and easier to clean up.
• Keep nails trimmed to avoid discomfort.
• Don’t force it; a little wiggle or rotation can help position it naturally.

Once you’ve learned your preferred angle and depth, it becomes second nature.

Leak Protection and Capacity: Who Wins the All-Day Test?

Most menstrual cups hold between 25 and 30 milliliters of fluid, depending on the brand and size. Menstrual discs can often hold more—up to 60 milliliters in larger designs. That makes them ideal for heavy flow days or overnight protection. Because a disc sits higher, closer to the cervix, it collects blood before it travels down the vaginal canal, reducing the chance of overflow or leaks during movement.

For those with an active lifestyle—gym sessions, swimming, or long work shifts—a disc’s higher capacity and comfort often mean fewer bathroom breaks. It’s also worth noting that some people find cups more reliable for extremely physical activities because the suction creates a secure hold. So if you’re into yoga inversions or high-intensity workouts, you might appreciate that extra seal.

Still, the “better” option depends on what kind of protection makes you feel most confident. Many users who try both eventually settle into a preference that fits their rhythm: disc for comfort and long wear, cup for a structured fit they can trust during busy days. The good news is, both can safely last up to 12 hours before needing to be emptied.

Hygiene and Maintenance: Keeping It Clean the Right Way

Reusable products only work well when cared for properly. Both menstrual discs and cups are designed for long-term use—sometimes lasting several years when maintained correctly. Washing them with gentle, fragrance-free soap and warm water after each use is usually enough. Between cycles, sterilize by boiling for a few minutes or using a sterilizing cup.

Since discs don’t rely on suction holes like cups, they’re generally easier to rinse and clean thoroughly. Cups may require more attention around the small air holes to prevent buildup. That said, both are made from nonporous medical-grade silicone, which resists bacteria when cleaned regularly.

Storage also matters. Keep them in a breathable bag, like the soft silicone one that comes with NEYA products, to prevent moisture accumulation. Avoid airtight containers where humidity can linger. And if your product ever feels sticky, cloudy, or develops a persistent odor, it’s time to replace it.

When used hygienically, reusable period products can be one of the safest and most sustainable ways to manage your cycle. There’s something empowering about having one small, reliable product that replaces hundreds of disposables.

Tips for Beginners

Most people trying reusable products for the first time start with a menstrual cup because it’s been around longer and feels familiar. But many later discover that a menstrual disc is easier and more comfortable once they understand how it sits in the body. The key difference for beginners often comes down to mindset: cups require a bit more precision, discs a bit more intuition.

Beginners often find these tips helpful:

• Try using a disc during a lighter flow day until you feel confident.
• Use water-based lubricant or warm water for easier insertion.
• Relax your pelvic muscles—tension makes everything harder.
• Read your body’s cues; if something feels uncomfortable, adjust the angle or size.

A reusable applicator can also make all the difference for new users. The NEYA menstrual disc applicator was specifically designed to simplify this step, guiding the disc into the correct position smoothly, especially for those with limited mobility or anyone who prefers a more controlled insertion process. It’s a small innovation that eliminates guesswork and builds confidence with every use.

Sustainability and Cost: The Long-Term Payoff

Both menstrual cups and discs are reusable for years, which makes them far more sustainable than traditional pads or tampons. On average, a single reusable disc or cup replaces hundreds of disposable products. Environmentally, it’s a meaningful shift. Financially, it’s a smart one too.

Cups tend to be slightly less expensive upfront, but discs often last just as long and may provide added versatility, especially if you prefer fewer changes during your cycle. For frequent travelers or those with unpredictable flow, discs are often favored for their longer wear time and discreet fit.

Beyond cost, it’s also about personal values. Choosing a reusable product reflects a step toward more intentional living—reducing waste, owning your comfort, and understanding your body better. It’s not a small decision, even if it feels like one at first.

So, Menstrual Disc vs. Cup.. Which Is Better?

Truth is, there’s no universal winner. Both products offer freedom and control that disposable options never could. The best choice depends on how your body feels with each, how comfortable you are with insertion, and what kind of protection you need most often.

If you prefer a structured seal and like a more traditional approach, a menstrual cup might be your match. If you want flexibility, a natural fit, and an option that adapts to your body during movement or intimacy, a menstrual disc may win your heart. Many users eventually own both and switch depending on their cycle day or activity.

Reusable menstrual discs, especially when paired with the NEYA menstrual disc applicator, simplify insertion and provide comfort that lasts up to 12 hours. Designed in the USA by women’s health professionals, NEYA discs are available in both small and large sizes to suit low or high cervix users. Whether you’re just starting or ready to upgrade your cycle care, the right choice is the one that fits your life—not just your flow.

At the end of the day, what matters most is comfort and confidence. Once you find that, the rest of your period feels a little lighter.