Do Menstrual Discs Hold More Than Cups?

As a women’s health nurse practitioner, I know how important it is to choose the right period product for both comfort and practicality. Menstrual discs and menstrual cups are two of the most popular reusable options, and each offers unique benefits. Both reduce waste, save money over time, and provide flexibility that pads and tampons often cannot. For those with heavier flow or anyone wanting to go longer between changes, capacity becomes one of the most important factors to consider. In this article, I will explain how discs and cups compare in terms of volume, what the research shows, and how products like the NEYA Menstrual Disc and Applicator can make your experience easier.

How Menstrual Cups Work and Why Capacity Is Limited

Menstrual cups are reusable devices shaped like a small bell and usually made from medical grade silicone. They are inserted into the vaginal canal where they sit below the cervix and collect menstrual fluid directly. Cups function by creating a suction seal against the vaginal walls, which holds the cup securely in place and helps prevent leaks when it is positioned correctly. This suction is the main reason cups are effective during physical activity but it also limits how much space they can take up inside the canal without causing discomfort.

Most menstrual cups hold between 20 and 40 milliliters of fluid depending on the brand and size. To put this in perspective:

• Regular tampon holds around 5 milliliters
• Super tampon holds about 12 milliliters
• Smallest cup equals two or more tampons in capacity

For people with a moderate flow this may be more than sufficient to last through a workday or overnight, but cups are not ideal for everyone especially those with a low cervix where the available space for the cup is reduced.

How Menstrual Discs Work and Why They Hold More

Menstrual discs work differently from cups because they do not rely on suction. Instead, a disc uses a thin, flexible rim with a basin that sits in the vaginal fornix tucked securely behind the pubic bone. This higher placement allows the disc to expand naturally and collect more fluid without the limitations of suction. Because of this positioning, discs can hold between 40 and 70 milliliters of fluid which is nearly double the capacity of most cups.

The NEYA Menstrual Disc was designed to maximize both comfort and capacity, making it especially useful for people with heavy flow who need longer wear times without frequent changes. The NEYA Menstrual Disc Applicator further improves this experience by guiding the disc into place, which reduces the learning curve and makes insertion easier on heavier or slippery days.

Additional advantages of discs include:

• Wearable during penetrative sex
• No suction, making them comfortable for sensitive pelvic floors
• Possibility of auto dumping during bowel movements, extending wear time without full removal

Comparing Menstrual Disc and Cup Capacity

On paper, menstrual discs clearly hold more fluid than menstrual cups, but real world use depends on several factors. Insertion technique is one of the most important considerations because a poorly placed disc may leak even if it has a larger maximum capacity. This is where the NEYA Applicator makes a significant difference because it ensures the disc is positioned properly behind the pubic bone. Cervical position also plays a role since a low cervix can shorten the space available for a cup which reduces its usable capacity. Discs adapt more easily to different anatomies since they rest higher up.

Key takeaways when comparing discs and cups:

• Cups are reliable for moderate flow but typically max out at 40 milliliters
• Discs often double that capacity and can reach up to 70 milliliters
• Discs adapt better for low cervix anatomy and long wear times
• Studies show both are effective, but discs offer additional versatility

Menstrual Discs for Heavy Periods

For people with heavy menstrual bleeding, the difference in capacity between discs and cups can be life changing. Clinically, heavy menstrual bleeding is defined as blood loss greater than 80 milliliters per cycle or soaking through pads or tampons every one to two hours according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. With many discs holding up to 70 milliliters at a time, they offer significantly more protection compared to cups.

The NEYA Menstrual Disc is particularly helpful because it:

• Holds enough fluid to last 6 to 8 hours on heavy days
• Minimizes the need for backup products like pads or liners
• Provides reliable protection overnight or while traveling
• Works seamlessly with the NEYA Applicator for easier insertion when it matters most

How Long Can You Wear Menstrual Discs and Cups

Both menstrual cups and discs are FDA cleared for up to 12 hours of wear. With discs, especially high capacity ones like NEYA, reaching the full 12 hours is more achievable even on heavy days. Cups often need to be emptied sooner depending on flow.

Important reminders for safe wear:

• Empty earlier if you feel fullness or notice leaks
• Always rinse and wash thoroughly before reinsertion
• Do not exceed 12 hours regardless of capacity

Common Challenges With Menstrual Discs

Although menstrual discs provide more capacity, they are not without challenges. Insertion can be difficult at first since the disc must be tucked behind the pubic bone. Removal can also feel intimidating because discs sit deeper and lack a stem. It usually takes two to three cycles for users to become fully confident with disc use.

The NEYA Applicator addresses the biggest challenge which is correct insertion. By guiding the disc into position it helps users avoid leaks and reduces frustration. Patients I have worked with who used the applicator adapted much faster and reported higher satisfaction compared to those who tried inserting discs by hand from the beginning.

Benefits of Menstrual Discs Beyond Capacity

While the larger fluid capacity of menstrual discs is their most obvious advantage, there are several other benefits that make them an appealing choice for people seeking more control over their period care. One of the most unique differences is that discs can be worn during penetrative sex, offering uninterrupted intimacy without discomfort or mess, which is not possible with menstrual cups. Their design also avoids suction altogether, which can be particularly helpful for people with sensitive pelvic floors, pelvic pain conditions, or those who have found cups uncomfortable to use. This suction-free approach is also why many individuals with an intrauterine device feel more confident using discs, since there is less concern about dislodging the IUD strings.

From a usability perspective, pairing a menstrual disc with the NEYA Applicator makes the process of insertion smoother and more predictable. The applicator helps guide the disc to the correct position behind the pubic bone, which reduces trial and error and makes each use more consistent. This added reliability is especially important for new users who may otherwise find discs intimidating at first.

When you combine these lifestyle advantages with the higher capacity that discs already provide, the result is a product that supports both convenience and confidence. Discs can extend wear time, maintain comfort during daily activities, and adapt to individual anatomy in ways that many other period products cannot. These qualities make the NEYA Menstrual Disc, especially when paired with its applicator, one of the most versatile and empowering choices for modern period care.

Do Menstrual Cups Still Have Advantages?

Menstrual cups are not without their strengths. Many people prefer the firm suction seal which can feel more secure during exercise. The stem provides an easier removal method that can be reassuring for beginners. Cups also tend to shift less during intense activity. For people with moderate flow and those who want a shorter learning curve, cups can still be a very good choice.

Final Thoughts on Menstrual Disc Capacity Compared to Cups

So, do menstrual discs really hold more than cups? The answer is yes, in most cases they do. With nearly double the average capacity, discs like the NEYA Menstrual Disc provide a practical option for people who want longer wear and fewer changes. Pairing a disc with the NEYA Applicator makes insertion smoother and less intimidating, particularly for beginners or anyone who has struggled with placement. Both menstrual cups and discs are safe, eco friendly, and cost effective, but the additional capacity and flexibility of discs make them especially valuable for heavy bleeders, frequent travelers, and those who want peace of mind throughout the day. If you are considering switching, I encourage you to try the NEYA Menstrual Disc with the NEYA Applicator to see how it can transform your experience with period care.