What's the difference between menstrual discs and menstrual cups? Explaining the pros and cons

Menstrual discs and menstrual cups are popular items that provide so much comfort you'll forget you're on your period.

Although they may look and be used in a similar way, there are differences in the positioning, structure, and functionality, so it's important to choose the one that suits you best.

In this article, we will clearly explain the differences between menstrual discs and menstrual cups, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each.

If you're interested but don't know which one is right for you, please use this as a reference.

Table of Contents

  • The main differences between menstrual discs and menstrual cups
  • The pros and cons of menstrual discs and menstrual cups
    • The benefits of menstrual discs and menstrual cups
    • Disadvantages of menstrual discs and menstrual cups
  • If you're unsure which one to use, we recommend starting with a menstrual cup.
  • Frequently asked questions about the difference between menstrual discs and menstrual cups
    • Is there a cost difference between menstrual discs and menstrual cups?
    • Is there a difference in expiration date between menstrual discs and menstrual cups?
    • Are there differences between menstrual discs and menstrual cups that are suitable for some people?
  • summary

The main differences between menstrual discs and menstrual cups

The main differences between menstrual discs and menstrual cups are:

Menstrual disc Menstrual cup
shape Large opening The opening is small
Mounting position Deep inside the vagina (near the cervix) Near the vaginal opening
Approximate capacity 20ml to 70ml 10ml to 50ml

Menstrual discs are inserted deep into the vagina and hook onto the pubic bone, so it takes some skill to insert and remove them correctly.On the other hand, menstrual cups are inserted shallower, making them easier to use even for first-time users.

In an independent survey conducted by murmo, menstrual cups outperformed menstrual discs among people who had used them.

This result is thought to be due to the relatively simple method of inserting a menstrual cup and the fact that menstrual discs are still a new product and are not well known.

The pros and cons of menstrual discs and menstrual cups

Menstrual discs and menstrual cups each have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Depending on what you prioritize, the right items will vary from person to person.
It is important to consider the points you want to prioritize, such as the purpose of use and ease of use.

First, understand the features of both and choose the one that suits you best.

The benefits of menstrual discs and menstrual cups

There are some key differences between menstrual discs and menstrual cups, including the following benefits:

Types of sanitary products Main benefits
Menstrual disc
  • You can have sex while wearing it
  • Many have large capacities
  • Disposable and reusable products available
Menstrual cup
  • Shallow insertion position makes it easy to put on and take off
  • Easy to measure menstrual blood flow
  • Reusable for several years

Menstrual discs can be worn deep inside the vagina during sexual intercourse (however, please be careful about sexual intercourse during menstruation as your immune system may be weakened during menstruation).

Another major feature is the "auto-dump" function, which allows menstrual blood to be naturally expelled when abdominal pressure is applied during expulsion. However, it is said that whether or not you can use this function effectively varies from person to person.

On the other hand, menstrual cups are inserted shallowly, making them easier to put on and take off than menstrual discs, and they are easy to use even for beginners.

There are also types with memory that make it easy to objectively grasp the amount of menstrual blood flow, which many people find useful for managing their health.
Furthermore, many of both products are reusable, which helps reduce the cost and waste of sanitary products.

As you can see, both are designed to be comfortable to use, but there are differences in functionality and the benefits you can feel. It's best to choose one that suits your daily life style and the ease of use you desire.

Disadvantages of menstrual discs and menstrual cups

The main disadvantages of menstrual discs and menstrual cups are:

Types of sanitary products Main disadvantages
Menstrual disc
  • It may not work well for those with a retroverted uterus.
  • When removing it, you may need to insert your finger deep inside to remove it.
  • Difficult to replace on the go
  • Reusable types require cleaning
Menstrual cup
  • It has a sealed structure so you need to release it with one touch when removing it.
  • Difficult to replace on the go
  • Needs cleaning

Menstrual discs need to be hooked onto the pubic bone near the cervix and inserted deep into the vagina, and some women find that their hands tend to get dirty with menstrual blood when putting them on and taking them off. Some women have also reported that when the auto-dump mechanism doesn't work properly when removing the disc, they have to insert their fingers deep into the vagina, which can easily stain their hands.

On the other hand, because menstrual cups have a sealed structure, if you are unable to release the seal properly when removing them, you may feel an uncomfortable suction sensation. However, Murmo's menstrual cup has an easy-line structure, which means there is no need to release the seal, making removal smooth and painless.

Both products can take some time to get used to, but once you understand their features, you'll be able to use them comfortably.

If you're unsure which one to use, we recommend starting with a menstrual cup.

If you're not sure which one to choose, we recommend starting with a menstrual cup .

Menstrual cups have a simple structure and are easy to put on and take off, making them easy to use even for first-time users.

Among them, Murmo's menstrual cup is designed to be slim and long , making it easy for beginners to use.

Another attractive feature of Murmo is that the seal is released without any special action required when removing it, making it less likely to cause suction pain .

You can also try using a menstrual cup for a while to get used to it before trying a disc, so start at the pace that's right for you.

Frequently asked questions about the difference between menstrual discs and menstrual cups

We've compiled some frequently asked questions about the difference between menstrual discs and menstrual cups.
I hope this helps you decide which one is right for you.

Is there a cost difference between menstrual discs and menstrual cups?

There isn't much difference in cost between menstrual discs and menstrual cups.
The general price ranges for each are as follows:

  • Menstrual cup: Approximately 1,000 to 5,000 yen

  • Menstrual disc: Approximately 2,000 to 5,000 yen

If both types are non-disposable, they can be reused over several years, so there is not much difference in cost performance .
It is recommended that you choose based on ease of use and differences in structure rather than just the price difference.

Also worth reading: What is the average price of a menstrual cup? Explaining how to choose one

Is there a difference in expiration date between menstrual discs and menstrual cups?

There is no significant difference in the expiration dates for menstrual cups and menstrual discs.

Both are made from durable materials such as medical-grade silicone, and depending on the product, they can generally be used for several years to about 10 years.
However, some products are disposable, so be sure to check the product instructions before purchasing.

Are there differences between menstrual discs and menstrual cups that are suitable for some people?

There is no clear preference for menstrual discs or menstrual cups, but how well you use them and how easily you get used to them will vary from person to person.

Menstrual discs are inserted deep into the body and require a somewhat complicated procedure, so first-time users may find them difficult to use.

Also, those with a retroverted uterus may find it difficult to use. Therefore, one option is to first get used to using a menstrual cup and then try using a disc.

Menstrual cups are easier to use and easier to understand the insertion position than discs, making them suitable for beginners.

summary

The main differences between menstrual discs and menstrual cups are the depth, shape, and capacity of the insertion position.
Among these, menstrual cups tend to be more popular due to their ease of use and high awareness.

Both are reliable options for period comfort.
Understand the characteristics of each and choose the one that best suits your body and lifestyle.

If you're unsure which one to choose, we recommend the Murmo menstrual cup.

The slim and long design makes it easy for beginners to use, and the easy-line structure reduces suction pain when removing the cup, making it safe to use as a first menstrual cup. Experience the comfort of your period with the murmo menstrual cup.

Natsumi Enomoto profile picture

Article Supervision

Natsumi Enomoto

Certified Femtech Expert/Nurse/Public Health Nurse

Through her experience working in the CCU and ICU of a general hospital, she learned the importance of family nursing, and now works as a visiting nurse, supporting clients and their families with community-based care.
Due to her own experiences of sexual issues and witnessing family members suffering from menopause, she developed a strong interest in the field of femtech and became certified as a femtech expert.
I work as a writer to support people who have the same concerns.


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