Menstruation products have come a long way – gone are the days when pads or disposable tampons were the only options. This is why many women may find themselves weighing the pros and cons of a disc versus a menstrual cup.
After all, both are becoming the most popular accessories of the period, and for good reason. They are more environmentally friendly, convenient and more cost effective over time than disposable products.
What is a menstrual disc?
Menstrual discs are a bit of a newer among period accessories. Its origin dates back to 2015. A menstrual disc is a disc-shaped receptacle made of medical-grade polymer that heats up inside the body and molds to the shape to collect blood. It sits at the base of the cervix, rather than inside the vaginal canal like a tampon.
These discs usually come in disposable versions, which feature a ring and a transparent, malleable, bag-like component where blood collects while in use. However, there are also some reusable options made from silicone.
Using a menstrual disc may seem intimidating at first, but inserting it doesn’t have to be scary. The steps to follow are:
- Pinch the disc in half.
- Breathe and get her into a comfortable position, such as sitting on a toilet or standing with one leg resting on a surface.
- We will use our thumb and forefinger to push the pinched disc into the vagina, tilting it down and toward the coccyx. Then we’ll tuck the front edge of the disc behind the pubic bone.
- To remove it, we will wash our hands and relax the muscles of the pelvic floor by breathing deeply. Next, we’ll sit, squat, or stand with one leg flat on a surface, hook our finger under the rim of the disc, and slowly pull it out.
Pros and cons
The advantages of using a menstrual disc over a cup are:
- They can be used during sexual intercourse.
- They can be more comfortable than cups during exercise.
As for the cons:
- They may be more difficult to remove.
- They are more expensive than menstrual cups over time because they have to be purchased more frequently (although a reusable option offers a more cost-effective solution).
Whether we choose a menstrual disc or a cup, it all depends on our personal preferences. If you are looking for a variety of size and style options and want something that will last a long time, the cup may be a better choice. But if we want to eliminate decision fatigue and opt for an option that we can use during sex, then the drive is better.
What is a menstrual cup?
A menstrual cup is a reusable, flexible, cup-like receptacle made of medical-grade silicone (and sometimes rubber) that is inserted into the vagina to collect period blood. The main difference with tampons or pads is that they absorb blood.
The first patent for a menstrual cup design dates back to 1867, and the first model was a rubber sack attached to a ring. The first commercial menstrual cup was developed in 1937 and was on the market in the 1950s and 1960s, but these products didn’t catch on until the late 1980s. Today, menstrual cups can last up to 10 years with proper care.
To use a menstrual cup we must follow these steps:
- We will fold the cup in half and squeeze it between our fingers.
- We will insert the cup into the vagina and release it.
- We will rotate the cup 360 degrees to ensure that the seal between the rim of the cup and the vagina is secure.
- To remove it, we will pinch to release the seal and remove the cup.
Both menstrual cups and discs have their pros and cons, and which one you choose largely depends on your personal preferences. When we make the decision, we must take into account the heaviness of the menstrual flow, the daily activities and the frequency with which we want to have to change the cup or disc.
Pros and cons of the menstrual cup
One good thing about menstrual cups is that they are reusable, which makes them cheaper in the long run. They also have some additional advantages such as:
- Less odor, because the fluid is not exposed to air.
- It can be used for up to 12 hours before needing to be emptied.
- They are available in a variety of sizes and models.
Other disadvantages include:
- Emptying your menstrual cup can be a bit of a hassle, especially in a public restroom.
- Insertion can be difficult for younger people who have just started menstruating.
- Menstrual cups can alter the placement of the intrauterine device.
- Regular sterilization with boiling water is required.
