In a menstrual cup shop, you will find different options to catch both light and heavy flow. Also, they are good for people who pass lots of clots. But if compared to the menstrual disc, the capacity of the cups is less. With a wider top opening, it’s easy to catch more blood and allow more space for large clots.
Though both menstrual cups and discs have the same function of collecting menstrual flow, they work differently. They are made up of medical-grade materials and can be safely worn for up to 12 hours. They can be folded, inserted, and worn inside the body without getting visible to others and without any complication.
With so many similarities, women often get confused when they have to select one between them. The only visible difference is the shape of the product. The shapes of both are just like their names, cup, and disc. The other differences are not considered as people are not aware of them.
In this post, we have discussed the difference between menstrual cups and discs so that it’s easy for you to choose.
Difference between sizes
As compared to menstrual discs, the menstrual cups are usually smaller and have a more rigid cone bell-shaped base with a stem for easy removal. The discs are larger at the first glance but it becomes quite long and thin during insertion. The base is flexible and comfortable inside the body. Also, discs are good for preventing cramps during menstruation.
Difference in positioning
Menstrual cups are positioned lower down or higher up in the vagina. It depends on your preference but should be placed directly below the cervix to catch the blood. In menstrual cups, one end of the rim is wedged in the area behind the cervix and the other end is held securely behind the public bone when inserting. Like a bowl, the disc covers the entire cervix.
The difference in holding capacity
In a menstrual cup shop, you will find different options to catch both light and heavy flow. Also, they are good for people who pass lots of clots. But if compared to the menstrual disc, the capacity of the cups is less. With a wider top opening, it’s easy to catch more blood and allow more space for large clots.
Difference in flexibility
Menstrual cups vary in degree of firmness. They have a rigid base and rim which open up once inserted. On the other hand, menstrual discs have a rigid rim and flexible base or bowl. Like a menstrual cup, the rim spring opens up wide and keeps the disc in place.
Difference in insertion
Though both cups and discs are folded to insert, the process is a little different. For menstrual cups, you can use C or punch-down folds. After inserting into the vagina, the menstrual cups pop open and create a seal in with the vaginal walls.
In menstrual discs, you need to insert flat and push to the very back of your vaginal canal. One end is placed in the space behind the cervix and another end is tucked behind the pubic bone.
Difference in removal
In menstrual cups, you need to pinch the base to release the suction seal before wiggling the cup down and out of the vagina. In menstrual discs, you need to hook your finger under the rim to dislodge because there is no suction seal. You need to keep a 45-degree for removing the disc. It’s good to be in the toilet or under the shower when removing a cup or disc because both can be a bit messier.
These are differences defined by the experts between menstrual cups and discs. So next time, when you visit a menstrual disc or menstrual cup shop, consider these differences. Also, you should read the specifications mentioned on the product package.
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