What is the difference between a menstrual disc and a cup?

When looking for a reusable alternative to tampons and pads, you’ll often come across two popular options: the menstrual disc and the menstrual cup. They both work by collecting menstrual blood instead of absorbing it, but their design, location, and function are vastly different. We make a brief overview and a longer explanation below.

Placed deep under the cervix in the vaginal fornix.
Does not create a vacuum, making it suitable for people with IUDs.
Universal size – fits regardless of births or the height of the cervix.
Can be used during sex without being felt.
Larger capacity than a menstrual cup – ideal for heavy bleeding.
Does not press on the bladder – comfortable for those who experience pressure from a cup.
Can often empty itself a bit during toilet visits.

Sits in the vaginal canal and is held in place by vacuum.
Can put pressure on the bladder and feel bothersome for some.
Creates vacuum, which may be less suitable for people with IUDs.
Size should be chosen according to births and the height of the cervix.
Cannot be used during sex with penetration.
Less capacity than a disc – needs to be emptied more often.

The primary difference between a menstrual disc and a menstrual cup is where they are placed in the body:
The menstrual disc is placed under the cervix in the vaginal fornix. Here, it rests naturally behind the pubic bone without creating a vacuum, which gives a comfortable feel.
The menstrual cup, on the other hand, sits in the vaginal canal itself, where it is held in place by means of a vacuum. This can feel bothersome for some women and puts pressure on the bladder or cervix.

Elskbar menstrual disc has a universal size, which means that it fits most women regardless of childbirth or the height of the cervix. A menstrual cup often requires you to choose a size based on whether or not you have given birth vaginally, as well as how high your cervix sits.

The menstrual cup creates a vacuum when put in place to prevent leakage. However, this vacuum can present some challenges:
It can be uncomfortable to break the vacuum when the cup needs to be removed.
For people with IUDs, the vacuum effect can in rare cases affect the position of the IUD if the cup is removed incorrectly.
Some people find that the vacuum causes a suction or pressure on the cervix, which can feel bothersome.
The menstrual disc, on the other hand, does not create a vacuum, but is held in place by the body’s anatomy by resting behind the pubic bone. This means:
No suction or discomfort when inserted or removed.
A more comfortable experience for those who are sensitive to pressure or have a low cervix.
Less risk of impact of an IUD as no vacuum is formed.
In addition, there are fewer nerve endings in the area where the disc rests than in the vaginal canal where the cup is located. Therefore, the disc is also felt smaller than a cup.

One of the unique advantages of a menstrual disc is that it can be used during intercourse with penetration without it being felt by either you or your partner. Since it sits deeper and does not take up space in the vaginal canal, it allows for intimate intercourse. This is not possible with a menstrual cup, as it sits further down in the vagina.

The menstrual disc has a larger capacity than most menstrual cups, which means you have to empty it less often. About twice as much as a menstrual cup. This makes it ideal for people with heavy periods, as it can hold more blood before it needs to be emptied.

In many cases, the menstrual disc can empty itself a bit when you go to the toilet, as the pressure from your muscles causes a small amount of blood to drain out. This means that you can walk longer between each emptying and often avoid taking it out completely during the day.

Some people find that a menstrual cup can press on the bladder or give a feeling of needing to urinate more often. Because a menstrual disc is not located in the vaginal canal but sits higher up, it does not press on the bladder and therefore often feels more comfortable.