Choosing the right reusable menstrual cup or menstrual disc can make a significant difference in how you experience your period. For many people with periods, this decision is not just about comfort; it’s also about adding convenience and sustainability to their life. Period discs and cups help make it easier to manage your cycle with confidence. Let’s explore how to find the perfect option for you!
You can take our interactive cup and disc quiz to help you find your best cup or disc.
Menstrual Cups
A reusable menstrual cup works by sitting in the vaginal canal to catch and hold menstrual fluid. It stays in place through the light squeeze of the vaginal wall muscles, along with a gentle suction. The soft silicone allows you to fold it in a variety of ways to insert it comfortably and it can be worn for up to 12 hours at a time. When it’s time to remove the cup and empty it, you can use the stem to locate the grip rings, then pinch the grip rings to break the seal and fold your cup to easily pull it out. Dump the contents, rinse it or wash it, then reinsert for the next 12 hours of coverage.
Period cups are known as the OG reusable period care products. Here’s how to decide if the cup is a good fit for you:
- Active Lifestyle: Many people find that menstrual cups stay in place really well, even during intense exercise or activity. Feel free to run, squat, and dance your way through your period. 💃
- Beginner Friendly: Menstrual cups are a great option for those new to period care or new to reusable period products. They can typically, easily be inserted and positioned for a leakfree fit and removal is a breeze after a bit of practice.
- Bladder Sensitivity: If you know that you have bladder sensitivity or are prone to cramping, then the Soft Cup is a great choice for a gentler fit.
Learn: How to insert a menstrual cup
Menstrual Discs
There are two types of menstrual disc: reusable and disposable.The main differences between disposable and reusable menstrual discs are in their materials, usage, environmental impact, and cost: Let’s break them down so you know the similarities and differences:
1. Material
- Disposable Menstrual Discs: Made from plastic or a combination of materials designed for single use.
- Reusable Menstrual Discs: Typically crafted from medical-grade silicone, or thermoplastic elastomer, designed for long-term use. The Saalt Disc is guaranteed to last up to 10 years with proper use and care.
2. Usage
- Disposable Menstrual Discs: Used for up to 12 hours and then thrown away. No cleaning required—just insert and dispose of after use.
- Reusable Menstrual Discs: Can be worn for up to 12 hours as well, but must be cleaned and sanitized at the end of each period.
3. Environmental Impact
- Disposable Menstrual Discs: Contribute to waste since they are single-use products, leading to more landfill accumulation.
- Reusable Menstrual Discs: Eco-friendly option, significantly reducing waste over time since they can be used repeatedly.
4. Cost
- Disposable Menstrual Discs: Generally cheaper upfront, but the ongoing costs add up over time with regular purchases.
- Reusable Menstrual Discs: Higher initial investment but much more cost-effective in the short and long run since they can be reused for years.
5. Comfort and Fit
- Disposable Menstrual Discs: Often come in one size, which may not fit everyone comfortably.
- Reusable Menstrual Discs: Usually available in multiple sizes and designs, allowing for a better, personalized fit. The Saalt Disc comes in a size regular for high-cervix folks, and a size small for low-cervix folks.
6. Convenience
- Disposable Menstrual Discs: Super convenient for on-the-go use with no cleanup.
- Reusable Menstrual Discs: Require maintenance and cleaning, which may be less convenient for some users, especially in public settings. Although, with a 12-hour wear-time, most people can empty and clean their reusable menstrual discs in the privacy and comfort of their own home. However, if your disc needs to be cleaned on the go, there are plenty of great ways and resources to help achieve this.
Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on personal preferences, lifestyle, and values regarding sustainability and comfort! As opposed to menstrual cups, all menstrual discs (reusable and disposable) sit higher in the open area under the cervix called the vaginal fornix and stay in place by the rim being tucked under the pubic bone. It also catches your flow using the basin of the disc. After 12 hours, it can be removed and emptied, cleaned, then reinserted.
If you’re considering trying a menstrual disc, here’s why it might be the right choice for you:
- Comfort and Subtelty: Many people who menstruate love the feeling of wearing a disc—it’s subtle and comfortable, often feeling less noticeable than other menstrual products. Plus, you can even use it during penetrative period sex since the vaginal canal remains open, which can be a game-changer for some. And, some users also find that they use their disc for the self-emptying feature, which can make it easy to empty your disc over the toilet, without needing to remove it.
- Pelvic Floor Dysfunction or Sensitivity: Lots of things can contribute to pelvic floor weakness of dysfunction, like pregnancy, vaginal birth, changes in activity or weight, stress, and/or aging/menopause. If you notice that you have signs of pelvic floor dysfunction, then a disc may work best for you since it doesn’t rely on the pelvic muscles to hold it in place. If you have sensitivity to suction too with the cup, then the suctionless disc could be a great alternative.
- Use with an IUD: Though most can generally use either a cup of disc safety with an IUD in place, many find it to be easier to use a disc for peace of mind and comfort when they have an IUD. But, always be sure to chat with your healthcare provider to be sure it’s a good option for you.
Learn: How to insert a menstrual disc
What’s My Size?
Saalt provides three sizes of menstrual cups: the Saalt Regular Cup, the Saalt Small Cup, and the Teen Saalt Cup. And, Saalt offers two different sizes of the Menstrual Disc: the Saalt Regular Disc & the Saalt Small Disc. So, which size may be the right one to choose?
Though most can wear any size comfortably, there are some factors to keep in mind:
- Cervix height: Your cervix height is the distance between your vaginal opening and your cervix. Understanding where your cervix tends to sit can be really helpful in choosing the right size cup or disc. If you have a medium to high cervix, then our regular cup or disc should fit best and give you the easiest removal. If your cervix is short, then stick with a small cup or disc for the most comfortable fit.
If you're unsure of your cervix height, check out this video to learn how to measure it.
Also, keep in mind that sometimes cervix height can fluctuate during your cycle, so it can be handy to have multiple sizes to use throughout your cycle. This is why we love our Disc Duo or Cup Twin Pack. 🎉Yay for options!
- Flow: Our regular sized cups and discs have a higher capacity, which make them perfect for extra coverage during heavy flow days. The regular cup or disc can also be great for those who have experienced giving childbirth too.
- Frame: If you are petite or if you are a younger menstruator, then it may be best to try out our smallest cup, the Teen Cup, or a small disc for easy insertion.
Other Things to Consider
- Ask Friends for Advice: Talk to your friends about their experiences with menstrual cups and discs. Hearing what worked (or didn’t) for them can help you feel more informed and less alone in your decision-making process. We also love referring to social groups, like our Saalt Academy Facebook Page, to hear more about others’ experiences too. Just keep in mind that everyone’s body is different and what works for one person may not work for another, for a variety of reasons. ❤️
- Consider Your Lifestyle: If you have a busy schedule filled with classes, lots of activity, or work, think about what would be most convenient for you to use. For example, some people find that disc removal can sometimes be messier and prefer not to need to manage it in a public restroom, while others who self-empty swear by discs for their ability to empty their disc without removing it during their 12-hour wear time. It really just comes down to what works for you and it can take some time to figure this out. Be patient with yourself and lean on our Saalt Coaches for help when you have questions. Saalt has a generous guarantee and is willing to send a replacement if your cup or disc is not working with your anatomy.
- Experiment and Be Open: Don’t be afraid to try different sizes or types of products. It might take a couple of tries to find the perfect fit, and that’s totally normal! It also takes practice to get the hang of insertion and removal too, so try not to stress if it doesn’t come naturally at first. That’s why we have our Saalt Coaches on standby to help you through it.
Making the Switch
Finding the right menstrual cup or disc from Saalt can enhance your period experience, allowing you to embrace your natural rhythm with confidence and comfort. By considering your flow, anatomy, lifestyle, and comfort needs, you’ll discover an option that works for you. Whether you choose the Saalt Cup for its reliability or the Saalt Disc for its flexibility, you’re making a choice that’s good for your body and the planet. Heck, maybe you use both throughout your cycle because you're in control here, so why not! 😉 Enjoy your journey to a more empowered period!
