Menstrual cups and menstrual discs are internal period products that collect menstrual fluid rather than absorbing it. Reusable cups and reusable discs can offer practical benefits such as less reliance on disposable period products, potential long-term cost savings and flexibility for swimming, exercise and travel.
They work differently, though. A menstrual cup sits within the vaginal canal and forms a light seal against the vaginal walls. A menstrual disc sits higher, with the back rim positioned in the vaginal fornix behind the cervix and the front rim tucked above the pubic bone.
The main advantages of reusable menstrual cups and discs include reusability, reduced use of disposable products, potential long-term savings, useful capacity and flexibility for everyday activities. But it's also worth considering the benefits alongside fit, comfort, cleaning and the learning curve.
This article focuses on reusable menstrual cups and reusable menstrual discs. Some menstrual discs are single-use and do not offer the same reusability, waste or long-term cost benefits.
At a glance: 7 potential benefits of menstrual cups and reusable discs
- Reuse the same product over many menstrual cycles.
- Reduce your use of disposable period products.
- Save money over time.
- Fewer changes during the day.
- Work well for swimming and exercise.
- Collect menstrual fluid rather than absorbing it.
- Compact for travel and everyday use.
1. You can reuse the same cup or disc for many cycles
One of the biggest practical differences between a reusable menstrual cup or disc and a disposable pad or tampon is that the same product can be cleaned and reused.
Instead of discarding a new period product every few hours, you empty and clean your cup or reusable disc during your period, then continue using it across future cycles according to the manufacturer's care and replacement instructions.
This can mean:
- fewer products to buy before each period
- less space needed to store period supplies
- having a reusable product ready when your period starts
- less dependence on remembering to restock disposable products
How long a particular cup or disc lasts depends on the product, material, how it is used and cleaned and the manufacturer's replacement guidance. There is no single lifespan that applies to every reusable internal period product.
2. You can reduce your use of disposable period products
Using a reusable menstrual cup or disc can reduce the number of disposable pads, tampons or single-use discs you use over time.
Reusable products do still have an environmental impact. Manufacturing, packaging, transport, washing and eventual disposal all contribute to their overall footprint but comparative life-cycle research has found lower environmental impacts for reusable menstrual cups than the disposable pads and tampons assessed in those studies.
The environmental evidence is much better established for cups than for reusable menstrual discs but for both products, the practical benefit is that reusing one product over many cycles can reduce the number of single-use period products you dispose of.
If reducing disposable product use is important to you, browse our Reusable Period Care range.
3. A reusable cup or disc may save money over time
A reusable cup or disc requires an upfront purchase, but it is designed to be used again across future periods.
If you find a product that fits comfortably and continue using it, you may buy fewer disposable period products over time.
How much you save depends on factors such as the the purchase price, how long you use the product, whether you need to try more than one cup or disc to find a comfortable fit and whether you purchase additional cleaning or storage products
Want to compare the numbers? Use our Reusable Period Product Cost Savings Calculator.
4. You may need fewer changes during the day
Menstrual cups and discs collect menstrual fluid, and both are available in different capacities. For most people, this means fewer bathroom visits than with disposable period products.
Capacity is not the same as maximum wear time.
Your cup or disc may need to be emptied sooner if your flow fills it, and you should always follow the maximum wear time stated by the manufacturer of your exact product.
Menstrual cup capacity
Cup capacity can usually be compared using the manufacturer's stated millilitre measurement, although cup shape, cervix position and how the cup sits can affect usable capacity.
Australian regulatory guidance for menstrual cups requires the supplied instructions to state a duration of use that does not exceed 12 hours. You may need to empty it more frequently if you have a heavy flow.
Menstrual disc capacity
Disc capacity can be harder to compare directly. A disc has a flexible bowl that can fold or compress inside the body, so its stated capacity outside the body may be higher than its practical usable capacity when worn.
If heavy flow is a priority, browse our Heavy Flow Options, compare cups in the Menstrual Cup Comparison Chart or compare discs in the Menstrual Disc Comparison Chart.
5. They can work well for swimming and exercise
Menstrual cups and discs are worn internally, so there is no external pad to become saturated with water or shift during movement.
This can make either product practical for activities such as:
- swimming
- running
- cycling
- yoga
- gym workouts
- hiking
- dancing
- water sports
Cups and discs respond differently to movement because they sit in different positions and are held in place differently. If sport and movement are priorities, browse our Active Period Care options.
Planning to swim? Read our Guide to Swimming on Your Period.
6. They collect menstrual fluid rather than absorbing it
Tampons absorb menstrual fluid while menstrual cups and discs collect it. For some people, this difference is an important reason for choosing a cup or disc. But it is still important to find a good fit.
For menstrual cups, comfort can be affected by:
- cup length
- cervix height
- diameter
- shape
- firmness
- stem length and removal design
- pelvic floor sensitivity
For menstrual discs, comfort can be affected by:
- disc diameter
- rim firmness
- shape
- how securely the front rim tucks above the pubic bone
- removal features such as loops, tabs or notches
- individual vaginal anatomy
If a cup or disc causes ongoing pressure, pain or difficulty emptying your bladder, remove it rather than assuming you simply need to get used to it.
7. Cups and discs are compact for travel and everyday use
A reusable cup or disc takes up relatively little space and can usually be stored in a small pouch or container between periods.
This can be useful if you:
- travel regularly
- camp or hike
- keep period supplies in your handbag or work bag
- want to carry fewer individual products
- prefer having a reusable product ready for future periods
You still need clean hands and an appropriate way to empty and clean the product, so using a cup or reusable disc away from home can require some planning.
Always follow the cleaning instructions supplied with your exact product rather than improvising with household chemicals or unapproved cleaning methods.
How are the benefits of menstrual cups and discs different?
Cups and discs share many practical benefits, but they are not interchangeable.
| Feature | Menstrual cup | Menstrual disc |
|---|---|---|
| Position | Sits within the vaginal canal | Sits higher, with the back rim in the vaginal fornix and front rim tucked above the pubic bone |
| How it stays in place | Opens and forms a light seal against the vaginal walls | Uses its diameter, shape and pubic-bone tuck for positioning |
| Main fit measurements | Length, diameter, shape and firmness | Diameter, shape and rim firmness |
| Cervix height | Useful when choosing cup length and reach | Can affect placement and reach, but does not directly determine disc diameter |
| Penetrative vaginal sex | Standard bell-shaped cups should be removed first | Some discs can be worn if the manufacturer specifically states they are suitable for this use |
| Reusable options | Most cups sold for ongoing use are reusable | Reusable and single-use versions are available |
If you are deciding between the two product types, read Menstrual Cups vs Menstrual Discs.
What are the pros and cons of menstrual cups and discs?
The benefits are only one side of the decision.
Possible advantages
- reusable options are available
- less reliance on disposable period products
- potential long-term cost savings
- useful capacity for some people
- practical for swimming and many forms of exercise
- compact to store and carry
- different sizes, shapes, firmness levels and removal features are available
- cups and discs provide two different internal fit options
Possible disadvantages
- insertion and removal can take practice
- finding the right fit may involve trial and error
- either product can leak if positioning or fit is not suitable
- some people do not find internal period products comfortable
- reusable products need to be emptied and cleaned
- clean hands and appropriate washing facilities are needed
- there is an upfront purchase cost
Are menstrual cups and discs safe?
Menstrual cups have been studied more extensively than menstrual discs.
A 2019 systematic review found a generally favourable safety profile for menstrual cups while also identifying rare adverse events and limitations in the available evidence.
A 2026 systematic review of vaginal health and infection outcomes did not identify an increased infection risk among menstrual cup users across the infections evaluated.
In Australia, menstrual cups are regulated as other therapeutic goods and must meet specific safety, quality, labelling and information requirements. It's important to follow the instructions, wear time, cleaning guidance and safety information supplied with the exact disc you are using.
Good practice for either reusable product includes:
- washing your hands before insertion and removal
- emptying the product as required for your flow
- staying within the manufacturer's maximum wear time
- cleaning the product according to its instructions
- using only manufacturer-approved between-cycle sanitising methods
- replacing the product if it becomes damaged or deteriorated
Toxic shock syndrome is rare but serious and has been reported in association with menstrual cup use. Seek urgent medical help if you develop symptoms that may indicate TSS.
For more information about cups, read Are Menstrual Cups Safe? What the Science Says.
Would a menstrual cup or disc suit you better?
Start with anatomy and fit rather than popularity or marketing labels.
When comparing menstrual cups
A useful order is:
- Cervix height and cup length: the cup needs to fit comfortably within the available space and remain reachable for removal.
- Diameter and shape: these affect where and how the cup carries its width.
- Firmness: firmer cups may open more readily while softer cups may feel gentler for some people.
- Capacity: this becomes more important on heavier-flow days.
- Removal design: stem length, tabs, loops and grip features can affect reach and control.
Compare specific options in our Menstrual Cup Comparison Chart.
When comparing menstrual discs
Focus on:
- Diameter and internal fit: the disc needs to span the space between the vaginal fornix and pubic bone securely.
- Shape and rim firmness: these can affect comfort, stability and how easy the disc is to insert.
- Removal design: loops, tabs, notches and other features can make the disc easier to locate and control.
- Capacity: compare this after fit, since a flexible disc bowl may compress inside the body.
A high cervix does not automatically mean you need a larger disc and a low cervix does not automatically mean you need a smaller one.
Compare products in our Menstrual Disc Comparison Chart.
If you would rather have help narrowing down whether a cup, disc or another reusable option may suit you, take our Find Your Best Fit Quiz.
What if your cup or disc keeps leaking?
Leaking does not necessarily mean reusable internal period products will not work for you.
If a menstrual cup leaks
Possible causes include incomplete opening, cervix position, reaching capacity or a mismatch in cup length, diameter, shape or firmness.
Use our Menstrual Cup Troubleshooter or read Why Is My Menstrual Cup Leaking?.
If a menstrual disc leaks
The disc may not be positioned behind the cervix, the front rim may not be securely tucked, it may have reached capacity or its diameter, shape or firmness may not suit your anatomy.
Use our Menstrual Disc Troubleshooter.
What if your cup or disc is uncomfortable?
A cup or disc may feel unfamiliar while you are learning, but it should not cause significant or persistent pain.
Cup discomfort can relate to length, diameter, firmness, cervix position, pelvic floor tension or removal technique.
Disc discomfort can relate to diameter, rim firmness, positioning or pressure against surrounding structures.
If a product hurts, remove it rather than repeatedly pushing through the discomfort.
If pain continues or you have other symptoms that concern you, seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Are menstrual cups and discs worth trying?
Yes, reusable menstrual cups and discs can offer practical benefits including reusability, reduced reliance on disposable products, potential long-term savings, useful capacity and flexibility for swimming, exercise, travel and everyday life.
They also give people two quite different internal period-care options. Someone who does not like the way a cup sits in the vaginal canal may prefer a disc, while someone who finds disc positioning difficult may prefer a cup.
When making a choice, it can be useful to think about which type of period product is most likely to suit your anatomy, flow, comfort preferences and lifestyle.
Choose your next step
Not sure whether a cup or disc might suit you?
Take the Find Your Best Fit Quiz.
Want to compare menstrual cups?
Use the Menstrual Cup Comparison Chart.
Want to compare menstrual discs?
Use the Menstrual Disc Comparison Chart.
Still comparing different types of period care?
Visit the Menstrual Products Comparison Hub.
Already have a product and something isn't working?
Use the Menstrual Cup Troubleshooter or Menstrual Disc Troubleshooter.
Related reading
- Menstrual Cups vs Menstrual Discs
- How to Use a Menstrual Cup
- How to Use a Menstrual Disc
- Menstrual Cup Comparison Chart
- Menstrual Disc Comparison Chart
- How to Measure Your Cervical Position
- How Long Can You Wear a Menstrual Cup or Disc?
- Are Menstrual Cups Safe? What the Science Says
This article provides general educational information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Always follow the instructions supplied with your menstrual cup or disc and seek professional advice if you experience persistent pain or other health concerns.
Sources
- van Eijk AM et al., Menstrual cup use, leakage, acceptability, safety and availability: a systematic review and meta-analysis
- Hait A and Powers SE, The value of reusable feminine hygiene products evaluated by comparative environmental life cycle assessment
- van Eijk AM et al., Effect of menstrual cups on vaginal health, reproductive tract and urogenital infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis
- Therapeutic Goods Administration, Tampons and menstrual cups
- Planned Parenthood, How to use menstrual hygiene products