Menstrual discs are something we’ve been asked about more times than we can count, and usually it comes in the form of a confusing question about menstrual cups … and then we realize they’re talking about an Instead Softcup or a FLEX.
Menstrual discs are NOT the same as menstrual cups!
Menstrual disc and menstrual cups share exactly one feature. They both catch menstrual flow. That’s it.
They differ wildly in material, shape, insertion, fit, removal, cost, and environmental consideration.
So does it work?
That answer depends on a couple of factors. Does it function? And do we like the way it functions? Check out our video review for all of the details.
The Cost
In addition to our removal discomforts, we aren’t all that impresses with the cost of using a disc. They are not approved to be safe for reusing (though some do use them for a full cycle before trashing them) which poses a problem for your wallet, as well as the environment.
FLEX costs $20 per month for 8 discs that are meant to be worn for 12 hours. This assumes #1 that you have a four day cycle and #2 that you can go a full 12 hours before needing to change. If you are heavier or longer than this, you’ll need more of them. At $2.25 per change – the costs really add up. By contrast, one quality menstrual cup can cost $20-40 depending on the brand — and you only need one. Organic tampons are also cheaper, with most costing around $10 per cycle.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
This is just our two cents. If you use a disc and love it — let us know. We would love to hear about your experience with discs and why you feel that they are the best option — especially if you’ve also used a cup.
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57 Responses
I am just trying the flex, and I love it. It’s a lot less waste than tampons which I normally have to change multiple times a day. I tried a menstrual cup before and hated it! It was uncomfortable and I couldn’t couldn’t stand to wear it. Yes, removal is a little messy but it’s worth it for me. Plus you can always take it out in the shower since it’s 12 hour wear. I am considering trying the Ziggy cup which is really a silicone version of the flex.
It was perfect on the first insert but once you figure out how to easily remove them… you subconsciously begin to accidentally push them out (basically a kegel) … the second insert (on a heavier day) feels like you’re trying to push a balloon under water smh…. I hated them.
Responding to a couple of comments above: I also was looking for a re-usable menstrual disc option and found the Ziggy Cup by Intimina. Looks like the first re-usable disc (they say it lasts 2 years) on the market, but I imagine other cup companies will start making the discs soon because it’s a much better shape/design for lots of women! I love that I can’t feel them, and that instead of distending the vaginal walls (as cups & tampons do), they are designed to fit in the fornix in a way that is synergistic with the shape of our bodies. yay! And then regarding not wanting to last the last day or two of a light period with a pad – I have found period panties (thinx/ dear kates) to be such a good solution to this! 🙂
As someone who has tried both menstrual cups and discs, I am a fan of the disc so far. Looking forward to trying out the ziggy cup- the reusable disc. So far I have only tried FLEX.
We recently reviewed the Ziggy https://putacupinit.com/ziggycup-by-intimina-review-reusable-menstrual-disc/
It did take me three cycles to figure out to place flex without discomfort. Now I can’t feel them. I’m small with a very tender cervix and allergic to pads and tampons. Removal is easy, but they tilt and empty when I pee. I can also reach in and tilt to empty faster. It’s messy, so a toilet with a sink right next to it is best. They get painful when full, like maybe its crowding my cervix, but then I know when to drain it. Sometimes holding it under hot water makes for easier insertion. My only complaint is the 12 hour limit. I go through too many since I really don’t want to ride out the last light day or two with a pad. They also will overflow at night. Haven’t found a solution for that yet.
I found them way more comfortable and less messy than cups. Because they close up smaller, I found them less painful to insert than cups. I really hate dealing with menstrual blood, so before switching to discs, I would not have been willing to have period sex; a partner would have to have had a strong fetish and a birthday or something similar.
I used both for at least an entire cycle before making a decision and I know I am generating less waste than when I used pads because while I used 4 pads per day, I use 2 of these.
To the person who said you have to change a disk every few hours, that’s not true at all. If you look on their website, the disk holds a considerable amount of liquid.
I really didn’t like this video because they skipped over several majorly positive aspects of the disc. One being you can leave it in for twelve hours (actually more if you read previous comments) and on Flex’s website they promote the fact that the materials the Flex disc is made of will not disturb your pH balance and the materials have also not been linked to Toxic Shock Syndrome. It’s rare, but some cups have been. Flex is also hypoallergenic, so you don’t need to worry about the materials. While it can be a challenge to get in and out, it just takes practice like most things (the cup too!). Flex also molds to your body and has really helped my cramps that way.
As for the sex aspect, yea maybe you’re like “fuck the guy, it’s about me”, but “me” likes having mess free period sex! I don’t know why you’d want more mess, honestly. And if it makes my guy happier too, then that’s also a plus for me.
Overall, I really think you guys should give discs a shot. They may not be reusable for years but they help in so many other ways, it just takes some practice and patience.
I have used both a discs and a cup. I found the disc size to be too big and I feel like it’s stretching me apart from the inside out. Also expensive and is not as environmentally friendly as a cup. What I did like about the disc it is it’s out of the way and it can be worn during sex which a cup can not be.
If I could design a perfect product, I would like a medical grade silicone reusable disc, containing little to no plastic material and also provides different sizes like menstrual cups. Someone please invent this!
I’ve been looking for an alternative to Softcup too (in case the new owners/Flex messes things up).
Intimina Ziggy Cup recently came out. Unfortunately it is only one size and pink. But it fulfills all the other requirements. I’m going to get one… hopefully it will be as good as the Softcup.
We have recently reviewed the Ziggy disc https://putacupinit.com/ziggycup-by-intimina-review-reusable-menstrual-disc/
I have used soft cup until they stopped selling in stores and now use a Diva Cup. I prefer the soft cup and actually just ordered a trial of the Flex. I miss it. The diva cup I find is hard to get where it’s comfortable. If I have a bowel movement with it in, it can be extremely painful, and sometimes if the placement isn’t perfect, it feels like I have to pee the way a 9 month pregnant woman has to every 5 minutes. It’s just not working. I can get it to fit sometimes perfectly but to me, the menstrual disc is the way to go. Easy to insert, empties when going potty without removal, not too bad to remove once you get the hang of it, and like the others have said, I reuse mine beyond 12 hours. I wash with a warm water and gentle soap at home before using again. I dispose at end of cycle. I can’t wait for my shipment to arrive and to have a comfortable period again.
You don’t need to subscribe to the overpriced Flex. The softcups are available again (finally) in stores & online for purchase.
So it’s wild to me that so many people are so negative about these. They are my absolute favorite. Tried a cup for two years and thought “this is a game changer”. Not having to going through 15 tampons a cycle was awesome (and the horrible mess and discomfort and suffocation from pads) but it took a long time to find one that fit. No Diva cup would work because it was way too large and the stems stuck out. Moved to the Femmy cup teen size and it started awesome. Then I noticed how many infections I was starting to get. And trust me I watched videos on how to wash and did everything I could to keep clean, but have a sensitive pH balance and it just didn’t work. I also had an IUD 6 months prior to cup use with no problems. Got a cup and the suction removed it…three times. The doctor asked about cup use and said no more. It was causing too many problems. She suggested I try these instead and they were SO much more comfortable. Significantly easier to insert, and, screw my partner, I WANT mess free sex. I have loved these and the softcups brand from Walgreens is somewhere between $7-$12 dollars and I use one cup for an entire cycle. Like another reviewer said, totally fine to wash, but it is sanitary when you start a new cycle. Zero infections, zero pH problems, zero problems with insertion, relatively mess free sex, easy to clean in the shower. It was a totally win for me. We are all made differently so don’t be afraid to try it! And yes, I wish I was waste free, but 12 a year is WAY less than tampon waste. And using 12 a year, I am totally fine spending $1 a cycle.
I find flex comfortable, but removal is a murder scene.
I really only use flex for mess free sex. And am glad I have it as an option now. So one box lasts for months. Worth it in my opinion. Cup hands down for normal use though