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.
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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
Just tried my Flex discs from my combo pack today. I have prolapse and have realized that since my toddler was born, I can’t hold in tampons anymore :-0 I was seriously resorting to skipping the gym for a week every month and even wearing those Poise underwear some nights! I’m not even 40, btw. I tried two discs today, which both had about 4-5 hours of use for me. Not sure if it was flow volume, anatomy, or me not perfecting the positioning yet, but I can’t imagine 12 hours with one disc. Even still, the experience was far superior to anything else I’ve dealt with in the last 30 months and I just ordered another pack. I may try the cup that came with my combo pack but am more interested in washing my cup so I can use just 1-2 a month. Glad so many of you suggested that!
I have tried a disc about a year ago and it was terrible. I went into it thinking a disc and a cup where the same so I steered clear of cups for a while. I discovered what cups really were so I gave it a try. There’s for sure a learning curve but I absolutely love it. I’m so mad I’m just now learning about this in my 30’s. This option needs to be a part of health education in school.
Such a shame you guys are putting a negative review of these. I’ve been using soft cups (the old version of soft discs) since 2012 and put a 10/10 on them. Moon cups look so confusing with all the different sizes and buts hanging down. Soft discs are small and flexible and so easy to use they are a game changer!
I have tried the disc and LOVED it! With a menstrual cup I always had issues with leaking. I have delivered 8 children and that is likely why. With the disc I had zero leakage, zero issues at all. Removal was not a problem (but I would do it over the toilet). Flex disc is the best menstrual product I have ever tried!!
I LOVED the diaphragm birth control. It was easy and I no longer had to worry about migraines from hormones in .most birth control and condoms always made me dry. So, when a menstrual option that was exactly like it came out I was hooked. It’s been wonderful and because I was used to taking it in and out I didn’t have the same learning curve. I just ordered them for my 22 year old daughters to try!
I used Instead for years until they disappeared. Now they’re back and I couldn’t be happier. The vagina is parallel to the floor when sitting, not perpendicular, once you figure that and you’re own body out, they’re super easy to use. Yes somewhat messy during removal, but worth it. And I for one enjoy sex with my partner all times of the month and care about his comfort level. That’s what makes it a partnership. Shame to be so dismissive ladies. You are definitely biased against the disc, it’s obvious. You didn’t even pretend to want to like it and it pained you to admit there was something positive about it. Also, they do make a reusable one.
I read a lot of these comments before trying the flex cup. And they kind of scared me. But I ordered the trial pack anyways, and ended my subscription right away. I still wanted to give em a shot! When I got my flex in the mail, I was shocked at the amount of plastic packaging they used. I let them know when I canceled my subscription That I would be buying a silicone version if I liked it. Period days one and two, I was working and was afraid to test out the new product while waitressing. So I gave it a shot on days three and four. And I loved it. I had been using my menstrual cup for days one and two, and the following two days were very light in comparison. Mess free sex? Absolutely. Easy to insert? Much easier than my cup. Removal? Well… it took me some getting used to. I find that when I squeeze my vaginal muscles (like pushing out a yoni egg), I could get the disc down low enough to easily pull it out. Just took a little time to relax and engage my muscles. This being said, I don’t know how messy it would be on my days one or two, but I’m looking forward to giving it a shot next cycle! As far as the sex goes, Thais is why I was interested in the disc. And it absolutely serves its purpose. My man said he could feel it at first, but then he “sexed it into the right position” and didn’t notice it after the first few seconds. I think I’ll use my cup for the heavy days, and substitute the flex discs for period sex and light days.
Did anyone have a problem with the smell like when you pulled it out? It was way worse than any tampon or pad and when I pulled it out the smell stayed on my fingers which grossed me out.
Interesting. From what I’ve seen the Flex discs retail for $14 for 12 discs, not $20 for 8. What?! There was definitely a learning curve and I went through half a pack before I finally became comfortable with it, but I LOVE them. I mostly use them for sex, but sometimes just because. I’ve also used it to have sex on the heaviest day of my period, and it worked like a dream. I now keep two boxes on me at all times..
Didn’t mean to reply here. Sorry
I tried Flex and hated it. It was too big to fit. I’d gotten Flex to use during my honeymoon, because Aunt Flo was going to visit the day after the wedding. Thankfully that was a shorter and lighter visit, and my new husband was happy to wait until the visitor had left. I tried throughout the week to use Flex and never could get it placed right and had a murder scene.
Menstrual discs are what got me started on cups. I don’t even quite remember how it happened, except I think one day I was looking for pads and saw the discs, and thought, “What’s THIS all about”? I I researched it and the rest is pretty much history. I had been looking for some way to have a period where I wouldn’t have to fill up our trash can. I’m not so much concerned about the waste aspect as I was my daughter. She’s nonverbal autistic, and had begun digging around in the trash and chewing on things. Reusable products seemed the thing, and I started out buying cloth pads, then saw the discs, and eventually moved on to cups.
Whenever I travel, I like using the disposable discs. Having to use reusable products on the road is a major pain Much easier to use disposables, Tampons are dry and hurt coming out, and pads get smelly and nasty after awhile.