A menstrual disc is a reusable alternative to tampons that sits lower in the vagina. It catches all your flow and allows for mess-free period sex.
Many wearers say their partners can’t feel it when worn properly (plus, you can use a water-based lube with one). It’s important to note that it can take practice.
1. Intima Ziggy Cup
Intimina’s menstrual cup, the Ziggy Cup 2, is a flat-fitting, reusable alternative to the traditional menstrual cup. While it functions the same as its cup cousins, it sits differently in the vagina and is inserted and removed in a different way. It’s a great choice for women who want the comfort and freedom of mess-free period sex but may not be comfortable with a more traditional menstrual cup.
It features a reinforced, flexible and petal-thin silicone body that can’t be felt at all, no matter what you’re doing – just choose the right fit size for you. It’s also leak-proof with a double spill-free rim and a soft, textured tab designed for slip-free removal. It’s easy to insert and comfortable enough to wear while having sex.
The Ziggy Cup 2 has two sizes (A and B) to accommodate differences in flow and cervical position. It’s made from FDA approved, medical-grade silicone and is BPA-free, phthalate-free and hypoallergenic. Plus, it has a soft reservoir that collects flow instead of absorbing it. It’s also eco-friendly and comes with a breathable drawstring pouch and user instructions. It’s available in a range of colors and is sold worldwide.
2. Flex Disc
A reusable version of the menstrual cup that’s popular with users on both sides of the aisle, Flex Disc is made with “100 percent medical-grade polymers that don’t host toxic bacteria and disrupt your vaginal pH balance or flora,” per the brand. The reusable product also has a ComfortSeal technology that warms up as it sits in your body and forms to its unique shape, resulting in a snug fit.
Like a traditional tampon, Flex Disc has no applicator and can be inserted by pushing the rim down towards your tailbone and then tilting the front up behind your pubic bone. Once inserted, you can do your day-to-day activities with no worries.
The Flex Disc can be worn for up to 12 hours at a time, including during penetrative sex and swimming. It can also help with cramps because unlike a tampon, it doesn’t expand as it absorbs blood and put pressure on your uterus.
Flex offers a few different plans that let you customize the amount of periods products you need, so you can get the right quantity for your flow (or to avoid a late-night drugstore run). The Flex Medium Flow plan delivers 16 menstrual cups every two months, enough for your period week plus some extras for spotting days. You can pause, modify, or cancel your subscription anytime via your online account.
3. Nixit Menstrual Disc
The Nixit menstrual disc is a new option that is becoming popular amongst menstruators looking for a more eco-conscious alternative to pads or tampons. It’s made from a soft silicone that makes it extra gentle on the skin and is available in one size for a perfect fit.
The key feature of the nixit is that it sits above your vaginal canal instead of in the middle like tampons and cups. This keeps it more discreet, allows for penetrative sex, and helps reduce the chance of TSS. However, it can be a little trickier to insert and remove because of its soft body.
As a bonus, it also holds WAY more blood than tampons—four times more, actually. This means that it can help reduce cramps and even lighten your flow.
A few things to keep in mind before you buy a menstrual cup:
First, there’s a learning curve with any of these products. It takes some practice to figure out how to position a cup so it sits right under and behind your cervix without leaking. Plus, you’ll need to learn how to deal with “auto-dumping” which happens when the pressure from sitting down to pee causes the cup to shift and empty its contents into the toilet. But overall, menstrual cups are a great alternative to pads and tampons that save money, time, and create less waste.
4. Lumma Unique
Unlike pads and menstrual cups, menstrual discs don’t depend on suction to stay in place. Instead, they have a soft, round design that conforms to the vaginal canal walls, preventing leaks and discomfort. This helps create a more natural experience with your partner and allows for mess free period sex.
The Lumma Unique is made from medical grade silicone and is phthalate free. It’s also hypoallergenic, latex free and BPA free. It is available in three different sizes to suit a variety of cervical positions. The small is suitable for users with a low to medium cervix while the medium and large discs are ideal for users with a high cervix.
To use, simply fold the disc longways and insert it into your vagina. Make sure the opening of the “bowl” is facing upwards towards your cervix. Then, push the disc until it’s tucked below your cervix. Then, the soft reservoir collects your menstrual flow for up to 12 hours.
To remove, simply pinch the rim of the disc with your fingers and pull it out, along with the string (if it has one). Then, dump the remaining contents in the toilet. You can even wear it while you pee or poop. Just remember that a disc is not as easy to handle on the go and may be more difficult to change in public restrooms than a menstrual cup or pad.
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