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This just in: a new study has found that the most absorbent period product isn't tampons, period pants or pads, but rather a menstrual disc – which tbh was something we'd never really heard of before! Turns out, it's not the same as a menstrual cup either.

Scientists from the Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, US, tested various period products with blood (not water) to get the most accurate results, and discovered that menstrual discs, on average, held the greatest amount of blood, at 61ml – compared to tampons, pads and cups which averaged at 20-50ml. Period pants, on the other hand, didn't perform so well, and held just 2ml on average (check out the results published in BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health for more).

With that in mind, we were keen to learn more about menstrual discs, which sound ideal if you have a heavy flow, or are wanting to be a bit more eco-conscious when it comes to your time of the month. To learn more, we chatted to Dr Adiele Hoffman, who is a Medical Advisor at Flo Health (everyone's fave cycle-tracking app), and to Dr Poobashni Govender from Mercuri Health, to compare menstrual discs with menstrual cups, and more.

What is a menstrual disc?

According to Dr Hoffman, a menstrual disc is a "small disc-shaped device that sits at the top of the vagina to collect blood during your period. Like a menstrual cup, it is an alternative menstrual product to tampons, pads or period underwear". She adds that they can be made from silicone, rubber or plastic.

A menstrual disc and two menstrual cups

Menstrual disc vs menstrual cup

Whilst there are some similarities between a menstrual disc and a menstrual cup, the key ones are:

• Menstrual discs tend to be able to hold more blood than cups, making them better for a heavy flow
• Menstrual cups usually have holes in them to create a suction, keeping them in place – menstrual discs do not have a suction effect
• Menstrual discs sit below the cervix, above the vaginal canal, whereas cups sit in the middle of the vaginal canal
• Menstrual discs can be worn during penetrative sex
• Menstrual cups tend to be lighter in weight, but this can vary brand to brand
• Discs are also generally more flexible and collapsible, which some say make them more comfortable

"The key difference is that a menstrual disc is wider and shallower than a cup, with more flexibility, and they also sit higher up in the vagina than a cup," says Dr Hoffman. "These things mean some people report finding them more comfortable. They also do not suction in the same way as a cup, so can be slightly easier to remove as there is no need to release the seal." Although, she caveats, this can also make the spills more likely when removing a menstrual disc than when removing a cup.

As for the topic of heavy flows, Dr Hoffman is also excited about the new study suggesting period discs are best equipped to deal with a heavy blood flow, but has some words of caution for consideration too. "A study published in the BMJ sexual and reproductive health looked at people with heavy periods and found that of all menstrual products, menstrual discs had the biggest capacity (up to 80ml). So if you struggle to contain your flow with other products, a disc could be a good choice for you.

"But, it’s important to bear in mind though that losing more than 80ml of blood (or 16 teaspoons or a full menstrual disc) is considered a heavy period and is worth seeing your doctor about."

How do you insert a menstrual disc?

Whilst each disc will have different manufacturer's instructions, they're likely to be along the lines of the following:

If that hasn't helped, Dr Govender reassures that inserting a menstrual disc is easier than you'd think – and that part of the difficulty is often mental. "It helps to be relaxed, so don't try doing this when you're rushing around and have a million things to do," she explains. "I understand that when looking at the device you might think 'How is that going to fit in there?', but all you have to do is take the disc and squeeze it into a 'figure of 8' shape, then insert the device so that the top of the '8' goes in first."

Dr Govender adds that it's also important to get the correct angle to minimise discomfort and recommends trying to aim backwards, towards your tailbone. "Once inserted as high as possible, let go of the ring so that it opens up," she continues. "If it's opened up and its painful, take it out and try again, as it's probably not high up enough. Using a water-based lubricant can make the insertion a lot smoother."

Some discs have notches or tabs on them to allow you to remove it later, Dr Govender also notes, so make sure that these go into your body last.

Are menstrual discs eco-friendly?

That depends on what material the brand you opt for uses, it's personal eco credentials and whether or not the disc(s) are reusable. "They can be single or multi-use," says Dr Hoffman. "Reusable discs should be washed according to instructions between uses." On the whole though, most brands tend to be a more sustainable option over single-use products, such as tampons or pads.

Are menstrual discs easier to use than a cup?

It's definitely a personal thing, but some people do report that a disc is easier to insert than a cup thanks to it being more flexible. Others have added that they're comfier once inserted, too.

What is auto-dumping when it comes to menstrual discs?

It may sounds like something a computer or a digger would do, but that's not quite the case, says Dr Govender. "You may choose a disc over a cup to accommodate a larger volume of blood if you have a heavier flow, as a disc can retain more than a cup," she begins. "In some instances however, users get leaks during urination, and when the decompressed bladder changes the disc's position, a phenomenon called 'auto dumping' occurs [and blood is released]."

Can you have sex whilst wearing a menstrual disc?

Sure sounds like it! "Many manufacturers of menstrual discs do say it is safe to use them whilst having sex," says Dr Hoffman. "But be aware that they do not act as contraception and whilst they may reduce mess during period sex, leaks could happen if they are dislodged."

Best menstrual discs to shop

Pixie Cup Pixie Soft Menstrual Disc

Come with a string (that can be cut off, if you prefer) to aid with removal, the Pixie Period Disc is available in two different sizes. Reviewers praise it for being comfortable, well made and for holding its own during sex.

FLEX Flex Plant-Based Disposable Period Discs (12 pack)

Although not reusable, Flex promise that these plant-derived discs are good for your period and the planet. They also pledge that they're the same width as a tampon when folded up upon insertion, making them good for those who are nervous.

This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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 Jennifer Savin is Cosmopolitan UK's multiple award-winning Features Editor, who was crowned Digital Journalist of the Year for her work tackling the issues most important to young women. She regularly covers breaking news, cultural trends, health, the royals and more, using her esteemed connections to access the best experts along the way. She's grilled everyone from high-profile politicians to A-list celebrities, and has sensitively interviewed hundreds of people about their real life stories. In addition to this, Jennifer is widely known for her own undercover investigations and campaign work, which includes successfully petitioning the government for change around topics like abortion rights and image-based sexual abuse. Jennifer is also a published author, documentary consultant (helping to create BBC’s Deepfake Porn: Could You Be Next?) and a patron for Y.E.S. (a youth services charity). Alongside Cosmopolitan, Jennifer has written for The Times, Women’s Health, ELLE and numerous other publications, appeared on podcasts, and spoken on (and hosted) panels for the Women of the World Festival, the University of Manchester and more. In her spare time, Jennifer is a big fan of lipstick, leopard print and over-ordering at dinner. Follow Jennifer on Instagram, X or LinkedIn.

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