Switching from Cups to Discs?
I have been a cup user for 7 years.
I started out with a Lunette and I loved it. It never leaked on me. But…I kept noticing the pressure on my bladder. Eventually I purchased a Si Bell cup which I loved even more. It was a lot softer and I never felt any bladder pressure. BUT my cervix would sit in the cup and it would suction around my cervix so tight that it was difficult to remove. So then I purchased a Saalt cup after taking the “put a cup in it quiz.” It is not as soft as my si bell, but softer than the Lunette. It does leak if it fills up too much (which my Lunette never did) maybe disrupting the suction? But I am still having some pressure on my bladder
Anyways, I am looking into discs as I have heard they don’t put pressure on your bladder like cups.
What should I know looking into discs? I know they are messy on removal. Are any of them “soft” and don’t put pressure on the bladder. What should I look for in a disc?
Where would you recommend I start? I was thinking about buying some disposable softdiscs or flexdiscs to figure it out before investing in a disc. Bad/good idea?
Discs are a hit or miss. Some people love them and others don’t.
Because they are inserted and positioned differently than a cup, they’re not supposed to apply any extra pressure. However, there have been complaints about the SoftDisc/FlexDisc being too firm.
The SoftDisc/FlexDisc and the Cora Disc all have very firm rims, but the Cora Disc is smaller in diameter and may not apply the extra pressure.
The Lumma Disc is of medium firmness. It has enough firmness to open, but is still soft enough to manipulate into place.
The Ziggy Cup (disc) and the Nixit are very soft. Some (like myself) find them difficult to insert as they bend over themselves with even the slightest of pressure. Their double rim has also caused some irritation during removal. It’s like a dragging, burning, feeling. I know that I’m not the only one who has experienced this sensation.
In my opinion, discs are great for individuals with light to moderate flow. Those with a heavy flow may want to empty it more often.
They will leak when you use the toilet. Some call this “auto-dumping” and the Cora Disc even lists this as a benefit. However, every disc that I’ve used has done this whether I’m on the toilet or not 🙁 If the disc is even a little too full and I bear down in any way; cough, sneeze, laugh, squat, stand from a sitting position, carry something heavy, etc., I risk the chance of leaking. It’s not even a little leaking, it’s a gush.
While I use a disc on a regular basis (normally at night for adult activity), I don’t trust it enough to use it all day, every day, while my period is on the heavier side.
I understand that you have been an avid cup user for many years but here’s my thought process…
Lunette – very firm
Saalt – Shorter with a wider body
Si-Bell – Bell-shaped with flared rim
Shorter cups and bell-shaped cups tend to ride up and sit higher around the cervix in the vaginal fornix (the area around the cervix that expands upward and outward). Cups with a flared rim will snuggle up even more than a standard rim. The cervix can/will sit more deeply into the cup and compromise the capacity.
Cups with a wide body can apply more pressure to the bladder, urethra, and rectum. More so if they are also firm. While the Saalt Cup has a soft and regular firmness, I would consider the “soft” version to be more of a medium firmness compared to other cups.
Here are some cup options for you to look into:
Alternative options for Si-Bell and Saalt
Venus Cup (based on the large) – The rim is about the same firmness while the body is slightly firmer. The body is a little longer and has a standard rim. The Venus Cup holds 47ml max. Since it doesn’t have a flared rim, you may not experience as strong of a seal around the cervix.
LaliCup (based on the medium) – The medium has just about the same body length as the Si-Bell. However, the LaliCup features a standard rim that may not ride up as high in the vaginal fornix. This cup has channels similar to the channels on the body of the Si-Bell but is completely around. This helps the cup to fold up easier and smaller as well as helps it open up after pressure is released. These channels can collapse independently and may help ease the pressure off of one area. This cup holds 36ml.
Alternative options for Lunette
EvaCup (USA, not Italy. Based on the large) – The EvaCup is only a tad longer than the Lunette but is much softer overall. I would consider the rim to be of medium firmness while the body is soft/medium. While this cup probably won’t offer a higher capacity, it may be much more comfortable against sensitive areas.
Hannah Cup (based on the large) – Again, this cup is only a tad longer than the Lunette but is much softer overall. While the rim is slightly firmer than the EvaCup, the cup’s body tapers quicker as it nears the stem and may ease some pressure. And like the EvaCup, it probably won’t offer a higher capacity.
I know you weren’t looking for cup suggestions, but I thought that I might share them just in case.
If you choose a menstrual disc, I would recommend the Lumma. It seems the easiest to use and is available in three different sizes. They normally have a 2 for 1 sale in which you can choose two different sizes. I always suggest the medium and large. Although I’m not sure if they still honor my code, you can try the discount code: redherringtv through the Lumma site. I do not gain a profit, so please don’t feel obligated.
Also, use backup protection (liner or pad) and/or stay home while you’re testing.
Good Luck! <3
Red Herring
@redherringtv
RedHerringTV on YouTube
*I do NOT own this website and I do NOT stand to gain profit from sales from the discs or cups that I’ve mentioned here.
