Period Underwear, Cup, or Disc: Which One is Right for Me?

Remember that period care is very personal, and as much as we can try to relate to all, everyone’s flow and lifestyle is different. We’ve included a handy table at the end for a quick, side-by-side comparison. 

Now, let’s break it down.

Period underwear 

Period underwear might be the right choice for you, if:

• You tend to get painful cramps or discomfort with insertion products 
• You’re not a fan of fumbling with your vagina while on your period
• Seeing your own menstrual blood makes you squeamish
• You’re a lifelong pad wearer, looking to make the switch to something more sustainable

How does it work? 

Period underwear works just like regular underwear, except for its absorbent gusset that soaks up menstrual blood. The ultra-absorbent, leak-proof fabric quickly locks in all moisture, keeping you safe and dry for as long as 12 hours (day and night).   

If this still sounds like dark magic, just think about a regular menstrual pad you know so well. The idea is the same, only these are comfy, and you can use them again and again. 

After use, you simply rinse your period pants, throw them in the wash, and hang up to dry, so they’re ready the next day. 

Take a look at our selection of period underwear to find out more. 

The strong points

Insertion-free. That means all-day comfort and security without the need to put anything up there. Perhaps the first day or two you’re just too sore to even think about a foreign body entering your own. Simply slip into a pair of underwear instead and let it hug you gently. 

Mess-free. If you like to keep blood out of sight, period pants might be the one. Not everyone wants to come face to face with menstrual blood, and that’s completely fine. Period underwear absorbs it all, nice and neat. 

The cosy no-method method. Whether you’re lounging, sleeping, running, or just going about your day, the pants just…got you. There’s something freeing about wearing underwear that does the job on its own, with no practice or otherl tools required. 

Things to keep in mind 

You might need a few pairs. If you’re only planning on using period underwear from now on, you may need to invest in more than one pair. The pants need time to dry between washes, and it’s good to have a backup in your bag to avoid surprises. 

Tricky mid-day change. Our period pants are meant to absorb 1-4 tampons’ worth, so the actual wearing time will vary based on how heavy your flow is. If you’re out and about, you should carry an extra pair with you. For those who travel extra light, a cup or a disc might be more discreet and convenient. 

Limited life cycle. The pants are way more eco-friendly than their single-use cousins, but an item washed so frequently will eventually reach its expiration date. The cup and disc are a more robust alternative. 

 

Menstrual cup 

A menstrual cup might be a good match if you:

• Enjoy the complete freedom that comes with tampons but want a long-lasting, sustainable alternative 
• Live a busy, active life - swimming, running, headstands, you name it 
• Like to wear a thong when on your period 
• Don’t mind getting a little hands-on with blood

How does it work? 

The menstrual cup is a small, soft, tulip-shaped cup with a stem, made out of medical-grade silicone. Once inserted into the vagina, it collects period blood instead of absorbing it. How exactly? It’s simple! 

Fold: For beginners, we recommend the “punchdown” fold. It creates a small, easy-to-insert tip and helps the cup stay folded during insertion.

Insert: It may take a cycle or two to get the hang of it. Be patient, once it clicks it’s like second nature. When inserted correctly, the cup will unfold and create a gentle, leak-proof seal.

Remove and rinse: When it’s full, pinch the base of the cup to release the suction (you don’t actually pull the stem!), empty it into the toilet, rinse, and reinsert. 

Head to our “how to use” guide for more details and a video tutorial. 

The strong points

It’s like it’s not there. Once snugly in place, the cup quietly does its work for up to 12 hours. That means you can go about your day, in your favourite underwear, and not feel like you’re bleeding at all. If you’re a former tampon user who likes the freedom they provide, you will love the cup. 

It’s safe. The cup does not interact with your body in the same way as absorbent single-use products. It’s hypoallergenic and chemical-free, which means less irritation, less dryness, and less odor. 

Low maintenance. The cup is compact and easy to clean and reuse, even on the go. The only thing you need to remember is to keep your hands clean and sanitize the cup by boiling it between periods. No special equipment required. 

Things to keep in mind 

It takes time to get used to. There’s a learning curve with inserting and removing the cup. For most people, that means 1-3 cycles of practice before you master it. It’s a commitment that pays off, but if you’re not up for that, period underwear might be a better fit. 

You’ll get up close and personal. Using the cup means touching your body and seeing blood up close. For some, it’s a way to connect with their body and its natural rhythm better. 

You can’t have sex with the cup inside. The cup sits quite low in the vaginal canal, so there’s no space for anything else. However, it can work with non-penetrative sexual activities. For fully mess-free period sex, check out the disc. 

Menstrual disc 

A menstrual disc will be a great fit, if you: 

• Have a heavy flow and need foolproof maximum capacity 
• Suffer from painful cramps and found the cup added more pressure to the mix
• Like having sex on your period but don’t like the mess
• Don’t mind spending the time to master the method 

How does it work?

The menstrual disc is a soft, flexible disc made from 100% medical-grade silicone. It’s similar to the cup, but instead of creating a seal in the vaginal canal, it collects blood while tucked up behind your pubic bone – no suction required. 

It might look big at first, but it will adapt to your inner curves. Some find that gently twisting the rim when folding it might make it easier to insert. 

The insertion and removal require a bit of practice to find the right angle and positioning, but the idea is the same as with the cup: you insert, let it unfold behind your pubic bone, then remove and rinse when you’re ready. 

The strong points

Extra capacity for heavy bleeders. The disc holds up to 50ml of blood (6+ tampons), making it a very reliable day and night option for those with a heavy flow. 

Friendly to IUD users and cramps. The no-suction seal means IUD users can safely use the disc, and it won’t add any pressure to the vaginal walls. Some have said it helped alleviate painful cramps. 

Messy-free period sex is a thing. Because of its high placement, the disc won’t interfere during penetrative sex, while keeping you leak-free at the same time. 

Things to keep in mind

There’s a learning curve. You might be an expert with cups and tampons, but the disc is its own category. Getting the angle right takes some perseverance, and it might call for a few deep breaths when pulling it out. Give it 2-3 cycles to get there. 

One size only. For now, the disc only comes in one capacity. As much as we don’t think it has to get any bigger, you might want to choose from the 3 cup sizes available if you don’t bleed heavy and want to size down. 

Side-by-side comparison