Menstrual Discs vs. Tampons: Which Is Better for You?

When it comes to managing your period, the choice of product can significantly affect your comfort, convenience, and environmental impact. Among the many options available, menstrual discs and tampons are two popular choices. While both serve the same purpose—collecting menstrual fluid—there are key differences between them. In this article, we’ll compare menstrual discs and tampons, highlighting the benefits, potential drawbacks, and factors to consider to help you decide which is better for you.

1. What Are Menstrual Discs and Tampons?

Menstrual Discs: A menstrual disc is a flexible, circular, and typically flat disc-shaped device that sits in the vaginal canal, resting on the cervix. Unlike tampons, which absorb menstrual fluid, Menstrual Discs collect it. They are typically made from medical-grade silicone, rubber, or other flexible materials. Some menstrual discs are reusable, while others are disposable.
Tampons: Tampons are cylindrical, absorbent products designed to be inserted into the vaginal canal to absorb menstrual blood. They are usually made from cotton, rayon, or a blend of both. Tampons come in different absorbency levels to accommodate varying flow intensity, and they have a string attached for easy removal. Most tampons are single-use, though some organic or biodegradable options are available.

2. Comfort and Fit

Menstrual Discs: One of the main selling points of menstrual discs is their comfort. Menstrual discs sit higher in the vaginal canal compared to tampons, resting at the base of the cervix. This allows for a feeling of “nothing in there” once properly inserted. Most users report that they forget they’re wearing a menstrual disc because it’s discreet and doesn’t cause dryness or irritation.
However, the learning curve for insertion and positioning can be a bit tricky for first-time users. Menstrual discs may also be uncomfortable for people with a tilted or low cervix, as the disc needs to rest securely at the base of the cervix to avoid leaks.
Tampons: Tampons are also designed for comfort and are easy to insert once you’ve found the right absorbency level. They sit lower in the vaginal canal than menstrual discs and absorb menstrual fluid rather than collecting it. Tampons are small, discreet, and generally comfortable, but some people experience dryness, irritation, or discomfort when using them for long periods of time, especially with higher absorbency levels. Additionally, improper insertion or removal can cause discomfort.
Tampons may also cause discomfort if they are inserted too high or if the string is not properly positioned.

3. Absorbency and Leak Protection

Menstrual Discs: Menstrual discs are known for their superior capacity to hold fluid, which is one of the reasons they are ideal for heavier flows. They collect menstrual blood and vaginal secretions, holding more fluid than most tampons. Many users find that they can wear a menstrual disc for up to 12 hours without needing to change it, making it a low-maintenance choice during the day or overnight.
Since menstrual discs form a seal around the cervix, leaks are less common if the disc is properly positioned. However, if the disc is overfilled or improperly inserted, there may be a risk of leaks, especially if worn for too long.
Tampons: Tampons come in a variety of absorbency levels, from light to super absorbent, which allows users to tailor their tampon choice to their flow. Tampons absorb menstrual fluid directly, and when inserted correctly, they are effective at preventing leaks. However, if left in too long (typically more than 8 hours), tampons can become saturated, increasing the risk of leaks.
Tampons can also be prone to shifting or slipping if not inserted properly, which may lead to leaks, especially on heavy flow days.

4. Duration of Use

Menstrual Discs: Menstrual discs are designed to be worn for up to 12 hours before needing to be emptied, making them ideal for long periods of wear without needing to change. This long wear time makes menstrual discs a great option for overnight use or busy days when you don’t want to worry about changing your period product frequently.
Tampons: Tampons should typically be changed every 4–8 hours to maintain hygiene and prevent the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), which is linked to wearing tampons for extended periods. While this frequent changing can be inconvenient, it’s important for safety reasons. For people with heavier flows, this may mean more frequent changes during the day, especially on the first few days of menstruation.

5. Environmental Impact

Menstrual Discs: Reusable menstrual discs are an eco-friendly option because they can last for years with proper care, reducing the amount of waste generated compared to disposable products. Even disposable menstrual discs, which are less common, are often made from biodegradable materials, making them a better option than tampons in terms of environmental impact.
Tampons: Traditional tampons are single-use products that contribute significantly to landfill waste. Many tampons contain synthetic fibers, such as rayon or polyester, and are wrapped in plastic packaging, which can take years to decompose. While organic and biodegradable tampons are available, they are still single-use, contributing to environmental waste.
If you’re looking for a more sustainable choice, switching to reusable products like menstrual discs, cups, or cloth pads may be more eco-friendly than using disposable tampons.

6. Health Considerations

Menstrual Discs: Menstrual discs are generally considered safe to use, as long as they are made from body-safe materials like medical-grade silicone. Proper hygiene is important to avoid infections, so it’s crucial to wash your hands before handling the disc and clean the disc thoroughly after every use. If left in too long, menstrual discs can pose a risk for Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), though this risk is low with proper usage.
Tampons: Tampons also carry a risk of TSS, which can occur when tampons are left in for too long or are not changed regularly. The absorbent material can create an environment for bacteria to grow, leading to infection. To reduce the risk of TSS, tampons should be changed every 4–8 hours, and the lowest absorbency necessary should be used. Some people may also experience vaginal irritation or dryness from the chemicals used in conventional tampons.

7. Cost and Maintenance

Menstrual Discs: Reusable menstrual discs are more expensive upfront compared to tampons, but they can last for months or even a year with proper care, making them a cost-effective option in the long run. Disposable menstrual discs are typically more affordable but not as environmentally friendly. You’ll need to clean and maintain reusable discs to keep them in good condition.
Tampons: Tampons are relatively inexpensive and convenient, but the cost can add up over time, especially if you have heavy periods. Because tampons are single-use, you’ll need to purchase them regularly, which can be an ongoing expense. Organic and eco-friendly tampons are generally more expensive than regular tampons.

Conclusion: Which Is Better for You?

Both menstrual discs and tampons offer unique benefits, and which one is better for you depends on your individual preferences, lifestyle, and needs.

Choose menstrual discs if:
- You prefer a longer-lasting, low-maintenance period product (12 hours of wear).
- You want a more eco-friendly or reusable option.
- You have a heavier flow and need higher capacity for fluid collection.
- You value comfort and discretion, as menstrual discs are less likely to cause dryness and are virtually invisible.
Choose tampons if:
- You’re looking for a widely available, easy-to-use, and familiar option.
- You don’t mind changing your product regularly.
- You prefer a product that absorbs menstrual fluid rather than collecting it.
- You want a convenient option for short-term wear, especially for light to medium flow days.