7 Best Menstrual Discs, According to Experts
Try out this comfy tampon alternative.
Expert consulted: Emma SeymourTextiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Associate Director
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If you wear tampons religiously but are looking for a convenient alternative, consider menstrual discs. Typically made from flexible silicone or other soft medical-grade materials, these discs collect your period’s flow once inserted and can usually be left in overnight (as well as during penetrative sex). Though they might take some getting used to, many users rave about their comfort and benefits. Plus, most menstrual discs are reusable so you’ll never have to rush out to the drug store to buy tampons ever again.
The experts and analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab test all sorts of must-have menstrual products from period underwear to tampons, pads and menstrual cups. When testing menstrual discs, our pros first vetted brands, materials and features before evaluating a majority of the menstrual discs featured below in our Lab. We also asked at-home testers to use each menstrual disc and share feedback on its comfort and ease of use. These are the best menstrual discs to help you forget you’re on your period, according to testing and rave reviews from consumers.
After our top picks, continue reading to learn more about menstrual discs, how to use them and how they compare to menstrual cups.
Saalt Menstrual Disc
Pros
- Reusable up to 10 years according to the brand
- Available in two sizes
- Features finger notch for easy removal
Cons
- Insertion and removal takes some practice
- Can feel a bit stiffer
Say goodbye to messy periods with this reusable menstrual disc from Saalt that's designed to fit snugly and comfortably just below your cervix. Sold in small and regular sizes, you can choose the right fit for your flow type or alternate depending on whether it's a heavy or lighter day. According to the brand, this disc is suitable for those with a high or low cervix and can be safely kept in place for several hours or while you sleep. When it's time, just grab the finger notch for easy removal.
"I appreciated how well it protected against leaks!" says Emma Seymour, Senior Textiles Analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute. "I didn't have any leaks when using this disc and once it was inserted properly, I didn't feel any discomfort while wearing it. Removal wasn't hard as there is a little indent to help pull it out." She does point out, however, that the disc felt a bit stiffer than others, which could make removal a bit less comfortable.
Flex Menstrual Disc
Pros
- Affordable
- Three sizes available
- Subscription box offered
Cons
- Doesn't include tab for removal
- Can become stained after a few uses
If you're new to menstrual discs, this option is not only a great value, but it's also beginner friendly. We like that one Flex disc is the equivalent of more than five super tampons, according to the brand, so once it's inserted you should be able to go about your day and forget about your period.
Also keep in mind that you can save some money on each box by subscribing via Flex's website for monthly deliveries, where you can also choose between light, medium and heavy flow discs. Though these are not reusable, you can purchase a reusable version from the brand. Seymour tested both types of discs and found each to be super comfortable for all-day wear, though did notice that the reusable disc became stained after a few uses.
Pros
- Reusable for five years according to the brand
- Comfortable according to online reviewers
Cons
- Only one size available
This menstrual disc made from soft, flexible silicone is one-size-fits-most and should be suitable for the majority of users. When pinched together, it's about the same size as a regular-sized tampon so insertion shouldn't be too intimidating. On top of hours of protection, you can reuse this disc by simply washing it after every use with water and mild soap and sterilizing it between cycles.
Pros
- Reusable for up to 10 years
- Features groove for easy insertion and removal
- Available in two rim styles
Cons
- Only available in one size
Thanks to a handy finger-groove design, inserting and removing the Cora menstrual disc should be a breeze. We like that it's reusable for up to 10 years and you have the choice between a Soft Fit or Perfect Fit disc. The main difference is that the Perfect Fit has a firmer rim that's ideal for first-time users. For easy cleaning between uses, consider purchasing Cora's Cup and Disc Cleanse online.
Pros
- Pull tab for easy removal
- Can purchase portable cleansing container
Cons
- Only available in one size
- Doesn't feel as secure according to testers
What makes this menstrual disc best for beginners is not only its one-size-fits-most design but its anti-slip pull tab that makes it easy to remove. "This disc was more flexible than the other ones I tried and I didn't notice any leaks," says Seymour. "It felt very comfy inserting and removing, which is what many people fear about menstrual cups and discs." She likes that it features a slight cover to help prevent leaks, but does note that it didn't feel quite as secure as other discs she tested due to the flexible design.
Like the majority of menstrual discs, this one is designed for several hours of use and can be kept in during penetrative sex. It should be able to hold the equivalent of seven regular tampons, which should be sufficient to get you through the day. For on-the-go cleaning when traveling, consider adding a portable cleansing container that's collapsable and easy to transport.
Pros
- Offered in three sizes
- Includes string for easy removal
- Three colorful designs
Cons
- Some online reviewers dislike white cloth storage bag
Can't seem to find a menstrual disc that feels like the right fit? We love that Lumma offers three unique sizes so you have the best fit for your cervix (check out this guide to find the right size for you). And unlike other menstrual discs, you have the choice among three fun colorful designs, each one featuring an attached string for easier removal.
Pros
- Reusable up to five years
- Offered in two sizes
Cons
- Can be awkward to insert or remove
Save some money by saying goodbye to tampons and pads and instead using this menstrual disc that's reusable for up to five years. While our pros haven't yet tested it in the Lab, we like that it comes with a carrying pouch so you can bring it with you when you're traveling. Several online reviewers found this disc more comfortable than June's menstrual cup, though point out that insertion and removal can feel tricky at first.
How we test menstrual discs
Analysts and experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Textile Lab rigorously test menstrual products from the most effective tampons to the best period underwear. When narrowing down the best menstrual discs, we reviewed each disc’s materials, specs, design and more in the Lab. Next, Lab experts and consumer testers tried out various menstrual disc styles at home to compare their ease of use, comfort and overall performance to provide us with firsthand feedback.
What are menstrual discs?
Unlike a tampon that absorbs the blood and uterine lining released during your cycle, a menstrual disc is inserted into the vagina to collect your period’s flow. Typically made from medical-grade silicone, menstrual discs are held in place by their rim in the vaginal fornix.
What are the differences between menstrual discs vs. menstrual cups?
Menstrual discs and menstrual cups are both alternatives to tampons that collect your period’s flow as opposed to absorbing it. Both products are reusable and can be very comfortable to wear. “Menstrual cups are cup-shaped to catch period flow and sit below the cervix in the vaginal canal with a suction seal,” explains Senior Textiles Analyst Emma Seymour. “Menstrual discs are bowl-shaped and generally sit a bit higher within the vaginal fornix behind your pelvic bone to stay in place without suction.”
There are pros and cons to each product and some users will find one more comfortable than the other. “Cups are generally a bit stiffer and have a longer end to remove it, while discs sit higher up so it’s a bit more work to remove,” explains Seymour.
Another major difference that Seymour shares: You cannot have penetrative sex with a menstrual cup inserted as it sits in the vaginal canal, but you can have penetrative sex with a disc inserted. It should be safe to sleep while wearing both menstrual discs and menstrual cups.
Unlike with menstrual cups, some menstrual disc users notice that when they sit on the toilet, the disc will automatically empty. This doesn’t mean that discs are more likely to leak during use — your pelvic bone shifts when you sit on a toilet, which can cause this “auto-dumping” phenomenon to occur. This doesn’t happen to all menstrual disc users — it depends on individual fit and anatomy — but this hands-free emptying can be an added convenience.
How long can you wear a menstrual disc?
Our pros recommend wearing a menstrual disc for 4 to 6 hours for the first several uses to get a better understanding of your flow. Once you feel comfortable, you should be safe to wear a disc for a full day, but always double-check the instructions or consult your OB-GYN.
How do you use a menstrual disc?
Inserting a menstrual disc might take some practice at first, so take the time to read over the instructions manual which should cover not only instructions on use but also care tips and answers to frequently asked questions.
Here’s how to insert and remove a menstrual disc:
- Squeeze the disc’s sides together.
- Insert the disc into the vagina as far back as it will comfortably go, then tuck the disc's front rim behind your pubic bone.
- To remove the disc, hook your finger under the disc’s rim and carefully pull it out.
How to choose the best menstrual disc for you
✔️ Size: While some menstrual discs come in one-size-fits-most, you might want to choose one that offers various sizes to get the best fit. For instance, if you're new to menstrual discs, have a particularly active lifestyle or have given birth, you may benefit from measuring your cervix and choosing the right size for you.
✔️ Flow: Most menstrual discs can hold the equivalent of several tampons worth of flow, but if you're someone who has extremely light periods you might want to opt for a smaller disc. You could also consider getting two different sizes to accommodate for lighter and heavier period days.
✔️ Ease of use: Some menstrual discs come with design features that make them easier to remove than others. If you are concerned about removal, look for ones that have built-in tabs or grooves for your fingers.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Emma Seymour is a Senior Textiles Product Analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She’s been at GH for more than four years, leading tests for period products like menstrual cups and tampons as well as intimate categories, including bralettes, underwear and wireless bras. With a degree in fiber science and apparel design from Cornell University, she has extensive research experience, particularly focused on athletic wear.
GH Institute analyst Olivia Lipski closely collaborated with Seymour to write this guide based on our Textiles Lab's extensive testing data.
Olivia (she/her) is a senior reviews writer and analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she tests and writes about tech, home, travel, fitness, parenting and health products. Since joining GH in 2021, she has continued to leverage her extensive product reviews experience by staying on top of the industry’s latest innovations and helping readers make better buying decisions. Olivia is a graduate of the George Washington University, with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, political science and French, and she holds a master’s degree in communications from Sciences Po Paris.
Emma Seymour (she/her) is the associate director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance.
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