You’ve heard of a menstrual cup, but what about a menstrual disc?

There's a lesser-known period product making its way into more menstruators' monthly routine: menstrual discs. 

Similar to menstrual cups, which have also been gaining popularity, discs are an alternative to traditional products like pads and tampons. They're becoming more commonplace, in part thanks to people looking for a more eco-friendly solution to their periods. And there are a few key distinctions that set discs apart from the other period products on the market these days. 

Dr. Jessica Shepherd, obstetrician-gynecologist and chief medical officer at Verywell Health, says discs are "absolutely" a healthy menstrual tool.

"Alternatives like cups and discs... are great ways for people to have options that are not necessarily in the pad or tampon range," she says.

How do menstrual discs works?

Unlike menstrual cups, which use suction to sit in the vaginal canal, discs use gravity to sit at the the base of the cervix, Shepherd explains. 

"Discs are held by gravity because of where they're placed, they're tucked behind the pelvic bone," she says. 

Most brands hold more than a tampon does, too. For example, Nixit discs hold 70mL of liquid, which is "more than 4 times what a super tampon holds," according to their website.

Discs can also be worn longer than a tampon, around 12 hours for most brands, where as the FDA recommends changing a tampon every 4 to 8 hours.

"I personally have found that it's amazing for getting in touch with your cycle and understanding your period," says Rachael Newton, who founded the menstrual disc company Nixit. "Before I used Nixit, I didn't ever really know when my heavy days were and when my light days were, it was always a bit of a guess... So I feel much more in tune with my body and my cycle."

Why people are turning to menstrual discs

While there are disposable disc brands like Softdisc and Flex Disc, re-usable disc brands are appealing to consumers looking for a more sustainable and budget-friendly option. 

Newton says she started on her personal journey to menstrual discs when she was looking to reduce household plastic waste.

"It's great if you're trying to be a bit more eco-conscious," she says, explaining that tampon and pad users throw away thousands of products in a lifetime that end up in landfills. 

And though a disc will cost you more than a box of tampons – Nixit, for example, retails for $42 – it'll last you much longer as it's "built to last for years" with medical grade silicone, making it an invest in a more affordable period in the long run. 

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While Shepherd says she would never pit period products against each other since everyone has their own personal preference, she does see sustainability being a factor in why people choose discs and cups.

Another reason? Discs can be worn during sex. 

"We've had lots of brides as well... (who have) been like, 'Thank you, Nixit, you saved my wedding' or 'You saved my honeymoon,'" Newton says.

While discs aren't necessary for sex during a period, Shepherd says they are a good option if it makes you more comfortable. However, she stresses one thing is important to remember: Discs do not protect against pregnancy or sexually-transmitted infections.

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