Flex vs. Diva Cup: A Complete Comparison and Guide to Choosing a Menstrual Cup

The average menstruating individual spends about 10 years of their life on their period. That’s 3,500 days of bleeding, cramps, cravings, and mood swings. 

Recently, period products have evolved leaving everyone with a variety of options to fit their lifestyle. 

You’ve heard about menstrual cups and discs, but which one is the right one for you?

We compare Flex vs. Diva Cup in this article and give you the low-down on some other popular period products on the market today. 

Table of Contents

• Flex vs. Diva Cup: Which One Is Better?
• Flex Pros and Cons
• Diva Cup Pros and Cons
• Are There Environmentally Friendly Alternatives to Menstrual Discs and Cups?
• Cora Organic Cotton Pads and Tampons
• ONDRwear Leak-Proof Underwear
• How to Choose the Right Period Product

Flex vs. Diva Cup: Which One Is Better?

Choosing between Flex vs. Diva Cup boils down to personal preference. Several factors that influence your decision between the two products may include:

• Cost
• Sustainability
• Insertion methods
• Ability to engage in sexual intercourse
• Convenience
• Comfort
• And more

Below, we explore the pros and cons of Flex vs. Diva Cup, as well as some alternatives that may be more suitable to your lifestyle.

Flex Pros and Cons

Not to be confused with menstrual cups, menstrual discs (like Flex) are disposable while having the ability to hold more than your average tampon.

The upside to using a Flex vs. Diva Cup?  

1. Flex Menstrual Discs are disposable and hold about 3 tampons-worth of menstrual blood, so you can leave it in for a good chunk of the day. 
2. They are not linked to   Toxic Shock Syndrome, which makes them a safer alternative to tampons. 
3. Because it moves with the body, it also may be able to reduce period cramps. 
4. Mess-free penetrative sex is possible with a menstrual disc and it’s likely that neither you nor your partner will feel the disc.

Sounds pretty good, right? Let’s have a look at the downsides: 

1. Menstrual discs are disposable and therefore create more waste.
2. Because the discs get thrown away, you have to purchase them every month, which can get expensive.
3. Discs hold slightly less menstrual fluid and will need to be changed more often than a cup, especially on heavy flow days.

How Does a Menstrual Disc Work?

The Flex menstrual disc is designed to stay in place using your anatomy. 

The vaginal walls and pubic bone work together to keep the disc in place within the vaginal fornix — the widest part of the vagina, located at the end of the canal. 

The pubic bone acts as a shelf while the vaginal muscles contract and hold the disc comfortably in place. 

When you’re ready to remove the Flex disc, you simply use your finger to hook into the pull tab of the disc to dislodge it, then carefully pull it out to avoid mess.

Diva Cup Pros and Cons

Menstrual cups have risen in popularity over the past few years. Although they seem intimidating at first, many wearers swear by menstrual cups as a cleaner, leak-proof alternative to tampons. 

What are the advantages of using a Diva Cup vs. Flex? 

1. DivaCup is made out of 100% medical-grade silicone without any chemicals, plastic, or dyes. 
2. You can wear it for up to 12 hours at a time. 
3. It holds more liquid than a menstrual disc.
4. It’s easy to clean between uses. Simply wash with warm water and Diva Cup cleaner. (Be sure to boil it in hot water before and after your period each month).  
5. Diva Cups can be reused for up to 1 year, making them a more environmentally-friendly option over a Flex disc.

Are there any disadvantages to using a Diva Cup?

1. The cup needs to be rinsed and cleaned between uses, which can be problematic in public restrooms. 
2. You’ll need to boil the cup at the end of every cycle to ensure it’s completely sterilized before the next use.
3. Sexual intercourse is not possible while using a menstrual cup as it blocks anything from entering the vaginal canal.

How Does a Menstrual Cup Work?

Menstrual cups use suction, along with a little help from the vaginal muscles, to stay in place. 

The cup is folded in half for insertion and then “pops” open, the edges forming a seal along the vaginal walls. This keeps the cup in place and prevents any leaks.

To break the seal of the cup, simply pinch the base of the cup and gently pull it out to avoid mess.

Are There Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Menstrual Discs and Cups?

These days, it seems like everything is wrapped in plastic — and  feminine products are no exception. 

Here are two  plastic-free alternatives you may find more appealing than using a disc or a cup.

Cora Organic Cotton Pads and Tampons

Pads and tampons are the most common period product out there. 

They’re known for: 

• Having a range of absorbances
• Being disposable; and 
• Are easily found in most convenience stores.  

Cora is transparent about what ingredients & materials go into each of their products, which makes it an obvious choice over major pad and tampon brands. 

Cora products are:

• Organic
• Hypoallergenic
• Vegan
• Biodegradable; and 
• Compostable

Certified organic cotton  ensures comfort to the wearer, while a plastic-free tampon applicator makes it a more sustainable option. 

ONDRwear Leak-Proof Underwear

Leak-proof underwear is a great period product for those who wish to be more sustainable with their period products and prefer a non-invasive method of stopping period leaks.  

Designed by a board-certified urologist,  ONDRwear features multiple styles with a plant-based liner that can hold up to 45mL — that’s a lot! 

Odor control and absorbent technology ensure that you can live life freely, without worrying about if you’re going to have to stop what you’re doing to prevent a leak. 

You can wear them alone or as a backup to your other favorite products. As a bonus, they’re useful for those who suffer from  incontinence or bladder leaks!

How To Choose the Right Period Product

Whether you’re choosing between Flex vs. Diva Cup or other options that may be more comfortable for you, there are many things to consider when choosing a period product that works for you and your lifestyle. 

While a disposable option may be cost-effective now, you might save more money in the long run by investing in a sustainable alternative.

If you have a heavier flow or a busier lifestyle, you might feel more comfortable using a product that doesn’t require you to change it every few hours as a backup to prevent leaks and stains, such as ONDRwear’s leak-proof underwear. 

Whatever you choose, know that you have the power to choose when it comes to your period! 

The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.