Whether you tend to have a heavy period or experience a few heavy flow days along with your cycle, we’ve got your bottom half covered. From discs to cups and period underwear too, here are our top picks for what to use for heavy periods.
Menstrual Discs for Heavy Periods
A menstrual disc is made of medical-grade silicone and it’s our first option for heavy period bleeding. According to a recent study, menstrual discs are the best choice for heavy periods because they have the highest capacity of any menstrual product available. Instead of soaking up blood like tampons or pads, it collects it until you pull it out and empty the blood. Menstrual discs can be safely worn for 8-12 hours as they have a higher capacity compared to cups. Their measured capacity will be on average 50 ml – 70 ml, though when in the body they likely hold a bit less due to the angle at which they sit in the body. Here are the eight options we like for heavy periods:
This disc is easy to use and fit as it is a ‘one size fits most’ model and is made from soft, premium FDA-registered silicone. The Hello Disc holds the equivalent of 3-5 tampons and is held in place by being tucked under the pubic bone rather than via suction. This makes it an even better option if you have an IUD. We ranked this as number one because the unique double-loop tab makes it easier to remove than other discs. The tab enables users to pick from 4 wear styles making the Hello Disc ideal for first-time users of any cervix height. Hello Disc boasts a 5-star rating on Google based on user reviews. Find it in stock now at Period Nirvana.
Made with medical-grade silicone for a comfortable and effective fit, the Poppins Period Disc holds more than 50 ml so you can feel confident in your disc even on your period’s heaviest days. The removal loop is an added bonus.
The Lumma Menstrual Disc is the only reusable menstrual disc to offer 3 sizes: Short, Medium, and High. If you have a lower cervix (a shorter vaginal canal) you will want to choose the SHORT or MEDIUM sized Lumma Disc. If your cervix is average or higher you will want to select the size HIGH. Most people will find that the larger size, Lumma HIGH, is the best option.
Heavy-period favorite, the Flex Disc is the firmest reusable menstrual disc available – and the unique notch feature means folding the disc to insert is super simple, plus we love the one-size-fits-most design. This disc holds an impressive 70 ml.
The Diva Disc has been consciously designed for increased comfort, ease-of-use, and up to 12 hours of continuous period protection. The sloped basin and patent-pending Leakproof Shield™ prevent mid-wear leaks and messy removal making it perfect for heavy period bleeding.
Also good for heavy flows, the Nixit is a good alternative to tampons or menstrual cups. The softer rim folds to a narrow width for easier insertion.
Menstrual Cups for Heavy Period Bleeding
A menstrual cup also collects blood rather than absorbing it. Menstrual cups are most often made from medical-grade silicone, but they can also be made from a flexible, rubber-like material called thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Fit always comes first when looking for your menstrual cup so be sure you have a good combination of a cup that can stand up to your flow that is also the right length and diameter for your body. The average menstrual cup will hold between 20 ml – 30 ml. Higher capacity menstrual cups can hold 30 – 50 ml. Here are four cups when you’re looking for what to use for heavy periods:
KIND Cups are good for users who have a very heavy flow and need a higher capacity. These cups come in small or regular sizes. The size Regular has the most capacity, at 35 ml when the average larger menstrual cup holds just 30 ml.
Ideal for those with a low cervix and especially those with a low cervix and a heavy flow. It has a capacity of 38 ml, which is roughly equal to two large tampons. It is also comparable to longer bullet-shaped cups.
This is the highest capacity cup on the market, with a 50 ml capacity–so think about the same as three large tampons. Its rounded bottom provides more space for collecting versus similar sized cups with a tapered, bullet design.
Period Underwear for Heavy Flow Days
These period underwear options go above and beyond in offering fuller coverage that works well for heavier periods and overnights. We would suggest period underwear from Saalt Wear in their Super absorbency range or products. Here are our favorites for heavy periods:
Best for your heaviest days, overnight, postpartum wear, or bladder leaks. This full-coverage cut combined with a super-absorbency gusset helps keep leaks at bay. Its luxe, four-way stretch is designed to flex with you through periods, early pregnancy, or weight changes.
This style has more gusset coverage so it packs extra absorbency power. It can replace a full 7 pads or 10 regular tampons of flow, which makes it a great overnight option or for heavy period bleeding during the day.
You can shop all of the above period products for heavy periods at Period Nirvana!
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