nixit Cup Review | A Reusable Alternative

I like to point out that nixit is a reusable menstrual disc, so for the purposes of this nixit cup review, it’s actually a nixit disc review. For anyone wondering why, it goes back to the earliest tampon alternatives in the 1990’s: Softcup and Keeper Cup. Softcup was actually a disposable disc but everyone called it a menstrual cup. Today, most brands of “discs” refer to themselves as such but a few holdouts will still call themselves a cup, like nixit. Softcup changed its brand name to Softdisc a few years ago but it’s the same product. For clarity as an educator, I will always refer to nixit as a menstrual disc. This is not only more accurate as a visual (it looks like a disc, not a cup) but distinguishes it from cups that are inserted and worn differently than discs.

nixit Features

The nixit menstrual disc is made from high-quality medical-grade silicone. It’s perfectly round, has a double rim, and a generous catch. It’s intended to be “one-size” but as with all products, it’s not a true “one-size fits all device. There is no such thing. The capacity under a sink is 70 ml to the tippy top of the rim. Inside the body we have to assume it holds less due to the angle it’s worn at and any “squishing” in the body. The rim is 70 mm in diameter. Of all available reusable menstrual discs in the US, it’s the softest firmness. In the video, there is a segment showing how the discs look when removed and one advantage to a softer firmness disc is that it removes at a thinner size. This might be more comfortable for some users.

How nixit Compares to Other Reusable Discs

In diameter and capacity, nixit ranks very high amongst other reusable discs, especially of the choices in the US and Canada. You can view menstrual discs and cups on our sortable cup comparison chart. Below is a snapshot of discs available today and their measurements.

The design is simple but entirely functional. Being a softer reusable disc has advantages and disadvantages. A softer rim makes placement and “tucking into place” at insertion a little harder for some users. I myself prefer a firmer rim for this reason. Once placed, the softness might be more comfortable for you inside the body. It also may be more comfortable to remove because of how soft and flexible the rim is. For every reusable menstrual product, it seems an advantage for one attribute has a disadvantage. That’s why I love that we have so many menstrual disc options to choose from.

nixit Diameter Considerations and Cervix Height

The diameter of nixit is on the larger side and so for some users, it may not be possible to tuck it, or it may come untucked during wear. If this happens to you a smaller diameter rim could be a better fit. Certain brands suggest selecting your disc based on cervix height. The nixit may still work for those with a lower cervix. It’s all about how much room you have to tuck the disc into place. It’s always hard to determine if any reusable menstrual product will perfectly fit. I would suggest “low average – high cervix” heights work with the nixit. Bodies are so varied that even a high cervix user might find the diameter too large, or a low cervix person finds the nixit a perfect fit. Guidelines for sizing are helpful but not foolproof. You can always take the menstrual cup quiz on Period Nirvana for suggestions on which cup or disc is likely to fit you, then use that as a starting point.

Advantages of Using nixit and Reusable Discs

Silicone menstrual discs have certain advantages over reusable menstrual cups and these all apply to the nixit.

1. Can be worn during penetrative intercourse. nixit is a soft and smooth silicone; my partner can’t feel it during sex.
2. Possibility of Auto-Dumping. I find nixit auto-dumps for me only on the toilet; this makes removal less messy when my disc is partially empty. It also extends wear-time for users with a very heavy period.
3. Safer for IUDs. If you have an IUD in place it seems a disc is a safer option because it’s suction-free. Please visit this post on IUDs and Menstrual Cups for more details.
4. Higher Capacity. nixit holds 70 ml on paper, far more than any menstrual cup or tampon. It’s also going to catch larger clots making it a great option for those with super heavy and clotty periods.

nixit Review and Personal Experience

I’ve been using my nixit since it first came out several years ago. When I’m not testing products I do reach for a disc most, and nixit has historically been one of them. The softer rim is not as easy to tuck into place so I tend to reach for my Lumma High. That said, when I do use it I find the nixit as comfortable as my Lumma and just as leak-free. It also reliably auto-dumps for me but never at an inconvenient time.

Discs as a concept almost all work well for me and nixit is no exception. I can’t feel trhe nixit at all when being worn. I’ve tried it several times during intercourse and it wasn’t in the way and wasn’t detectable to my partner. Have you ever wondered how a nixit works during sex? All menstrual discs were inspired by the reusable barrier birth control method – the Diaphragm – which is also worn during intercourse by design.

The nixit rim and body are so soft that removal is more comfortable. When I wear the nixit I know it won’t leak a single drop. It’s in my top 5 most reliable period products and certainly a favorite. At $42 it is on the higher price range side but the unboxing experience is definitely fantastic.

Is Removal of the nixit Messy?

via GIPHY

Removal of the nixit is messy every time unless I’ve been able to auto-dump. I’ve never been able to “hook and drag” the rim for removal so when I remove my nixit I pinch the front rim. If it’s full I will have blood spill over onto my fingers. I am now used to this experience but it’s something to consider when you are thinking of trying a disc. When people ask if they should try a menstrual cup or disc first I do mention that cups are less messy and involved to remove. Baby steps, I find, are how most of us get more comfortable with these internal products.

In the US our tampons have applicators. Using any internal product that brings you into contact with your vaginal tissue and blood is a big change! We should be comfortable with our own bodies. As an advocate and educator in this space, I have to remind myself of the disgust we’ve been taught all our lives about periods and vaginas. It’s internalized, but using cups and discs will force you out of that zone. It’s an unexpected benefit to reusables. The mess was a major reason I didn’t want to try a menstrual disc at first, even as a cup user.

Where to Buy nixit

In the US? Find the nixit at our retail arm, Period.Shop

Outside of the US? Look at letsnixit.ca to see if they ship to your country.