Menstrual products are designed to manage menstrual flow and help you maintain your comfort and confidence during periods. From pads and tampons to reusable options like menstrual cups and period panties, the options can seem overwhelming. Don't worry! We're here to help. 

In this article, we'll break down the pros and cons of various menstrual products, empowering you to make informed decisions that align with your lifestyle and personal preferences. We'll also explore how different menstrual products can affect your vaginal health, so you can make choices that support your overall well-being.

Pros & Cons of Different Menstrual Products

Finding the right feminine hygiene products is a personal journey. With pads, tampons, menstrual cups, and period underwear lining the shelves, it's easy to feel unsure about which option is the best fit.

Whether you're just starting your period or looking to try new products, let's dive into some of the most popular menstrual period products and their respective advantages and drawbacks.

Pads

Pads are absorbent period products that stick to your underwear to collect menstrual flow, offering an easy, external option for period protection.

Benefits of Pads

• Convenient and widely available: As one of the most frequently chosen period products, pads are easy to find in almost any store, making them a reliable option when you need them most⁽¹⁾.
• Versatile for light to heavy flow: Pads come in a variety of sizes and absorbencies, ensuring reliable protection for both light and heavy days⁽¹⁾.
• Worn externally: Pads are worn outside the body and provide a comfortable option for those who prefer non-internal products. Since they're worn externally, they're associated with a much lower risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), though regular changing is still important for proper hygiene⁽²⁾.
• Ideal for overnight use: Pads are recommended for use during the night or when menstrual flow is heaviest to reduce the risk of TSS, making them a safer alternative to tampons for extended wear⁽²⁾.

Potential Drawbacks of Pads

• Can feel bulky or uncomfortable: For those accustomed to tight-fitting clothing or other menstrual products like tampons, pads might feel a bit bulky or awkward.
• May cause irritation or chafing: Prolonged use can sometimes lead to skin irritation⁽³⁾. Opting for pads with breathable, fragrance-free materials can help minimize discomfort⁽⁴⁾.
• Not environmentally friendly: Disposable pads contribute to waste, as they cannot be flushed and must be discarded in the trash⁽⁵⁾.
• Require frequent changing: To maintain hygiene and prevent leaks, pads should be changed every few hours, especially during heavier flow days.

Tampons

Tampons are a popular alternative to pads, offering a discreet and convenient menstrual care option, especially for active lifestyles.

Benefits of Tampons

• Compact and discreet: Tampons are inserted into the vagina with or without an applicator, making them nearly invisible and a practical option for those on the go⁽⁶⁾.
• Ideal for sports and swimming: Unlike pads, tampons remain effective during physical activities, including swimming, without the worry of them getting wet or shifting⁽⁷⁾.
• Highly absorbent for heavy flow: Tampons are as reliable as pads for managing heavy periods, providing excellent absorption and protection⁽¹⁾.
• Variety of absorbencies: Available in different absorbances, tampons cater to light, medium, and heavy flows, allowing you to adjust as needed.

Potential Downsides of Tampons

• Comfort and safety considerations: Choosing the right tampon for your flow and changing it regularly is essential for comfort and safety. While rare, Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a potential risk, so it’s important to follow the instructions you get with your tampon box, which include wearing one for no more than 8 hours and using tampons only when you have your period. Consult your doctor if you have concerns⁽⁶⁾. 
• May cause dryness or irritation: Made from highly absorbent materials like rayon and cotton, tampons can absorb not only menstrual flow but also the vagina’s natural lubricant, potentially leading to dryness or irritation, especially if the absorbency level is too high for your flow⁽¹⁾.
• Requires regular changing (every 4-8 hours): For hygiene and freshness, tampons must be replaced every 4-8 hours⁽¹⁾.
• Not ideal for extended overnight use: Due to the need for regular changes, tampons may not be the best option for overnight use, particularly if you sleep longer than eight hours⁽²⁾.
• Insertion can be challenging for some: If you're new to tampons, insertion might feel uncomfortable at first, but proper technique and practice can help⁽⁶⁾.

Menstrual Cups

Menstrual cups are flexible, bell-shaped devices made out of medical-grade silicone that are inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood⁽¹⁾. 

Benefits of Menstrual Cups

• Environmentally friendly and reusable for several years: Menstrual cups reduce waste because they're reusable⁽⁸⁾. 
• Can be worn for up to 12 hours, depending on flow: Cups can be worn for up to 12 hours, depending on flow, providing a longer wear time compared to tampons⁽⁹⁾.
• Offer a comfortable alternative with less leakage: Menstrual cups are designed to offer comfort and better leak protection, making them a dependable choice during your period⁽¹⁰⁾. Additionally, many users report reduced cramping with cups, as their flexible design adapts to uterine contractions rather than resisting them⁽¹⁾.
• Cost-effective in the long run: While menstrual cups are initially more expensive than pads and tampons, they can last for several years, potentially making them more affordable⁽¹⁾. 

Potential Downsides of Menstrual Cups

• Learning curve for insertion and removal: Learning how to use a menstrual cup correctly takes practice to ensure it's properly inserted and can be easily removed⁽¹⁾. 
• Not suitable for people with certain medical conditions or anatomical differences: Menstrual cups may not be suitable for everyone, as comfort and fit can vary based on individual anatomy and medical conditions⁽¹¹⁾. It’s helpful to discuss your options with your healthcare provider if you have concerns about using internal period products. 
• May not be readily available in all locations: While you can purchase menstrual cups online, they may not be available in every convenience store near you, making them harder to get when you need one in a pinch. 
• Requires thorough cleaning and sterilization between cycles: Since menstrual cups are reusable, you'll need to thoroughly clean and sterilize them between uses.
• Similar safety considerations to tampons: Like tampons, there's a risk of TSS with menstrual cups⁽¹²⁾. However, following proper cleaning instructions and changing/emptying your cup as recommended helps maintain good hygiene.

Period Panties

Period panties are exactly what they sound like—underwear designed to be worn during your period, with a built-in, reusable pad for added protection.

Pros of Period Panties

• Absorbent and leak-proof: A comfortable alternative to traditional pads, period panties provide leak protection on days when you need it most. They work by using layers of microfiber polyester to pull moisture away from your skin and keep it from soaking through, while an outer layer with a water-resistant coating provides extra protection against leaks⁽¹⁾.
• Comfortable and easy to wear: They feel just like your regular underwear, making them a comfy option for everyday wear⁽¹³⁾.
• Ideal for light to moderate flow or backup protection: Period panties are perfect for lighter flow days or as backup protection when using tampons, thanks to their thin, breathable material⁽¹³⁾.
• Discreet and convenient: They look and feel like regular underwear, making them a discreet and convenient way to manage your period.

Possible Cons of Period Panties

• Limited absorbency compared to other products: Period panties are best suited for lighter flow days or as a backup alongside other products, like tampons or cups, during heavier periods. They may not provide sufficient protection on their own for very heavy flows^(13,14).
• Upfront costs are more expensive than tampons or pads: Period panties are more expensive than disposable pads or tampons. However, because they're re-wearable, they may actually be more affordable in the long run⁽¹⁾. 
• Require washing and proper care between uses: Period panties require maintenance. You should wash and dry them thoroughly between uses to prevent the buildup of bacteria. 

Reusable Cloth Pads

Reusable cloth pads are eco-friendly alternatives to disposable menstrual pads, designed to be washed and reused multiple times. 

Benefits of Reusable Cloth Pads

• Environmentally friendly: Because reusable cloth pads are designed to be reused over and over again, they're a sustainable alternative to pads and tampons. 
• Soft and comfortable against the skin: Reusable cloth pads are made of cloth, often cotton, which is gentle and breathable. Cotton's natural properties help reduce irritation and allow your skin to stay cool and comfortable throughout the day^{(15, 16)}.
• Can be customized for absorbency and size preferences: You can find cloth pads for any period need —whether you have a heavy flow or prefer a lighter, more breathable option. Some people even make their own cloth pads at home, tailoring them to their exact preferences for size, absorbency, and materials.
• Cost-effective in the long run: Despite the higher initial investment, reusable cloth pads are more cost-effective in the long run because you won't have to keep buying them every time you get your period⁽¹⁵⁾. 

Potential Downsides of Reusable Cloth Pads

• Require washing and proper care between uses: Like period panties, reusable cloth pads require regular cleaning and proper care between uses⁽¹⁵⁾.
• Limited availability in stores: Reusable cloth pads can be hard to find in local stores, often requiring you to shop online or visit specialty retailers to purchase them⁽¹⁷⁾.
• Can be bulkier and less discreet than disposable options: If you're looking for a thin panty liner, reusable cloth pads might not be a good alternative because they tend to be bulkier than thin disposable pads.
• May stain if not properly cared for: If you don't follow the care instructions, your reusable cloth pads can stain, although the same is true for any reusable alternative.

Considerations When Choosing Menstrual Products 

Everybody is unique, and choosing the right menstrual products is a personal decision based on your comfort, lifestyle, and individual needs. Understanding how different products impact vaginal health and interact with your body can help you make the best choices for your menstrual care. 

Comfort Throughout the Day (and night)

Everyone’s preferences are different—some find internal products like tampons or cups more comfortable, while others prefer external options like pads. It’s perfectly normal to explore various products until you find the one that works best for you⁽¹⁾.

How Products Affect Your Body

Your vagina naturally maintains an acidic pH balance, ranging from 3.8 to 4.5, which helps regulate bacteria growth and prevent the overgrowth of harmful microorganisms⁽¹⁸⁾. However, different menstrual products can influence your pH balance⁽¹⁹⁾.

Changes in vaginal pH during your period are normal, though sometimes these changes can make you more susceptible to common conditions like bacterial vaginosis^{(19, 20)}. Since there are many potential UTI causes, it’s helpful to consult with your healthcare provider if you notice any unusual symptoms or discomfort during or after your period. 

Another important consideration is Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), a rare but serious condition that occurs when bacteria release toxins into the bloodstream. While TSS is often linked to tampon use, it can happen for other reasons, including surgery or viral infections⁽²¹⁾. It can even affect people who don't menstruate.

Tampons themselves don't cause TSS, but improper use of tampons can increase the risk of TSS⁽²²⁾. Following recommended guidelines—such as changing tampons regularly and using the right absorbency—helps ensure comfort and safety⁽²¹⁾.

If you have any questions about tampon use or safety, always feel free to consult your doctor.

Skin Sensitivity

Everyone’s body reacts differently to the materials and ingredients in menstrual products. Some people may experience skin sensitivity to elements like fragrances or synthetic materials⁽²²⁾. Carefully reading ingredient labels can help you choose products that suit your body’s needs.

If you experience discomfort, experimenting with different materials or product types can help you find what feels most comfortable for you.

Tips for Vaginal Health During Menstruation

Taking care of your vaginal health during menstruation is essential for your overall well-being and comfort. Here are some key tips to help you maintain vaginal health while on your period:

Maintain Proper Hygiene

Maintaining proper hygiene during menstruation is key to keeping your vaginal area clean and healthy⁽²³⁾. Gently wash the area with mildsoap and water, and avoid harsh chemicals that can disrupt the natural pH balance of the vagina⁽¹⁶⁾.

Skip douching, as it can cause irritation and increase the risk of infection⁽¹⁶⁾. After washing, simply pat the area dry to prevent moisture buildup and ensure comfort throughout the day⁽¹⁶⁾.

Choose Menstrual Products Wisely

Pay attention to how different menstrual products feel and work with your body. Preferences for period products vary—some people may prefer options made from breathable, hypoallergenic materials, while others focus on finding products that fit their comfort and lifestyle needs.

Your body might respond differently to internal versus external products, or you may notice comfort changes throughout your cycle. Always follow the usage guidelines provided. These instructions help ensure safe and comfortable use, from changing intervals to proper insertion techniques for internal products.

Keep in mind that what works best for you may evolve over time. It’s completely normal to try different options until you find the perfect fit.

Prioritize Comfort

Choose menstrual products that offer a comfortable fit and suit your body’s needs. Avoid products that cause discomfort, chafing, or irritation, as these can lead to further skin issues. Take the time to explore different options and find what works best for you, ensuring maximum comfort throughout your menstrual cycle.

Stay Hydrated

Keep your body hydrated during your period by drinking plenty of water to support vaginal moisture and prevent dryness⁽²⁴⁾.

Consider keeping a reusable water bottle with you throughout the day as a helpful reminder to drink regularly.

Monitor Symptoms

Pay attention to any changes in vaginal discharge, period blood color, odor, or sensations during menstruation. If you notice anything unusual or experience discomfort, consult your doctor promptly.

Regularly monitoring your symptoms helps identify potential concerns early, supporting your overall vaginal health and well-being.

Practice Safe Sex

Prioritize your sexual and urinary health by having open and honest conversations with your sexual partners about preferences and concerns related to menstruation and intimacy. Practicing safe sex at all times, and during your period is essential for reducing the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and supporting overall vaginal health.

Prioritize Your Vaginal Health on Your Period

Your menstrual cycle is a natural part of your body’s rhythm, and caring for your vaginal health during this time is essential. Choosing the right menstrual products, practicing good hygiene, and staying aware of any changes in your body are key steps to maintaining your well-being.

Pay attention to your body’s signals, explore different products to find what suits you best, and don’t hesitate to consult your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.

Note: References to “female,” “women,” “male,” and “men” in this article refer to sex assigned at birth, not gender.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you suspect you may have a urinary tract infection (UTI) or another health concern, we recommend seeking professional medical care.