From puberty, most girls grow up believing there are only two options for managing their monthly flow: tampons or pads. But these traditional period products come with some concerns. Beyond the worry about embarrassing leaks, there are environmental concerns and wonderings about health conditions like toxic shock syndrome, or TSS. Fortunately, there are innovative products — many made by and for women — that are making that time of the month that much easier. While all period products come with their own pros and cons, there are many options that may better fit your life. Plus, the cost savings can be significant. For example, a woman spends an average of $10 per month on disposable tampons and pads. A reusable menstrual cup costs about $30 and lasts 5-10 years. That adds up to thousands in savings. Read on for five alternatives to tampons and pads that put you in better control of your period. 

Common alternatives to pads and tampons

There are a variety of menstrual innovations women can turn to, to replace tampons or pads. Think reusable, lower-cost options and non-plastic, environmentally friendly products. Here are five worth considering. 

1. Reusable menstrual cups

Women and girls often turn to tampons because, when used correctly, they can mean less mess. But tampons aren’t the only way to keep it cleaner during your period. Menstrual cup benefits are many. It is a discreet, small, flexible alternative that gets inserted into the vagina. It rests snugly against the vaginal walls and catches, rather than absorbs, menstruation.

Pros:

• Reusable menstrual cups are eco-friendly and low cost

• Disposable options are soft, like a diaphragm, and can be worn during sex

• Cups can collect up to one ounce, or twice as much as a super-absorbent pad or tampon

• There is less odor because the cup forms an airtight seal

Cons:

• Just like tampons, menstrual cups come with the very rare risk of TSS

  • TIP: Choose cups that are made from thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) over silicone

• It takes some practice to get comfortable inserting and removing

2. Period underwear

If you’re sick of relying on bulky pads or having to insert a period product, this menstrual saving grace may blow your mind. What exactly is period underwear? These subtle flow catchers are more like regular underwear. They collect flow like a pad but are much less bulky. 

Pros:

• They come with a special layer to prevent leaks but aren’t bulky

• The underwear absorbs as much as two regular tampons

• They’re washable and reusable; stylish, functional, and comfortable; and come in every style, from briefs to hip-huggers

Cons:

• If your flow is on the heavier side, you may still need a backup liner. Or, use them on your lighter days.

  

3. Reusable cloth pads

If you’re comfortable using pads but want an eco-friendlier option, there are a variety of reusable cloth pads available. Some products come as a two-part system, with one piece that attaches to your underwear that allows the second piece, a washable cloth liner, to slide in. 

Pros:

• Reusable cloth pads can last up to five years, making them more affordable long-term

• You’ll send less trash to landfills

Cons:

• Even reusable cloth pads come with a messiness factor

 

4. Menstrual sponge (880)

Sponges aren’t just handy for washing dishes. These genius period protectors, derived from the sea, offer a natural way to go with the flow for up to six menstrual cycles.

Pros:

• They’re free from harsh chemicals like bleach, chlorine, fragrance, dyes, or synthetic materials

• Sea sponges are fully bio-degradable

• They’re more cost-effective because you can use them for several cycles

• You can trim a sponge for a custom vaginal fit

Cons:

• Because they’re sourced from the sea, menstrual sponges may contain dirt, sand, grit, and bacteria. Proper cleaning before every use is a must to keep bacteria out.

5. Menstrual discs

No, it’s not a frisbee for your feminine parts. Menstrual discs are yet another inventive alternative for managing menstruation. Unlike tampons or cups, menstrual discs don’t plug the opening of the vagina. They sit on what’s called the vaginal fornix, or the posterior part of your vagina. From there, it collects your flow instead of absorbing it. 

Pros:

• Menstrual discs come in single-use or reusable options

• They can be worn up to 12 hours and hold five times the amount of a regular tampon

• They offer mess-free period sex

• They insert like a tampon and offer a comfortable fit once in place

• Women find them easy to remove

Cons:

• Some women have had to reposition the disc during use

We’re Here to Help

Whichever period product you choose, proper use of them is a must. If you have questions about period products or the safe use of them, we’re ready to answer. Call the Kaldas Center at 920-886-2299.