Sustainable period products are becoming more and more common, from reusable sanitary pads and period underwear to silicone menstrual cups. Single-use period products like tampons and disposable pads still provide convenience, ease of use, and a lower price point up front, but period havers who want to lower their carbon footprint might consider eco-friendly options like reusable cups, which save money in the long run. Of course, they require more upkeep to ensure lasting period hygiene over the years.
Beyond sustainability, there are plenty of other factors to consider when deciding between pads and menstrual cups, like personal preference, comfort level, and lifestyle. There's no right answer; it's just what's right for you and your menstrual flow. At LOLA, we're dedicated to making period care cleaner and more transparent so you can make the educated choice that best supports your health and wellbeing. Let's break down the differences between the two options to help you decide.
Understanding Your Options
What Is a Menstrual Cup?
A menstrual cup is a reusable, flexible cup that you insert into the vagina to capture period blood. It provides strong leak protection, held in place by a naturally-created suction "seal" formed by the cup's shape and your own pelvic muscles, and can hold up to seven tampons' worth of liquid. Made of medical-grade silicone, menstrual cups are hypoallergenic and long-lasting with proper upkeep (up to 5 years!). Users wear reusable cups 8-12 hours on average. To make yours last, and to practice good period hygiene, we recommend washing and cleaning your cup with every use, and sterilizing it in boiling water for 3-5 minutes on your first use and between cycles.
What Are Menstrual Pads?
Menstrual pads come in two forms: disposable pads, or reusable cloth pads. Both are fitted inside your regular underwear and secured in place using adhesive wings or snaps. Disposable pads are single-use, while reusable cloth pads require washing in between use with cold water and soap or mild detergent.
LOLA's pads with wings are made with soft, 100% organic cotton, and absolutely no toxins or synthetic fragrances, so you won't have to worry about skin irritation. A moisture-wicking top sheet ensures high absorbency, making them comfortable to wear all day (and a great option for coverage overnight).
Both disposable pads and cloth pads are highly-absorbent, reliable options. Which one you prefer comes down to your lifestyle–whether you're more about ease and convenience right now, or you're willing to invest in an eco-friendly product that will last, but requires upkeep.
Menstrual Cup vs Pads: How Do They Compare
Comfort and Convenience
Wearing reusable cups definitely requires a learning curve at first, while pads you simply place in your underwear and go. But cups provide a freedom of movement and barely-there feel that some active users prefer, compared to the occasional bulkiness of pads. On the other hand, first-time users might find pads easier and more comfortable to start with—and they may want to stick with what's familiar.
Cost and Longevity
Reusable cups will cost you more upfront–between $20-$40 on average–but that one-time investment will last you up to five years. At only $28, LOLA's menstrual cup is on the lower end (and HSA/FSA eligible), so you're not only making a long-lasting investment, but beginning at a very reasonable starting cost. Disposable pads are cheaper to purchase–costing $6.50 per pack on average–but the catch is you have to buy new ones every month, so that can add up over time. The average person spends between $60 and $120 annually on tampons or pads, compared to $20-$40 over five years for a menstrual cup.
There are ways to save buying disposable period products; for example, LOLA's subscription plan allows you to buy a 1-month supply of pads at 13% off the regular price, no commitment require. The savings increase with the more you buy upfront, with a 3-month supply adding up to 22% off.
Sustainability and Waste
Disposable pads certainly generate more waste than menstrual cups, being single-use items that go in the landfill. (To paint a picture: one person uses up to 11,000 pads or tampons in their lifetime!) Menstrual cups are reusable and can last for five years, so they win on the eco-friendly front.
At LOLA, sustainability is important to us. Our reusable menstrual cup is made with 100% medical-grade silicone, and lasts up to 5 years with proper care.
Hygiene and Health
Both cups and pads are safe and hygienic period care options, but there are a few things you need when deciding which brands to use. It's best to choose menstrual cups that are made with 100% medical-grade silicone, so you know they're hypoallergenic and antibacterial in nature. Look for disposable pads that are chemical and fragrance-free, made with 100% organic cotton, making them both body-safe and less likely to irritate the skin. Make sure you change your pads every 4-8 hours, and empty out and clean your menstrual cup every 8-12 hours.
At LOLA, we put your health first. Our products are all rigorously-tested, made with clean ingredients, and never contain chemicals, toxins, or fragrances.
|
Cost |
Sustainability |
Comfort |
Convenience |
Hygiene/Health |
|
|
Disposable pad |
$6.50/pack average; up to $120/year |
Single-use, generates waste |
Can be bulky; organic cotton can minimize irritation |
Is single-use and very accessible |
Organic cotton and fragrance-free options support good health & hygiene; change every 4-8 hours |
|
Menstrual cup |
$20-$40 per; lasts up to 5 years |
Reusable, eco-friendly |
Shouldn't feel it at all, but can be uncomfortable if inserted incorrectly |
Requires routine washing, but you don't have to shop for more every month |
Medical-grade silicone is body-safe and hypoallergenic; wash regularly and change every 8-12 hours |
Which Product is Right For You?
Disposable pads and menstrual cups are for all period-havers, and come in different sizes to support different flows and comfort levels. But, there are qualities that may lead you to opt for one over the other.
-If you're eco-minded, active, and don't mind wearing internal period products, menstrual cups might be right for you.
-If you're new to getting to your period, aren't sure how you feel about inserting tampons or cups, and like the idea of a grab-and-go option, disposable pads could be a better choice.
There are medical conditions that may inform your decision: according to Dr. Alyssa Dweck, OB/GYN, and Chief Medical Officer of Bonafide Health, if one suffers from pelvic organ prolapse, often caused by weakened pelvic muscles after giving vaginal birth, wearing a cup could be uncomfortable. On the other hand, if you're prone to UTIs or bacterial infections, you may find that menstrual cups lessen your likelihood of infection or irritation compared to pads or tampons. That's because the medical-grade silicone helps inhibit bacterial growth.
How to Switch to Menstrual Cups
Ready to try a reusable cup? Inserting a menstrual cup is certainly a new skill, but you can get the hang of it. Follow these tips:
-
Check your size: If you're a first-time user and you've never given birth, or if you have a light to normal flow, you'll likely want to try a small size. If you've given birth, have a normal to heavy flow, or have a high cervix, a regular or larger size might be a better fit.
-
It takes practice learning to properly insert and remove a menstrual cup. Follow these steps:
-Always sterilize your cup before your first-use, and between cycles. You'll also need to empty and rinse your cup with cold water, then wash it with warm water and gentle soap, after every use.
-Wash your hands with soap and warm water. Then, get into a comfortable position. You can sit on the toilet, squat, or stand with one foot up on the toilet or shower ledge to get a 45-degree angle.
-Take a couple breaths to help relax your body. Then, insert cup by folding it (please see our blog post for details on the different folding techniques) and sliding it all the way into the vagina, rim first, with the stem pointing out. The cup should pop open inside–you may hear it, or feel a slight suction as it settles into place.
-Holding the base, gently rotate the cup 360 degrees to "seal" it in place. This prevents leaks. If it's inserted correctly, you shouldn't feel the cup at all.
-To remove cup, wash your hands, relax your muscles, and get in a squatting position, bearing down to exert pressure using your pelvic muscles. Then, "break" the suction seal by gently pinching the base of the cup with two fingers. Wiggle it side-to-side as you remove cup, making sure the cup stays upright. Never tug on the stem because that could break the cup.
It's a good idea to start slow, and alternate using your cup with other period products first, like pads or tampons. You can also wear a panty liner in addition to the cup for extra leak protection.
When to Consider Using Pads
Disposable pads are a great choice for overnight coverage, heavy flow, or worn as back-up to the menstrual cup. If you're new to getting your period, pads are an easy intro period product to get you started and comfortable.
Choose What’s Right For You
Both menstrual cups and sanitary pads can support comfort, sustainability, and confidence.
LOLA's period products are organic, body-safe, and made with clean, non-toxic ingredients. We rigorously test all products to ensure they're safe–and we're committed to being transparent about our ingredients and our testing process so you can make the best choice for your comfort and health.
Explore LOLA’s period care options to find your perfect fit!
Shop LOLA’s period products
FAQs
Do gynecologists recommend menstrual cups?
Yes, gynecologists recommend period underwear as a safe, comfortable, eco-friendly menstrual product–particularly if they're made with organic cotton and free of PFAs.
Is a menstrual cup 100% safe?
Menstrual cups are mostly safe, made with 100% medical-grade silicone, but it's important that you practice good hygiene safety to prevent infection. Always sterilize before use and in between cycles, wash your hands before inserting or removing, and clean with warm water and gentle soap after every use. Irritation can sometimes occur during insertion or removal; applying water-based lube to the rim before can help ease both.