Menstrual cup vs tampon vs pads: Which period product is better?

As girls, we all know the struggles of menstruation – the cramps, temper swings, food cravings, and the concern of leakage. It’s vital to sustain hygiene for the duration of intervals by applying sanitary pads, tampons, or menstrual cups. There have been sizeable advancements in feminine cleanliness items, supplying females a vary of choices. While sanitary pads keep on being the most popular alternative in India, rising selections like tampons and menstrual cups are getting reputation. However, more youthful gals are ever more opting for tampons or menstrual cups. So, the query occurs – which 1 is extra efficient: menstrual cup vs tampon vs pads? In this article are the execs and downsides of menstrual cups, tampons, and pads.

Menstrual cup vs tampons vs pads: Pros and drawbacks

In this article are the execs and downsides of menstrual cups, tampons, and pads as described by the gynecologist, Dr Anilasre Atluri.

What is a menstrual cup?

It is a adaptable cone-shaped feminine hygiene product intended for use throughout menstruation. In contrast to pads and Tampons, menstrual cups are employed to gather the blood alternatively of absorbing it. It is inserted into the vagina and can be reused for decades.

Pros of menstrual cup

1. Promotes small leakage

Menstrual cups have a low leakage charge when properly inserted and sealed.

2. Maintains normal pH stability

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They do not soak up any micro organism and can’t upset your body’s normal pH harmony.

3. Retains odour at bay

With menstrual cups, you will not have to worry about any kind of odour.

4. Environment-welcoming

It is an eco-helpful product or service and also generates much less squander.

5. Economically feasible

You may well have to commit a minimal more on a menstrual cup originally, but it lasts you a extensive time. So you never will need to worry about spending dollars on menstrual products and solutions each individual now and then.

Disadvantages of menstrual cup

1. Removing is messy

Inserting a menstrual cup could seem quick, but eradicating it can be challenging. You may perhaps acquire some time to fully grasp how it works correctly.

2. Demands proper servicing

It is needed to rinse and clean the cup immediately after elimination right before reassembling it. Additionally, the cup requirements to be sterilised possibly with sizzling h2o or a cleanser after just about every use. The cup may harbour micro organism if it is not adequately cleaned, which may well likely result in an health issues or result in the silicone content to split down.

3. Probable match concerns

The menstrual cup is not a “one measurement matches all” tactic so you could possibly need to have to attempt a handful of different kinds or sizes to see which just one functions ideal for you. Menstrual cups may bring about problems if you have a decreased uterus or a reduced cervix.

What is a tampon?

Tampons are disposable time period products and solutions commonly manufactured of smooth, absorbent elements, these as cotton, rayon, or a combination of each, and are cylindrical. Tampons are inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual fluid straight from the source.

Pros of tampon

1. Availability of measurement is simple

Most women of all ages select to put on tampons alternatively than sanitary pads. Tampons arrive in a wide range of dimensions and absorbencies. So, you can use it for up to 8 hrs.

2. No visibility

It may well be pretty uncomfortable if a pad peeks through your underwear. But with tampons, you can be carefree about this dilemma.

3. Prevents odour

Tampons have much less scent than pads or other exterior merchandise because they are inserted internally.

4. Enables swimming and other bodily actions

In distinction to pads, tampons let you to swim even though on your period. It is also possible to participate in sports and partake in other challenging routines since they deliver larger consolation than pads.

Negatives of tampon

1. Could enhance poisonous shock syndrome chance

Tampons can increase the chance of TSS (Poisonous Shock Syndrome), so it’s essential to use them in accordance with prompt guidance to lower this danger.

2. Boosts hazard of infections

The system may get infected or infected with germs as a result of tampon residue or fibres. Tampons also may possibly not be as efficient for people with precise health-related issues, which includes vaginal bacterial infections or sensitivity, and they may well involve the use of other menstrual products and solutions instead.

3. Could be awkward

When employing tampons, some customers may possibly come to feel sensitive or awkward, primarily if the tampon is not set properly or of the insufficient absorbency level.

What is a sanitary pad?

Sanitary pads are rectangular items of absorbent substance that are trapped to the panties to absorb menstrual move all through periods. They arrive in various dimensions, need to be modified often, and are normally manufactured of levels of absorbent content, including cotton, rayon, and other synthetic materials.

Also Go through: Utilizing expired sanitary pads or tampons can be harmful: Know the facet outcomes

Pros of sanitary pad

1. No challenges of TSS

In contrast to tampons, sanitary pads have no threat of TSS (Poisonous shock Syndrome) which indicates significantly less to fret about.

2. Simple to use

Sanitary pads are comparatively straightforward to utilise and don’t simply call for any individual techniques or skills. They continue to be in position though being utilised because of their sticky facet, which adheres to undergarments. Most people come to feel that employing pads through their periods is much easier, and they are also a lot less complicated to use and dispose of.

3. Avoids leakage for a lengthier duration

To prevent irritation, sanitary pads are designed with a higher degree of absorbency. There are tremendous lengthy pads, very long pads, thick pads, and super slender types, gals have a good deal of possibilities when it arrives to putting on pads.

4. Simply out there

Ladies can simply get sanitary pads since they are readily obtainable in most retailers and pharmacy outlets.

Downsides of the sanitary pad

1. May possibly feel awkward

Prolonged use of a pad might outcome in discomfort, redness, and rashes. Additionally, it could obstruct the movement of air to your vagina, increasing the risk of bacterial bacterial infections and pores and skin challenges. Periodic sanitary pad use can often trigger discomfort, specifically if the pads are not modified consistently.

2. Limitations on motion

Sanitary pads can leak and make strolling uncomfortable, primarily when engaging in challenging activity or exercising if they are not changed on time.

3. Not eco-friendly 

Sanitary pads produce a good deal of squander, which ends up in landfills and normally takes a long time to disintegrate simply because each 1 can only be made use of as soon as in advance of acquiring to be disposed of. Even so, the market place is slowly but surely looking at a increase in eco-friendly period merchandise now.

How to pick concerning menstrual cups, tampons, and pads?

Every single alternative has its pros and down sides, and what is effective very best for 1 individual could not do the job for a different. Having said that, the alternative among menstrual cups, tampons, and pads depends on specific tastes. If you favor a lesser, fewer visible system and are ok with insertion, working with a tampon is high-quality. If you desire the exterior strategy that doesn’t need insertion, it is much better to use pads. If you are searching for an odourless reusable selection, menstrual cups are the ideal feminine cleanliness products to use as for each ease, requires, and lifestyle.