A Gynecologist's Guide to Menstrual Products: Cups, Discs, Pads & More

Today's menstrual care landscape offers more options than ever — from traditional pads and tampons to innovative cups, discs, and period underwear. Understanding the pros and cons of each can help you manage your period with greater comfort and confidence.

In this guide, a gynecologist breaks down every major menstrual product category to help you make an informed choice.

Menstrual Cups

Menstrual cups are small, flexible, bell-shaped devices inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual fluid rather than absorb it. Learn more about how menstrual cups work.

Key advantages:

Best for: Those seeking a sustainable, long-term solution. Great for beginners to reusable internal products. Not sure which size? Try our cup finder quiz.

• Compact size with easy insertion and removal
• Significantly larger capacity than tampons (25–30 ml vs. 5 ml)
• Reusable for several years — cost-effective and eco-friendly
• Made from medical-grade silicone — non-porous and hypoallergenic
• Can be worn for up to 12 hours

Menstrual Discs

Unlike cups, discs have a wider diameter and sit higher in the vaginal canal, resting in the vaginal fornix behind the pubic bone.

Key differences from cups:

Best for: Those who've used cups and want to try something different, or anyone seeking a mess-free option during intimacy.

• Larger capacity for very heavy flows
• Takes more practice to insert and remove
• Can be worn during sex — a significant advantage for many users. Read more about intimacy during your period
• Available in both reusable and disposable versions

Period Underwear

Specially designed undergarments with absorbent layers that wick away moisture and prevent leaks.

Pros:

Cons:

Best for: Those not ready for internal products, or as a supplement to cups on light days.

• Discreet and comfortable — feels like regular underwear
• No insertion required
• Great for lighter flow days or as backup protection with cups or discs
• Environmental impact is debatable due to frequent washing and energy consumption
• Less effective alone on heavy flow days
• Higher upfront cost (multiple pairs needed)

Pads

The most familiar menstrual product. They adhere to underwear and absorb flow externally.

Pros:

Cons:

• Straightforward application — no learning curve
• Accessible and familiar
• Wide variety of sizes and absorbencies
• Uncomfortable in hot weather — humidity promotes bacterial growth
• Can cause skin irritation from fragrances and plastics
• Significant environmental impact — non-biodegradable materials
• Must be changed every 4–6 hours

Tampons

Internal absorbent products inserted into the vagina, popular for an active lifestyle.

Pros:

Cons:

• Invisible under clothing
• Various sizes and absorbency levels
• Great for swimming and sports
• Risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) if left in too long
• Can cause dryness or irritation
• Not biodegradable; plastic applicators contribute to pollution
• Must be changed every 4–8 hours

How to Choose: A Quick Comparison

Compare the long-term cost savings of switching to reusable products.

Key Takeaways

Consulting with a healthcare professional can provide personalized guidance for your unique needs. Ready to try a cup? Find your perfect size.

• Menstrual cups offer the best balance of capacity, sustainability, and cost savings
• Discs are ideal for those who want mess-free period sex
• Period underwear works great as backup or for light days
• Pads and tampons remain accessible options but come with environmental and health trade-offs
• The best choice is the one that fits your comfort, flow, lifestyle, and values

Further Reading

• Menstrual Disc vs Menstrual Cup: full OB-GYN guide
• How to Choose the Right Menstrual Cup
• Understanding Period Costs and Alternatives
• Shop Leia Cup →

Leia Cup — menstrual cup designed by an OB-GYN for a low cervix. Shop Leia Cup · Find your size