Menstrual cup vs Tampon vs Sanitary pads: Which is safer?

Did you know that 64.4% of women in India prefer sanitary pads, while only 1.7% use tampons and just 0.3% are open to try menstrual cups? What’s even more surprising is that in Tamil Nadu, 12.7% of women still rely on cloth for their periods (Economic Times, 2022).

With so many menstrual products available today, choosing one that keeps you comfortable, maintains good hygiene, and supports your lifestyle is important. If you’ve been using sanitary pads but are considering switching to a menstrual cup or a sportsperson looking for a more flexible option, understanding the differences can help you make the right choice.

In this blog, we’ll compare menstrual cups vs sanitary pads vs tampons and break down their benefits, drawbacks, sizes, and prices. So, you’ll have a better idea to decide what works best for you!

Feature	Menstrual Cups	Sanitary Pads	Tampons
Material	Medical-grade silicone	Cotton, plastic, and absorbent materials	Cotton or rayon (sometimes blended)
Usage Duration	Up to 12 hours	4-6 hours	4-8 hours
Eco-Friendliness	Eco-friendly (reusable)	Disposable, generates more waste	Disposable, generates waste (lesser than Sanitary Pads)
Comfort	Comfortable once inserted correctly	Comfortable; no insertion required	Comfortable but requires insertion
Absorption/Capacity	Holds more fluid than pads/tampons	Absorbs limited flow	Good for moderate to heavy flow
Health Risks	Low risk when cleaned properly	Low risk if changed regularly	Risk of TSS if left too long
Maintenance	Needs sterilization between cycles	Easy disposal, no maintenance	Easy disposal, no maintenance
Suitability	Active lifestyle, swimming, travel	Convenient for beginners	Active lifestyle, swimming, travel

Deciding between products depends on comfort, convenience, lifestyle, and health. Sanitary pads are easier for beginners, but one can feel uncomfortable during physical activities. Tampons offer greater flexibility of movement and are excellent for swimming and other activities, yet require proper insertion and frequent changing to prevent dryness or Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). 

Menstrual cups may need some practice to insert in the vagina, but can be an economical and eco-friendly solution that can be worn up to 10 -12 hours at a time, making them an excellent choice for heavy flow days. As for hygiene, pads and cups tend to be gentle on vaginal health when compared to tampons, which may disrupt natural moisture levels and vaginal pH balance. 

If you prefer an easy, disposable option, pads and tampons may be suitable, while menstrual cups might be better suited for sustainable long-term solutions. We will discuss menstrual products in detail, including what they are, sizes, benefits, disadvantages, and price ranges for:

• Menstrual cup
• Tampons
• Sanitary pads

Menstrual cup

 

What is a menstrual cup?

A menstrual cup is a small, flexible, reusable device made of medical-grade silicone or rubber designed to collect menstrual blood rather than absorb it. This device has to be placed inside the vagina, where it creates a secure seal to prevent leaks and provide protection during menstruation.

Menstrual cups are available in 3 different sizes, so you can choose the one that fits your body and blood flow.

 

Menstrual cup sizes

 

Feature	Small (S)	Medium (M)	Large (L)
Cup Diameter	40mm	45mm	50mm
Cup Length	50mm	55mm	60mm
Capacity	20ml	25ml	30ml
Recommended for	Teen, Beginners, Light Flow.	Regular flow	Heavy flow
Material	Medical-grade silicone	Medical-grade silicone	Medical-grade silicone
Flexibility	Soft & flexible	Balanced firmness	Firmer for a better seal
Stem Type	Short rounded stem	Standard stem	Long grip stem
Usage Duration	6 – 8 hours	6 – 8 hours	6 – 8 hours

How to Use a Menstrual Cup?

Step 1: Wash your hands well with soap.

Step 2: Apply water or water-based lube to the rim of the cup to make insertion easier.

Step 3: Fold the cup into a C or punch-down fold.

Step 4: Gently insert the cup into your vagina while relaxed.

Step 5: Once inserted, ensure the cup fully opens up to create a secure seal.

 

How to remove Menstrual Cup?

Step 1: Wash your hands well with soap.

Step 2: Sit on the toilet or squat to help relax your muscles.

Step 3: Gently pull on the stem of the cup until you can reach the base.

Step 4: Pinch the base of the cup to break the seal.

Step 5: Slowly and gently pull the cup out.

Step 6: Empty the menstrual fluid into the toilet, rinse the cup with clean water and sterilize it after each cycle by boiling it for 5-10 minutes in water.

 

Benefits of Menstrual Cups:

• Eco-friendly: Reusable, thereby avoiding unnecessary waste generation.
• Cost Effective: One menstrual cup can last years, cutting the cost significantly.
• High Capacity: It can absorb more fluids than tampons; hence it can be used for heavy flow days.
• Minimal Odor: Air is not exposed to the fluid.
•  Minimal Leakage: When properly placed/positioned, leakage is rare due to the secure seal.

Disadvantages of Menstrual Cups:

• Learning Curve: It takes time to get used to inserting and removing the menstrual cup correctly.
• Discomfort: If it is not positioned right, it may cause discomfort or irritation.
• Not for Everyone: It may not suit women with certain medical conditions or pelvic issues.
• Hygiene Concerns: Improper cleaning can cause hygiene issues or infections.
• Material Sensitivity: Some women might be allergic to silicone or latex.
• IUD Users: Extra caution is needed if you have an IUD, as the cup may affect its position.
• Maintenance: Regular cleaning and sterilizing are required, which can be inconvenient sometimes.
• Traveling: Emptying and cleaning a menstrual cup can be uncomfortable in public restrooms, especially if there’s no water or soap available.

Menstrual cup Price range:

Menstrual cups usually range from ₹160 to ₹1,000, depending on the brand, material, and size. Premium or organic brands might be a bit pricier, while budget-friendly options are also available.

Tampons

 

What Is a Tampon?

A tampon is a small, absorbent product used to absorb menstrual blood, designed to be inserted into the vagina. It comes in two types: with an applicator, which allows for easier and more hygienic insertion, and without an applicator, which is inserted manually using your fingers.

Tampons are available in 5 different sizes, so you can choose the one that fits your body and blood flow.

 

Tampon Sizes

 

Tampon Size	Light	Regular	Super	Super Plus	Ultra
Absorbency Level	Low	Medium	High	Very High	Maximum
Recommended For	Light flow or spotting	Moderate flow	Heavy flow	Very heavy flow	Extremely heavy flow
Usage Tips	Ideal for the start or end of your period.	Most commonly used size.	For heavier days; consider changing every 4–6 hours.	Use with caution; change regularly to avoid leaks.	Only if necessary and under the guidance of a doctor.

 

Note: Change your tampons for every 4 – 8 hours.

 

How to Use a Tampon?

With Applicator:

Step 1: Wash Your Hands with soap.

Step 2: Take the tampon and hold it by the outer end. 

Step 3: Gently insert the applicator into your vagina at a slight angle. Push it in until your fingers touch your body.

Step 4: Use your thumb and index finger to push the inner part of the applicator, which releases the tampon inside your vagina. Make sure the string is hanging outside.

Step 5: Once the tampon is in place, gently remove the applicator and dispose of it properly.

Step 6: If you feel discomfort, adjust the position slightly.

Without Applicator:

Step 1: Wash Your Hands with soap.

Step 2: Sit or squat in a comfortable position with one foot elevated on the toilet seat.

Step 3: Take the tampon between your thumb and index finger, ensuring the string is hanging down.

Step 4: Gently insert the tampon into your vagina. Use your fingers to push it in as far as it will go, just past the vaginal opening.

Step 5: Ensure it feels comfortable and there’s no discomfort. The tampon should be fully inside the vagina, with the string hanging outside.

How to Remove a Tampon?

Step 1: Wash Your Hands with soap.

Step 2: Relax and find your comfortable position (sit on the toilet or squat).

Step 3: Pull the string gently to bring the tampon down.

Step 4: Pinch the tampon at the base (if needed) and remove it gently.

Step 5: Dispose of the tampon in a dustbin (not flush in the toilet).

Step 6: Wash your hands after removal.

Benefits of Tampons:

• Convenient: Easy to carry & use, no bulky pads required.
• Active Lifestyle: Perfect for sports, swimming, and other activities.
• Comfortable: Once inserted, you won’t feel it.
• Minimal Odor: By absorbing menstrual fluid inside the body.
• Leak Protection: Provides reliable protection with minimal leakage when used correctly.

Disadvantages of Tampons:

Learning Curve: It takes time to get used to inserting and removing the tampons correctly.

Risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS): Leaving a tampon in too long may lead to serious infection.

Discomfort: If not inserted correctly, it can cause irritation or dryness.

Not Suitable for Heavy Flow: May need frequent changing during heavy flow days.

Material Sensitivity: Some women are allergic to the materials used in tampons, like cotton or rayon.

 

Tampons Price range:

Tampons usually range from ₹100 to ₹600, depending on the brand, quantity, and type (with or without applicator). 

 

Sanitary Pads

What Is a Sanitary Pad?

A sanitary pad is an absorbent product worn inside underwear during periods to soak up blood. Made from layers of absorbent materials like cotton, cellulose, and gel-based substances to lock in menstrual fluid. It also comes with wings for better support and a secure fit.

Sanitary pads are available in 5 different sizes, thicknesses, and absorbency levels, so you can choose the one that fits your body and blood flow.

Options: Disposable, Organic & Reusable Pads

Sanitary pad Sizes

Type	Panty Liners	Regular Pads	Ultra-Thin Pads	Maxi Pads	Overnight Pads
Flow	Very Light	Light to Moderate	Light to Moderate	Moderate to Heavy	Heavy
Absorbency	Minimal	Medium	Medium	High	High
Size	Small/Thin	Standard	Thin	Longer/Thicker	Extra Long/ Wide
Recommended	Spotting (day 4 or 5)	Light to Moderate flow	Light to Moderate flow	Heavy flow	Overnight, Heavy Flow, Long Protection.

Note: Change your sanitary pad for every 4 – 5 hours.

How to Use a Sanitary Pad?

Step 1: Wash Your Hands with soap.

Step 2: Peel off the cover paper & remove the adhesive strip.

Step 3: Place the pad on your underwear with the adhesive side down.

Step 4: Fold the wings around the sides of your underwear (if the pad has wings).

Step 5: Press firmly to secure it in place.

 

How to Remove a Sanitary Pad?

Step 1: Wash your hands before removal.

Step 2: Peel the pad off your underwear carefully.

Step 3: Roll up the used pad. Wrap it in a newspaper or toilet paper or a new pad cover.

Step 5: Dispose of it in a bin (not flush in the toilet).

Step 6: Wash your hands after disposal.

 

Benefits of Sanitary Pad:

• Easy to Use: Simple to wear and remove, beginner-friendly.
• Variety: Available in different options, sizes, thicknesses, and absorbencies.
• No Insertion: Worn externally, comfortable for those who don’t like vaginal insertion devices.
• Absorbent: Provides good protection for light to heavy flow.
• Affordable and Accessible: Widely available and budget-friendly options exist.

 

Disadvantages of Sanitary Pad:

• Can feel uncomfortable if not positioned properly.
• Risk of Rashes: If we wear it for a long time, it can cause irritation or rashes due to moisture.
• Frequent Changes Needed: Must be changed every 4-6 hours to avoid odor and infections.
• Not Eco-Friendly: Most pads are disposable, contributing to environmental waste.
• Shift: Pads can move out of place during physical activities.

 

Sanitary Pad Price range: 

Sanitary Pads range from ₹30 to ₹500, depending on the brand, quantity, size, and absorbency level. While premium or organic options are priced higher.

 

Myths and Facts About Menstrual Products

Myth 1: It is messy and inconvenient to use menstrual cups.

Fact: There is an adaptation period, but with usage, the menstrual cup has become very user-friendly and, if used properly, does not leak often.

 

Myth 2: Tampons cause infections such as Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) in all users.

Fact: Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is extremely rare, and simply changing tampons every 4-8 hours can help to prevent it.

 

Myth 3: There are no health hazards from using sanitary pads.

Fact: Continued use without replacing pads leads to skin infections and skin irritation. They have to be changed frequently.

 

Myth 4: Only after giving birth, women should use menstruation cups.

Fact: There are different sizes of menstruation cups for all women, regardless of age, who have never given birth.

 

Myth 5: The use of cups or tampons will ruin virginity.

Fact: Virginity is not a physiological issue but merely societal. Virginity has nothing to do with sanitary products.

After discussing all menstrual products in depth, we hope you feel more confident in making the right choice for yourself. Everybody is different, your comfort matters the most. 

 

Choose what feels best for you! Choose the right one for you!

Expert Women’s Healthcare at Mehta Hospital

The gynaecology department from Mehta Hospital is a single-point solution to treat women from every set of life. It is known for giving expert advice and healing to those who come its way. Services include:

• Prenatal & Postnatal Care: A full spectrum of healthcare services for a woman throughout her pregnancy, and following she gives birth.
• High-Risk Pregnancy Management: High standards of care for challenging pregnancies by experts.
• Menstrual Disorders Treatment: These are medical treatments where the doctors and specialists treat the specific symptoms mentioned above and try to get them resolved with the help of the patient’s cooperation.
• Gynaecological Surgeries: Minimally invasive and major procedures

Are you looking for one of the most recognized women’s gynaecology treatments in India? Trust Multispeciality Mehta Hospital for compassionate and expert women’s health services.

 

FAQ’s

 

1. Which is the most environmentally friendly option?

Menstrual cups are voted as the best choice in terms of eco-products because they are reusable for a long period.

2. Can I leave my menstrual cup in for 24 hours?

No, it’s not safe to leave a menstrual cup in for 24 hours. It is best to empty and clean it every 6 – 8 hours to stay safe and prevent infections.

3. What about comfort during physical activities?

Menstrual cups and Tampons are great for physical activities! They stay in place, provide leak-free protection, and feel comfortable whether you’re running, swimming, or doing yoga.