A Complete Guide to Menstrual Hygiene Products: What to Choose and Why It Matters

Menstrual hygiene products are essential tools that allow people to manage their periods with comfort, safety, and dignity. But with so many options on the market — from pads to menstrual cups to period underwear — how do you know which one is right for you?

In this blog, we’ll explore the main types of menstrual products, compare their materials, convenience, cost, and environmental impact, and help you make a more informed (and eco-conscious) choice.

1. 🩹 Disposable Pads

What They Are:
Thin absorbent sheets that stick to your underwear and collect menstrual blood.

Materials:
Usually made from plastic-based layers, synthetic fibers (like rayon), and absorbent gels.

Pros:

  • Easy to use, no insertion required

  • Great for teens and beginners

  • Widely available

Cons:

  • Not biodegradable (plastic content)

  • Can feel bulky or uncomfortable

  • Can cause irritation in sensitive skin

Cost:
~$5–10 per pack (needs monthly repurchase)

Environmental Impact:
High — One pad can take 500–800 years to decompose.

2. 🧴 Tampons

What They Are:
Absorbent plugs inserted into the vagina to soak up blood before it exits the body.

Materials:
Cotton, rayon, or a blend (some organic, some with chemicals or fragrances)

Pros:

  • Discreet and compact

  • Comfortable for active lifestyles/swimming

  • Easy to find in stores

Cons:

  • Risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) if not changed regularly

  • Can cause dryness or irritation

  • Single-use waste

Cost:
~$5–12 per box (recurring expense)

Environmental Impact:
Moderate to high — Single-use, plastic applicators increase waste.

3. 🩸 Menstrual Cups

What They Are:
Small, flexible cups (usually silicone) inserted into the vagina to collect blood.

Materials:
Medical-grade silicone, rubber, or TPE (thermoplastic elastomer)

Pros:

  • Reusable for up to 10 years

  • Holds more fluid than tampons or pads

  • Great for heavy flows

  • Eco-friendly and cost-effective over time

Cons:

  • Learning curve for insertion/removal

  • Requires cleaning between uses

  • Not ideal if you’re uncomfortable with internal products

Cost:
~$20–40 (one-time purchase)

Environmental Impact:
Very low — Replaces thousands of pads/tampons over its lifetime.

🛒 Try: Reusable Menstrual Cup Set – Leak-Proof, Soft & Sustainable

4. 🩲 Period Underwear

What They Are:
Absorbent, leakproof underwear designed to replace pads or be worn with other products.

Materials:
Cotton blends with built-in layers (including absorbent, waterproof fabrics)

Pros:

  • Comfortable and breathable

  • No shifting or bunching like pads

  • Stylish and discreet

Cons:

  • Needs washing after use

  • May require multiple pairs for a full cycle

  • Can be pricey initially

Cost:
~$20–40 per pair

Environmental Impact:
Low — Reusable for 2–5 years depending on care

🛒 Try: Eco-Friendly Period Underwear – Leakproof & Washable

5. 🛀 Reusable Cloth Pads

What They Are:
Washable fabric pads that snap onto your underwear.

Materials:
Organic cotton, bamboo, microfiber, PUL (waterproof backing)

Pros:

  • Soft and gentle on the skin

  • No harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances

  • Cost-effective in the long run

Cons:

  • Must be washed and dried properly

  • May feel less secure during movement

  • Not as compact for travel

Cost:
~$8–15 each

Environmental Impact:
Low — Can last for 2–5 years

🌎 Quick Comparison Table

Product Type Reusable? Ease of Use Cost Over Time Eco Impact
Disposable Pads ❌ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 💸💸💸 🚫 High
Tampons ❌ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 💸💸💸 🚫 Moderate
Menstrual Cups ✅ ⭐⭐ 💸 ✅ Very Low
Period Underwear ✅ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 💸💸 ✅ Low
Reusable Cloth Pads ✅ ⭐⭐⭐ 💸💸 ✅ Low

👣 Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — and you don’t have to choose just one!

🧘♀️ If you're active and eco-conscious, a menstrual cup or period underwear may work best.
🧍♀️ If you're new to periods, disposable pads or cloth pads can help you ease in comfortably.
🌿 If you want a mix of convenience and sustainability, try reusable cloth pads or organic tampons with no applicators.

Most importantly, listen to your body. What works for one person may not work for another, and that's perfectly okay.

🛍️ Shop Eco-Friendly Menstrual Products

Ready to make the switch to smarter, planet-friendly period care?

Back to blog